University interviews are very important in the interviewing process since it provides an opportunity for a student to express his/her personality, reasons as to why he/she wants to join a certain university or course among other factors. Overall, interviewing could be quite a terrifying concept but if the right frame of mind is adopted together with adequate preparations then it would be all okay. 

Below are some key practices you will find helpful as you go for your university interview with a view to succeeding and being recommended.

Tips to Clear University Interview

Here are some tips that will help you in clearing a university interview. 

Find out about the University and the Program

It is recommended to check all the information about the university and the certain program you are going to be interviewed for. Find out as much as possible about the university’s traditions, its atmosphere, and strong academic fields. Get informed about the existing courses, the faculty, and the potential offers including internships, study overseas programs or any special research programs. It will also enable you to answer these questions better and show the real interest towards the university.

Answer Anticipated Questions

University interviews consist of each consecutive interview but there are specific questions that are often met during the interview. Prepare thoughtful responses to questions such as:Prepare thoughtful responses to questions such as:

• What are your reasons to choose this particular university?

• Wherefore did you select this particular program/major?

• Strength: Academic skill I am good in analyzing and doing lots of research on projects given to me Weakness: Academically my weak areas are doing group projects because I always end up with much work to do.

• Tell me about a situation which you overcome:

• It appears to be a good idea to ask about future objectives too thus; What are your future career aspirations?

It is advisable to rehearse answering these questions with someone, a kinship or in front of a mirror towards enhancing the fluency of the answers that you are able to deliver.

Showcase Your Enthusiasm and Passion

Personnel selectors seek persons who are genuinely interested in, and keen on, the areas of their specialisation, and the university in which they intend to join. During the interview try to describe your interest about the program and how the program will benefit you as well as fit into your academic and career plans. Provide specific instances ensuring that it depicts your commitment and passion in your preferred subject or discipline.

Highlight Your Unique Qualities

Your interview is an opportunity to deal with issues which make you different from all the other candidates. Last but not the least, describe any other activities you are engaged in, the volunteering services you have offered, leadership positions you have held or any special skills that makes you a rounded university student and how you will impact the university. Make sure that you relate these qualities to the program or the university to prove why you are the right candidate to join the student community.

Practise Good Communication Skills

Two principles of interviewing are essential for a positive result: communication. Ensure that the tone used to speak is clear, confident and avoid shifty eye movements, whereby the body must portray positive gestures. Intently eye the interviewer and take time to think before you answer his or her questions. In case you have some doubts relating to the question, do not hesitate to consult with the teacher. It is therefore important that you rehearse the above skills as this will ensure you do not get nervous during the interview.

Dress Appropriately

The first impression therefore goes a long way in determining whether the interviewer has a good impression about you or not, this means that dressing code for your university interview is vital. Select workwear themes as formal, neat, comfortable, and friendly depending on the workplace environment. The dress code that is most suitable to wear during most interviews is business casual; however, use the internet to google the specific university you are applying to in order to determine the dressing code that is most preferred by the university.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

As a rule, at the end of the interview, a person who conducted it offers the applicant several questions to ask in return. It is advisable to memorise several meaningful questions which will show the performance and interest to the university and the selected program. For instance, you might want to know more about research study, the available services to students or what the interviewer has most interest in working for the university. Do not ask questions that you will find the answers on the university website.

To ace a university interview one needs to be prepared, confident and be able to sell oneself in the best possible way. Through research of the university or college, frequent use and application of common interview questions, demonstration of enthusiasm and positive body language.