MBA video assessments have become an integral part of the modern business school application process. These virtual screenings allow admissions committees to evaluate your communication skills, personality, and cultural fit beyond what’s possible through transcripts and essays alone. Understanding how to excel in MBA video assessments can positively impact your admissions chances.
At Texas McCombs, our MBA video assessment is an essential component that helps us see beyond your written application and get to know you as an individual. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MBA video assessments, from preparation strategies to examples of successful responses. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to showcase your best self during this important part of your application process.
What are MBA Video Assessments?
MBA video assessments are timed video recordings that business schools use to evaluate prospective students’ verbal communication skills, professionalism, and get to know you. Unlike traditional in-person interviews, these assessments are typically completed on your own schedule using platforms like Kira or similar video software.
Most MBA video assessments follow a similar format: you’ll receive a series of prompts or questions with limited time to prepare and respond. Response times typically range from 60 to 120 seconds per question, with some programs allowing up to 3 minutes for complex scenarios.
The Importance of MBA Video Assessments in Admissions
Why Business Schools Use Video Assessments
MBA video assessments serve multiple purposes in the admissions process. They help admissions committees assess your ability to think on your feet, communicate clearly under pressure, and demonstrate the soft skills essential for MBA success. These assessments also provide insight into your personality and alignment with the program’s values.
Video assessments are particularly valuable for evaluating international candidates whose first language may not be English, as they demonstrate real-time communication abilities that written essays cannot capture. Additionally, they help admissions committees put a face and voice to your application, making you more memorable in a competitive applicant pool.
What Admissions Committees Evaluate
When reviewing MBA video assessments, admissions committees typically look for several key competencies:
Communication Skills: Your ability to articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and confidently in English while thinking on your feet.
Adaptability and Resilience: How you handle unexpected questions or challenges while remaining composed under pressure and demonstrating openness to feedback.
Leadership and Ambition: Evidence of your ability to influence others, drive results, and strategically solve complex problems with an enterprising approach.
Clear Goals: Thoughtful decision-making in pursuing an MBA with a long-term vision for achieving your career objectives.
Empathy and Inclusivity: How you advocate for all voices in the room to be heard and navigate difficult conversations and situations.
Personal Interests: Your ability to explain what drives you outside of work, demonstrating well-rounded interests that shape your personality.
Professionalism and Poise: Mature, professional conduct appropriate for business settings while maintaining authenticity.
Essential Tips for MBA Video Assessment Preparation
Research the School and Program
Before beginning your MBA video assessment preparation, thoroughly research the specific business school and the program you’re applying to. Understand their values, culture, and what they’re looking for in candidates. Review their website, attend information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni to gain insights.
Many programs will ask why you’re interested in their specific MBA program, so having detailed knowledge about their unique offerings, faculty, clubs, and career services will help you provide compelling, specific responses.
Master the Technical Requirements
McCombs’ Video Assessments are conducted through the Kira platform. It will require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhones/iPads) with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection – and make sure you have plenty of charge on your laptop or that you are plugged in! Most browsers are compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) but the platform will not work well on Safari.
Test your technology setup multiple times before the actual assessment. Ensure your camera is at eye level, your lighting is flattering, and your background is professional and distraction-free.
Practice Responding to Questions
The practice opportunities provided by the assessment platforms are invaluable. Take advantage of unlimited practice sessions prior to recording your actual video responses to:
- Get comfortable with the technology and format (yes, you will be talking to yourself)
- Practice timing your responses (McCombs’ prompts are between 90-120 second responses, depending on the program you are applying to)
- Refine your delivery and non-verbal body language
- Test different response structures
Develop Your Core Stories
Prepare 5-7 compelling stories that demonstrate your key strengths and experiences. These should cover:
- Leadership experience
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Overcoming challenges
- Professional achievements
- Personal interests or hobbies
- Career goals and motivation for MBA
Structure each story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clear, impactful responses within time constraints. Consider practicing with friends, family, or career counselors who can provide feedback on your communication style, clarity, and professionalism.
Proven Strategies for MBA Video Assessment Success
Structure your stories using the STAR method. Most successful MBA video assessment responses follow a simple structure:
- First 15-20 seconds: Set up the Situation and Task
- Next 45-60 seconds: Detail your specific Actions and the Results
- Final 15-20 seconds: Brief reflection or key takeaway (connect to MBA goals if the question specifically asks for it)
This structure ensures you address the question completely while staying within time limits, in the case of McCombs, responses times allotted are between 90-120 seconds and you may only record your response once.
Tip: Always include a specific, concrete example. Vague responses don’t demonstrate your capabilities or give the admissions committee insight into how you think and operate.
Professional Presentation Tips
Dress Professionally: Wear business attire as you would for an in-person interview. Solid colors work better on camera than patterns or stripes.
Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera, not the screen, to create the impression of eye contact. Do not read answers from your screen; typically, this is obvious to the admissions committee and is distracting.
Use Confident Body Language: Sit up straight, use natural hand gestures, and smile genuinely when appropriate.
Speak Clearly and Pace Yourself: Avoid rushing through responses. Speak at a measured pace and enunciate clearly.
Managing Nerves and Pressure
Video assessments can feel unnatural and stressful. To manage anxiety:
- Practice deep breathing exercises before starting
- Remind yourself that you can take a moment to collect your thoughts
- Focus on having a conversation rather than giving a performance
- Remember that some nervousness is normal and expected
Example of Previous Kira Question & Response
Question: At Texas McCombs we value leadership. Tell us about your most significant leadership experience.
Strong Response Example: In my role as a team lead at a growing financial services firm, I was asked to oversee a project aimed at improving client onboarding. I brought together colleagues from different departments, set clear goals, and created a timeline that kept us on track. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, we reduced onboarding time by 30% and improved client satisfaction scores. This experience taught me how to lead with empathy, keep teams aligned, and deliver results—qualities I’m excited to bring to McCombs.
Why This Works: This response lets the evaluator know what you do, what was the objective of the assignment, and the direct result and impact of your action. It is a specific example that is relatable to how a student can contribute to the program.
McCombs-specific Video Assessment: What to Expect
This exciting part of your application journey begins shortly after you submit your MBA application. Here’s what you need to know about completing your video assessment:
Invitation: Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an invitation from Kira to complete the Hildebrand MBA Video Assessment.
Time Frame: You’ll have 7 days from receiving access to the video assessment platform to complete your assessment. Mark your calendar and plan accordingly!
Structure: The video assessment consists of 4-5 question prompts and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You’ll have between 90-120 (again, depending on the MBA program you’re applying to!) seconds to answer each prompt.
Practice Opportunity. Don’t worry about going in cold! You’ll have the chance to practice with the camera and platform before recording your actual responses for submitting. Take advantage of this to get comfortable with the format and technology. However, when you actually go to record your responses, you will only have ONE attempt per question.
Your Path to MBA Video Assessment Success
MBA video assessments represent both a challenge and an opportunity in your business school application journey. By understanding what admissions committees are looking for, preparing thoroughly, and presenting yourself authentically, you can turn this component into a competitive advantage. The key to success lies in balancing professionalism with authenticity, demonstrating your qualifications while letting your personality shine through.
With proper preparation and the right mindset, your MBA video assessment can help set your application apart and open the door to your future business school success. Take advantage of every practice opportunity, stay true to yourself, and approach your assessment with confidence. Your future MBA classmates and career are waiting on the other side of this important milestone.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our MBA admissions page to learn more about application requirements and deadlines. For additional resources and insights into the Hildebrand MBA at Texas McCombs experience, follow us on social media or register for an admissions event.
