<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1748708951937069&amp;ev=PageView &amp;noscript=1">
Skip to content

PHASE 4: INTERVIEW PREPARATION

 

Your Story, Under Pressure—Delivered with Confidence

The Interview Decides Everything

You've done the work. Your application is strong. Now comes the final test: proving you're as impressive in person as you are on paper. This is where committees see if you're ready—and where you beat out everyone else competing for your spot.


We've spent 10+ years mastering every interview format and every school's approach. Because of the work we've done together, you already know your story inside and out. Now we make sure you deliver it with clarity and conviction.

Phase 4

Support for every step of the Application Process

Improve your score

GMAT Tutoring

Both group and one-on-one classes to improve your GMAT score. With a more relationship-based approach to teaching, we tailor our services to your specific needs.

Pick the right schools

School Selection

We understand the ideal student profile of top admissions committees, and we use this expertise to help you strategically select the most competitive and attainable programs for your skillset.

Write great essays

Essay Editing

We provide significant editorial feedback on your essays, empowering you to frame your professional narrative in an exciting way that will stand out.

 

 

Feel confident in interviews

Interview Preperation

After several rounds of our intensive mock-interview program, you will be prepared to answer difficult questions while also letting your personality shine.

Interview Prep

Why This Matters

The interview isn't a formality—it's where strong candidates often fall flat.

  • Not because they lack substance, but because they lack preparation.
  • You've built an incredible application.
  • Now you need to bring it to life in real time, under pressure.
  • Our job is to make sure you show up as the inevitable candidate.

 

The Three Pillars of Your Application

Your CV

First impressions matter

Why it's critical

In 30 seconds, your CV shapes how an admissions reader interprets everything else. A strong MBA CV signals leadership, impact, and trajectory—not just responsibilities.

What makes an MBA CV different
  • Impact over tasks: concrete outcomes, not generic role descriptions
  • Leadership and growth: progression, initiative, influence
  • Goal alignment: your past supports your post-MBA direction
  • Differentiation: especially if your background looks "common" on paper
Our approach

We don't "polish" your resume. We extract measurable impact from what you already did.

"Managed a team of analysts" becomes "Led a team of 5 analysts to deliver $2M in cost savings, reducing cycle time by 30%."
What we do together
  • Identify the moments that actually move the needle in your career
  • Build metrics and proof points for each core contribution
  • Structure and format your CV to match MBA expectations and each school's priorities
  • Ensure your CV reinforces (and never contradicts) the essay narrative
Your Essays

Where your story comes to life

Why they're critical

Essays are where you become memorable. They show motivations, values, judgment, and direction—the "why" behind your choices.

What makes great essays
  • School-specific, not templated
  • Authentic voice and real stakes
  • Strategic framing of gaps
  • Consistency with CV and recommendations
Our approach
  • Build a reusable story bank
  • Map stories to each school's values
  • Adjust angle by program
  • Quality-control across the application
Your Letters of Recommendation

Validation that seals the deal

Why they're critical

Recommendations are third-party evidence. Generic letters quietly sink strong profiles; specific ones elevate them.

Our approach
  • Select the right witnesses
  • Brief with themes and proof points
  • Protect consistency
  • Cover gaps with credible validation

 

What We Do Together

Foundation

You Already Know Your Story—We Make Sure You Own The Room

Because of Phases 1-3, you know your vision, your strengths, your "why," and exactly how this school fits your future. Now we help you communicate that with power and clarity.

Our Approach

Mock, Drill, Refine, Repeat

We don't give generic tips. We simulate the real thing—over and over—until your delivery clicks.

What We Do Together:

  • Simulate real interview environments for each target school (blind, behavioral, video, panel)
  • Prepare you for school-specific questions using our 10+ year database from every top program
  • Customize drills based on your story and the specific format you'll face
  • Help you speak confidently about your career vision, resume experiences, leadership potential, and why this school
  • Refine your delivery through honest, direct feedback until you sound natural and compelling
Our Competitive Edge

10+ Years Of Interview Intelligence

We've documented the questions, formats, curveballs, and patterns from hundreds of clients. We know:

  • What HBS asks vs. Stanford vs. INSEAD
  • How to handle blind interviews (they haven't read your app)
  • How to navigate behavioral interviews (testing judgment and values)
  • How to stand out in video interviews (where presence matters even more)
  • How to turn tough questions into opportunities to reinforce your story

By Interview Day, You'll Be an Expert In:

  • Yourself – Your story, strengths, and vision
  • The School – What they value, why you fit, what you'll contribute
  • Your Pitch – How to articulate it all clearly and confidently in real time

This isn't about memorizing answers. It's about being so clear on who you are and where you're going that you can handle anything they throw at you.

 

The proof: Client profiles

Three Transformations

CASE STUDY 1

The Consultant Who Nailed the HBS Blind Interview

Profile: MBB consultant, Mexico, GMAT 631

Challenge: HBS blind interview—interviewer hadn't read her application

The work: Practiced delivering her story from scratch in under 3 minutes. Drilled on weaving in her Latin American background naturally. Prepared for curveballs about her career pivot and why HBS specifically.

Outcome: HBS admit

Why it worked: She walked in knowing exactly who she was and why HBS needed her. She showed leadership, not just talked about it.

CASE STUDY 2

The Career Switcher Who Turned Doubt Into Confidence

Profile: Finance → tech pivot, Colombia, GMAT 612

Challenge: Stanford GSB behavioral interview testing his judgment and authenticity

The work: Practiced answering "Why tech?" without sounding like he was running from finance. Drilled on explaining his pivot as strategic, not reactive. Prepared stories showing entrepreneurial mindset and calculated risk-taking.

Outcome: Stanford GSB admit

Why it worked: He didn't just explain his pivot—he owned it. The interviewer saw someone who knew exactly what he wanted and why GSB was the only place to get there.

CASE STUDY 3

The Underdog Who Proved She Belonged

Profile: GMAT 585, non-elite company, Argentina

Challenge: INSEAD video interview—had to stand out on screen with limited time

The work: Practiced sounding confident (not defensive) about her background. Drilled on positioning her operational experience as rare and valuable. Prepared to pivot from GMAT questions to her strengths.

Outcome: INSEAD admit

Why it worked: She didn't apologize for her profile—she positioned it as exactly what INSEAD needed. The interviewer saw grit, clarity, and undeniable potential.

 

Invest in your
MBA future
Make your MBA application process clearer,
stronger, and faster — and apply your full
investment toward The Merchant Partnership.

Continue with us to turn your initial investment
into significant savings for your MBA journey.
INVESTMENT
Standalone Module: $X,XXX

Multiple mock interview sessions (school-specific), access to our 10+ year question database, honest feedback and coaching, email support throughout

 
Or Included in Comprehensive Package
Services & Pricing

 

FAQ
How many mock interviews do I get?
We work with you through multiple sessions until you're ready. Typically 3-5 mocks per school, adjusted based on your needs and timeline.
What if I'm not a natural speaker or get nervous?
That's exactly why we practice. Most clients feel this way at first. Through repeated mocks and honest feedback, you'll build confidence and learn to manage nerves. By interview day, it feels natural.
Do you have questions from my specific target schools?
Yes. We've documented 10+ years of questions from every top program. We know what HBS, Stanford, INSEAD, and others ask—and we'll prepare you for the specific format you'll face.
What if I get a curveball question?
We prepare you for that too. Part of our training is teaching you to think on your feet and pivot back to your core story, no matter what they ask. The goal isn't memorization—it's clarity.
How do you give feedback?
We're direct and honest, but supportive. We'll tell you what's working and what's not, and keep refining until your delivery clicks. Our goal: confident, natural, compelling.

 

Ready to Win Your Interview?
45-minute consultation to discuss your interview prep needs
Book Your Free Strategy Call Download: MBA Interview Prep Guide
Free guide on preparing for every type of MBA interview

 

Why Merchant?

What Makes Us Different

We go beyond the application to prepare you for the career that follows. Our approach is designed for depth, not just editing.

Life Vision—Not Just Rankings

Most start by asking "Which MBA?". We start by asking "What kind of life do you want?". Then we work backward to map the career path that gets you there.

Proven, Structured Process

Our 4-step method takes you from confusion to clarity: Strategy & Vision → School Selection → Story → Interviews & Scholarships.

Identity Work—Not Just Editing

Before writing a single word, we help you understand who you are. Your values, strengths, and defining moments become the foundation of your application.

Partner Before, During & After

We don't disappear when you get accepted. You join a community of 450+ alumni building careers globally—and that network becomes yours.

 

WHY MERCHANT

What Makes Us Different?

We go beyond the application to prepare you for the career that follows.

We Start with Your Life Vision—Not MBA Rankings

Most people start by asking "Which MBA?" We start by asking "What kind of life do you want in 10 years?" Then we work backward to map the career path, post-MBA goals, and program that will actually get you there. When you're clear on where you're going, everything else becomes easier.

We Use a Proven, Structured Process

Our 4-step method takes you from confusion to clarity: → Strategy & Vision: Define your goals and build your story → School Selection & Research: Find programs that align with your vision → Story, CV & Recommendations: Create a compelling, cohesive narrative → Interviews & Scholarships: Win the offer and maximize funding

We Do Identity Work—Not Just Essay Editing

Before we write a single word, we help you understand who you are: your values, your strengths, the moments that shaped you, and what makes you different. That self-awareness becomes the foundation of your entire application—and it's what admissions committees are really looking for.

We're Your Partner—Before, During, and After Admission

We don't disappear when you get your acceptance letter. We help you prepare for the MBA experience, navigate recruiting, and make career decisions years after you graduate. You join a community of 450+ alumni building careers across the world—and that network becomes yours.

Who We Work With

Three profiles that capture 90% of our clients.

THE ACHIEVING STRATEGIST

CONSULTANTS, FINANCE, TECH

Seeking leadership roles
Data-driven mindset
Proven track record

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Elevates impact to scale for executive-level influence.

THE CAREER SWITCHER 

OPS, MARKETING, HR, NGOS

Leveraging transferable skills
Reinventing professional identity
Navigating new industries

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Builds confidence and clarity to launch a new professional path.

HIGH-POTENTIAL UNDERDOG 

NONTRADITIONAL BACKGROUND

Diverse perspectives
Resilience and grit
Untapped potential

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Unlocks opportunities and defies expectations for rapid growth.

We Don't Let You Do This Alone

Structure, accountability, and partnership through every step—from your first callto life after graduation.

What truly sets Merchant apart is the level of structure, accountability, and support. Even when I felt stuck or wanted to give up, I knew someone was looking out for me, pushing me forward with a clear plan.

Chicago Booth

Jorge V. 🇲🇽

Booth MBA '26

Going through the MBA process with Merchant forced me to slow down and ask myself the right questions about my story, my values, and what I really want long-term. It wasn’t just about getting into an M7—it gave me a clearer framework for decisions I’ll be making for the rest of my career.

HBS LOGO

Santiago G. 🇲🇽

Harvard MBA '26

I had plenty of accomplishments but no real narrative. Merchant’s Strategy & Career Vision framework helped me connect the dots so clearly that every part of my application felt aligned—essays, interviews, and ultimately my decisions. When the results came in and every school I applied to said yes, I didn’t just feel admitted to Harvard; I felt like I finally understood why I belonged there.

HBS LOGO

Emilio D. 🇲🇽

Harvard MBA '27

Merchant wasn’t just an admissions service—they were there at every step, challenging me, supporting me, and helping me think beyond the application. By the time I chose between Kellogg and MIT, I wasn’t just picking a school; I was making a well-grounded decision about my life and career.

Kellogg School of Management

Mark L. 🇦🇷

Kellogg MBA '25

    From Latin America to the World's Best Programs

    We've helped our clients earn admission to the most selective programs on the planet.

    European Leadership

    • London Business School
    • INSEAD
    • IESE Business School
    • HEC Paris
    • IE Business School
    • Oxford Saïd
    • Cambridge Judge
    • IMD
    • ESADE
    • SDA
    • Bocconi

     

     U.S. Strategic Excellence

    • Harvard Business School
    • MIT Sloan
    • Wharton
    • Columbia
    • Yale SOM
    • Tuck
    • NYU Stern
    • Cornell Johnson
    • Chicago Booth
    • Kellogg
    • Michigan Ross
    • Carnegie Mellon Tepper
    • Duke Fuqua
    • UVA Darden
    • UNC Kenan-Flagler
    • UT Austin McCombs 
    • Rice Jones
    • Stanford GSB
    • Berkeley Haas
    • UCLA Anderson
    Our alumni don't just attend these schools—they're building careers and lives in the cities that matter to them. This is the Merchant community. When you work with us, this network becomes yours.

    Not Sure Where to Start?

    In 45 minutes, we'll help you get clarity on your vision, your goals, and whether the MBA is the right next step. 

    No sales pitch. No pressure. Just honest guidance from someone who's been there.