MIT Sloan MBA Video Questions

MIT‘s MBA application requires 2 video questions.

MIT SLOAN MBA Video Question 1

Every applicant has a story that can’t be captured in a resume. Take up to 90 seconds to share yours – who you are, where you come from, and what’s shaped the person you are today. Be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • No more than 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) in length
  • Single take (no editing)
  • Speak directly to the camera
  • Do not include background music or subtitle

Note: Your video will not be shared beyond the Admissions Committee and is for use in the application process only.

Upload Instructions

To upload media to your digital portfolio, add the files using the “Select Files” button below and click “Start Upload.” Uploading may take anywhere from seconds to several hours depending upon the size of the media file and your connection speed. If your file is large, we recommend that you upload from a wired connection if possible.
Once your file has been received, it will be displayed under the “Your Portfolio” tab. Your file will be processed and converted into its final form soon after uploading. Processing may take several minutes or hours depending upon the file size. You do not need to remain on this page after the media has been uploaded, as processing will occur automatically and independently.
You may re-order your uploaded media at any time by dragging the slides around. Please supply title and media information by clicking Edit Details.
Should you experience difficulties uploading your file, please ensure that you’re using a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on the fastest wired Internet connection available. An intermittent or slow Internet connection can cause uploads to timeout.

File Sizes and Types

We support media files as large as 5GB, but please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages. We support the following file formats:

Video: .3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .mxf, .webm, .wmv

MIT SLOAN MBA Video Question 2

All applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. We want to hear how you think and communicate in your own words. No prior preparation is required.

Instructions:

  • Please make sure you are using a working internet connection, not wireless or shared wireless connection. If your internet is not a strong signal you will not be able to upload. Please also make sure you have the most up-to-date browser.
  • You will need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone.
  • We suggest using Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser.
  • If using Google Chrome – please click the camera icon in your browser to allow the site to access your microphone. If you are having issues with your microphone, please re-start your computer for Google Chrome to access your microphone.
  • Once the video statement question is viewed you will have 5 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answer.
  • This question is designed to capture your authentic response. It is strongly advised that you NOT read your response.

Please note that this is ONE TAKE only. You will not be able to redo this video and you cannot start the application over in order reset this question. Please be sure you are prepared, as described above, before proceeding.

The following are examples of questions that may be asked in the MIT MBA Video Question 2:

  • What achievement are you most proud of and why?
  • Tell us about a time a classmate or colleague wasn’t contributing to a group project. What did you do?
  • What’s your biggest fear?
  • Describe a situation where you had to admit a mistake or failure.
  • Tell us about an interest you have and never pursued.
  • Tell us about a group task where one of the team members was underperforming
  • What is your favorite motto or quote, and why
  • Tell us about a time when a colleague at work faced a significant challenge, and you helped them with it.
  • What do you think about green energy
  • If money was not a concern. what would you do?
  • Describe a project that you had to use your analytical abilities
  • Tell us about a time you helped a coworker overcome a challenge?
  • What is an interesting project you worked on during an internship?
  • Tell us about a time you failed, what did you do and what did you learn from it?
  • what was the most stressful situation you’ve been in at school / work?
  • tell us about a time when you had to lead communications in a crisis
  • Tell us about a time when you had to communicate regularly with stakeholders. How did you ensure the stakeholders were informed and satisfied?
  • Describe a time when you had to make a decision with incomplete information.
  • What is your greatest fear?
  • Imagine you woke up to 2000 emails but you could only answer 300.
  • What are the characteristics of the best boss or professor you ever had? What made him or her great? Why?

MIT Sloan Video Essay Interview FAQ

The MIT Sloan video essay interview is a Kira-style asynchronous MBA assessment in which applicants record timed video responses to randomly selected questions. It is part of the MIT Sloan MBA application process and evaluates communication skills, structured thinking, and authenticity under time pressure.

No. The MIT Sloan video essay is not a live interview and does not involve direct interaction with an interviewer. Instead, candidates respond to pre-recorded prompts within a timed format, making it similar to a Kira-style interview or MBA video assessment rather than a conversational interview.

The MIT Sloan video essay usually includes 4–5 randomly selected questions. Each question comes with a short preparation period followed by a timed response of around 60–90 seconds.

Alongside the video essay, applicants are required to submit a separate 60-second introduction video. This part focuses on personality, presence, and communication style and is evaluated independently from the main video essay questions. The 60-second introduction video can be rerecorded a number of times, but the video essays can only be recorded once.

The questions typically cover five main areas: motivation and fit, leadership experience, problem-solving, personal reflection, and communication style. The goal is to understand how candidates think and respond in real time rather than how well they prepare scripted answers.

The MIT Sloan video essay is not academically complex, but many candidates find it challenging due to the strict time limits and the need to think on their feet. Success depends more on clarity, structure, and composure than on advanced knowledge.

Strong preparation focuses on practicing timed responses, developing 6–8 clear personal stories, and applying structured frameworks such as Situation–Action–Result. Recording practice answers is also highly effective for improving pacing, clarity, and confidence.

MIT Sloan focuses on how clearly and logically candidates communicate under pressure, along with authenticity, leadership potential, and self-awareness. The emphasis is on real-time thinking rather than rehearsed or memorized responses.

You can explore more about the program in our MIT Sloan MBA admissions guide, review broader top MBA program rankings, or explore structured preparation services in our MBA interview preparation shop. You can also estimate your chances using our MBA chances calculator.

You do not need to wear formal business attire (in fact, we like seeing a more personal side of you), but do keep in mind this is a professional application process and use your best judgment (so yes, a buttoned shirt is advisable for men!).