Hey all! I'm thinking about investing in some university interview training sessions. Has anyone here tried this, and did it actually help? I'm wondering if it's worth the time and money. Any advice or experiences would be great!
While opinions may vary, it largely depends on the specific circumstances. University interview training could indeed be beneficial, especially if you're applying to colleges that highly value the interview process or you're a bit nervous about the process.
Training sessions can be incredibly helpful in boosting your confidence, honing your answers to the possible question, guide you in portraying yourself most effectively, and simply familiarize you with the interview process. It's also a chance to rehearse dealing with surprise or challenging questions in a low-stakes environment, often getting feedback that can help you improve your responses.
However, it's important to consider the cost and the specificity of the training sessions. Not all organizations or individuals offering these sessions will provide the focused advice relevant to your context. Also, remember that many universities don't weigh the interview heavily in their admissions process. It's primarily used as an opportunity to clarify any uncertainties in an applicant's file and to get to know the applicant a little better. During an interview, they're assessing how well you can present yourself, your interest in the university, your ability to think on your feet, among others.
Finally, many applicants have excelled in interviews using resources readily available, like CollegeVine’s guides to interviews at different colleges, without any formal training. So, whether you go forward with it depends largely on how comfortable and prepared you feel without the training. Regardless, practice is the key—whether it's in a formal training setting or informally with a mentor, friend, or family member.
In the end, the decision rests with you based on your comfort, preparation level, and financial capacity.
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