While every MBA interview format has its own challenges, group discussions or team-based exercises require the most preparation for collaborative skills. In this setting, you’re not just answering questions — you’re being observed in real time as you interact with peers.
Admissions committees use this format to evaluate how well you listen, communicate, influence, and build on others’ ideas. They want to see whether you can contribute meaningfully without dominating, find common ground, and help the team move toward a shared outcome.
Preparation goes beyond rehearsing talking points. Practice active listening, concise communication, and diplomatic disagreement. In a group setting, how you respond to others can be just as important as the points you make yourself.
Unlike one-on-one interviews or panel formats, group exercises simulate the collaborative, fast-paced environment of an MBA classroom or consulting project. Your ability to balance confidence with humility will leave a lasting impression.
In short: group interviews are a live test of your teamwork under pressure. Show that you can contribute to collective success — not just shine individually — and you’ll stand out for the right reasons.