"Give me an example of an ethical dilemma you've experienced."

Anyone have a good answer to this interview question? I can't say I am in a professional position to experience ethical dilemmas very often, but I feel like I need to have something to say here.

Thanks!

How about when you thought about using a response to an MBA application essay question from the BW B-school forums?

Just say:

"I knew you would be asking me this question, but I haven't really had any ethical dilemmas in my career. So I faced an ethical dilemma in that I had to decide to be honest with you about that fact or fabricate an ethical dilemma for the sake of the interview. I ultimately decided to lie to you and make up an ethical dilemma."

(now tell them the fake ethical dilemma).

"I feel that I made the right choice in talking to you about an ethical dilemma that never occured, but that seemed much better for my interview. I am sure you will agree as it was clearly a much more illustrative anecdote that will aid you in your decision and put me in a more positive light than had I simply said that I have not faced any ethical dilemmas."

Then high-five them and walk out of the room. If you are now in a common area with other applicants waiting for interviews, jump into the air and thrust your arm up in triumph.

This doesn't have to be exclusively relating to your work. They want to see how you may POTENTIALLY handle ethical dilemmas as a CEO or whatever. Do you have any personal ones? Was a friend ever in trouble and you needed to decide if you should get other people involved and violate their confidence? What about when you were young? Did you get caught with a fake ID? Was there ever a time when lying would have been easier, but you chose to tell the truth? Did someone advise you to "pad" your resume or you wouldn't get into b-school? The key is to explain what you did about the dilemma, the situation itself is of little consequence.

I heard some top schools (HBS/S/W) are biased towards certain age. Is 30 a disadvantaged age? Your thoughts will be appreciated.

I'm 30 and will be turning 31 shortly. I only applied to W, but was admitted R1. I think people make a bigger issue of age than it really is. It comes down to "why mba"/"why now" more than the year you were born. Best of luck!

Wharton has an older student body than Harvard and Stanford - i.e. all else equal it is easier for an older individual to get into Wharton and a younger individual to get into Harvard and Stanford.

Having gone through a couple of admissions cycles, I'd give the opinion that there are some schools more receptive to candidates near/at 30 (Kellogg, Tuck, CBS) than others (HBS, Stanford in particular). Doesn't mean they don't admit any 30+ applicants, but just that it's likely the ones they do are pretty outstanding.

I think at some schools there is a chance the same person gets admitted at 25 who - if continuing on the same career path with normal progression - gets rejected at 30. Comparative disadvantage at a higher age.

It's possible to get into those schools, but it would probably help to have a mitigating factor in your profile (I started/sold a business, played pro sports, went to med school, was in the military, etc). Also connecting it to a clear post-MBA goal that is unique and incorporates your experiences.

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