How to prepare the interview at school, what need to pay more attention?

The interview is an essential part of the application, whether it be for undergraduate studies,
graduate (PhD and masters) studies, or professional studies (MBA). Most admissions officers
use the interview to not only screen out candidates who do not fit well with their programs, but
to also identify strong candidates with great potential.

Therefore, it is important for the candidate to recognize that the interview represents an
opportunity to differentiate himself or herself from other applicants in areas that are not easily
evaluated on paper. These areas include the ability to communicate and articulate effectively,
express character strengths, listen attentively, and ask good questions.

Before the interview, it is helpful for the candidate to review his or her application and be able
to answer some of the more common questions (listed below) which are asked during
interviews. Because the interviewer often remembers the way in which a candidate answers
more than the answer itself, it is important for the candidate to answer in a fluid and natural
manner. To avoid sounding like the answer was rehearsed, one way to prepare is to have key
points in mind and practice responding to questions in different ways. Practicing in front of a
mirror is also helpful to pay attention to your non-verbal (body) language.

In addition to preparing for the most common questions, the candidate should have at least
one or two appropriate questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. As many
of the interviewers are alumni of the programs, they will have insight into how their programs
have aided them in their professional and career development.

A. General Questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Talk about your accomplishments.
3. Do you have any questions about the school or program?
4. Describe a typical day for you.
5. Who or what has had the greatest influence on you?
6. Tell me about your community.

B. Personality Questions
1. What three adjectives best describe you?
2. What are your strength and weaknesses?

C. Activities Questions
1. What activities do you find most rewarding?
2. What is your favorite book/movie?

D. Academic Interest Questions

1. Why do you want to study in your chosen field?
2. What courses or which teachers have inspired you to pursue your chosen field?
E. Aspiration Questions
1. What do you want to do after graduating from college? Graduate school?
2. Where do you see yourself in 20, 40 or 50 years?

F. Good-fit Questions
1. Why do you want to attend this college/graduate school?
2. What extracurricular activities would you like to be part of?
3. What can you contribute to our college/graduate school?