Can you share a sample of university interview answers?

I'm pretty nervous about my upcoming interviews and was wondering if anyone has samples of answers that worked well for them, especially for tricky questions like 'What's your biggest weakness?'

When answering interview questions, it's essential to remember that authenticity shines. Prepared responses often come across as insincere. Having said that, I can guide you on how to answer certain challenging questions.

Let's start with the infamous 'What's your biggest weakness?' question. You want to approach this question in a way that shows self-awareness and eagerness to grow. Choose an actual weakness, not a hidden strength. However, make sure it isn't a weakness that will impair your ability to succeed in college.

For example, you could say something like, "One of my weaknesses is that I tend to overcommit myself. I'm enthusiastic about many different activities and subjects, and sometimes I take on more than I can handle. This resulted in me struggling to meet all my commitments effectively in the past. However, I'm learning to manage my time better and to prioritizing my commitments. For instance, I've started using a time management app, which helped me to track and balance my time better. I am aware this is an area I still need to work on, especially as I transition to college."

Another challenging question you might face is 'Why do you want to attend our university?' Here, it's essential to showcase your research about the school. This answer should be very specific to the school you're interviewing with and show how your interests align with what the school offers. You could mention unique courses, professors, extracurricular opportunities, or even the school's culture or values.

Make sure to practice these responses until they feel natural. Remember, an interview is a conversation and not a recital of a rehearsed script. Good luck!