What to Expect During the MIT Sloan MBA Interview
Earlier this week, Jennifer Barba, Associate Director of Admissions at MIT Sloan School of Management, posted a video describing what applicants can expect during their MBA interview.
As a reminder, the school has introduced a second short-answer question this year, which is only for students invited to interview and must be completed prior to the interview. The question is:
The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice. Please share with us something about your past that aligns with this mission. (250 words or fewer)
At the interview, which usually lasts 30-45 minutes, Barba says applicants will meet with a professional member of the admissions committee whether they interview on the road or on campus. The conversation will kick off with a few clarifying questions based on data from your application, followed by three or four behavioral questions about your past experiences.
Barba says this type of question could cover something like, “Tell me about a situation where you had a difficult interaction with a team member.” You can then expect several followup questions based on your response, as well as time at the end to ask questions of your own.
To prepare for the interview, Barba suggests applicants come prepared to talk about things they haven’t already shared in their application. Also, come with questions that are different, or more thoughtful, than what you can easily find on the website FAQs. Show that you’ve really done your research on MIT Sloan, because the admissions team is trying to assess your fit and see how much you really want to be there.
As always, dress professionally and be mindful that the AdCom is paying attention to every interaction you have with the school, from your application to the day of your interview, to the thank-you note you send afterward, and all of it will help Sloan evaluate your fit with the school.
Invitations to interview will continue to be released until next week, at which time all R1 applicants will have received word of their status. Good luck to all MIT Sloan interviewees!
