Stanford University

Walk me through your resume. What is the story you are telling with your career?

You will almost certainly get this. Do not just list jobs. Explain the logic of your transitions, what you learned at each step, and how each role prepared you for the next. Show a coherent narrative.

Tell me about a time you led a team. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?

Give a specific example with clear context. What was your role? What challenge did the team face? What did you say or do? What was the result? Did you learn something about your leadership style?

Describe a time you had to influence someone who disagreed with you or was resistant to your idea.

Show a real conflict, not a fake one. How did you understand their perspective? What arguments did you use? What compromise or outcome did you reach? Did you learn about communication or empathy?

Tell me about a time you failed or made a significant mistake. How did you handle it?

Do not give a humble-brag or a tiny mistake that you spun into a success. Give a real failure. Show vulnerability. Most importantly, what did you learn? How did you change?

Give an example of a time you worked on a team where you did not hold the leadership role.

Show that you can contribute meaningfully without being in charge. What value did you add? How did you support the leader? Were there any tensions or conflicts you helped resolve?

Tell me about a time you had to work with someone very different from you. How did you navigate that?

Different could mean different background, different function, different personality, or different view. Show that you can value differences and create something meaningful together.

Describe a time you had to adapt or pivot. What triggered the change, and what did you learn?

Show flexibility and growth mindset. Were you forced to adapt, or did you recognize the need? How did you handle the ambiguity? What did this teach you?

Tell me about a time you saw an opportunity that others missed. What did you do with it?

This is about seeing patterns, anticipating trends, or recognizing gaps. Show foresight and initiative. What analysis did you do? Did it pan out? What did you learn?

Give an example of when you had to make a tough decision with incomplete information.

Show your decision-making process. What did you know? What did you not know? How did you handle the uncertainty? What was the outcome?

Tell me about a time you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you approach it?

Show empathy and directness. How did you prepare? What did you say? How did the person respond? Did your feedback lead to change or growth?

Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities or stakeholders.

Show judgment and compromise. Explain the competing needs. How did you find balance? Who did you disappoint, and how did you manage that?

Tell me about a project or initiative you are proud of. What was your role?

Pick something with measurable impact. Be clear about your specific contribution. Do not oversell, but do not undersell either. What would not have happened without you?

Why do you want an MBA? What are your goals?

Be specific. What do you want to do after Stanford? What skills or networks do you need? How will an MBA help?

Why Stanford specifically? What attracted you to our program?

Do your homework. Reference specific programs, clubs, professors, or resources. Show that Stanford is a top choice for a reason.

What else would you like me to know about you that we have not discussed?

This is your chance to add something important that you want to make sure comes across. Do not repeat; add new information or insight.