Rice Jones MBA Interview

The Rice Jones MBA interview process is designed to give applicants the opportunity to tell their story and help the adcom get to know them as an individual. Applicants should use the interview to highlight not just their strengths as a professional and prospective MBA candidate but also the elements of their personality and life experiences that make them unique. It always helps to prepare for the interview in the best possible way.

Who will interview you, and how long will the interview last?

Like most business schools, the Rice Jones interview is taken by a Career Management Team. The interview is usually done by one member from the team. The interview typically lasts for 25-30 minutes or may extend to 35-40 minutes in some instances.

Will the interviewer have read my application?

It is always safer to assume that the Panel members have access to your complete application. In most instances, they would have read it completely. Unless the school specifically says that it will be an blind interview. Mostly North American Business schools in US and Canada have an Blind interviews, European and SE Asian schools conduct interviews via Alums or panels which have full access to your entire application.

How can you prepare for your interview?

Like most MBA Interviews, your interview will mainly revolve around a pretty similar set of MBA interview questions. You can never predict what questions will be asked, but with enough research, you can predict what are the most commonly asked questions in these interviews. We have created a short FAQ list below to get you a jump start, and we also have a free guide linked below to help you prepare for these commonly asked interview questions.

Rice Jones MBA Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Professional experience-related questions

Tell me something about yourself, or Walk me through your resume.
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Why MBA? or Why now? or Why an MBA at this stage of your career?
Why Rice Jones?
What is your Plan B? in case your primary goal does not happen?

Personal qualities-related questions

What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?
What are your key weaknesses? Can you give some examples, please?
How can you add value to the Class? or Why should we take you?
Any reasons why we should not select you?
Interests and Hobbies related questions – why do you do it, what have you achieved/learned?

Frequently Asked Situational & Behavioral Questions

What is your leadership style? Can you give an example of a project you led?
What would you describe are your greatest achievement to date?
Give me an example of a time you failed.
Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict. How did you handle that?
Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a client’s expectations. What happened, and how did you attempt to rectify the situation?

The last one – Do you have any questions for us?

Can you please tell me how international exchange students and schools are assigned?
How club leadership is selected?
Any other questions you may have in regards to the program.

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 1

Skype Interviewed on: Apr 23 2019 Final Decision: Admitted

“I just completed my interview for Rice Jones. The interviewer was a second-year student and the whole interview was really conversational. I would advice not to be too much prepared for the interview that you seem to be rehearsed (he pointed it out to me during the interview :D).

Overall the questions were pretty general:

Introduce yourself.
Why MBA?
Tell me about your most cherished leadership moment.
You enjoy leading a team the most or working as a team member in a team?
Why Rice?
Why have you applied in Round 3?
Any questions for me?

Interview ended in exactly 20 minutes

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 2

Skype Interviewed on: Jan 15 2019 Final Decision: Admitted

“Just finished my Zoom (virtual) interview. It lasted about 40 minutes, was with a 2nd year student.

The interview was very relaxed and in some way informal. It was mainly about getting to know me, my career and leadership experiences. I got asked the typical “why an MBA now? and why Rice?”

I enjoyed it, the interviewer was very friendly.”

Received an Interview Invite?

Need Help with Interview Preparation?

Check out our interview Preparation focused services to get started with your Interview preparation

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 3

Skype Interviewed on: Oct 31 2018

“Rice Interview Questions Compilation

Introduce yourself or

Walk me through your resume or by One min elevator’s pitch

what does team work mean to you

can you give me an example of you leading a team

can you give me an example when you are not a team leader

can you share a life changing moment

Tell me about a conflict faced at work place

Tell me about a time when you solved a challenging task and what was the learning

Why MBA? Why Rice?

Why you?

What are your short and long term goals?

Give me an example of leadership

How do you work in a team effectively?

What clubs/organizations/activities are you interested in participating in?

Lastly, he asked for any queries I had for him”

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 4

Skype Interviewed on: Jan 08 2019 Final Decision: Waitlisted with Interview

“It is a blind interview i.e. the interviewer will only have your resume for reference. He/she will not be aware of the other aspects of your application such as GMAT score or essays. The interview is very conversational and revolves around getting to know the applicant better. The interview is conducted by second-year students and the questions are very generic. The interviewer will conduct the interview in a very warm and friendly environment. Nothing to worry and go ahead and enjoy the experience.”

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 5

Just finished my zoom interview. It lasted about 40 minutes, was with a 2nd year student.

The interview was very relaxed and in some way informal. It was mainly about getting to know me, my career and leadership experiences. I got asked the typical “why an MBA now? and why Rice?”

I enjoyed it, the interviewer was very friendly.

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 6

Introduce yourself or

Walk me through your resume or

One min elevator’s pitch

what does team work mean to you

can you give me an example of you leading a team

can you give me an example when you are not a team leader

can you share a life changing moment

Tell me about a conflict faced at work place

Tell me about a time when you solved a challenging task and what was the learning

Why MBA? Why Rice?

Why you?

What are your short and long term goals?

Give me an example of leadership

How do you work in a team effectively?

What clubs/organizations/activities are you interested in participating in?

Lastly, he asked for any queries I had for him.

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 7

I just finished my Community Assessment, and it went well! I had a super conversational interview with a second-year student. Here are the questions they asked me: They started by asking me to tell them about myself. I was asked why I wanted to pursue an MBA and why now is the right time. They wanted to know why I specifically chose Rice for my MBA. We discussed my short-term and long-term goals. The interviewer asked about my experience with diversity and working in diverse groups. They inquired about how I will decide which business school to attend. I was presented with a scenario where someone from my core team was not participating or doing their part, and they asked me how I would handle that situation. The interviewer allowed me to share anything with the admissions team they hadn’t asked me about. Finally, I had the chance to ask the interviewer any questions I had. I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 8

I had my interview yesterday, and it was the friendliest and easiest one I’ve had so far. The interviewer was a second-year student from India, and he asked me the typical questions you would expect. Here’s a summary of our discussion: He started by asking me to tell him about myself. He wanted to know why I was interested in pursuing an MBA. The interviewer asked me why I specifically chose Rice for my MBA. We discussed the factors driving my choice between different business schools: location, ranking, professors, community, and scholarships. He asked about my experiences with diversity and how I would contribute to promoting diversity in the Rice community. The interviewer wanted to know what I would bring or contribute to the Rice community if selected. He allowed me to add anything or share information not addressed in the interview. Finally, I had the chance to ask him any questions I had. The interview lasted about 25 minutes, and overall, it was a positive experience.

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 9

I had a fantastic interview with a second-year student at Rice. It was a delightful two-way conversation. After each of my answers, she would provide insight or feedback, making it feel like a genuine conversation. For example, she said, “You’re right; Rice does sound like a great school for your goals,” and “I know a lot of people in that club; they have a tight bond.” She also shared her own experiences, giving me a better understanding of how Rice supports its students. The questions were standard, but we would chat and have personal follow-up questions after most of them. It felt like the interview was for me and for them to get to know me better. Here are some of the questions we discussed: Tell me about yourself and your resume. What are your post-MBA goals? Why do you want to pursue an MBA? Why did you choose Rice? What unique attributes or experiences will you bring to Jones? Can you share your experience with diversity? How do you plan to decide which business school to attend? Is there anything else you would like to share with the admissions committee? Do you have any questions for me? The interview lasted about 20 minutes, but we continued talking for another 20 minutes after the official interview about Rice, the Houston community, and various other topics. It was a friendly and engaging experience overall.

Rice Jones MBA Interview Questions – 10

The interview was taken online (via Zoom) and lasted about 25 minutes. An AdCom member took the interview. She was accommodating and friendly.

The questions were:

– Why an MBA?

– Post-MBA goals and backup plan

– Why Rice? (with a follow-up question)

– How would you contribute to Rice?

– Experience with diversity in personal and professional life

– On what basis would you choose if you were admitted to different schools?

– Anything else that you want the AdCom to know?

– Do you have any questions for me?