Preparing for a university interview
The main difficulty in passing the interview is direct contact with the commission. There is no way to find out the exact questions in advance, and sometimes you have to answer right away. To make the interview easier, you need to take into account some of the nuances in its preparation and pay attention to topics that university staff may touch upon during the interview.
International students can expect different interview formats. Since a face-to-face meeting is not always possible, universities often allow for a Skype or telephone interview. Sometimes the interview can take place in person, and you will be informed in advance of the time and address where you need to approach.
Possible questions
Your motivation and plans
You cannot find out the exact interview questions. However, as with exams, you can know what topics will be discussed with you. First of all, wait for questions about your plans during and after your studies. What you have to tell is a lot like a motivation letter you wrote to a university: why exactly you are the ideal candidate, why you chose this program and a specific university, howyou will be useful for this educational institution and other aspects.However, if you did not include any questions in your letter or did not give a detailed answer, then be ready to answer them personally.If you change the direction of study, the commission will probably ask what caused this decision.
Personal qualities
University staff can ask about your personal qualities, your strengths and weaknesses. Try to provide an answer in terms of your future learning. How will your strengths help in this? Will they be useful for your future studies and work? Sometimes questions about a person's strengths and weaknesses make him think. Therefore, make a list for yourself before the interview and indicate which of your qualities were useful in your student years and at work. Maybe you perfectly interact with other team members and know how to find a common language with people, or show leadership skills and are ready to take responsibility for the implementation of the project.
Knowledge and work experience
There will be no questions that are aimed at testing your academic knowledge, because you have already demonstrated their level on the exam and inportfolio. But a representative from the university may ask you to tell more about your experience or ask questions about your resume, to clarify something, or ask to present yourself in accordance with it.In this case, you need to focus on the most significant points of your CV.
How to prepare for the interview
Answers to questions
When you have an idea of what will go oninterview speech, you need to prepare answers to possible questions.Rehearse how you will answer them.Try to simulate the situation and ask a friend to help act as an interviewer.If the interview will take place via Skype or phone, then you should prepare for the interview in the same format.Then you will be more calm and confident in your abilities.
Appearance
Remember that you need to show your best side in everything.Therefore, for the interview, choose neat clothes in neutral shades in which you will be comfortable.Makeup and hair are just as important.It is better to refrain from too bright or pretentious details and opt for a neat appearance.
Interview location
If the interview will take place online or over the phone, make sure you have a suitable setting in advance.Check how well your Internet connection is working, whether your device has enough power, and whether someone will be distracting you.
If you are going to the interview at the appointed place, check in advance where it is, check the necessary documents with you and schedule the timeon the road, taking into account traffic jams.Punctuality is always appreciated, and it is likely that university staff have other interviews or cases scheduled after interviewing you.
Questions for staff
At the end of the interview, you may be asked to ask your questions.Think about what else you would like to know about a university or a specific program.Do not ask a question, the answer to which can be easily found on the university website.Instead, ask about what is really important to you in the learning process and about potential opportunities, such as internships, internships, or research projects.This is a great way to show your interest in learning.
Mood and self-confidence
Excitement during an interview is a completely normal reaction.However, remember that the interview is not an exam.They will not check your academic performance, but will talk to you about plans, experience and your interests.Think of the university staff member as interested in listening to you.Be friendly and confident in your abilities, because no one can tell about your achievements better than you.
Currency
EUR
GBP
KZT
INR
RUB