Postgraduate Admissions Interviews
From CareersWiki
Contents |
Overview
The interview can be a crucial part of the admissions process. It enables you to highlight your skills and accomplishments and give a personal touch to your application. It also allows you to learn more about the programme. The interviewer will ask you things about yourself, but you will also have the chance to ask him or her any questions you may have.
Some interviews are conducted by admissions officers while others are handled by alumni who live in your area. Both are specially trained to interview applicants and have equal weight in the admissions process.
Mandatory Interviews
Gaining an invitation to interview typically means you meet the academic credentials for admissions. However, since every candidate who is academically qualified won't gain a place, interviews are used to determine each candidate's personal qualities. Admissions committees value good communications skills, integrity, leadership, decision-making skills, and interpersonal sensitivity, among other things.
Optional Interviews
Take advantage of optional interviews. Requesting an interview shows your interest and enthusiasm for the university and the course. These interviews give you a chance to highlight or expand upon areas of achievement. They also enable the admissions committee to answer any questions they may have about your application. You get the opportunity to learn more about programme and the university and to speak with members of the department to which you've applied.
Preparation
It is imperative that you go to an interview prepared. Here are few things you should do:
Review Your Qualifications
Most interviewers start the session by asking you to tell them about yourself. This is where you can discuss your accomplishments, interests, and strengths. Use your answer to highlight things that distinguish you as a candidate. To prepare, think about your background and past achievements. You should also be able to articulate your plans for the future and explain how both the program and the university will help you to meet those goals. Tailor your answers so they fit with the offerings of that particular programme.
Before the interview, you should also look over your application. Try to imagine things you might be asked to explain, such as your research, a related internship, or a poor grade. Answer these questions thoroughly and honestly.
Research the University
Thoroughly research each program before your interview. Go to the university and department websites and review all of the information they have online. Specifically look at sections pertaining to curriculum, affiliated programs, and other areas that might be discussed in the interview. Read the course catalogue and any other printed publications available. Familiarise yourself with the mission and goals of the institution. Know what makes them unique. You should also read publications by faculty members in the department and be acquainted with their areas of interest.
Research Current Issues in Your Field
For the weeks and months leading up to your interview, you should follow the major issues and current events in your discipline. Read the newspaper regularly. You should also review leading journals in your field. Be prepared to discuss these current issues in your interview. Your stance on an issue is not important. You simply need to show you can debate it intelligently and accurately.
Questions for the Interviewer
Come prepared with five questions to ask the interviewer. They should be specific, thoroughly researched and showcase your knowledge of the program/university/field. They should not be questions that could be answered by visiting the university's website. These questions will be used to indicate your level of interest in the program. You should also try to ask a question or two that comes up in the course of conversation.
The Day of
Timing
Arrive early. Don't make the interviewer wait for you. It sets the wrong tone and can predispose the interviewer to perceive you as unprofessional and uncommitted. Furthermore, it may cut into your interview time.
Tips
Research the interview location ahead of time. Carry a map with you in case you get lost. Bring your phone, but turn it off when you arrive. It's also helpful to have a notepad, a pen, and a pack of tissues.
Attitude
Once you arrive on campus, be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet - interviewers, students, and support staff. You never know if the person you meet on the sidewalk is a member of the department to which you're applying. First impressions matter. You don't want to be perceived as rude.
While you're waiting, try to stay relaxed. Be patient if things aren't running on time. You want to appear accommodating, not arrogant.
Appearance
Wear clothing that is comfortable yet professional. You want to look put together and clean. Stay away from overpowering perfumes or lotions. An interviewer should remember what you said, not how you looked or smelled.
Body Language
It is important that your body language reflects your confidence and interest in the course. Smile and make eye contact. Show you're engaged in the interview and excited with the prospect of attending that particular programme. Try to avoid behaviour like slouching, crossing your arms, or fiddling with a pen, as they can be interpreted negatively. Be confident, poised, and personable.
Sample Interview Questions
Here are some sample questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- Walk me through your CV
- Describe three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses.
- What differentiates you from other applicants?
- Discuss your career progression
- How has your background prepared you for postgraduate study in this discipline?
- Why do you want to attend our university?
- Why did you choose this program?
- Why is now the right time to apply for this degree?
- What do think will be the most challenging thing about this field? the most rewarding?
- Why did you choose your undergraduate course?
- Why did you choose to go to St. Andrews? Did you enjoy your experience there?
- What was your most valuable/interesting class in your undergraduate course?
- What contributions would you make to this university?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years?
- What are your long and short-term goals? How will this programme help you meet them?
- What would you do if you did not get into this course?
- What do you think it takes to be successful in this profession/discipline?
- What are your hobbies/interests outside of university/work?
- How have you demonstrated leadership abilities?
- Discuss any experiences you’ve had abroad.
- Tell me about a time you failed.
- How do you define success?
- What do you do for fun?
- What has been the most rewarding (or challenging) experience of your life?
- What is an ethical dilemma you’ve faced at work/in your studies?
- What have you read recently?
- What is your opinion of [current issue in your field]?
- Tell me about your research
- The interviewer might provide a hypothetical situation in excruciating detail and ask you how you would respond if you were in that situation.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it should give you an idea of what types of questions you will be asked. Some questions are illegal, such as anything pertaining to your religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family issues, or personal beliefs unrelated to your professional credentials. However, if you introduce these topics, even in your personal statement, the interviewer is allowed to address them.
The Thank You Note
You should write a thank you note to every person who interviews you. This should be done within a couple of days after the interview. In this note, you should thank the interviewer for his or her time. You should also use this as an opportunity to reiterate the reasons for your interest in the school. Mention particular things you learned through the interview process. You can also clarify points raised in the interview itself.
Resources
For more information about specific programmes or other parts of the application process, please visit Postgraduate Study.
Additionally, there are a number of books available in the Careers Centre:
- Brilliant Answers to Tough Interview Questions
- Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions
- Medical School Interviews
- Pass That Interview - your systematic guide to coming out on top ...
- Successful Interview Skills
- Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters & Interviewing
The Careers Centre often runs interview workshops throughout the year. Check the events page on our website for details.
