How to Prepare for a University Interview

The best way to prepare for a university interview is to be well informed about what to expect. In general, a university interview involves a discussion with a course tutor. In some cases, you may be asked to complete a task related to the course. Depending on the university, the interview may be more formal or informal. In any case, the interviewer wants to know how well you handle unfamiliar situations.

Body language

Similarly to a job interview, university interviews involve making judgments about a student based on their non-verbal communication. As such, students need to know how to prepare for such interviews. According to studies, 90% of human communication takes place non-verbally.

Body language is important in the interview because it can reflect a person’s emotional state. It is important to maintain eye contact and sit up straight. An interviewee once accidentally swung his foot in his desk lamp and was later admitted. It is therefore essential to learn how to prepare for this kind of interview by observing how you hold yourself during the interview.

A good way to show that you are attentive is to mimic the interviewer’s body language. This will help establish rapport and show that you are interested in the institution. In addition, you should maintain a relaxed posture throughout the interview. Try to avoid fidgeting, as this may give the impression of impatience or boredom.

Keeping a positive mindset will make you feel more confident and approachable to an interviewer. During an interview, it is important to maintain eye contact and smile. This will make you appear friendly and approachable, and will calm any nervousness that you might have. Ronald Kaufman, a renowned expert in body language, also recommends using positive body language. This includes sitting up straight, leaning forward, gesturing naturally, breathing fully and maintaining eye contact.

While attending a university interview, remember to treat each person with respect. It is important to keep eye contact with everyone you meet and to exude confidence throughout the interview. It is also important to make sure you introduce yourself confidently to the interviewer. You should also avoid hunching over your phone in the waiting room. This can give the impression that you are bored and have little interest in the conversation.

Extending your answer to include reasons why you want to study a course

Extending your answer to include reasons why do you want to study a particular course is a great way to highlight your interests and personal attributes. You can include your career aspirations, key career milestones, and personal strengths that align with the subject matter of the course. You can also include any skills or talents you have that would help you succeed in your chosen career.

Forming an answer

A well-prepared answer to an university interview is an important element of the admissions process. The interviewer wants to learn as much information as possible and you need to make sure you answer honestly and with concrete examples. For instance, you might be asked whether you play a musical instrument, or if you enjoy reading widely. In any case, you should avoid answering the question with irrelevant personal details such as your expected salary.

The first step in preparing an answer is to think carefully about what not to say. Among the things to avoid are sounding overconfident or egotistical, as well as not praising yourself enough. A good way to practice answering a question is to prepare a couple of potential answers and practice them.

The ideal answer will focus on a specific area related to the program that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a science major, you can mention your involvement with outside activities. You can also mention any other activities that you have taken part in to make yourself appear interesting.

Forming an answer to a university interview also involves showing the interviewer that you are passionate about the school and its programs. In addition to being enthusiastic about your chosen university, you should also be sure to ask specific questions. It is good to have some background knowledge about the university’s various departments or special programs.

Besides the reasons for pursuing an undergraduate degree, the interviewer will also be looking for your academic motivations and future career plans. Therefore, it is best to make your answer as detailed as possible, as this will help the interviewer gauge your motivations. For example, you could explain how your A-Levels have helped you prepare for your course, thereby showing your motivation. In this way, your interviewer will be impressed and will see that you are committed to studying.

Asking questions at the end

The last part of a university interview is often an opportunity to ask a question about your interest in the university. Depending on the subject, you can mention your involvement in sports, arts, or learning new skills. However, you must avoid sounding too passive or easily distracted.

Make sure your questions are relevant to the university. Make sure they reflect your interest and personality. Asking questions about extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, shows that you have done the proper research. You can also mention something about your high school experience, such as your school musical or prom. Try to make the experience relate to your academic growth and personal achievements.

In addition to asking general questions, university interviewers are also interested in your interests and experiences. Ensure that your answers are honest and give examples of your ideas and activities. Be sure to avoid hesitations, as these can be easily interpreted by interviewers. Also, make sure to ask specific questions if you have any specific questions about the university or the program.

If the interviewer asks about your reading material, try to come up with a few answers that relate to the course you are applying to. However, remember not to come across as overconfident or egotistical. Moreover, try to avoid using stereotyped answers. For example, if you read the same book as the interviewer, try not to make yourself sound like a nitpicker. Similarly, don’t make yourself sound like you don’t enjoy reading – your answer should be based on what you truly feel about yourself.

In conclusion, you should talk about your future plans after you finish your undergraduate degree. It’s important to mention your dreams and aspirations in your answers, because universities are looking for people with interests and passion for learning.