TBD Interview Tips

When applying for MBA programs in the top business schools, a TBD (Team-Based Discussion) interview is becoming a common assessment method. These interviews are designed to evaluate academic expertise, soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. For students aiming to study abroad, especially in competitive programs, mastering the TBD interview can make a significant difference in their admission chances.

In this post, we will explore TBD interview tips to help you prepare and stand out during the group discussion.

Understanding the Purpose of the TBD Interview

What is a Team Based Discussion interview? A TBD interview is a collaborative, team-based activity where students must work together as a team to address a question or solve a problem. The goal is not only to assess your individual ideas but also to have a look at your team-player skills. This makes TBD interviews different from traditional one-on-one interviews where personal achievements take center stage.

Here’s what most universities or institutions are looking to assess during a TBD interview:

1. Collaboration and Leadership Skills
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
3. Communication Skills

Before the Interview: Preparation Tips

Proper preparation is essential for success in a TBD interview. Since this format oversees the group dynamics, you need to focus not only on presenting your ideas but also on how well you present yourself as a team-player.

Here are key preparation strategies to get ready for your Tean based discussion interview:

1. Research the Institution and Program

Understanding the values, culture, and expectations of the university you are applying to is important. Many top institutions design TBD interviews around their core values.

2. Understand the Structure of a TBD Interview

Familiarize yourself with how TBD discussions work, like the timing, questions, and expected deliverables. Most universities share their TBD structure before-hand. But, in case, no such structure and expectations are provided beforehand, practice thinking on your feet and generating ideas quickly to ease the experience.

3. Prepare for Common Scenarios

Research topics related to your field of study and think about keywords that you can use in your answers. You can also consider generating a concise pitch that you can deliver in under 60 seconds.

4. Practice Mock TBD Interviews

Creating the interview environment is one of the best ways to prepare. Organize mock TBD interviews with peers or mentors where you can practice delivering your pitch, managing group discussions, and adapting to team dynamics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in TBD Interviews

Even though Team Based Discussion interviews are collaborative, it’s easy to make errors that can negatively affect your performance. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Being Overly Assertive or Too Passive

One of the biggest mistakes in a TBD interview is over-dominating the conversation. While being vocal is important, you don’t want to overshadow others. Conversely, being too quiet or passive can also hurt your chances, as admissions officers are looking for individuals who can contribute meaningfully.

• Find a balance where you participate actively without monopolizing the discussion.
• If you’re someone who tends to be more reserved, prepare ways to jump into the conversation confidently.

2. Failing to Engage with Others

TBD interviews are team-based for a reason: admissions officers want to see how well you collaborate with others. Ignoring your teammates or failing to build on their ideas shows a lack of team spirit.

• Engage with others by referring to their contributions and building on their points. Even if you disagree, doing so respectfully will showcase your communication and leadership skills.

3. Not Managing Time Effectively

In a TBD interview, time is of the essence. Whether you’re presenting your pitch or helping to guide the discussion, being mindful of time is crucial. Teams that fail to manage time well often don’t finish the task, which reflects poorly on the group. Practice speaking concisely and have a strategy in place to keep track of time during the discussion.

4. Neglecting Leadership Opportunities

While it’s important not to dominate the discussion, it’s also a mistake to miss opportunities to show leadership. If the group is struggling to reach a consensus or the conversation becomes unfocused, gently stepping in to guide the discussion can demonstrate your ability to lead without being authoritarian.

• Leadership can also mean facilitating contributions from quieter team members, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate.

Wharton and INSEAD’s TBD Interview Dates

The top-tier business schools, like Wharton and INSEAD, have unique interview processes that demand a deep understanding of collaboration and leadership. The Team-Based Discussion (TBD) interview, a hallmark of Wharton’s admissions process, pushes applicants beyond the traditional one-on-one format.

For the 2024-2025 cycle, Wharton’s TBD interview deadlines follow closely after the application submission dates:

Round 1 applicants will receive interview invitations by October 24, 2024.
For Round 2, invitations will be released on February 19, 2025

INSEAD, though not widely known for a TBD-style interview, also emphasizes team-based leadership skills in their interviews. The deadlines for INSEAD are:

Round 1 —- 10 September 2024
Round 2 —- 05 November 2024
Round 3 —- 14 January 2025
Round 4 —- 04 March 2025

During the Interview: Key Strategies

Here are key strategies to follow during the TBD interview:

1. Balance Assertiveness with Collaboration

You’ll need to participate actively in the discussion, but you also want to avoid dominating the conversation. Be sure to actively listen to others and acknowledge their ideas before offering your input. For example, if someone presents a good point, build on it or offer constructive feedback instead of pushing your agenda.

2. Engage Thoughtfully with Different Perspectives

Not all team members will have the same opinion or approach, and that’s okay. In fact, respectful disagreement can enhance the discussion. Instead of avoiding conflict, try to introduce new perspectives diplomatically.

3. Demonstrate Leadership Without Dominating

Leadership in a TBD interview is about inspiring and organizing the group, not taking over. Successful candidates often show leadership by ensuring all voices are heard and moving the discussion forward efficiently.

4. Maintain Self-Awareness

During the TBD interview, keep track of your speaking time. Be aware of how much you have contributed and balance that against giving others space to speak. Universities like Wharton highly value self-awareness, which can be demonstrated by knowing when to step up and when to step back

After the Interview: Follow-Up and Reflection

Once the Team Based Discussion interview is over, your work isn’t quite finished. The way you handle the follow-up is an important part of leaving a strong impression.

1. Reflect on Your Performance

After the interview, take some time to reflect on how you performed. This self-assessment will help you prepare for future interviews and improve where necessary.

Consider asking for feedback from peers or mentors if you practiced in a mock TBD setting. This can help you identify areas of strength and improvement for future group-based interviews.

2. Send a Thoughtful Follow-Up Email

Within 24–48 hours after your TBD interview, it’s a good idea to send a brief, polite follow-up email to thank the admissions committee for the opportunity. This shows professionalism and continued interest in the program. Here’s how to craft your follow-up email:

• Express gratitude for the interview experience.
• Mention a specific detail from the interview or a particular part of the discussion that stood out to you. This shows attentiveness and engagement.
• Reaffirm your interest in the program, briefly tying your participation in the TBD to why you believe you’re a good fit for the university.

However, keep the tone light and respectful, avoiding anything that sounds presumptuous or overconfident.

Conclusion

To succeed in a TBD interview, preparation is key, but so is understanding the collaborative nature of the exercise. Universities want to see how well you work in a team. By researching, preparing strategically, participating actively, and following up professionally, you will put yourself in the best position to make a strong impression.

With these strategies, you can enter your Team Based Discussion interview feeling confident and ready to showcase your strengths in a collaborative environment. Hop on a 1:1 call with our expert for better consultant.