UPDATE: This article was originally posted on January 13, 2020. It has been updated with 2022/23 information and tips below.
As one of the most highly-coveted MBA dual degree programs anywhere in the world, the Lauder program at Wharton offers globally-minded professionals the chance to add a Master’s in International Studies to their MBAs.
Given its tight-knit network, envy-inducing travel schedule, and access to top thought leaders around the world, landing a spot in the Lauder program is no small feat.
That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Lauder admissions interview to stand out. We’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included sample interview questions to ensure you give your Lauder application your best shot.
How the Lauder Interview Works
The Lauder interview will usually happen right around the same time as your regular Wharton interview. You will be interviewed by a member of the Lauder admissions committee. Many interviews are conducted over the phone, which will not negatively impact your application in any way.
During the interview, your main goal is to show you are a highly qualified, globally-minded professional who truly loves Lauder.
The questions you are asked are likely to be very customized to your essays and choice of track within the Lauder program. You should also review your essay in depth before your interview since consistency is king.
How long will the Wharton Lauder interview last?
According to our past applicants, Lauder interviews typically last around 30 minutes.
The questions you are asked will be more specific, so try to think about how the questions below might be adapted to your case.
Who is Lauder Looking for?
(Photo courtesy of @lauderinstitute on Instagram)
Lauder looks for globally-minded professionals who are poised to become future global business leaders.
In general, Lauder admits can clearly demonstrate and articulate an understanding of current events, especially those related to their target region. Furthermore, our most successful applicants have had an extensive track record of living, working, and/or volunteering abroad. As such, when applying to Lauder, you want to make sure you highlight the full picture of your global experience!
Finally, keep in mind that all Lauder applicants must complete the OPI language exam to prove proficiency in a language other than English. Each track within the program has specific requirements, so make sure to review those before scheduling your exam!
Lauder Interview Questions
- Tell me a little bit about your career, starting from university, why you chose that university, major, etc.
- Expect follow-up questions, especially focused on your global experience.
- Tell me a little bit about your experience working in another country – how was it different from working in an emerging market/developed market/etc?
- Why Lauder?
- What are your short-term and long-term goals?
- Why your target language and your target region? (ex: Latin America and Spanish).
- Expect follow-up questions
- When did you first start learning TARGET LANGUAGE and how has that progressed? Have you been on an immersion experience before?
- How will you contribute to the Wharton/Lauder community outside of professional interests?
- Have you been in touch with any Lauder students, and what do you know about the program?
- Where are you considering doing your summer internship?
- Do you have any ideas for your GKL?
- How do you see the summer immersion enhancing your business education?
- Why not just Wharton alone?
- How do you plan to balance the demands of Wharton and Lauder?
- Questions for me?
Additional Preparation
Remember that Lauder looks for globally-minded professionals who are poised to become future global business leaders.
You should show an understanding of current events, especially those related to your target region. You should be prepared to speak thoughtfully on these events and show how they connect to other trends or issues in the region, and how they connect to issues around the world.
Also, be prepared to address follow up questions on the content of your essays. For example, if you mention interning in China, be prepared to talk about the cultural and economic differences, challenges you faced, motivations for doing that, your greatest lessons learned, etc.
Overall, keep the tone very conversational yet high level. Show why Lauder would be a good fit for your career and why you are passionate about Lauder.
We have found that answering real interview questions on the spot is a much better means of preparation than reading lists of interview questions for most candidates.
We highly suggest you take a look at mock interview questions and sample interview responses before your interview.
Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of real interview mocks from Wharton Lauder, as well as detailed guides to help you prepare for questions ranging from “Why our MBA program?” to “Tell us about a time you failed.”
The Ellin Lolis Consulting MBA Resource Center is your one-stop shop for interview success. Click to join!
If you’re still not quite confident with your interview skills, our interview experts can help you craft your answers or prepare you for the Lauder interview through mock interviews tailored to your profile.
What to do if you get a question you weren’t prepared for
Despite your most diligent preparation, you will almost always receive a question you had not prepared.
First, stay calm and take a deep breath. You have already made it this far in the process, and one question will not trip you up!
Second, make sure you directly answer the question the interviewer asked you. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a time you had to deal with a difficult manager, make sure to tell a story about a difficult manager and how you handled the situation.
If you’re having trouble thinking of an answer or an example to support your answer, however, take a drink of water to give yourself a few more minutes to think. If you really can’t think of an example from your personal or professional experience, you can use a hypothetical answer about how you would act in a certain situation.
Finally, assume that the interviewer is testing how you think on your feet and respond to questions you didn’t prepare in advance. Though your answer might not be as polished as if you’d had weeks to rehearse it, smile and confidently give your answer to show you can respond to any question they throw at you.
Make sure you get into Wharton Lauder
You have stressed about every aspect of your MBA application, and now you are ready for your Lauder interview! With the right preparation, this can be your chance to shine and get a highly-coveted spot in this ultra-elite program.
However, maybe you don’t know where to start in preparing, or maybe you tend to ramble on and lose focus during interviews. Maybe you’ve even downloaded sample questions and written out your answers. The problem is, when you try to apply these templates to your own story, it doesn’t quite work.
Our tailored approach was critical to helping our client Conrado secure a spot at Lauder.
Our interview prep focuses on helping you determine how to present yourself during your MBA interview while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic.
That’s why 98.9% of our clients secure admissions to at least one of their target schools.
Forget simulation platforms or long lists of tips – our 1:1 preparation focuses on playing to your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses to turn you into an interview expert. Hire our interview services here. VIP packages that allow you to work directly with Ellin sell out quickly, so make sure you sign up today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
