Ask a Former HBS Admissions Board Interviewer: Round 1 Interview Q&A
Harvard Business School Round 1 interview invitations are out, and if you received one, you probably have questions about what comes next.
The HBS interview is unlike nearly any other MBA admissions interview. It is highly individualized, fast-paced, and designed to test how thoughtfully and authentically you can engage with the person across the table. There is no script to memorize, but there is a great deal you can do to prepare effectively.
Join us for a live HBS Round 1 Interview Q&A with mbaMission Executive Director and HBS Interviewer in Residence Devi Vallabhaneni (HBS Class of 1997, former HBS Admissions Board Candidate Interviewer).
Rather than a traditional presentation, this session will be dedicated to your questions about the HBS interview process and preparation. Devi will draw on her extensive experience with HBS, both as an alumna and as a former Admissions Board interviewer, to offer candid, nuanced guidance on the issues that matter most to this year’s interviewees.
Wondering how to prepare without sounding rehearsed? What kinds of questions HBS might ask based on your application? How to handle unexpected or challenging questions? What the interviewer is really trying to learn about you? This is your opportunity to ask.
Submit your questions in advance using the form included with your registration. We encourage you to send anything you would like Devi to address during the live session.
By the end of the Q&A, you will have a clearer understanding of what to expect, how to prepare strategically, and how to approach your HBS interview with greater confidence.
Space is limited. Register today to attend live or access the recording.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Time: 12:00 pm ET
- Location: Online – virtual classroom link will be provided after registration
Register Here:
