University Interview

 What is the university interview process?

A personal interview is typically part of a college or university’s admission process. It may take place on campus, off-site or even virtually. The interviewer asks questions to learn about you, your interests and your potential to do well in their program. You can also ask questions about the school, degree programs or any subject you’d like to know more about.

Not all universities require interviews. If you are given the option, however, you should ask for one. Asking for an interview helps show that you are genuinely interested in attending the program and also lets the interviewer learn about you beyond what’s included in your application packet.

General interview questions

General questions are typically asked at the beginning of the conversation and help the interviewer get to know you. Examples include:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How did you hear about this university?

3. What do you know about our university?

4. Why do you want to attend this university?

5. Why do you feel you should be accepted to this university?

6. What are some of your academic strengths?

7. What do you consider your academic weaknesses? How do you address them?

8. What do you plan to major in? Why?

9. What are the expectations of your university education program?

10. What will you do to make make a difference at this university?

    Questions about your educational background

    You may be asked questions about your high school experience and educational background. Examples include:

    1. What was your graduating GPA (Grade Point Average - выпускной средний балл)?

    2. What extracurricular activities have you participated in? 

    3. Did you complete any honors or AP courses (The Advanced Placement Program - это программа углубленного изучения учебных предметов в школах США, Канады и Великобритании. Она готовит старшеклассников к поступлению в вузы.)? If so, which ones?

    4. How would you describe your high school atmosphere?

    5. What are some of your academic achievements?

    6. What academic skills do you feel you can improve on?

    7. What are some of your interests outside of school?

    8. What skills have you developed to help you succeed in university?

    9. Describe an experience or project you worked on in high school that you enjoyed?

    10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

    Questions about your experiences

    You may be asked more about your life experiences, how you see the world and what you do with your time. Examples include:

    1. What have you read recently that has impacted or changed how you see the world?

    2. Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team.

    3. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

    4. Who do you consider a role model in your personal life?

    5. What makes you different from other students at this school?

    6. Describe a time when you stepped up as a leader.

    7. What does being successful mean to you?

    8. Can you describe a challenge that you overcame?

    9. What do you do for fun in your free time?

    10. What are three adjectives to best describe you?

    In-depth questions

    You may also be asked some more in-depth questions about your plans during your college career or if you have any goals. Examples include:

    1. Why are you interested in pursuing your major?

    2. What skills do you expect to develop through your degree program?

    3. Do you plan to continue your education?

    4. What career fields interest you?

    5. Will you seek financial aid?

    6. What are your plans after you graduate from university?

    7. Where do you hope to be career-wise in 10 years?

    8. What are some academic goals you hope to accomplish in university?

    9. What skills do you hope to develop in university?

    10. Do you plan to participate in activities outside of class?

    University interview questions and sample answers

    How will you contribute to the university community?

    During your university interview, the interviewer might ask you this question as a way to gauge your involvement and commitment to the school. If there are sports, clubs or other types of extracurricular activities you are interested in, you can explain that to the interviewer.

    Example: "I was very involved with my high school political science club. Since I will be majoring in political science, I hope to join the club here, too, so I can continue developing my skills in that subject."

    Why are you interested in pursuing your major?

    University students may enter their educational programs with no idea of what they will study. The interviewer most likely wants to know if you at least have a plan for your college career. Answer honestly with your reasons for choosing your major. If you have yet to narrow down your choices, you might discuss two or three majors that highly interest you and your reasons for choosing them.

    Example: "I am interested in a career in political science because I feel like my generation should be involved with the development of our nation. I also feel that my generation has an equal responsibility to contribute to our nation and I hope by studying political science I can inspire more young people to take part in our country's governmental processes."

    What skills do you expect to develop through your program?

    You might be asked this question to assess your awareness of your academic weaknesses and how you plan to develop or improve your various academic skills. Keep your answer honest and include one or two main skills you would like to develop.

    Example: "In high school, my research writing wasn't as strong as I would have liked, and I continue to build my writing skills in this area. I hope that through my educational program I can further develop this skill to become an efficient researcher and writer."

    Do you plan to continue your education?

    If you are presented with this question, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know at this time. However, if you do plan to attend graduate school, discuss this in your answer.

    Example: "I can see myself pursuing a higher degree after undergraduate school, though I do not quite know yet if that is something I want to do. I feel like I will have a better idea of my higher education goals after attending my program for a while."

    What career fields interest you?

    The interviewer may be assessing your interests and evaluating which programs you would be best suited for. You might narrow down your interests to two or three career fields that relate to your major.

    Example: "I honestly don't know what I will be doing after graduation, but I know I would love to pursue a career in international affairs, legislation or another political field."

    Will you seek financial aid?

    If the interviewer asks this question, it is most likely to assess which financial aid programs, grants or scholarships may be options for you. If you plan to seek financial aid, let them know in your answer what steps you have already taken to address the costs of college.

    Example: "I was awarded several scholarships during high school, and I will be seeking additional qualifying grants."

    What are your plans after you graduate college?

    If you are still considering what to major in, you may not have an exact answer for this. However, if you have certain career interests, travel plans or other development goals, share them in your answer.

    Example: "I don't have an exact plan for after graduation, however, I do plan to pursue my career in political science. I hope that by moving into this career field, I can also travel to some parts of the world that I've been wanting to see."

    What are some academic goals you hope to accomplish in college?

    This question might be presented as a way to assess your motivation and commitment to your education. If you have specific goals, share them in your answer.

    Example: "I would love to increase my knowledge of applied mathematics and earn top scores in my political science classes by the end of my first year in college. I feel that by accomplishing these goals I can further develop my critical and creative thinking."

    What skills do you hope to develop in university?

    The interviewer may ask this question as a way to address your awareness of your skill level. Answer honestly with skill sets that you feel you can improve while attending university.

    Example: "I feel that my writing and communication skills can be improved. I plan to use my class time to work on developing my skills in this area. I feel that improving these skills will help me become a better writer and public speaker."

    Do you plan to participate in academic activities outside of class?

    This question can serve as a way to assess your interest, motivation and dedication to your college campus. If there are projects, research papers or other academic pursuits you are interested in outside of class, share that in your answer.

    Example: "I am familiar with the academic clubs and opportunities your school offers outside of class, and I'm very interested in getting involved with a political research project. I would even be happy to start a project with other interested classmates."

    •  that can’t be easily answered from the school’s website.

    • Learn where the interview will be held and practice getting there. Be familiar with the route to the location, including directions to the school, building and office. This will help avoid getting lost or confused and possibly missing your interview.

    • Practice how you will answer interview questions with a friend, family member or even in a mirror to help you plan what to say and how to present your answer. You want to demonstrate enthusiasm and energy.

    • Review your application packet and admission essays. Most interviewers will ask questions taken directly from those documents so you must remember what you said or wrote. Be prepared to expand on any information that you provided.

    • Bring any transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume or other evidence to show how you succeeded in high school. The documents were likely included in your admission packet but copies may be needed for additional interviewers.

    • First impressions are important. Arrive on time, preferably 15 minutes early. Dress appropriately in work attire and maintain eye contact. Shake the interviewer’s hand. Talk naturally without slang or swear words. If it’s a virtual interview, make sure the background is appropriate.

    • Turn your smartphone off and be prepared to sit for 30 minutes or more. Have a snack, a glass of water or a small meal before your interview so you don’t go into it with an empty stomach. If you have allergies, take a small packet of tissues.

    • Keep up with news and current events in case the interviewer asks for your opinions. You may also work current events into other answers to show that you are an informed person who cares about what’s happening outside the classroom.

    • Be yourself, so the interviewer gets a feel of who you are, how you might fit into degree programs and what you might bring to the school. Show the interviewer that you are serious, poised and mature. Also, you want them to see your confidence, so smile!

    • Follow up the interview with a thank you note sent by mail or email. Express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and the college’s interest in you