University interview | Which questions to ask?

University interview | What is it?

The university interview provides you with an opportunity to get more information about the institute while answering any of your questions about the school and the application process.

As a part of your college application process, several colleges encourage you to appear for a university interview with an Admissions representative. Generally, the university interview is optional and evaluative; meant to measure your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. However, in some rare cases, they are purely informational. We say that the opportunity to interview at the various universities you apply to is something to take advantage of!

If this is your first time applying, here are some questions to ask at the end of an internal interview. This not only shows your enthusiasm and seriousness but also helps you come across as a confident person. Read on to know some of the best university interview questions to ask.

 

 

Accommodation

Does the institute offer any accommodation?  If yes, is it on or off campus? What is the expense of this accommodation? What are the facilities and services provided? Are there any provisions for aid or assistance? Asking questions such as these reflects on your sense of responsibility towards your life post-selection.

International community

How many international students are enrolled? What is the proportion of students from your own country? Which other countries do the students largely come from? Are there any specific communities, organizations or clubs which are established for students from your own country? While we suggest you ask this, this merely depends upon your genuine curiosity. Back up asking this question with a valid reason as to why you would like to know the same.

Teaching method

Asking questions about the teaching method is rather important for students. If you haven’t already found out about the teaching style, you might want to ask the admissions representative about the same. It reflects majorly on your level of interest in academic management.

Are the courses taught via lectures, lab work, or seminars? What would be the approximate strength of these classes? What is the structure of a standard lecture/seminar? How many hours of on-campus face-to-face time with the professors does the program contain?

Curriculum

Ask if you can get some specific details on the material you’ll be studying i.e., specific authors or publications. Do you get to choose the specializations in your course? Or is there a core curriculum that is standard for all students? These are some essential questions to ask in a university interview.

Alumni

Is the university an Alma mater to any notable alumni in your field? Which organizations or institutions are these alumni working for now? Could you intern at one of these companies or alongside one of these individuals for work experience? Have these graduates gone down any unusual career paths that you might want to emulate?

You may want to use this question to reverse engineer a notable person from the college by whom you have been inspired. Also, this will give you perspective about what kind of path you will be treading as an alumnus.

Higher studies

If you wish to study at the graduate or a higher level, what courses should you take before doing so? What do they consist of? Which courses does the university offer which would allow you to make this progression? Questions such as these show how proactive you are towards your career and the effort you are committed to investing if you do get the chance to pursue the course. After all, the decisions you make today must be in synergy with your long-term goal. 

Deadlines

Do the deadlines differ for students from different countries? Are the TOEFL/IELTS scores supposed to be submitted along with the application or after? What are the deadlines for the scholarship applications for the programs? Which documents do you need to provide by this date?

Well in most cases you would have already gotten the chance to clarify these out, but if you did not, then this is a good opportunity.

 

Employment

Is the university linked to any local, national or international businesses or organizations? Are any of these industries in the field you’re studying in? Does the University have a Career development department? Is it possible to complete work experience or practical work as part of your course? Let’s be clear about one thing, No direct questions about job opportunities! This is not welcomed, and therefore, you must be graceful about how you explore options for your long-term goals and plans.

Scholarships

Does the University offer scholarships for your program? Which academic resources does the scholarship provide? Can you obtain the scholarship before the beginning of the program? Or do you obtain it after some duration and evaluation?

Key takeaways

• The university interview helps you get more information about the institute while answering any of your questions about the school and the application process.
• Generally, the university interview is optional and evaluative; meant to measure your interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
• You can ask questions regarding accommodation, teaching methods, resources, scholarships, and curriculum.
• Make the most of those 30-60 mins and clear all your doubts with the Admissions Officer.
• Remember to ask these questions at the end of the internal interview.
• Most admissions representatives set aside time in the end for this. 

Sign up with iSchoolConnect for free, and we can answer all these questions directly. Yes, it’s that simple. You can even reach out to us by dropping a comment below!

Liked this blog? Read: US immigrant visa | 11 frequently asked interview questions!

FAQs

1. How can I impress a university interview?

Answer- If you want to make an impression in a university interview, you need to stand out. To do so, you must-

• Dress appropriately 
• Go through your personal statement and elaborate when asked. 
• Read the course information thoroughly. 
• Practice, but don’t mug up your answers.

2. How do you introduce yourself to a university interview?

Answer- Elaborate a bit on your life and how you would fit perfectly into the university. Talk about why you chose the particular course and your passion for it. You can mention your strengths and accomplishments as well. 

3. What is your great answer to ‘what are your weaknesses’?

Answer- It is always good to be honest and tell what your weaknesses are rather than saying ‘I don’t have any,” as that appears arrogant and less self-aware. You could talk about how you are a perfectionist or that you critique your work very harshly and mention how you are trying to find that balance.