What behavioral questions are asked in the Stanford MBA interview?

Stanford’s MBA interview focuses heavily on behavioral questions to assess how you think, lead, and reflect. The interviewer—often an alum—uses these to dive deep into your past experiences and how you handled them.

Here are some common behavioral questions you can expect:

• Tell me about a time you led a team under pressure.
• Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell me about a time you received tough feedback.
• Give an example of when you resolved a conflict at work.
• Describe a time when you failed and what you learned from it.
• Tell me about a situation where you influenced others without authority.

Behavioral questions are all about showing, not telling. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to walk through real examples. Keep your answers reflective and outcome-driven. Focus on what you learned, how you grew, and how you approach similar situations now. Avoid memorized stories—aim for honest, clear communication.

Get Stanford-ready: Master the Stanford MBA  behavioral questions that matter most