My Stanford GSB Interview Experience: Questions To Expect and How To Prepare

This article was originally published on September 26, 2024. It was last updated on October 1, 2025.

Receiving a Stanford GSB interview invitation brings a flood of emotions. You’ve been on edge ever since submitting your application, waiting for any sign of news. Then the email arrives, and at first you’re ecstatic. But the excitement can quickly shift to worry. There is so much riding on this last step in the application process, and you don’t want to mess it up.

As MBA admissions consultants, we get it. After all, we were in your shoes once. But after coaching over 1,100 MBA applicants over the years, we have found that MBA interview success comes down to 2 things:

1. Knowing what to expect
2. Preparing meticulously

To help you with both of these success drivers, we asked a Stanford GSB admit to share his interview experience and questions. In this article, we’ll walk you through his personal experience preparing for the Stanford GSB interview, including how he handled the logistics, tackled behavioral questions, and connected with an alumni interviewer.

My Stanford GSB Interview Invitation

On a cool Monday evening in early October, I jogged over to check the time on my phone after an intense game of pickleball. As I took a sip of water and scrolled through my notifications, an email headline caught my eye: “Invitation to Interview” from the Stanford MBA Admissions Interview Team. My heart raced with excitement and nerves.

Seeing “Invitation to Interview” from Stanford GSB felt like a major achievement. Stanford’s acceptance rate hovers around 6-7%, making the interview invite a significant milestone. However, I knew that the journey wasn’t over yet. With Stanford GSB interviewing 2-3 applicants for every seat, the Stanford MBA interview is designed to narrow the pool further, increasing the odds to about 33-50%. While my chances improved, I had to prepare thoroughly to clear the next big hurdle: the interview itself.

Navigating the Interview Logistics

After the initial excitement of receiving the invitation, reality set in. Stanford is structured in its approach to interviews, and the timeline moved quickly after receiving the invite.

1. Confirming Availability and Location: Shortly after the email, Stanford asked me to confirm my general availability and location for the coming weeks.
2. Matching with an Alumni Interviewer: Stanford GSB pairs applicants with alumni based on their background, and in my case, my interviewer had attended the same undergraduate university as I did. This made the process feel more comfortable and personal.
3. Scheduling the Interview: Stanford interviews are typically scheduled within 7-10 days of the invitation. I had 8 days to prepare after confirming the date and uploading my video conferencing information to the Stanford portal.

How I Prepared for Stanford GSB Interview Questions 

The Stanford GSB interview is known for focusing on behavioral questions. Alumni interviewers are only given access to the most recent resume you’ve provided—none of the other parts of your application are shared with them. So, I knew my preparation had to focus on what I could directly speak to from my experience.

Here’s how I prepared for the Stanford MBA interview questions:

1. Practicing Behavioral Questions: I practiced answering key behavioral questions, knowing that the Stanford GSB interview questions would dive deep into my leadership and problem-solving experiences. Some of the questions I prepared for included:
   • “Tell me about a project where you made the biggest impact.”
   • “Describe a time when you led a team.”
   • “How did you handle conflict in a challenging situation?”
   • These open-ended questions gave me room to share my story, but I also anticipated follow-up questions like “Why did you choose that approach?” and “What did you learn from the experience?”
2. Mock Interviews: To simulate the real interview environment, I scheduled a mock interview with my MBA coach. This helped me refine my answers and feel more comfortable during the actual interview.
3. Reviewing Key Experiences: Since my interviewer would only have my resume, I spent time reviewing the most important projects and leadership roles from my work experience. I made sure I could speak about them in-depth, including the specific actions I took and the outcomes of those actions.

My Stanford GSB Interview Day Experience

On the day of my Stanford MBA interview, I made sure to treat it with the same level of professionalism as an in-person interview, even though it was conducted virtually. I put on a suit, checked my lighting, and ensured my internet connection was stable.

When my interviewer logged in, we spent a minute or two on small talk before diving into the questions. The first question he asked was, “Tell me about a project where you had the most impact.” I was ready for this one, so I shared an example of a cross-functional project I led at work, explaining the key steps I took to drive success and the outcomes.

Over the course of the interview, which lasted about 45-60 minutes, I was asked several Stanford GSB interview questions, most of which focused on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Here are a few examples:

• “Describe a time when you mentored someone junior.”
• “How did you resolve a conflict within your team?”
• “Why do you want to pursue an MBA, and why Stanford?”

The questions were open-ended, which allowed me to elaborate on my experiences. My interviewer often followed up with questions that pushed me to explain my decision-making process and the lessons I learned. It became clear that Stanford GSB values not just what you’ve accomplished, but how you approach challenges and lead others.

Answering the Key Questions: Why MBA and Why Stanford?

One of the most important parts of the Stanford MBA interview is answering the “Why MBA?” and “Why Stanford?” questions. I had already put a lot of thought into my Why Stanford? essay, so I used that as a foundation for my response in the interview.

• Why MBA? I explained how an MBA would help me develop the skills I needed to transition into a leadership role in my industry.
• Why Stanford? I emphasized the unique aspects of Stanford’s program, including its culture of innovation, strong leadership development, and focus on personal impact. I also highlighted how Stanford’s values aligned with my personal and professional goals.

Asking My Alumni Interviewer Questions

At the end of the interview, my interviewer gave me the opportunity to ask questions. This is an important part of the process, as it not only allows you to learn more about Stanford GSB, but also shows your genuine interest in the program.

Here are the questions I asked my interviewer:

• “What was the most valuable part of your Stanford GSB experience?”
• “How did Stanford help shape your career post-MBA?”
• “What advice would you give to someone entering the Stanford GSB community?” 

These questions led to a thoughtful conversation, and I gained valuable insights into the Stanford MBA experience from someone who had been through the program themselves.

Key Takeaways for Your Stanford GSB Interview

Now that you’ve had a glimpse into an actual applicant’s interview experience, here are the key points to keep in mind as you prepare for your own:

1. Demonstrate Self-Awareness in Behavioral Questions: Stanford GSB interview questions are designed to dig into your leadership, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Strong answers go beyond listing the steps you took. They show why you chose a particular approach, how you adapted or grew from challenges, and what insight guided your decisions. Be ready for follow-ups that ask you to unpack your thought process.
2. Know Your Resume Inside and Out: Since the interviewer only sees your resume, you need to be prepared to discuss your most recent projects and leadership experiences in detail. Be ready to explain not just what you did, but why you made those choices and what you learned along the way.
3. Prepare for the Why MBA and Why Stanford Questions: Be clear and specific about your reasons for pursuing an MBA and why Stanford GSB is the right place for you. These questions are essential for showing that your goals align with Stanford’s values.

Final Thoughts on Preparing for the Stanford GSB Interview 

The Stanford GSB interview is challenging, and it calls for thorough preparation. The behavioral questions are designed to uncover your leadership approach and decision making skills, so focus on sharing genuine experiences and the lessons you took from them. With honest reflection, consistent practice, and thoughtful questions for your interviewer, you can highlight your strengths and leave a lasting impression.

If your own Stanford MBA interview is coming up, stay calm, be yourself, and approach the process with confidence. Good luck! And if you would like a preparation partner and coach, the Stanford GSB experts on our team are ready to help. Simply schedule a consultation by clicking the button below.