The Interview Primer: How to make the most of your school interview
What will the interviewer be assessing?
Who will be interviewing me?
When will an interview be required?
Try our Practice Interview
Interview Tips
The Personal Interview
The Telephone Interview

Asian students often find the interview the most challenging aspect of the school application. While it is true that your answers will not be as eloquent and flowing if English is your second language, the interview is still a tremendous opportunity to add a personal dimension to your application!

Please read through this interview guide, practice as much as you can, then relax and let your natural charisma and charm win them over!

What will the interviewer be assessing?

Your English language ability: The interviewer wants to hear how well you can communicate in English. Prepare yourself by writing down major goals, interests, and overarching themes in your life. Look up any important vocabulary words to prevent lengthy pauses in your speech as you stammer and search for the right word. On the other hand, do not try to impress your interviewer with obscure words to sound intelligent; the goal is to build rapport with your interviewer, not to pretend that you are the next Einstein!

Your potential to adapt to new situations: This is of special relevance to foreign students. The interviewer wants to know how well you will adapt to an entirely different education system and culture. Prepare yourself by researching the school environment. What makes the school and the city unique? Express your excitement about broadening your experiences and learning about this new culture.

Your potential contribution to the class dynamic: Students in Asia are not encouraged to be outspoken or to challenge established beliefs, a stark contrast to the educational values of most non-Asian countries. Do not, however, attempt to challenge the interviewer! After reading more about how the Asian education system differs, choose anecdotes that demonstrate your independence, inquisitive mind, and commitment and passion for your chosen career.

Your ability to use logic and reasoning: Brainstorm and write down all the points you want to make about yourself. Organize these points into themes and possible interview questions.

Your experience: If you are concerned about your academic record, this is your chance to emphasize your unique life and work experience.

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 Who will be interviewing me?

The interviewer will not always be a member of the admissions committee. He or she may also be a school alumnus, local school representative, or faculty member. The admissions committee weighs all interview reports equally, so always treat your interviewer with the utmost respect!

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 When will an interview be required?

There are three situations that require interviews: 
a) programs and schools may require a personal interview and will state it in the application 
b) while reviewing your application, schools may want to meet you for further discussion c) schools may offer the personal interview as an option to be decided by you.

If you are a Ph.D. applicant, take the initiative and schedule a personal interview with an admissions officer or professor in your field.  You will be expressing your enthusiasm and desire to learn more about the faculty members and the program. 

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 Take our Practice Interview!

  Try our practice interview questions, which were compiled by former applicants, to see how prepared you are for the interview.

1. What are your specific reasons for wanting to pursue study in this field? (hint: Relate your reasons to past experiences and give examples)

2. Explain certain resume or application items in more detail.  (hint: For scholarships or awards, provide details about the judges' selection criteria.    If the interviewer does not ask about a particular professional accomplishment or extracurricular activity and you wish to provide more detail, offer to explain it further)

3. Are there any personal circumstances that you would like us to be aware of? (hint: Explain unique aspects of your cultural, ethnic, personal or professional background that have influenced your academic history)

4. What are your reasons for applying to this school?

5. How will this academic program be congruent with your future personal and professional goals?

6. What other educational institutions have you applied to? Why?

7. What are your most substantial accomplishments? Why are they significant?

8. What personal characteristics do you consider your greatest strengths? Can you illustrate how these characteristics benefit your work?

9. What are your weaknesses?  How have you addressed them?

10. Can you tell us of a personal experience with failure? What did you learn from this experience?

11. What experience do you have working as a team member? What sort of role do you most often assume in team situations?

12. Can you tell us of an example of a time you had to stand up against the majority?

13. What are your thoughts on a particular international or national social or political issue?

14. Do you have any questions or concerns about this program or school?

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 Tips for the Interview

1.  Arrive early. Give yourself enough time to feel comfortable in your surroundings before walking into the interview room. 

2.  Reinforce important themes but don't be redundant.  Not only should your answers be congruent with those you gave in your personal essay, but they should reinforce and expand on those ideas. 

3.  Do your homework on the school.  Find out everything there is know about the school and your specific program.  If you still have questions, write them down and bring them to the interview.   Many students show up for interviews not knowing very much about the school. Use this as an opportunity to impress the interviewer with your keen interest.

4.  Get advice from people who have had the personal interview.  Try to get in touch with people who have had the same interviewer and find out anything you can about the interviewer.  Is he or she supportive? Difficult to talk to? If so, why?  Did this interviewer have any specific or peculiar questions?

5.    Be able to explain how this school's program is instrumental to achieving your goals. Answer this question using specific examples and illustrations.

6.  Never answer a question unless you are sure that you fully understand the question. If English is your second language, you may be missing subtle points the interviewer is making.   Politely ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question for clarification.

7.  Time yourself during the practice interview.  Considering that the interview will last about 30 to 40 minutes and you will be asked seven or eight questions, you will have just under two minutes to answer each question and about five minutes at the end of the interview for any additional questions.  Use your time wisely by organizing your answers and giving detailed yet succinct answers.

8.  Polish your speaking voice.  You will be speaking a language that you do not use daily, so it is important that you feel comfortable speaking aloud and articulating your thoughts.  Never apologize for your accent or language ability.  Focus instead on expressing your ideas clearly and concisely.  Speak at a rate that is comfortable for you, but do not compromise content for speed.   Do not speak too quietly or the interviewer will become frustrated by not being able to hear your answers.

9.  Bear in mind cultural differences in humor.  A pleasant attitude always helps.   If you decide to inject humor into the conversation, keep in mind that the interviewer may not share your sense of humor.   If you are too casual or constantly make jokes, the interviewer might think you are immature, insincere, or disrespectful. Finally, never make a joke at your interviewer's expense!

10.  Be attentive but at ease.   If you look too nervous or stiff, you might make the interviewer feel uncomfortable.

11.   Pronounce the interviewer's name correctly.  Do not address the interviewer by his or her first name unless you are specifically asked to.  If you are asked to use his or her first name, make sure that you do: the interviewer is making an effort to build rapport and to create a relaxed, less formal atmosphere.  

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 The Personal Interview

1.  Nonverbal communication is important.  Make eye contact but do not stare or you will appear confrontational.  On the other hand, if you avoid eye contact, the interviewer may question your honesty.    Attend to the interviewers facial expressions and reactions, and smile or nod appropriately to show that you understand what is being said.

2.  Dress appropriately.  Your clothing conveys an image and shows your respect for the interview process.

3.  Prepare one resume copy for yourself and one for the interviewer. You can refer to your copy while you are elaborating on specific details.   Do not assume that the interviewer will bring a copy.

4.  Be professional.  If you have a business card, give it to your interviewer after shaking hands.   Although you should help the interviewer with the correct pronunciation of your name, do not repeat it if he or she continues to mispronounce it. Further corrections may frustrate or embarrass the interviewer.  You can explain the meaning of your name to deepen the interviewer's understanding of you. 

The Telephone Interview

1.  Prepare a reference outline.  It should be brief, organized, and listed in point form to help you recall your answers quickly. Here is an example of a section of an ideal outline:

Question: Why are you interested in applying to Columbia Business School?

• Location: New York - financial & commercial capital of the world

• Reputation: Excellent - top ranking among business schools

• Student body: Diversity

• Strengths in Finance: example 1... example 2..

2.  Practice the telephone interview with a friend.  A simulation will give you an excellent idea of what the telephone interview will be like. Ask your friend for feedback on whether you speaking clearly and loudly enough.

3.  If you did not comprehend the question, ask for clarification.  If you did not comprehend it, ask for clarification. If you did not hear the question, make reference to the quality of the telephone connection and ask your interviewer to repeat it.

4.  Pronounce the interviewer's name correctly.   Use his or her name frequently throughout the interview to build rapport.  Use his or her first name only if you are specifically asked to.

5.  Try to sound relaxed and confident.  Speak with a strong voice; a wavering voice is heard easily over the telephone lines.

6.  Answer the questions thoroughly yet succinctly.  Avoid long-winded answers. 

7. Thank your interviewer for his or her time and attention during the interview.  Consider sending a thank-you note and maintaining contact throughout the application process.

Good luck!   If you have any further comments or questions, contact our interview coordinator.