Admission interviews are sometimes included in the application process for international students who want to gain admission to foreign universities. While it is not a general requirement, some schools include it in their criteria before they can grant you admission. Generally, admission interviews can be either evaluative or informative. When evaluative interviews are conducted, university admission officers get to decide whether or not the student is eligible for the interview. On the other hand, if the interview is informative then the student gets to know more about the school from the interviews and in return, the interviews get to know more about the student. If an admission interview is required by your school, you do not need you fret as we’ve listed out tips that can help you ace your interview. For more informative articles like this one, subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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Tips on how to ace your admission interview
Below are some important tips that if applied can help you ace your admission interview as a prospective international student:
1. Read your personal statement
You must have submitted your personal statement during the application phase. You must go back to it to re-read the contents as it is likely that you might be asked questions based on the information provided in your statement. This is why it is advisable to write a personal statement by yourself and to be honest about it. When asked questions related to your personal statement, convey your passion and desire for your position in your response.
2. Look for ways to stand out
Additionally, it is important to note that you will not be the only student who will be interviewed by the admission interviewers. Hence, the a need to look for opportunities to stand out. You can do this by answering questions in a unique and captivating way to impress the interviewers. Your response to personal questions will also go a long way in creating a good impression on the minds of your interviewers.
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3. Familiarize yourself with the course information
Before going for your interview, it is advisable to go through the university’s perspective or to read through the university’s website for information about the program and the course you are applying for. Familiarize yourself with the entry requirements, optional courses, and other details about your course. When you’re asked questions about your course and your program your response will reflect the fact that you’ve properly done your assignment.
4. Be knowledgeable about your field
Furthermore, in addition to knowing your course requirements as offered by the school, you also need to familiarize yourself with information about your chosen study field. Read up about the history, and the current changes. Know the latest tools and trends. Perhaps you may be asked questions related to your current field, the knowledge you have will improve your response and in turn, impress the admission interviewers.
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5. Research on some likely university interview questions
Another thing that can greatly help your performance in the interview is to research likely university interview questions and how to answer them. Generally, you should know that your interviewer would love to know more about you. They will also love to know the reason you chose the course you desire to study and the school. Your responses should reflect your interest in the school and the course that you have chosen. However, in as much as you’ll do your research be as natural as possible while responding to the questions.
6. Practice before D-Day
One of the ways you can eliminate anxiety on the day of your admission interview is to practice before the date of your actual interview. You can get your friends or family members to ask you possible interview questions and answer them like you would in the actual interview. They can also recognize areas you need you improve upon. Familiarizing yourself with the process will also boost your confidence before the day.
7. Be punctual
While some schools may insist on physical interviews, others would rather host the interview virtually. If your slot happens to be a physical one, then arrive at the venue about 15 to 30 minutes before it begins so that you can get yourself together and be relaxed before you go in.
8. Be confident
Be confident in your response to the questions that you will be asked. Try not to fidget, stutter, or stammer. Speak audibly and clearly. Practicing before the actual interview will help boost your confidence and enhance your composure.
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9. Dress appropriately
Generally, admission interviews are often viewed as fairly informal. However, this is not an excuse to be poorly dressed. It is advisable to dress formally, just like the way you would at a job interview. Remember that a good first impression matters and the way you dress will be the way you will be addressed.
Likely university admission interview questions
We have compiled a list of some likely admission interview questions that you will be asked during your interview. You can use them as a practice guide. They include:
General interview questions
These are the questions you will be likely asked at the beginning of the conversation. They include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to attend this university?
- Why do you feel you should be accepted into this university?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses academically?
- What do you plan to major in? Why?
- What are the expectations of your college education program?
- What will you do to make a difference at this college?
2. Questions on your educational background
These are questions that bother about your high school experiences, undergraduate experiences, or any other relevant educational experiences. They include questions like:
- What was your graduating GPA?
- What extracurricular activities have you participated in?
- What are some of your academic achievements?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What are some of the projects you worked on while in school?
- What academic skills do you feel you can improve on?
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3. Questions about your experiences
These are questions that focus on your personal experiences, your perspective of the world, and how you manage your time. They include questions like:
- What does being successful mean to you?
- Can you describe a challenge that you overcame?
- What do you do for fun in your free time?
- How do your friends describe you?
- Who do you consider a role model in your personal life?
- What makes you different from other students at this school?
- Describe a time when you stepped up as a leader.
4. Other relevant questions
In addition to all these possible questions listed above, you might also be asked some more in-depth questions which you will have to answer. These can include questions like:
- What skills do you expect to develop through your program?
- Do you plan to continue your education?
- What career fields interest you?
- What are some of the goals you plan on achieving in school?
- Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
- Why are you interested in pursuing your chosen program?
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Conclusion
Maximizing these tips listed will greatly help in your admission interview preparation. However, as you prepare ensure that you do not ask some obvious questions that would have answers. An example is asking a question about the cost of the tuition fee or the duration of the program. This information would be on the school’s website and asking them would reflect that you have not properly done your assignment. Interviews aren’t that hard, just ensure you practice properly to boost your confidence when you finally take on the interview.
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