The big question…. what purpose do the interviews serve?
Institutes generally offer two types of interviews:
Evaluative and Informative
An evaluative interview, like MRNAT factors into the admissions process. This interview might become part of your admission file and will help assess your best fitment in the educational ecosystem of the University. It is important and you must be well-prepared.
An informative interview is just as it sounds: the process allows you and the institution to learn more about each other. During an informative interview, you should learn as much as you share.
Do your homework
You’ve probably already learned some things about the University in the application process, but now is the time to do a little extra research. The interview gives you a chance to share your knowledge about the University and gather more information straight from the source. Do ample assessment of yourself. Do not project what you are not and do not hoodwink (mislead or tell a lie)
Practice
Ask a senior to help or sit down in front of a mirror/video camera and practice. Your goal isn’t to memorize a set of answers. Your interviewer will be able to sense those right away – it’s to get over the jitters and feel more comfortable. If you work with a friend, he or she can also help you identify and eliminate distracting nervous gestures, such as playing with your accessories or overusing filler words, like ‘um.’, you know, well actually etc.
Here are a few sample interview questions for your practice session:
- Tell me something about you.
- Why do you want to study in this University?
- What are your academic strengths and areas of development?
- Which is your favorite subject and why?
- What are some of the things you’ve done to prepare for this interview?
- Could you describe your best high school experience?
- What has been your biggest challenge?
- What are your future plans?
- Tell me about your hobbies.
- Do you have a favorite book? Who is your favorite author?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Dress appropriately
Although the dress code for a college interview is a bit relaxed than an office interview, what you wear makes an immediate impression. Please aim for a ‘business formal’ style. Boys must shave or trim their beard to sport a neat look. If you wear a tie, please button up the shirt well and unfold the sleeves. Take good care of personal hygiene and be odorless.
Be on time
Punctuality demonstrates that you’re responsible and you respect your interviewer’s time. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early just in case you run into unexpected obstacles, like bad traffic, flat tyre etc. If you’re too early, use the time to research about the University a little better.
Blessings
Last but not the least; please seek the blessings of your parents. Their positive vibrations will be with you throughout and can stand against all odds.
We wish you all the best. Go ahead and win!