Preparing for a University Interview

Sanjay Arora

 If you have been called for an interview, we would like to congratulate you on this achievement! You can already feel the butterflies in your stomach, and now you want to get all paced up for the next level. It is usual for everyone to feel nervous before an important event and even more for a student just out of school. To make sure you ace this level too, keep these tips in your mind while preparing for your university interview. 

 There are generally two types of university admissions interviews:

1. Evaluative
2. Informative.

One attends evaluative interviews with the desire to gain admission to a particular prestigious university. Here, the admission officer evaluates the candidate’s performance and decides whether a seat should be offered to you or not.

On the other hand, in an informative interview, you will have the opportunity to dig in more about the university and vice versa. Here, the university admissions officers may be just as keen to impress you after considering your profile because they want you to choose their institution. Sometimes, universities also include both evaluative and informative elements, making sure you’re thoroughly informed and do not land up unprepared.

 The personal statement provided by you makes a significant impact on your application call from the university. Of all things, one sheet is always kept aside from which the interviewing staff is most likely to refer. It could be about a certain hobby or a claim about one of your achievements or just participation or academic interest. It is one of the biggest reasons why it’s imperative to be honest. Before you step in, look at what you wrote and consider any related questions that might come up in the interview.

 The university does not require a candidate to be reminded of its achievements and popularity. So refrain from chattering about the greatness of the college on being asked your reason to join them. Despite being one of the most simple questions, all of us struggle to answer the “tell me about yourself”. The interview is conducted to know your personality, ambitions, and dedication towards them if given a chance. Take every opportunity to make them believe that you are deemed fit and how their institution can help you achieve your goals.

 It will be a good idea to skim through their university’s prospectus or the official website and brace yourself with complete information on how the course is structured, what optional modules are offered, and is there anything in it that peculiarly interests you. Being aware of their formula will show them that you have done your side of the research. This will help you show them that your sincere interests made you research the course thoroughly. The information can assist you in gathering valuable information from the admissions officer if given an opportunity. However, make sure that your questions haven’t already been covered in the published course information.

 Last but not least, your presentation and confidence in speech will add the silver lining. If this is your first interview, you must sit down with a friend or family member to practice common university interview questions. Remember that the admissions officers are impressed with you so far, and therefore, they have seriously considered offering you a place. So, take a deep breath, and smile!

The writer is Chief Mentor and CEO of mavencareercoaching.com.