Top 15 Most Common University Interview Questions & Their Answers

So you've completed the application procedure, but there's one more step before you can be admitted to your university of liking. The dreaded interview round! Many students are intimidated by this round because they don't have answers to the university's interview questions! Don't worry because we have a list of the top 15 common university interview questions with a summary of how to answer them!

1. Tell Us About Yourself

"Tell us about yourself" is a typical university interview question many students dread and is a legitimate fear. Although this can be challenging, especially if you dislike discussing your interests and hobbies, it is one of the questions institutions enjoy asking students. You write about yourself in your personal statement, but it is incredibly brief, so universities use this question to learn more about you and determine whether you are a good fit for their college. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Remember to keep it brief and straightforward to create an impression. The interviewer wants to learn as much as possible about you. So keep examples ready to help your claim.
• Try not to focus solely on academic interests. 

2. Why did you choose this university?

This is another common university interview question that many students will encounter. This question assesses your knowledge of the university and your genuine interest in attending college. Culture is vital in students and university life, and they want to ensure you'll be an active member of their community before accepting your offer. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Start by explaining the university’s reputation and ranking.
• The facilities they provide to you.
• You can answer this question by also on how the college handles education.

Depending on the course and university you have chosen, you can choose which approach to take.

3. Why do you want to study this course?

One of the most essential and common university interview questions is why you decided to study the course for which you have applied. This is a crucial question since interviewers want to see if you're genuinely interested in your course and pursuing it for the right reasons. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Talk about how this course will help you achieve your career goals.
• How you appreciate the subject and how your course will help you achieve your overall goals.
• Don't state anything that suggests you went with someone else's suggestion or chose the subject because you think it's 'softer' or easier.

4. What are your strengths?

What are your strengths? Another common university interview question which appears in every interview you give, whether for a job or a university interview! It's easy to respond with a cliched but safe statement, such as "I'm a hard worker." However, admissions officers are searching for something more considered, backed up with instances. Here is the way to answer this question:

• You should choose strengths connected to your course that will help you succeed in the course.
• With each strength you present, the interviewer will encourage you to share examples, so be ready.

5. What are your weaknesses?

The answer to this common university interview question can be complicated, but interviewers will be pleased by your self-awareness if you're open and talk about a shortcoming you've already tried to improve on and how you intend to continue working on it. They'll want to see how analytical you are of yourself and your education. Here is the way to answer this question:

• First and foremost, never claim that you have no weaknesses since interviewers want analytical students who can reflect on themselves.
• Think twice before saying them aloud because some of them can land you in hot water, such as "I am lazy" or "I routinely miss deadlines.
• Remember to be honest the entire time; don't pretend to be someone you're not because the interviewer will notice if you're lying.

6. What achievements are you proud of?

Unless the interviewers specifically request that you discuss an academic achievement, this question may refer to whatever you are personally proud of. It could also is a non-academic achievement, something you did in your leisure time that was recognized, such as playing a high-level instrument or heading a student society. This effort demonstrates commitment and willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of you, and you accomplished this while also finishing your academics, which shows good time management. Here is the way to answer this question:

•  Talk about your co-curricular activities or a sports competition in which you participated.
• You could highlight a trophy you received during your studies, a test you excelled at, or a coursework assignment you were very proud of.
• Instead of simply listing them, explain a little bit about each one. 

7. Who do you admire the most?

Outside, this university interview question does not appear to reveal motivations, but that is precisely what it is. It shows the interviewers where you got your motivations and learnings. It's a simple question with a huge impact! Here is the way to answer this question:

• You can answer by talking about a person, a family member or a professor.
• Share the characteristics you admire. 
•  What it is about that person that stands out to you. It isn't only their work ethic.
• Discuss how they deal with disagreement and hardship. Most importantly, tell them how they inspire you.

 8. What are your interests and hobbies?

This question is mainly asked to learn more about your personality and determine whether you will be a good fit for the university. Any hobby that makes you appear sluggish, such as binge-watching TV series all day or lying around, should be avoided when answering this question. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Discuss any active hobbies, such as sports or hiking, which are ideal. 
• You can explain why you love your chosen hobby and whether you have learned any skills from it that will benefit you in university, such as teamwork, leadership traits in a team sport, or adaptability in challenging situations.

9. How would your friends describe you?

Interviewers use this interview question to assess your personality. Interviewers ask questions to learn about your character to determine whether or not you would fit in at the university. This question can be tricky since you must mention distinguishing characteristics about yourself rather than traits such as caring, being a good listener, being pleasant, and so on, as these would not impress them. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Try to say something more unique and significant, like you're incredibly determined or motivated; you're a natural leader or an excellent collaborator, or you're always eager to give it your all when faced with a task.
• Be truthful while emphasizing your strengths. It would be even better if you could provide instances to back up your claims.

10. What makes you different from other students?

This is yet another personality question, but this time there is a twist: the interviewer is seeking anything from the ordinary, something that will take them off guard. Every other student will list attributes such as leadership ability, determination, motivation, etc. question has the potential to turn the interview on its head completely. So be thoughtful with this university interview question. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Spend time before the interview considering your distinct point of view.
• What distinguishes your family from other families? What would surprise others if they found out? 
• Take advantage of this opportunity to discuss the diversity you could bring to the table, your interests, and what you intend to achieve with your life. Just be yourself!

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

This university interview question is used to gauge the student's vision of whether they have thought about their future and are serious enough. Please don't answer, "I'm hoping to be ten years older." Here is the way to answer this question:

• If you have a preferred professional route, you can talk about it, but if you're stuck for ideas, talk about what you expect to have gained from your college experience as an adult or the type of person you hope to be. "In ten years, I aim to be a wiser and more sympathetic person since I have engaged with people from many backgrounds and benefited from their experiences," for example.

12. What can you bring to this university?

For universities to contemplate accepting you as a student, they must be sure that you will contribute not only intellectually but also as a member of the larger community. But try not to go overboard! Here is the way to answer this question:

• You must be as truthful as possible. Remember that interviewers will want you to support any claims you propose with examples from your prior experience. They'll be able to read through you if you delay or appear unsure. 
• It's a terrific place to start with any extracurricular activities you're interested in; if you haven't talked about your actions before, now is your most excellent chance; it doesn't have to be a hobby or interest, by the way! 
• Aside from extracurricular activities, you can utilise this question to discuss how you will contribute to your overall learning sessions.

13. What do you want to do after you graduate?

When you are asked about your plans after graduation, the interviewer can determine how far ahead you have considered your future and whether you see your degree having a role in that decision. This question is identical to the last one, 'Where do you see yourself in 10 years?'

This university interview question's goal is the same as the previous one: to learn about your future career prospects and how much research you've done on the industry that interests you. Here is the way to answer this question:

• Demonstrate your want to contribute in your chosen field, such as, "Although I am leaving work opportunities open as I learn more during my course, I know that my passions lay in assisting people for the better."
• You might also propose further studies as an answer, as many students choose to continue their education after completing their undergraduate degree. 
• If you haven't yet discussed your dream career aspirations, now is the time because it will solidify your desire for the degree you'll be pursuing.

14. What are your thoughts on current world affairs?

This simple university interview question can quickly become highly sensitive. This question is frequently used to determine whether students are keeping up with current world events, as it is essential in practically every industry. Any change can result in a change reaction, such as the stock market fall on October 29, 1929, often known as Black Tuesday. This catastrophe precipitated the Great Depression in the United States and had differing effects in other countries. Here is the way to answer this question:

• The university wants to know if you are well-informed and capable of thinking critically about the world. 
• Feel free to share your thoughts, but avoid being accusatory. Instead, relate the event to your identity and experiences, or discuss an organisation you believe is doing excellent work to rectify or address the issue.

15. Why should we offer you a place?

Finally, the most dreaded university interview question is: 

Why should we offer you a place? This university interview question is not only tough to answer for people who loathe talking about themselves and their accomplishments, but it also depends on everything you've said so far in the interview. This question is typically asked near the end of the interview. Here is the way to answer this question:

• You want your response to include a mix of everything you've discussed during the interview. 
• The easiest way to approach this is to briefly summarise what you've told the interviewer about yourself, such as your love of learning, future objectives, and why you'd like to study at that particular university. 
• Try not to bring up your weakness unless you want to turn it into a strength.

I hope you found it interesting and valuable. One thing to remember is that not all of the questions above will be asked during the interview. You've probably noticed that there are several versions of the same question. Remember that sincerity and genuineness go a long way. During your university interviews, the tutors will get to know you as a student and ensure you make the proper selections regarding subject and university location. If you are so close to getting into your dream university, you might like the packing checklist for university blog.