Adapting to AI Interview Assessments: Succeeding in MBA Video Essays

Admissions offices are rapidly adopting video essays and AI-driven interview screenings for MBA applications, making authentic, tech-savvy preparation essential for success. Applicants who embrace unscripted responses and adapt their strategies to these trends will stand out in an increasingly competitive, technology-mediated environment.

The Rise of Video Essays and AI Screenings

MBA programs worldwide are leveraging asynchronous video interviews and AI-powered assessment tools, enabling them to efficiently evaluate candidate communication, personality, and professionalism. These platforms utilize computer vision and voice analytics to assess applicants’ soft skills—such as sociability, positive attitude, and clarity—directly from recorded responses. Admissions offices value video essays for their ability to reveal authenticity and verify that polished written essays match a candidate’s real presence.

Why Authenticity is Vital

Admissions committees are now well-trained to identify generic, AI-generated, or overly scripted answers, both in written and video formats. Being genuine is crucial, as unscripted video interviews expose hesitation, lack of enthusiasm, or unnatural delivery. The most memorable responses are those that share specific stories, personal reflections, and clear motivations – not recycled platitudes or vague corporate speak. Think of the video prompt as a chance to introduce yourself to future classmates and faculty, not simply to impress an algorithm.

Preparing for Tech-Driven Assessments

Effective preparation combines structured practice and authentic storytelling. Applicants should:

• Build a “story deck” of real-life professional, academic, and personal anecdotes.
• Practice responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework to ensure clarity.
• Record mock interviews on platforms like Zoom or professional video assessment tools to increase comfort and receive feedback.
• Dress professionally, minimize distractions, and maintain eye contact directly with the webcam in recordings.

Relying on AI solely for polish or drafting is acceptable if it enhances clarity and structure, but it should never replace your unique voice. Overusing AI leads to generic, detectable patterns that admissions staff are trained to spot.

Standing Out in the 2025-26 Application Cycle

Technology-driven video and AI assessments are now integral in the current application cycle at many top MBA programs. Applicants who understand the value of unscripted, authentic delivery can leverage these new formats to their advantage. Schools increasingly use these tools not just for efficiency but to better understand candidates’ true character – making preparation and authenticity key differentiators.

Cited Strategies for Success

• Build “story deck” of specific experiences.
• Practice on video and seek professional feedback.
• Focus on authenticity, not rehearsed perfection.
• Use AI as a brainstorming aid only; avoid generic outputs.

Admissions are evolving, and those who adapt to tech-driven assessments—while remaining true to themselves—will continue to thrive.

Additional ways to prepare for AI-driven interview assessments

Applicants can prepare for AI-driven interview assessments by practicing with AI-powered mock interview tools, structuring responses using clear frameworks like STAR, and personalizing their delivery to avoid sounding robotic. Reviewing the specific technology or platform used, doing targeted background research, and rehearsing in realistic settings will also improve performance and confidence.

• Practice with AI Interview Simulators. Numerous platforms—such as Skillora.ai, HireVue, Big Interview, Pramp, and InterviewPrep.ai—offer AI-powered mock interview environments where applicants can practice timed, recorded answers, receive feedback on word choice, tone, pacing, and structure, and simulate role-specific scenarios. Regular use of these tools builds comfort with the format and ensures responses meet criteria evaluated by AI systems.
• Use Structured Communication: AI systems typically score clarity, logic, and structure highly in interview answers. Applicants should:
  • Frame responses with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Focus on concrete, specific examples instead of vague generalizations.
  • Clearly articulate thought processes, especially for behavioral and skills-based questions.
• Personalize, Don’t Memorize: While AI can help brainstorm bullet points and phrasing, applicants should deliver answers in their own words. Over-rehearsed or generic responses are detected by sophisticated AI platforms; authenticity and adaptability matter for scoring well.
• Research and Prepare Environment: Know what to expect by researching the interview software and practicing with similar tools. Set up a quiet, well-lit room, dress professionally, and minimize distractions for video-based interviews – these factors are also scored by some AI systems.
• Combine AI and Human Feedback: Use AI for practice and structural feedback, but supplement with human review and coaching to improve genuine persona and body language. Interview prep should include practicing warm, professional demeanor, maintaining good eye contact, and responding flexibly to unexpected prompts.

Applicants who balance technology-driven preparation with authentic, structured responses will excel in AI-driven interview assessments.

Ready to showcase your authentic story in tech-driven MBA assessments? Sign up for a 1-hour Interview Prep session and boost your confidence for R1 admissions today!