![\"MBA](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Team-Based-Discussions.jpg\")
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This post is part of a series<\/a> exploring the different forms MBA interviews take and how you can ace them all!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Wharton and Ross have initiated and adopted the team-based discussion (TBD) MBA interview format<\/a>. This type of interview brings a group of applicants together in person to work through a problem together as an organizational team does. This team activity is followed by a short one-to-one talk with an adcom representative (either a second-year student or an adcom member). It is Wharton\u2019s regular mode for interviews. At Ross, it\u2019s optional, and they use traditional methods for their evaluative interviews.<\/p>\n Why adcoms use this method:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Some adcoms have found traditional interview modes increasingly ineffective as they feel that candidates over-prepare and over-strategize for interviews<\/a>, thus undercutting authenticity.<\/p>\n \u2022 The adcoms want to see the candidates in team action, since students\u2019 success in the program (and in their future career) will rest in part on their teamwork and interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n \u2022 This approach gives the adcom insight into the applicants that no other application component provides \u2013 how they actually respond to people and situations in real time.<\/p>\n \u2022 The post-activity discussion shows your ability to self-reflect and analyze your own role and performance \u2013 qualities the adcom values.<\/p>\n Process:<\/strong><\/p>\n Wharton<\/strong> \u2013 When you receive an invitation to interview, you\u2019ll receive instructions also for your approximately 35-minute TBD with 4-5 fellow applicants. At the interview, your team will be given a prompt, and you\u2019ll work together to develop an outcome. After the TBD, you will meet with an adcom member individually.<\/p>\n Ross<\/strong> \u2013 Ross offers you the option to participate in a team-building activity (in addition to an interview) on campus and at a few other locations when you come to interview. Participation is \u201chighly recommended\u201d and is offered to everyone invited to interview.<\/p>\n Benefits and pitfalls for applicants:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> You can showcase your interpersonal, team, and leadership skills<\/a> more vividly than any essay or individual interview could portray.<\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> You can get a real flavor of the program\u2019s teamwork dynamic.<\/p>\n \u2022 Benefit:<\/strong> You can enjoy meeting peers and potential classmates.<\/p>\n \u2022 Drawback:<\/strong> You have less control, as you assess and respond to the group dynamics instantly; there is no margin for error.<\/p>\n \u2022 Drawback:<\/strong> Unlike most real-life team interactions, you may be focusing on both your observed performance AND the actual project simultaneously.<\/p>\n \u2022 Drawback:<\/strong> While the adcoms think it gives them a lens on you as a team player, in \u201creal life\u201d you usually have some time to adapt to a new team, and your true teamwork abilities will emerge over time as a project progresses. Whereas here there\u2019s no time to grow and adapt with the team, so it\u2019s a somewhat artificial setup.<\/p>\n How to make this type of interview work for you<\/strong> (this is in addition to all the common sense advice for good MBA interviews<\/a>):<\/p>\n \u2022 Review Accepted.com\u2019s tips<\/a> for this interview format.<\/p>\n \u2022 Think about your inclinations, behaviors, feelings, and approaches when working in a team or group setting, and also ask a colleague or two for some objective feedback. You shouldn\u2019t change your natural approach, but you can certainly play to your strengths and minimize negative tendencies.<\/p>\n \u2022 Read online about other applicants\u2019 experiences with the group interview.<\/p>\n \u2022 Make your goal the team\u2019s success and ability to complete the assigned task, not its adoption of your idea.<\/p>\n The best way to ensure that you are prepared for your MBA interviews is to practice with a pro! Check out our Mock Interview Services<\/a> and learn what you can do to ace those interviews and get accepted to business school!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Perfect Answers to MBA Interview Questions<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/mba-interview-prep-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 How to Ace Your Team Based Interview [4 Tips for the Big Day]<\/a>
\n\u2022 4 Tips For Team Interviews<\/a><\/p>\n