What questions are asked in the Harvard MBA interview?

Asked by J Bajwa about 1 month ago

5 Answers
Sudheer R

Sudheer R

Chartered Accountant (CA)

HBS interviews are sharp and often follow up quickly on your answers.

Here are six real questions, along with simple tips to help you prep:

https://mentr-me-prod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/67ed7d802da461743617408.png

HBS cares more about how you think and explain yourself than having rehearsed or perfect responses. Being direct and reflective is what stands out most

 


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Hema A

Hema A

Content Writer

Harvard MBA interviews are personalized and move quickly. Most questions come directly from your application, so knowing your story well is key. Here are 6 questions that come up often:

  • Walk me through your resume.
  • Why did you choose your current job?
  • What’s your biggest professional accomplishment?
  • Tell me about a time you failed.
  • Why is now the right time for an MBA?
  • What would your manager say about you?

The interview isn’t just about what you’ve done—it’s about how you think. So when answering, stay specific, don’t generalize, and tie everything back to what you learned or how it shaped your thinking. They’re not expecting perfect answers, just thoughtful and honest ones that reflect who you really are.

 One click away from real  Harvard MBA interview questions, tips, and what to expect—check out the blog now!


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Mansih K

Mansih K

Senior Assistant Manager in Operations Management

The Harvard MBA interview is fast-paced, data-driven, and highly personalized. It’s not a casual chat — the interviewer has read your application in detail and will ask questions that dig deeper into your choices, motivations, and thinking. For example, they might ask, “Tell me why you chose your undergrad major?” or “Why did you switch jobs after only 18 months?” You can also expect questions like “How would your team describe your leadership style?” or “What’s a piece of feedback you’ve received that really stuck with you?

The key is — they’re not testing your memory or your resume. They’re trying to see how you think, whether you're self-aware, and how you respond under pressure. A lot of the time, they’ll follow up with a “Why?” or “Tell me more.” It’s less about giving the perfect answer and more about showing clarity, honesty, and depth in your thinking.

 


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B.K Sharma

B.K Sharma

Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst

Harvard MBA interviews are high-pressure, 30-minute sessions designed to assess how well you know yourself and your story.

Here are some questions that frequently come up:

“What is something you’re proud of that’s not on your resume?”

“Tell me about a time you failed — what would you do differently now?”

“What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?”

“Which class at HBS are you most excited about and why?”

“If we called your current manager, what feedback would they give you — both good and bad?”

These aren’t trick questions, but they do test how reflective, authentic, and sharp you are under pressure. Be honest, and back up your answers with real examples.

 


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Mohit C

Mohit C

Business analyst

The Harvard MBA interview usually lasts around 30 minutes and is conducted by a member of the admissions committee, not alumni. It’s fast-paced and tailored to your specific background. Some of the most common and expected questions include:

  • Walk me through your resume.
  • Why do you want an MBA now?
  • Why Harvard?
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What would your manager say about you?
  • Tell me about a leadership experience.
  • Describe a failure or challenge and how you handled it.

Apart from these, candidates are often asked less obvious but equally important questions that test self-awareness and reflection. Examples include “What’s a piece of feedback that really stayed with you?”, “What do your colleagues find difficult about working with you?”, or “How have you changed in the last 2–3 years?” These help the committee understand your personal growth and how you think through challenges—something Harvard values deeply.


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