Why this school?

Remember, this question is not for you to tell them why this school is great—they already know it is. Here, you need to clearly explain what your short-term and long-term goals are (based on the prompt before), and how your chosen college will help you achieve them. You have to explain why it’s great for you.

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It’s very important to do your research before the interview and structure your answer thoughtfully. Always remember that the admissions process is designed the way it is to make sure you have the clarity and motivation you need to actually get through these rigorous programs. Don’t treat this research as burden; doing this homework is actually good for you and will help you succeed after you get in.

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There are a few key aspects to focus on while preparing-

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Academics

Understand what makes the school’s academic offering unique. Talk about the courses, electives, or learning methods that excite you. Mention professors whose work you’ve followed or classes you’re particularly interested in. If the school follows a distinctive pedagogy, for example, case-based learning or experiential projects, highlight why that appeals to you. Explain why you need the learnings from these courses at this juncture of your career.

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Extracurriculars and Community

Explore the clubs, activities, and initiatives that align with your interests. Discuss both professional clubs (like Consulting, Marketing, or Product Management clubs) and social clubs (like Music, Sports, or Sustainability). If you plan to take an active role, such as leading an initiative or standing in elections, mention that along with the reason you want to do this. Referencing specific events or conversations with alumni or current students can make your response stronger and more credible.

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Placements and Career Fit

If you are using the MBA to pivot into a new role or industry, ensure your story feels realistic. Back it up with facts and make sure you show exactly how you are a candidate who’s equipped to make this pivot. For instance, mention that you’ve spoken to alumni who successfully transitioned into that role, or that you’ve reviewed the placement reports to confirm the feasibility of your goals. It helps to memorise such stats for your target industries. For example, if you aim to move into product management from a non-product role, highlight how the school’s curriculum, clubs, and placement opportunities make that transition possible.

Always remember that b-schools are also businesses at the end of the day. They have to know that you have thought about this transition logically and that you are a candidate they can easily place.

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Long-Term Reputation and Alumni Network:

Discuss how the school’s brand and network align with your long-term aspirations. Where are its alumni today? What roles or industries do they lead in? Mention if you’ve reached out to them for insights—and you should actually reach out to alums for this research. This shows that you’ve gone beyond surface-level research and truly understand the school’s long-term value.

Ultimately, the goal is to communicate that you’ve done your homework, know what you want to gain from the school, and see it as a strong mutual fit; not just another application.

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Step 1: Academic Fit

Highlight what excites you about the school’s academic offering: specific courses, professors, or teaching methods.

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Courses or electives I’m most excited about
Professors whose work or classes interest me
Unique teaching methods I look forward to (case-based, experiential, etc.)
How these align with my learning goals

Step 2: Extracurriculars and Community

Talk about the clubs, activities, and student culture you want to be part of. Mention how you’ll contribute to campus life.

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Professional clubs I’d like to join
Social or interest-based clubs I’d like to explore
Leadership roles I’d like to pursue (e.g., elections, event committees)
How I see myself contributing to the community

Step 3: Placements and Career Alignment

Show that you’ve done your research and that your post-MBA goals are realistic for this school.

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My short-term post-MBA goal (roles or industries I’m targeting)
How the school supports this goal (courses, clubs, alumni)
Placement insights I’ve gathered (e.g., from reports or alumni chats)
Example: An alum who transitioned from ________ to ________ helped me understand

Step 4: Reputation and Long-Term Fit

Discuss how the school’s brand and alumni network support your long-term aspirations.

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Where I see myself 5–7 years after the MBA
How the school’s reputation supports that
What I’ve learned about the alumni network or long-term impact
Any inspiring alumni stories I’ve come across