Flowclass has prepared this laziness kit for our readers so that they can be more skillful in conducting interviews for both Jupas and non-Jupas.
First of all, the university interview is like confessing your feelings to the object of your affection, the other party (the university) is most interested in seeing the three Cs.
First, Chemistry: Will it be pleasant to get along with you?
Secondly, Competence: do you have the ability to meet the subject requirements and be able to cope with the academic and other activities that will ensue from the other party?
Third, Commitment: Do you have the determination to enter this college? Will you continue to pay for each other after you have successfully enrolled?
Interviewing is a game, and to win, you must understand the rules of the game. The question is, how can we show our “love” for it to the university during the interview?
1. Do background research about the university department before the interview
Do you know what the university you will be interviewing at is like? Before you start preparing for other things, here are a few questions to think about regarding schools.
- What is the long-term development of the school/college?
For example, HKUST is building a house and auditorium on campus. - Is the college’s world ranking increased/decreased in recent years?
Students can refer to the globally recognized QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education World University Rankings to compare trends. - What is the proudest research result of the college?
Demonstrate an awareness of the school and the ability to indirectly express your enthusiasm for the school to the interviewer. - Does the college have any world-renowned education team/professors?
- Are there any famous alumni?
- Did they collaborate with the business community? Or organize activities with business value?
- Any government funding for them to offer new courses?
As you get to know each other better, you will have more topics to discuss with each other.
2. Convince the university interviewer with practical examples
Everything is based on evidence. It is not enough to say that you are determined to attend this college without evidence. You can support your ideas with stories and real-life examples that tell your unique personal story and provide examples and situations that will convince the interviewer. The following are some examples of useful frameworks.
- What roles have you played at school and what activities have you organized?
For instance, any activities you have participated in such as student councils and sports clubs are experiences that you can share with the interviewer. - Encountered difficulties and successfully resolved them?
Start by describing the problems and situations you encountered, then describe the actions you took and the results that followed. - Leading your team to accomplish the common goals?
This will demonstrate your leadership and problem solving skills. - Innovative solutions to problems?
Thinking outside of the box allows you to demonstrate your ability to create meaningful exams. - Time management skills?
A four-year college life requires not only a focus on academics but also on competition and paving the way for future job opportunities. Time management is certainly a point of emphasis for interviewers.
3. Understand the format of the university interview
There are different approaches to different interview formats. The following are the three most common forms.
1. One-on-one interview
It is the easiest one to prepare. All you need to do is think about what the person is going to ask, and then you can say what you have prepared in advance.
2. Panel interview
The difficulty level is higher, and there is a higher chance of multiple interviewers meaning difficult questions, so students need to be more prepared and answer each question carefully.
3. Group interview
It is the most difficult. In addition to impressing the interviewer, students have to compete with the group around them. For example, what should you do if someone disagrees with you?
4. Express your “passion” for the university’s program/college
Students can think about how to communicate their love in these four directions:
- Your mission (consider the future)
- Why did you choose this course/university?
- If another university offered you a place, what would you choose?
- Have you applied to other departments in the same university? If they all accepted you, how would you choose?
Flowclass recommends that students prepare two or three questions in advance to ask at the end of the interview so that they know that you are sincere about studying the subject.
Suggested Schedule
- Arrive 1 hour early for the interview
- Check-in 15 minutes early at the interview site; familiarize yourself with the environment to reduce nervousness
- Have treats/rehydration in the college canteen
- Watch Youtube clips for mental preparation
- Can search for some motivational speeches / watch Steve Jobs Standard University Commencement Address directly
Lastly, I wish you all success in your desired subjects!
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