Stephen H Robinette gives tips to crack interview to study abroad
Pursuing higher studies abroad is an enriching experience as students get to learn new subjects, different cultures and gain global perspective. The major pull of the foreign institutes is their globally acclaimed courses, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience while learning and the over-all cultural experience.
Studying in a foreign university doesn’t take anything away from students but gives them immense opportunity to work, effects colossal changes in their personality, adds reputation amongst family and friends and enables them to secure highly paid jobs.
A university admission interview plays a vital role in admissions apart from students’ academic qualifications. Students’ performance in the interview decides whether they are getting admission in the university or not. As they say ‘first impression is the last impression’, students must prepare themselves to leave a very good impression on their interviewers.
To get through the university interview, students should make a plan. They should play smart and make their honest efforts when they are going to get interviewed. Students must understand what interviewers want to hear from them because beating around the bush can leave a negative impression. So, preparation before going for the interview is a must!
Allocate Time to preapre
Interviews require research and preparation. Students should be thorough with their concepts, so as to be precise with their answers. They must also practice using stopwatch to avoid wasting time. They should be prepared for both informative and evaluative interviews.
Know your course
Students must go through the university prospectus and learn more about the course they are planning to study, structure of the course and modules. These details will help students talk sense in the interview because knowledge leads to confidence. Also, reading more about the college will make students ask questions to get their doubts cleared and leave an impression to the interviewer that the interviewee is keen to join the university.
Read prospectus
Reading the prospectus will make students understand about the university and give them a better clarity of what benefits they can get from the institute.
Practicing Mock Interviews
Students must take mock interviews to improve the quality of the answers. Mock interviews can also help students in boosting their confidence. Students should prepare themselves for all possible questions.
General Knowledge
A Student should be familiar with what is happening around the world, besides knowing about the university and the course which he/she is applying for. Knowledge of politics, sports, history, science and technology will help students quote examples while talking to the interviewers. In-depth knowledge will help students give unique, interesting and strong opinionated answers to the interviewers.
Walk in the room with fresh mind
It is said, ‘sound mind dwells in sound body’. Students should take enough sleep before turning up for the interview. It’ll help student think and answer with a fresh mind. Students should be dressed properly and arrive at the interview venue before the scheduled time.
The goal of an interview for students is to show who they are, how they have been doing, what are their future plans with passion and clarity. Students need to connect with their interviewer and share their passion with them with honesty. Students should express themselves in polite respectful way to get the same back.
(The writer is associate vice-president, International Programmes at Missouri State University)