Smith MBA Video Assessment: Questions, Format & Preparation Guide

What to Expect from the Smith MBA Video Assessment

The Smith MBA video assessment is a required part of the admissions process for the Full-Time MBA at Queen’s University. Hosted on the Kira Talent platform, it works as a short, asynchronous interview where you respond to timed prompts designed to evaluate how you think, communicate, and present yourself under pressure.

What makes Smith different from most MBA programs is its Team-Based MBA model. From day one, you are placed into a fixed team that stays together throughout the program, supported by a professional coach. This structure is not just academic—it’s personal. As a result, the Admissions Committee (AdCom) is paying close attention to how you behave in group settings: how you handle disagreement, how you communicate under pressure, and whether others would genuinely want you on their team.

To explore the program in more depth, visit our dedicated Smith School of Business MBA overview or compare it with other top Canadian MBA programs.

Smith MBA Video Assessment Format (2026)

The format is short, structured, and intentionally fast-paced to reflect real teamwork situations at Smith:

• Video Questions: Typically 3 prompts (randomly selected from a question bank)
• Preparation Time: 30–60 seconds per question
• Response Time: 60–90 seconds per answer
• Written Component: Usually 1 timed response (about 10 minutes, ~200–250 words)
• Window: Typically 7 days to complete after receiving the invitation

Key Insight: At Smith, “fit” is less about personality type and more about behavior in teams. The AdCom is looking for people who can contribute confidently, listen actively, and stay constructive even when opinions differ.

How to Succeed: Strategies for the Smith Team-Based Model

1. Think in terms of “we,” not just “I”
Smith is built around collaboration, so individual achievement alone is not enough. When you answer, show how your actions improved a group outcome—whether by supporting a teammate, resolving tension, or improving a process.

2. Show coachability, not perfection
Because every student works closely with a coach, Smith values people who are open to feedback. If you talk about failure, don’t over-polish it—focus on what changed in your behavior afterward and how you applied that learning later.

3. Keep STAR extremely tight
With only 90 seconds, structure matters more than storytelling detail. Aim for: brief context, clear action, and a result that feels real and measurable. You can refine this using our common MBA interview questions guide.

4. Treat it like a real team interaction
Even though you’re alone in front of a camera, the tone should feel like a professional conversation. Sit upright, keep your delivery natural, and look into the camera lens. Avoid sounding rehearsed—clarity and calm confidence matter more than memorization.

Smith MBA Sample Video Questions (2026)

Questions tend to focus on teamwork behavior, adaptability, and motivation for Smith’s learning model. For additional practice, see our MBA interview questions by school database.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills

• “Tell us about a time you had to deal with a teammate who was not contributing equally. How did you respond?”
• “Describe a situation where you had to lead a group through a disagreement.”
• “How do you make sure all voices are heard in a high-pressure team environment?”

Adaptability & Growth

• “Tell us about a time you received difficult feedback. How did you respond?”
• “Describe a professional setback and what it taught you about yourself.”
• “How do you handle competing priorities when deadlines are tight?”

Motivation & Smith Fit

• “Why is the Smith team-based MBA model the right fit for you?”
• “What is an accomplishment that doesn’t appear on your resume?”
• “Why Queen’s Smith School of Business, and why now?”