There are a lot of universities these days that have switched from writing exams to online interviews before admission is granted. But look no further because we’ve got you!! Here we would be discussing the tricks and tips which would help ace your interviews.

And here we all know that due to the pandemic, a lot of colleges request students to provide written statements/essays or oral interviews describing their intent to study in their universities. But first, we would be discussing the common or regular questions being asked to most students or I might classify them as generic questions asked to potential students. Most university interviews tend to ask about the same topics/questions. If you prepare enough for these kinds of questions, you would be sailing through all interviews. Ok, now let’s discuss these 5  possible generic questions.

1)    TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF??

Reason for this question: – The prospective university would like to know more about the student they are welcoming into their institution.
What they truly looking for: – You need to create a unique picture of yourself, whereby selling yourself to increase your chances of being accepted. (Hint- avoid random description of self like ‘’I am very hardworking but explain your driving force to earn the university’s degree.)
How to ace this question? – Regularly practice how to answers this question. Try talking about your passion, hobbies and your interest. Impress them with your confident while you explain who you truly are. You can discuss what inspires you or maybe brag about the things people like about you.

2)    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS COLLEGE?

Reason for this question: – To me this is the main deal, if they don’t ask you this question, then that means the school might probably not be the best option for you. This question is a most asked question and should be taken quite seriously. The Intending institution is expecting to be convinced beyond doubt that you are deserving of a place in their institution and also you having a legitimate interest in their institution.
What they are truly looking for? –  Here, you would be talking about your interest in the major you have applied for in the institution, discuss their cultural values, extracurricular activities that drew your interest. (Hint- Be thorough and precise). I wouldn’t encourage you to discuss prestige, ranking, maybe the low-cost tuition fee advantages, or talking about how close the institution is to your house, none of this shows genuine interest in the specific college.
How to ace this question: – How you can ace this, is by this plain word called ‘’RESEARCH’’. It is very important to conduct extensive institution research before your interview. You should be able to cite specifics when you are answering the question being asked. This advice also applies to when you are asked a written question for your application essay.

3)    WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAJOR IN?

Reason for this question: – Universities ask this question because they are interested in your academic goals and to be sure you are academically inclined.
What they are truly looking for: – I would say, this question just shows what you are passionate about. Okay? You would be explaining why the course you choose inspires you or why you are passionate about it. (Hint- Don’t disclose that your main aim for taking your referred course is how to make money or have decent job security even if that is the sole aim. Saying this would not make you look genuine about your intent but somewhat shallow.
How to ace this question: – I would say, you would need to do some homework on this. You would need to think deeply about why you are passionate about this specific major. What makes you particularly interested in this course or also share a life experience that must have provoked your interest in this subject? How will the major enable you to reach your future professional goals?

4)    WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC STRENGTH?

Reason for this question: – In the quest to know you as a student, Institution would be interested in getting your perspective on where you excel academically.
What they are truly looking for: – They are looking for how you can capitalize on your career strength. Okay, let me explain this further. Let’s say you have a skill in writing and how would you utilize your writing skills to yourself or maybe to the school in general. Then you can just capitalize on your skill basically.
How to Ace this question: – This one, you would need to master your academic strength. How you properly utilize them and what your skills would be offering the world as a whole.     

5)    WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHOOL?

I can remember a saying that goes like this; we are being paid by the value we bring to the marketplace. The moral here is that we are being appreciated by the value we bring. People would like to know the caliber of person you are. So, when they ask this question. Then basically want to know what or how you can make the institution a better place with the value
Reason for this question: – The prospective institution would like to admit student that would make a positive contribution to the school.
What they are truly looking for:- I would like to emphasize this. Don’t give an ambiguous answer. Remember the goal is that you are selling yourself like gold. Don’t just say you will contribute a good work ethic and help your neighbor. Trust me, I do help my neighbor, like every day!!! Let your thought be centered around if you would like to contribute to their research department? If you would like to grace a leadership position in an extracurricular activity? How would you represent the institution as an ambassador? How will your presence on campus and in the study room make a difference? I mean there is a lot to talk about.
How to ace this question: – Identify your personal and your educational goals as well as the activities you would like to get involved with.

In conclusion to this, let me add some tips as BONUS.
TIPS ON HOW TO ANSWER YOUR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS.
I would encourage you to do some research, jot out possible questions and map out your answers, best suitable enough for you to remember.

• This might be a little weird but practice talking to yourself, so as to build confidence within yourself

• When being interviewed, try to sound like you are having a conversation and not like a rehearsed speech.

• Try not to memorize all your answers, but try to master them.
  
  We wish you the best in your interviews