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MOST COMMON MBA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Every top MBA college follows a unique style of the interview process, mixing up components of resume review, career goals, behavioral questions, and some general questions like “why an MBA” or “why choose our college above all.” To tackle those MBA interview questions, you need more than just intellect.

WHY ARE PERSONAL INTERVIEWS THE KEY TO ACING MBA ADMISSIONS?

A personal interview or PI is the final hurdle to cross before you can enroll in your dream college. There is absolutely no doubt that you must ace your interview. Furthermore, it’s imperative to reflect on what’s on the paper and build your character around. The 1:1 interview with AdCom gives you a chance to show that there is so much more in you than what is on your resume; it allows you to establish yourself as a perfect fit for their program, as someone who can contribute much to their MBA class.

Here are some Top MBA interview questions.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO PURSUE AN MBA? MOREOVER, HOW WILL OUR MBA HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

YOUR SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS? HOW WILL OUR COLLEGE HELP GET YOU THERE?

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR CURRENT JOB AND YOUR MBA?

HOW HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (OR EDUCATION) PREPARED YOU TO SUCCEED IN THIS PROGRAM?

WHAT DO YOU COUNT TO BE YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN AN MBA PROGRAM?

TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF APART FROM YOUR RESUME.

HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE TO OUR MBA CLASS?

WHAT UNIQUE QUALITIES DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO OFFER THIS PROGRAM?

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN B? IF YOU WERE NOT ACCEPTED TO THE PROGRAM, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? And many more….

These are some of the common MBA interview questions our applicants have come across. Once you've determined what kinds of questions to expect, the next step is to prepare answers to these questions.

The easiest method to prepare for MBA interview questions is to look back to your CV and essay that you have already submitted. The trick is to find your major selling points and stories to back them up.

Cheers!
MBA and Beyond
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Round 1 is now closed for the majority of the schools, and people are waiting to hear their decisions. Some ultimately reap the benefits of an exhausting application procedure. In contrast, others are denied (we feel you, buddy!), and still others are going through an even more difficult process- waiting for their results.

We understand, and it's much more difficult if you haven't heard back. Most schools should release their R1 results by November, and you'll still have a month for Round 2, but if your target schools are taking longer, you'll be anxious.

What else you can do is talk to a few experts to get an idea of your chances of getting into the schools you've applied to. If you receive overall positive feedback, you may accept the risk of waiting for the results; but, if you begin to have doubts after receiving professional advice, you might want to start preparing for Round 2 right now (for some safe schools, at least).

This post may be useful for those applying to Business Schools in Round 2.

One of our successful applicants “Keerthana Rao,” who made it to DARDEN and FUQUA, will be sharing her profile snippets in this session. She will also be sharing her application process journey and answering a few questions on the same.

Agenda:

1) Her profile & Application Journey

2) What top MBA programs look in an applicant

3) How to strategize your application for R2

4) Live Q & A with her

In the end, we will be giving you a few questions to tackle. You will be given 3 days to submit your answers based on what you learned from the session. Best answers will get up to a 20% discount from MBA&B. This also gives us a chance to evaluate your profile better and decide if we can be successful together.

You can REGISTER for the session and know more about the session here.

Cheers!
MBA and Beyond
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Have you got waitlisted? Here are some tips for MBA waitlisted candidates that may help you get some direction.

Being on the waitlist for your dream business school is a mixed bag of emotions. While it's tough not to have a definitive yes, you're still in the game and can take some comfort in the fact that you've passed a critical hurdle with the adcoms.

Schools can also use the waitlist to decide how committed an individual is to get into the school. The reaction of a candidate to the waitlist decision has signal significance. Any candidates on the waitlist consider offers to attend other colleges, in which case they will drop out. Others are convinced that the school that has waitlisted them is their only choice and will have to wait to see if they are accepted.

However, here are a few strategic waitlist tips to help you make your next move:

1) Determine what your target school needs from applicants because each school is different. Some schools are only concerned with whether you wish to be placed on the waitlist or released. If this is the case, don't try to provide more information or pester the admissions committee with questions about their reasoning, you'll just be punishing yourself.

2) Some schools need waitlisted applicants to submit an additional 250-300 word essay, it is important to provide an update. It's a smart idea to go back through your essays to see if you haven't mentioned much about your background or interests yet. Taking the opportunity to write about important recent experiences, promising changes in your nomination, and aspects you've improved your perception of the curriculum is a pleasant indication of your engagement in the school and a strong technique for telegraphing your commitment to attend. It is, of course, in the best interests to ensure that the adcoms have the latest up-to-date records so that they can make an informed decision.the next time your file is reviewed.

3) If you've been promoted or taken on more responsibilities at work, raised your GMAT score, strengthened your volunteer engagement, or had a fresh, meaningful travel experience, be sure to share it and explain why these changes make you a great prospect, and therefore student, who will enrich their curriculum.

4) If you interact with students or alumni of the program during the admissions process, it might be worth contacting them again and updating them on your status. They could be able to have an extra letter of approval for your candidacy at this point of the process if you made a good impact during the admissions process.

5) While it is critical to remain consistent and enthusiastic when waitlisted and communicate with staff at your target program, it is prudent to have a backup plan. If you are waitlisted, there is still time to put together a solid application for another school with the coming round deadlines for some top programs just over a month out. Even if you've been waitlisted at your dream school and want to reapply if accepted, it's never too early to start dreaming about the next year and what steps you could take to improve your candidacy.

To everybody out there hesitating in applying to their dream business schools because of their gaps, we would like to say, everyone has one or the other gaps in their profile! What matters is your clarity of going into a business school and how you present this clarity of purpose to adcoms. Yes, your story and its logic do play a very important role in compensating for any of your gaps. So, do not sell short, go and apply to your dream schools! We are with you! If you need any direction/guidance over any aspect of your application and have any specific concerns, you can ask us on this forum.


Also, for all the waitlisted/rejected applicants, we want to assure you that all is not lost!


How to maximize your chances for top MBA programs in R2 and live Q/A with successful applicant

Cheers!

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Why should one pursue STEM MBA?

One of the best features of a STEM MBA is that it provides the best technological world apart from the best business world. Hence, if you are not a traditional MBA graduate but a technical graduate and want to pursue a career in that field, a STEM MBA can also open doors for employment in these specialized areas.
Moreover, it’s no surprise that a management graduate with sound technical knowledge would have higher demands in the job market. Being a STEM graduate, you are incredibly qualified for higher-pay scale job opportunities in the US.

With the 21st century recognized as the prime era of technology, modern organizations would not only need people with managerial and business skills, but they would also require eligible candidates with technical and analytical skills. Moreover, with data analytics at the forefront of business growth, the demand for qualified candidates with data analytical skills will only increase.

ADVANTAGES OF STEM MBA

STEM MBA provides various advantages apart from other MBA programs. There are a few primary advantages of STEM MBA such as:

Increased Market reach

STEM MBA graduates are trained in technical and management subjects, which helps them acquire the essential skills demanded in the corporate world. With technology having a vast share among business operations, including management and leadership. The demand for such candidates would only increase in the future over any standard graduate with the rampant adoption of technologies across all industries.

Better Networking

Students with outstanding technical backgrounds from top B-schools eventually secure exemplary jobs in the market and more excellent networking opportunities with the school alumni by studying alongside these STEM MBA students that you can leverage throughout your career.

Visa Extension

The US government allows international students majoring in STEM MBA programs, which need to be from SEVIS-approved and accredited US colleges, to apply for an additional 24-month OPT extension on top of the regular standard 12 months authorization. Therefore, making the STEM MBA graduates suitable for a total OPT authorization period of 36 months, helping international students get an edge in their employability.

Top 25 STEM MBA programs in USA.

The STEM MBA program prepares you to harness the science of management by utilizing technology, data, and analytics and making better business decisions. Across every industry, employers are seeking analytical thinkers and data-driven decision-makers to work in an environment infused with technology.

As more businesses tend to opt for data-driven business decisions in the modern era, data analytics and business skills will become more intertwined. This will result in a new trend among organizations needing a business and analytics understanding, creating a demand for STEM MBA graduates.

Since it’s a mix of business and technical education, STEM graduates are primarily employed in fields specialized in technology and analytics.

Cheers!

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HOW MANY AND WHICH SCHOOLS SHOULD YOU TARGET IN ROUND 2 MBA?

Ideally, one school takes 20-30 days, and subsequent schools may take 10-15 additional days per school (based on how heavy the application is). So, you should have 45-60 days to prepare for 2-3 schools in Round 2 MBA. Hence, you can target almost all the US Schools and some European schools which have their deadlines in January.

You may find this article useful- How to choose the right schools for you?.

How many schools should you target?

Again, it depends on many factors- how many schools have you already placed your bets on in Round 1? What is your target category of schools- T10, T25, T50? How many schools are there which are a good fit for you? How much time do you have left for their deadlines?
Ideally, in Round 2 MBA, you should target 3-4 schools (you can target more if you haven't applied in R1 yet) strategically spread out between dream, target, and safe schools. (Remember, most schools should be in the category of target and secure).

And yes, we know the application process is lengthy, and yes, we know how it just becomes impossible when you have put all of you in the process the first time, and all you have is rejections.

But, to be blatantly honest, it's you who has to decide if you should put yourself through it again and try the one last time. And if you do decide, then do not look back! You are an adult who has learned a lot till now. You don't need any external motivation anymore. Just get up, contemplate, decide and take action (this time strategically!). We are standing by you. If you want us to examine your profile and point you in the right direction, just give us a call.

TAKE THE STEP, A STEP TO YOUR FUTURE GOALS BUT TAKE IT NOW!

Cheers!

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Ace your Deferred MBA admissions.


Most business schools have only a few slots for students in the deferred MBA program, and limited class numbers make the admission process extremely competitive. Your application needs to stand out to be considered for admission. Here are some crucial points you should consider for deferred MBA application.

ENSURE EXCELLENT RESULTS - They compare your application to the existing pool of students; your current GPA and test scores must be higher than the average selected students from the previous year, as this will increase your chances of being chosen.

A LEADER'S QUALITY - Because you lack professional experience, the admissions committee looks for leadership qualities determined by what you have done in school. This includes proving how you have affected and led in school, primarily through clubs or extracurricular activities.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE SUMMER BREAK - Work experience gained during summer vacations or internships provides an opportunity to shine and demonstrate your professional promise. You may succeed by emphasizing your teamwork, leadership, and effect in a professional situation.

ROLE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - Extracurricular activities may be an excellent method to demonstrate initiative and a range of interests outside books and academia. In addition, they demonstrate an aspect of one's personality, creativity, and cognitive aptitude to enhance one's soft skills.

When evaluating a student's application for the Deferred MBA program, the admissions committee looks for various qualities in an applicant. The best business schools seek a well-rounded profile, which implies that a profile must include internship experience, academics, GMAT/GRE scores, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities given equal weight.

Read a complete guide to Top Deferred MBA Programs here.

If you need any assistance or want us to evaluate your profile, please post it here, or if you'd like, you can also schedule a 1:1 consultation call with us!

Cheers!

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Hey Mba and Beyond, can you please evaluate my profile for deferred MBA?

Background: Indian female
Undergrad: Major in business/commerce
GPA: 9.0/10
GMAT: 730
Target schools: Booth, Kellogg, Columbia

Experience:
- One year at a startup as Marketing Intern
- Received full-time offers from McKinsey, Bain, Oliver Wyman, PE firms. Ultimately accepted McKinsey's offer and will join in March 2022.

Achievements: Capitan of High School Volleyball team (some years ago)
- play chess and outdoor sports in my free time
- On track to graduate with top GPA in graduating class
- Received 2 awards as an intern because of working beyond my responsibilities
- Awarded high honor roll when studying in school (top 5 % of the student body)

Post-MBA goals
- Short term: strategy consulting
- Long term: venture into VC Industry by gaining experience in consulting.

Hi hazelmorgan,

Thank you so much for sharing your profile here and getting the thread started. Let’s evaluate your profile.

To start with, your undergrad GPA is good, and you have a strong GMAT score. As a result, your GMAT score and GPA demonstrate your academic potential. You work as a marketing intern, which must bring some leadership qualities. You must include examples of how, as an intern, you contributed to the growth of the organization for which you worked. That's wonderful that you've received a full-time offer from McKinsey! And I am confident that this will contribute to your success. Regarding your achievements, they are good as well. Speaking about how you perform better than your peers. Your post-mba goals are clear but need more elaboration and vision behind them. You can take a look at what business schools look in the candidate for deferred MBA programs. Business Schools, especially for deferred MBA programs, aspire to create future leaders, so the potential must be visible in their students already! Overall you have a good profile and do have a chance at the b-schools you have selected. Just make sure to link your essays with the values of the particular b-schools. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to the b-schools. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com



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How to bring collinearity to your post-MBA goals?





Just about every top B-School is gonna ask: "DISCUSS YOUR SHORT AND LONG-TERM CAREER ASPIRATIONS WITH AN MBA?"
But why do they do so?

The truth is that Business schools are looking for very passionate people with strong personalities trying to bring an Impact using MBA as a tool. Hence, this question is one of the most important aspects of your application, and if you cannot convince the admissions committee of the goals you have written and the need for an MBA, you lose the game, no matter how strong your profile and application is!

Understand what Collinearity is and why is it crucial in your post-MBA goals?

Cheers!

We would like to be a strategic partner in your MBA admissions process, from planning to execution of your essays, LORs, CVs, and interview preparation. Our MBA counselors are alumni of top-notch business schools- INSEAD, Stanford, Wharton. Trust me, our team is absolutely committed to the applicants who are committed to making it through, no matter what. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.
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Posted from my mobile device

Hi Everyone, Welcome to the chat session.

We have MBA&Beyond with us for this Q&A session
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Hi everyone, I am Nishkarsh Jakhar from MBA and Beyond, and the go-to person for all queries relating to the deferred MBA programs. If you have any other queries regarding deferred MBA programs after the chat session, please feel free to reach out to me at nishkarshMBAandBeyond and nehaMBAandBeyond.com, and we will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.
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Everyone, please go ahead and ask your questions.

I can start asking a few questions we have received from the sign up form

is there any age limit for MBA admission?
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Thanks, Nikhil. While there is no specific age limit for candidates wanting to apply for deferred MBA programs, the eligible candidates should be either of the following: (1) be in the last year of their undergraduate program; or (2) be in the last year of their graduate program (if the applicant has gone to the graduate program right after undergraduate).

Therefore, it is crucial to understand that students would typically get ONLY one chance to apply for deferred MBA programs (either in the last semester of their undergraduate course or the final year of their graduate course).
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Will there be any GMAT waiver for this year?
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There is no GMAT waiver available for deferred MBA programs.
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Also would scholarships and funding opportunities be available for deferred programs?
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Is it beneficial to attend a summer school program at Stanford or HBS

Yes, since the deferred MBA candidate will be pursuing the MBA program after a few years of experience, they can apply for the same scholarships as regular MBA applicants.
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