I'm applying to universities in Canada and I'm a bit nervous about upcoming interviews. Could anyone share what kinds of questions they might ask or how to prepare effectively for these interviews?
Absolutely! University interviews can feel daunting, but they're really intended to help the school understand you better as a person, beyond your application.
Interviews typically follow a structured conversational format. You'll probably be asked a mix of behavioral, competency-based, and motivation questions. Behavioral questions are designed to learn about your past behavior in specific situations. For instance, you might be asked, "Can you describe a time when you demonstrated leadership?"
Competency-based questions aim to gauge your skills and abilities relevant to the program you're applying to. For example, "Can you describe a project or experience which demonstrates your problem-solving skills?"
Motivation questions deal with your interest in the university, the program, your career plans, etc. For instance, "Why have you chosen to apply to our university?" or "What attracted you to this field of study?"
To prepare for these interviews:
1. Familiarize yourself with your application: Review your essays, personal statements, and any other documents you submitted. The interviewer might reference something from your application, so be ready to discuss it further.
2. Understand the University and the program: Research the values, culture, and mission of the university as well as the specifics about the program you're applying for. It'll help you answer questions about why you're interested in that particular school or program.
3. Practice common interview questions: While you can't predict every question, you can certainly anticipate some. Practice your responses to common questions. But remember, your responses should sound natural, not rehearsed.
4. Prepare questions of your own: Interviews are a two-way street, and it helps to show your interest in the university by asking informed questions. This could be about the structure of the program, internship opportunities, student life, or studying abroad.
Lastly, on the day of the interview, be punctual, dress professionally, and remember to stay calm and confident. Good luck with your applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.