I'm applying to American University and wondering how to prepare for their interview process. What kind of questions do they ask, and how should I present myself?
The interview at American University tends to follow along pretty conventional lines, meaning you can expect to be asked about your academic interests, extracurricular endeavors, why you're interested in AU, and how you envision your college experience. With regard to presenting yourself, it's vital to be both professional and authentic.
Professionalism can be conveyed through your attire, punctuality, and demeanor during the interview. No need to pull out a full suit, but a nice shirt or blouse, trousers, or similarly formal apparel would be appropriate. Being punctual shows respect for your interviewer's time. Be polite and attentive during the conversation. Listen carefully to the questions asked and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Authenticity, on the other hand, means being true to who you are. This can occur by sharing genuine interests, aspirations, and reasons for wanting to attend AU. Honesty and sincerity can help make a memorable impression.
When it comes to the questions, consider rehearsing your responses to common interview prompts, such as 'Why are you interested in AU?' 'Can you tell me about a time you showed leadership?' or 'How do you handle failure?'. It's key when preparing for these questions to think about specific examples from your experiences that you can bring up.
Like many schools, American University values community engagement and international experiences, so if you have experiences in these areas, be prepared to discuss them. Also, be ready to ask the interviewer your questions as well - this could be about campus life, academic offerings or even about their own experiences if they're an alumni interviewer. This will show your interest in the university and helps you learn more to further affirm your decision.
Remember, the aim of the interview is to gain a deeper understanding of you as a person, beyond what's written on your application. Best of luck!
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