An interview works in two directions: The interviewer asks you questions to see if you’d be a good fit for the b-school in question, and you ask the interviewer questions to help you determine if this program is right for you.
In order to think up some good questions, you’ll want to make sure that you:
- Review the program website thoroughly. Asking questions is a good thing. Asking questions that are answered on the homepage of the school’s site? Not so good.
- Review the details of your application to help you come up with questions that relate specifically to your interests, experience, and goals.
As you review the school’s literature and your application, jot down whatever questions come to mind. The best questions are those that connect the dots between the features of the program and your individual needs and interests. Because these questions are so highly individualized, it’s hard to give specific examples, but below you’ll find a few general questions that I hope will trigger your more personal queries:
- How difficult is it to claim a seat in popular classes like Marketing Strategy (or International Business Relations or Leadership Development…or any other class that specifically interests you)?
- Does the program have any clubs or extracurricular activities for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs (or juggling acrobats, or whatever particular interests you have)? What steps are involved in starting a group on campus?
- What are the criteria for competing in a business plan competition? (Again, fill in the blank to cater this question towards your personal goals.)
- Do students bid for internship or full-time position interviews? Or do recruiters get their choice? (This is a good question for career changers.)
If your business school interview is with a recent alum or a second-year student, then you can ask about his/her experience at MBA Program X. This is a good way to make conversation and show your interest in the interviewer and the program. It may also serve as a jumping off point for coming up with more personalized questions. Some basic ones to start with may be:
- What are/were your favorite classes? Professors?
- Are there any activities, clubs, or competitions that simply should not be missed?
- Do you wish you had done anything differently before attending or while at School X?
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