Anderson/UCLA interviews are conducted by invitation only.
Interviews are conducted by a second-year student with training in evaluation metrics. Jump ahead to read more about UCLA Anderson’s interviewers.
The interviews last around 30 minutes. Jump ahead to find out more on the interview length.
Currently Anderson holds their interviews remotely through Zoom. Jump ahead to read more on the interview location.
To prevent interviewer bias Anderson conducts blind interviews. The interviewer will have seen the applicants resume but not their application. Jump ahead to learn more about the format.
The Anderson admissions committee sends interview invitations on a rolling basis up to the decision date.
Anderson/UCLA does not ask for a video essay.
Drawing from Menlo Coaching’s extensive client database of first-hand interview reports, this section offers the most up-to-date information on Anderson/UCLA’s interview process.
All of our clients had their interview with a second-year student. The interviews were described as laid-back and conversational. In some cases the interviewers were eager to share their own experiences at Anderson, which added to the informal tone. One client reported that their interviewer recommended specific classes and trips at the end of the interview. Another client told us that their interviewer was more direct than other people he had talked to at Anderson, but this seems to be the exception.
Several of our clients reported that all the questions posed to them had been directly addressed by our coaching and thus they were able to answer them with ease. No one had any unexpected questions and the interviewers appear willing to give the applicant time to formulate their answers. One interviewer made the effort to relate the questions to her own experiences in the program.
Applicants can expect standard questions regarding their workplace and professional experiences. Furthermore, many of the interview questions concern UCLA Anderson itself. Interviewers want to know why the applicant wishes to attend their program, what clubs/activities they are interested in, what resources they are particularly interested in, etc. Applicants should have well-articulated reasons as to why they wish to attend Anderson as opposed to another school.
According to our clients, Anderson interviews last for exactly 30 minutes. Applicants should be concise and not dwell too long on a single answer.
Anderson interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom per the candidate’s preference. According to UCLA Anderson, both formats will be considered equally, and as such, applicants should choose the format in which they will feel most comfortable.
Some candidates find it easier to develop a rapport in person, but others might feel more comfortable in a familiar location. If you choose to conduct the interview virtually, make sure that you have a high-speed wired Internet connection, good lighting, and that you point your computer camera at eye level.
The UCLA Anderson interview has a straightforward question-and-answer format. There may be anywhere from 6 to 12 questions. Aside from the introductory first questions, the remainder are fairly specific and concern either professional or academic topics.
Only around half of the interviews ended with the interviewer asking if the applicant had any questions for them. A client mentioned that there is a list of required questions and a list of suggested questions that the interviewer draws from. We have also received several reports of technical issues for the UCLA Anderson interview, mostly connectivity issues, but the interviewers were apologetic and understanding and applicants did not think these technical problems were a major problem.
If you’re interested in prepping for your MBA interview with the Menlo Coaching team, reach out today! We offer mock interviews and school-specific training for HBS, Wharton, Sloan and more!
This section lists a number of possible Anderson/UCLA questions. Like the details in the section above, these questions are sourced from Menlo Coaching’s client database of first-hand interview reports.
You can use the questions below to conduct mock interviews that mimic an actual conversation. For best results, however, consider seeking expert help via Menlo Coaching’s interview prep service.
The Anderson/UCLA interview, sample questions
If you’re looking for guidance on how to answer questions like these with confidence, you can find detailed breakdowns for MBA interview questions here.
