MBA admissions interview invitations are rolling out, and applicants have questions about the timing of interview offers and what to expect before and during the interview. For those of you wondering when your school will send interview invitations, how the process works, and what’s required, Fortuna admissions experts have you covered. 

Here’s a quick roundup of intelligence we’ve gathered on timing and pre-interview requirements at several top schools:

• Harvard Business School
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Wharton
• Chicago Booth
• Columbia Business School
• MIT Sloan
• Northwestern Kellogg 
• Yale School of Management
• INSEAD
• London Business School

When Does HBS Release Interview Invites & What To Expect?

Harvard Business School releases interview invitations about three to four weeks after the application deadline. Once selected, applicants must log into the HBS portal promptly to secure their preferred interview time and location –  whether on campus, in a global hub city, or via Zoom. For example, for Round 1 interview invites in 2025, the scheduling portal opened on September 30 at 9am ET. Invitations are extended in two waves, and interviews are conducted by members of the HBS Interview Board, a small, specialized team that leads thousands of interviews each year.

HBS Interview Questions & Format

Each HBS interview lasts 30 minutes and is highly personalized to your application. One interviewer, who has read your entire file in depth, will lead the conversation, while another may observe and take notes. The tone is fast-paced, probing, and analytical — with follow-up questions designed to test your self-awareness and clarity of thought. You won’t get much visible feedback, so composure and confidence are key. HBS seeks leadership-oriented, intellectually curious candidates who reflect deeply on their experiences. For detailed insights and expert strategies read our guide on how to prepare for the HBS interview and HBS interview questions; to practice one-on-one with an experienced admissions interview, explore our HBS Interview Prep service. 

The HBS Post-Interview Reflection

Harvard Business School is the only top MBA program that requires a Post-Interview Reflection, due within 24 hours of your interview. After your interview, you’ll log in to the application portal to submit a 300–450 word response to this prompt:
“What was the highlight of your interview and why did this resonate with you? Is there anything else you would like to share now that you have had time to reflect on your interview?”

This isn’t a formal essay but a personal, genuine follow-up that captures what stood out to you and how you processed the conversation. For practical tips on how to tackle this exercise, read our guide to the HBS Post-Interview Reflection. 

When Does Stanford GSB Send Out Interview Invitations?

Stanford GSB’s interview timeline is notoriously broad — and often nerve-racking for applicants. For Round 1 interview invites, the school simply states that invitations will be sent out “from late September to mid-November,” a six-week window that leaves candidates anxiously checking their inboxes. The Round 2 interview invites period is even longer, stretching from mid-January to mid-March.

Standard GSB interview invites are released on a rolling basis throughout this entire window. Once invited, applicants are matched with a trained alumni interviewer based on their location and have roughly one week to schedule the conversation.

“They release a certain number of invitations each day. There’s no difference between getting one on the first day or the last — but it’s stressful for applicants because you just have to wait,” explains Heidi Hillis, a Fortuna coach and Stanford GSB alum.

The Stanford GSB Interview Format

Stanford GSB interviews are conducted blind by trained alumni, meaning interviewers only review your resume in advance — not your full application. With hundreds of GSB volunteer alumni interviewers worldwide, each conducting just a handful of interviews per year, the process is designed to be personal and conversational. Interviews typically take place in your local city, though you may be invited to travel to another location or connect virtually if no alumni are nearby. There are no on-campus interviews. Lasting about 45 to 60 minutes, the discussion centers on behavioral questions that explore how you’ve demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and impact in real-world situations.

Check out our full article on MBA interview prep for Stanford GSB and example behavioral questions for detailed insights into what to expect and how to prepare.

If you’re ready to take your preparation further, explore Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services to work one-on-one with a former Stanford admissions interviewer and practice under real interview conditions.

Wharton Interview / Team-Based Discussion Invitations

Wharton interview invites are released on one date per round, as follows:

• Round 1 Interview Invites Deadline: October 22, 2025
• Round 2 Interview Invites Deadline: February 20, 2026
• Round 3 Interview Invites Deadline: April 17, 2026

About the Wharton TBD

Wharton doesn’t offer traditional one-on-one interviews. The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is a distinctive interview format designed to assess how candidates collaborate, communicate, and lead within a group setting. It brings together 5-6 applicants on a Zoom meeting who work as a team to develop and present a solution to a shared prompt over 35 minutes, while members of the admissions committee observe. Each participant begins with a one-minute introduction to present their idea, after which the group discussion unfolds organically as candidates build on, refine, and combine ideas to reach a collective outcome. The exercise is followed by a brief one-on-one interview with a Wharton representative, allowing candidates to reflect on their performance and share additional insights about their teamwork and leadership approach.

The TBD is a dynamic, relational experience designed to show the admissions committee how you approach a challenge, present yourself, work collaboratively toward a goal in a small group context, and think on your feet. 

This year’s Wharton TBD asks candidates to design a new Leadership Intensive (LI) — a one- to two-day experiential program that develops key leadership skills for MBA students. The proposal should focus on a clear leadership theme, fit within a $25,000 pilot budget, and include a plan for measuring learning outcomes. In short, it’s a test of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking  — reflecting Wharton’s belief in learning through action. Full details of the TBD prompt are here. 

Fortuna Admissions was co-founded by a former Wharton Admissions Director and includes several former Wharton insiders on our team. Each year, we lead mock Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) sessions that simulate the real Wharton experience — a powerful way to get comfortable with the format, practice your one-minute pitch, and receive expert feedback on your performance. You can sign up for a mock TBD here, or email us at info@fortunaadmissions.com to check availability. 

If you can’t attend one of these sessions, we have expert advice on how to prepare for the Wharton TBD prompt and how to manage the TBD dynamics.

When and How Chicago Booth Sends Interview Invitations

Chicago Booth’s interview invites are rolling. This is what the school calls its “get-to-know-you” stage — for applicants who advance past the initial review. If you receive an invitation, you’ll have 72 hours to schedule your interview. You can choose your preferred format: on campus in Chicago, off campus in a convenient city, or virtually. All formats are considered equally by the admissions team. Interviews last about 45 minutes, and your interviewer will have access only to the resume you submitted with your application. Once confirmed, you’ll receive detailed instructions on what to expect next.

The Chicago Booth Pre-Interview Video

In addition to the interview, Booth requires invited candidates to submit a short video response to one of two prompts:

• Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
• What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?

Your video should be no longer than 60 seconds, and you’ll be assessed on content, not production quality. This video is reviewed separately from your interview and will not be shared with your interviewer. Booth emphasizes that this is an informal, personal opportunity for the admissions team to get a firsthand sense of who you are and how you think. For advice on how to tackle this exercise, read our article on the Chicago Booth Video Question & How to Craft Your Response. 

The Booth Interview Format

Booth interviews are conversational and resume-based, typically lasting 45 minutes. They are conducted by Booth alumni or admissions staff, depending on your selected location or virtual preference. Because interviewers see only your resume, not your full application, the conversation centers on your professional experience, motivation for pursuing an MBA, and fit with Booth’s values and community.

For detailed advice, sample questions, and strategies, read our article on how to prepare for the Booth interview. If you’d like personalized coaching, explore Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services to practice with a former admissions insider and receive expert feedback before your interview.

When Does Columbia Business School Release Interview Invitations?

Columbia Business School releases interview invitations on one date per round, as follows:

• Round 1 interview invites deadline: November 13, 2025
• Round 2 interview invites deadline: February 19, 2026
• Round 3 interview invites deadline: May 1, 2026

Unlike some other schools, CBS uses a single release date per round rather than a rolling process, meaning everyone learns their status at once. This can be both a relief and a source of anxiety, as there’s no need to monitor your inbox daily — but no chance to get early good news either.

The CBS Interview Format

Interviews are conducted virtually, generally by a current CBS second-year student or alum (and occasionally by an admissions team member). It’s a blind interview, meaning the interviewer has access only to your resume and not your full application. The conversation typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is designed to be friendly and conversational, reflecting CBS’s collaborative culture and emphasis on leadership in a fast-paced, real-world context.

While questions vary, candidates should be ready to discuss their career goals, fit with New York City’s business ecosystem, and examples of initiative or impact that demonstrate readiness for CBS’s dynamic learning environment. 

Expect questions such as:

• “Why CBS and why now?”
• “Tell me about a time you led through influence.”
• “How do you plan to leverage CBS’s location and network?”

For advice on how to structure your responses and convey your fit with Columbia’s community, check out our full article on what to expect and how to prepare for the CBS interview. You can also explore Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services to practice one-on-one with an admissions insider and refine your story for maximum impact.

When Does MIT Sloan Release Interviews & How Should I Respond to the Pre-Interview Questions?

MIT Sloan doesn’t release interview invitations on a specific date: MIT interview invites typically begin rolling out about 4–6 weeks after each round’s deadline and continue right up to the decision release. Round 1 interviews generally take place from late October through early December, Round 2 interviews in February and March, and Round 3 interviews in May. Because the process is rolling, some candidates may hear earlier or later, and the timing of their interview decision doesn’t say anything about their chances. 

MIT’s Pre-Interview Questions Guidelines

All candidates invited to interview are required to submit one out of two short-answer essay prompts no later than 24 hours before their interview.

Pre-interview questions:
We are interested in learning more about how you use data to make decisions and analyze results. Please select one of the following prompts to respond to:

1. Please select an existing data visualization and, in 250 words or less, explain why it matters to you. The data visualization should be uploaded as a PDF. Examples may come from current events, a business analysis, or personal research.
2. In 250 words or less, please describe a recent data-driven decision you had to make and include one slide presenting your analysis. The slide may include a data visualization example and should present data used in a professional context. Your slide must be uploaded as a PDF.

This prompt highlights Sloan’s analytical DNA. Option A invites reflection on data that connects to your values or worldview, while Option B focuses on how you apply data in practice to guide decision-making and influence others. Be clear and logical in your explanation — your goal is to show how you think, not just what you know.

Together, these questions underscore MIT Sloan’s dual focus on principled leadership and evidence-based thinking — qualities you can expect to explore further in your behavioral interview. For more advice, see our article on MIT Sloan Pre-Interview Questions: Tips & Examples.

The MIT Sloan Interview Format

For the interview, an admissions representative who has read your full application conducts a behavioral style interview, which is conducted virtually and typically lasts one hour.

For advice on preparing for the interview, see our article MIT Sloan Interview: Questions, Tips and Examples. To help you prepare, explore Fortuna’s MIT specific interview prep service to practice under real interview conditions and refine your responses for MIT Sloan’s unique, behavioral-style interview.

When Does Kellogg Release Interview Invitations & What To Expect?

The school notifies candidates by email about their interview status and scheduling details. Kellogg interview invites are released on a rolling basis — some applicants even hear within days of the application deadline — and continue throughout the evaluation period up until the decision release. The timing of your interview does not reflect your competitiveness as a candidate.

In some cases, you may receive an interview waiver if demand exceeds availability. This does not disadvantage your candidacy; the admissions committee may reach out later if additional information is needed.

The Kellogg Interview Format

All interviews are currently conducted virtually, typically lasting 30–60 minutes, and are blind — meaning your interviewer will have only reviewed your resume, not your full application. Interviewers can be second-year students, alumni, or admissions committee members.

The interview itself focuses on your fit with Kellogg’s collaborative, team-oriented culture, as well as your professional accomplishments and motivations for pursuing an MBA. Expect detailed, resume-based questions and be ready to elaborate on key achievements and decisions. Remember, the interviewer hasn’t read your essays, so it’s perfectly fine to reuse examples. Throughout, show authenticity, energy, and interpersonal warmth – qualities that reflect Kellogg’s ethos of “Think Bravely.”

Check out our full article on the Kellogg MBA Interview: What You Need To Know. To help you prepare, Fortuna offers MBA Interview Prep Services to help you practice under real interview conditions and refine your responses.

When Does Yale SOM Release Interviews & How Should I Handle the ‘Submit a Quote’ Requirement?

Yale’s School of Management interview invites are released on a rolling basis with timing that can vary widely from one applicant to another. For Round 1 interview invites in the 2025–26 cycle (deadline: September 10), some candidates began receiving invitations as early as a week after the deadline, while most invitations typically arrive four to six weeks later — around late October to early November. A smaller number of invitations continue to roll out right up until the decision release, roughly eight to ten weeks after the deadline.

Yale SOM’s Pre-Interview Requirement

Like Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan, Yale’s interview invitation comes with a pre-interview requirement. Applicants are asked to: 

“Submit a quote that has special meaning or that resonates with you.”

Your response must be submitted no later than 48 hours prior to your interview day. So, what is the school looking for? 

When selecting your quote to share with SOM, the most important thing is that you can demonstrate its “meaning and resonance.” Maybe your quote is a simple phrase that has nudged you through hundreds of little choices over the years, or perhaps it is a profound statement that guided you during a particular decision where the stakes were high. The key is that you’re prepared to show the quote’s importance by the way it has shaped your actions. 

The Yale SOM Interview Format

Expect to be interviewed by a current Yale SOM MBA second-year student, a recent alum, or an admissions committee member. It’s a blind interview, in that the interviewers will have only read your resume.

The Yale SOM interview tends to be a friendly experience, lasting around 30 minutes. Its interview model has evolved to include more behavior-based questions that explore how you’ve handled specific situations in the past: testing your decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills through real examples from your experience.

Check out our full article on what to expect and how to prepare for the Yale interview. For tailored guidance, consider Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services, where you can practice with an admissions insider and receive expert, personalized feedback ahead of your interview.

When Does INSEAD Announce Interview Invites & What Should I Expect from Alumni Interviews?

At INSEAD, the school publishes a date by which all interview invitations will be released, however many are released ahead of that deadline. For the August 2026 intake, those deadlines are as follows:

• Round 1 interview invites deadline: October 17, 2025
• Round 2 interview invites deadline: December 5, 2025
• Round 3 interview invites deadline: February 20, 2026
• Round 4 interview invites deadline: April 10, 2026

INSEAD interview invites are released in batches up to this deadline, and the timing of your interview decision does not have any bearing on your chances of admission.

The INSEAD Interview Format

INSEAD interviews are conducted by alumni — usually two, in separate interviews — based in your current city or country. The school aims to pair you with one interviewer who shares a similar professional background and another with a contrasting profile, offering a balance of perspective. Interviews are often conversational and can vary widely in tone and setting: some take place virtually or in an office, while others unfold more casually over coffee. Most last around an hour.

Check out our detailed article on INSEAD interview tips and strategies. Prepare with confidence with Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services, where you can simulate real interview conditions and polish your performance for maximum impact.

London Business School: What Should I Expect from the Video Questions, Interview, & Mini-Presentation?

LBS interview invites are released on the following dates:

• Round 1 interview invites deadline: October 9, 2025
• Round 2 interview invites deadline: February 10, 2025
• Round 3 interview invites deadline: April 16, 2026

LBS Video Questions

As part of the LBS MBA interview process, invited candidates must complete a short video exercise designed to help the admissions team get to know you beyond the written application. Since interviews are conducted by alumni, the video gives the school a rare chance to see you in action and assess qualities like presence, communication style, and authenticity. You’ll receive two questions via the Kira Talent platform — one fixed (“What will you gain from the London Business School MBA Programme that you won’t gain from another MBA programme?”) and one randomized — with just 45 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to respond to each. The goal isn’t perfection, but to show confidence, clarity, and fit with the LBS community. Practice timed responses aloud, record yourself, and focus on expressing your genuine personality and motivation for LBS.

The LBS Interview Format

Interviews at LBS are typically conducted by alumni and take place either in person or online, depending on what’s most practical for you and your interviewer. Once invited, you’ll be matched with an alum who often shares a similar professional background, and together you’ll arrange a mutually convenient time. Conversations usually run between 60 and 90 minutes.

The interview has two components: a traditional discussion about your professional experience, goals, and fit with LBS, and a short impromptu mini-presentation. You’ll be given a handful of possible topics (some business-related, others more general), select one, have five minutes to prepare, and then present for about five minutes. The goal is to assess how you think on your feet and communicate under light pressure.

Check out our full article on LBS interview tips and strategies. Fortuna’s MBA Interview Prep Services can help you practice LBS’s signature elements –  including the mini case and video questions – under real conditions to boost your confidence and clarity.

Let’s Get You In

At Fortuna Admissions, we’re a dream team of former admissions directors and seasoned MBA coaches from the world’s top business schools. We specialize in helping applicants craft compelling stories and maximize every part of the application process.

Book a free consultation to assess your candidacy and find out how we can help you get into your dream MBA program.