How to prepare for a business school interview

Got a business school interview looming? Exciting stuff! Here’s how you can get geared up for the big day:

Know your personal statement

Admissions officers interview because they want to see what the person behind the application is like. Meeting the representatives of your prospective university in person is a perfect opportunity to elaborate on the things you talked about.

Be ready with explanations for the things you’ve written down, and be willing to talk about them in more detail if they ask.

Sell yourself

The interview is your chance to impress on a personal level, so be confident and dress smartly.  Showing enthusiasm for your chosen business or finance subject is key. Try to anticipate what questions may be asked and give thoughtful and interesting answers in response. If there’s anything you missed in your personal statement that you think is relevant, be sure to prepare to mention it in the interview.

Practise, practise, practise!

Being stumped at a question posed by the interviewer is a nightmare situation that no one wants to experience. Be sure to have answers for the obvious, such as why you decided to apply for this course or a particular university.

Also think of answers for the more cryptic question angle—things like: ‘What is Economics/Management?’ You could also be asked about your career ambitions after you graduate.

Being comfortable enough to think outside the box is a sure way of preparing for the unpredictable. It’s inevitable that you’re going to be put on the spot at some point. Practise talking about the subject with a friend or teacher in a mock interview. Try not to panic if a question catches you off guard, and don’t be shy to give your own opinions.

Keep track of current events

The world of finance changes rapidly, and there are always new developments to talk about. Having a good understanding of how banks and businesses work as well as a grasp of current events is an important aspect of presenting yourself as a well-rounded and perceptive candidate. Watch the news and read financial publications like The Economist regularly to stay informed.

Read outside the syllabus

Interviewers will want to know that you’re naturally inquisitive, so reading outside the A-level curriculum is an essential part of demonstrating your interest to the subject. Look at the module options available on the university’s website for the first-year courses and try to get a basic knowledge of the topics and themes mentioned.

It’s not just grades that matter either. It’s a good idea to read outside of the subject altogether, be it fiction or something else entirely, in the event that your interviewer asks you about what you’ve been reading.