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Being aware of the questions
that appear during the interview is the most important
factor for this stage of the admission process.
Here you will find the questions usually asked
at interview. Yet, the suggestions below the questions
are not necessarily to be followed, directly-honest
and candid responses are more valuable.
The form the interview takes
Usually the interviews are scheduled
to take 20-30 minutes but may take up to 40 minutes.
In the beginning, the interviewer, who is typically
the professor of your chosen department, will
introduce himself welcoming you and checking your
name against information in his check list. In
return to his introduction, you may say your name.
It is not necessary to make full introduction
of yourself especially as you will be asked the
questions to describe yourself in the best way.
Normally, the professor questions
first letting you do that at the end of the conversation.
It would be better if you prepare one or two questions
that interest you about the program or institution.
That will prove your interest. But they should
be well grounded on information in the materials
issued by the university. The materials are supposed
to be scrutinized by the applicant. As one of
the Internet sites on admission interviews says,
"Don't ask things that are on the first page
of the catalog." If the question you have
is weak, better give it up.
The most possible questions
What are you doing now?
Describe your occupation. It is better
if the job you do is relevant to your chosen field
of study. If it is not, do not stop on your major
occupation but go swiftly to and emphasize on
your extracurricular activities that must relate
to your study major. If what you say will specially
interest the interviewer, most of the following
interrogation will be based upon what you have
already said. It will eliminate the formal progress
of the interview and naturally prompt you to talk
about your interests.
What is the most challenging
aspect of your field of study (in your country)?
Review your field of intended study.
What do you believe to be the root problem? Or,
what do you believe to be the weakest point, etc.
Recount it when asked and ground your opinion.
It is good if you have solution of your own to
offer. You may have a personal challenge within
your field of study (you may be questioned specifically
on this)-define it and point it out during the
interview.
What disciplines in the curriculum are the most
appealing to you?
You should know what subjects are
offered on the curriculum before the interview.
It is implicit that you are familiar with the
curriculum from the materials you are provided
with by the university. Choose the three (the
number usually asked) courses you find most interesting,
better from the core (not those from the introductory
term or the ones weakly related to the major stem).
Be prepared to explain your choice.
The hardest item: THE Be-bold
question
In fact it is not the question but
rather offering opportunity to represent yourself.
Usually the interviewer will invite you to be
bold in recommending yourself for the program
by explaining your positive qualities and aptitudes
in persuasive manner. Recall the information you
gave in your essay and/or resume. Explain what
you are able to contribute to the program (contribution
may be your sharing information from your practical
experience, your active participation in social
activities, etc). You may remind them of your
academic achievements along with TOEFL score (if
it is high). However, your answer might be unusual
and you will not know what the impact it might
make, negative or positive. Both outcomes are
possible in this case. It may negatively influence
the interview result. On the other hand, the interviewer
may appreciate your honesty, frankness and independence
of thinking.
Less probable questions
Are you ready for multinational
(or foreign, or cross-cultural) study?
While answering, recall any multinational
experience you have had. We live in a multinational
environment, and many ethnic groups contribute
to our societies. If you do not have international
experience, you may connect an everyday life experience
of interaction with the representatives of these
groups with your preparation for living in the
multinational environment. Also, you can remark
on your tolerance towards other nationalities
whether based on your experience of socializing
with other ethnical groups or skills you believe
you possess. You do not need to consider tolerance
towards you or be worried about being questioned
on it as fostering a tolerant academic environment
is the policy of the university.
Are you ready for another language
(or just different) environment?
Recollect any experience of living
in a place distinct from your habitual environment.
You may have traveled abroad or even regions of
your own country with distinct culture or with
language different from your native. Explain in
a positive way your adjustment to such an environment.
You may love traveling and learning about other
cultures and/or languages. Use it as an argument
when answering this question.
What do you expect to gain from
the studies?
This question had to be answered
in your application. Refer to the information
in your application, summarize it and add what
you think is necessary. Review what the program
offers you and analyze why you have decided to
apply to this program. tion.
What skills do you expect to
apply to the studies?
You may have covered this in your
application as well. If you have, update it and
rework it for oral presentation. If you have not,
consider the skills you have. Your resume, recommendations
(if you know the information in them) and your
application may assist you. Decide which skills
are applicable for the studies. Note them and
restate when asked.
Why have you changed the specialty
comparing to the previous one (if you have)?
Alternatively, you may have changed
the specialty during your professional experience
and are striving to heighten your professional
level. In this case you may also recount the circumstances
of it.
Why have you decided to continue
your education?
Consider the circumstances that encouraged
you to undertake this educational endeavor. They
may be various: further education may develop
your professionalism, bring new opportunities,
implement your plans about something specific,
or lead to an academic career, etc. Decide yours.
Why have you decided to apply
to this university/ individual program)?
Again, this question should be answered
in your application. If it is not, to reply consider
why you have decided to apply exactly to this
university (for this individual program)? Take
into account university's significant, unique
points. Materials issued by the university usually
emphasize them. Pick these peculiarities out and
rephrase them when you are asked this question.
Specific details
questions
If your interest in a new subject is the result
of some personal experience, explain how this
has come about. Or you may be asked to express
your feelings about some events in the world that
affect issues in your chosen field. You may also
be asked to highlight major problems in your field
(in your country) in your opinion. You must be
aware of the field of your chosen specialty to
corroborate the gravity of your concern.
The other possible
questions
o What recent publications on the subject relevant
to your field do you have?
o How do you see yourself in five (ten) years?
o What would you say about your country to a person
who has no idea of it?
o Examples of your resolving problems in your
life.
o How would you describe the situation in your
field in the world (or in your country)? (or,
What is situation in your field in the world (or
in your country) in
your opinion?)
o What books have you read (or read currently)?
o What do you do with your spare time?
Author: RUSLAN ZALOGIN, EDUCATIONAL
ADVISER, OSVITA EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION &
ADVISING CENTER, DNEPROOETROVSK, UKRAINE
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