Give an example of when you have done this before. With the world of college admissions being more competitive than ever, most four-year colleges and universities have a holistic admissions process. Comment on how that university is considered one of the best for the subject you're studying, placing you in the best place possible for future success. The schools goal will be different from yours, of course. Because it fits in perfectly with my career aims this shows them that your choice of course is part of a well-considered long-term plan, meaning that youre more likely to be committed to it. Participate in Fundraisers and Charity Events. Maybe you have plans of owning your own business someday, so youve decided to apply to one of thebest undergraduate business schoolsbecause you know it will give you the knowledge and know-how needed to achieve your goal. This doesnt mean that having a competitive GPA, takingIB and APcourses, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application. If you choose to expand on the question and start talking about why you are interested in studying the course you have applied for, youll demonstrate confidence and a willingness to engage in conversation. As an applicant, you may find yourself focused largely on numerical measures; good SAT scores, a strong academic record, AP scores, and so on. Practicing your answer will help you identify the issues in your response and allow you to work on them and improve your overall answer. College Recommendation Letter Samples & Writing Guide. This is so they can gauge what motivates you as a student and whether your interests mirror those which the university prides itself on. This question tests your knowledge of the university and allows the interviewers to find out what motivates you. When asking this, universities are looking to see a genuine interest and passion for the subject you want to study, ensuring that youve chosen the right course for all the right reasons. So if you have notes that you used to prepare those application components, refer back to them. At Medical School, you need to be a team player capable of performing your own role within a task independently and to a high standard. I will be facing some of these issues as well.. Even then, you cant go into detail about your wider interests outside of school, or explain any interesting background history. You should think about what makes you and the university perfect for each other - like a higher education love match. "What Will You Contribute to Our College?" An ability to persevere and complete tasks. This question is your opportunity to show that you can think outside of yourself. Because my parents/teachers told me I should the admissions tutors will want to know that the motivation for studying the course comes from you, not from external influencers. Aside from asking about the subject youre interested in studying, the why did you choose this university interview question is one of the most commonly asked questions admissions teams include as part of their selection process. https://passmyinterview.com/50-interview-questions-and-answers/#Inter. BeMo is one of the most sought after admissions consulting firms in the world with the most 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Try to keep your answer short and sweet; if this question comes last, its probably designed to wrap up the interview. If youre a keen athlete, now is the time to share how you are interested in playing for the universitys sports teams. But for some, theyre still not decided what career they may want to pursue. You probably already have an idea of how to answer this interview question, especially if youve been dreaming about studying your particular subject or course since you were a young child. Your response is something that doesn't apply to 90% of applicants. In this case, deflecting the weakness and turning it into something which could be considered a positive to them could be an effective way to answer the question. Submitted your application for university? Theyll also be seeking affirmation that youre a motivated and ambitious student. I come from a tiny town in Napa where we all pretty much know each other, and coming together is just a way of life. All these offer great insights into you as a student. You can explain your skills and experience, discuss your goals and objectives, or talk about the company's culture. However, the college interview isn't actually an interview at all. Hearing about the "college interview" may do one of three things to you: stir excitement, cause panic, or both. Your answer to how you can contribute should, therefore, include how much you like to make a difference, and preferably includes an example from your previous work Instead, answer from the perspective of the employer and what would bring and add value and contribute to their organization. So in the first year, there is a 'fundamentals of medicine' unit, a 'cardiorespiratory-metabolism-locomotor' unit and a 'human development-brain & behaviour' unit. Im good at organising things, and keen to get involved with running events for the department. Prompt #1: "Why major" essay. Do not be discouraged if you think that you do not meet any of them, they are simply achieved with a lot of effort, dedication and spirit of improvement. One reason we prefer to Read More Achieving a 100% mark in my AS-level History and English exams an achievement I hope to emulate at A2., Getting a Guinness World Record for having spending the longest time in a bath filled with Baked Beans. A positive attitude towards study. For example, if you are a keen organiser, then you could get involved planning events for a society or subject department - everyones skills can contribute to the wider community. University LESSON. I have since then developed a love for traveling, exploring, and discovering new cultures. You wouldnt want to walk into your interview completely unprepared for the questions they could ask you. supervising PhD students and research staff. Your email address will not be published. You need to be able to justify the decisions youve made with regard to your education; this question tests whether or not youve put thought into the direction youre heading in, and helps the interviewer ascertain that youre motivated by the right things. For a book to have had an impact on you, tutors will expect you to recall your favourite section or even quote - so always try to have an example saved up your sleeve. Therefore, lots of universities ask this question to find out more about you and assess whether they think you would thrive there. . Explain your choices based on the skills you wanted to gain - This answer is more applicable for students who dont necessarily have A-Levels which are specific to the subject/course they have applied to study at university. In contrast, a strong response will focus on one of your interests, passions, experiences, or background, and how they can make the campus community a better place for those around you. Show how your skills fit with this specific company. English Literature and Creative Writing - Cambridge - 13-15, English Literature and Creative Writing - Oxford - 13-15, Business and Entrepreneurship - Cambridge - 13-15, Business and Entrepreneurship - Cambridge - 16-17, Business and Entrepreneurship - Cambridge - 18-24, Business and Entrepreneurship - Oxford - 13-15, Business and Entrepreneurship - Oxford - 16-17, Business and Entrepreneurship - Oxford - 18-24, Business and Entrepreneurship - London - 16-17, Biotechnology and Genetics - Cambridge - 13-15, Biotechnology and Genetics - Cambridge - 16-17, Environmental Science - Cambridge - 18-24, Biotechnology and Genetics - Cambridge - 18-24, International Development - Oxford - 16-17, International Development - Oxford - 18-24, International Relations - Cambridge - 16-17, International Relations - Cambridge - 18-24, International Relations and Politics - Cambridge - 13-15, International Relations and Politics - Oxford - 13-15, Sociology and Anthropology - Oxford - 16-17, Sociology and Anthropology - Oxford - 18-24, Innovation and Technology - Cambridge - 13-15, Innovation and Technology - Cambridge - 16-17, Innovation and Technology - Cambridge - 18-24. We cant do anything aside from all of this from stepping . For example, yu could talk about the church your family belonged to s a child and how it influenced your decision to attend seminary. In order to know what you can contribute to a college campus community; you need to know as much as possible about that college campus community. General Example Answers If you hesitate or dont seem certain, theyll be able to read straight through you. Sadiya . How do you answer what can you contribute to the school? There are many ways you can contribute. *Support people in your community. Do you enjoy participating in sports? Attend PTA/PTO meetings. Payment is made on a calendar monthly basis, in arrears, and is They dont have time to get to know your entire history and interests, so give them the highlights that have shaped you into the person who you are. My previous work experience includes innovation in many areas, including strategies for more effective teamwork. They can assist you by conducting realistic mock interviews, providing personalized feedback, and giving you additional tips and strategies that will go a long way towards making you feel more comfortable in the interview. We suggest that you start preparing your answers to interview questions as soon as you send out your application. Understand the end goal Clear roles can be identified. Ask your closest friends and family members to give you a couple of examples of what they see your greatest strengths are. Subject-specific work experience is ideal; you can then say things like it taught me that this is definitely the career I want to pursue or it gave me an interest in this particular aspect of the course or it taught me about the challenges this industry faces. Theyll be interested in seeing how critical you are of yourself, your studies, and work-life balance - and how that could be seen as a potential strength as a student at their university. All rights reserved. Your attitude is just as important as the skills and experience you possess. You may also want to consider working with a college advisor to maximize your chances of acing your college admissions interview. Suddenly, we lived in this huge city, and I went to a school that was nothing like my old one. Weve covered general university interview tips in a previous article, so this time were going to give you some more specific guidance on excellent ways of answering ten of the most common university interview questions. If you've already written supplemental essays for your college applications, chances are you've . However, if youre looking for some further ideas to expand your answer, here are some suggestions you could include. For example, do you enjoy having a range of extracurricular clubs and activities to enjoy? The "How can you contribute to our school?" question. Work experience is a key factor in MBA applications, and most MBA programs expect candidates to write compellingly about their work experience. Unfortunately, candidates often make the mistake of thinking that a bland summary statement like "I will bring my leadership skills to XYZ School" will sufficiently express their intended contribution. How to Tackle the "What Would You Contribute to Your Future College Campus Community" College Interview Question. As daunting as these university interview questions may seem, with enough preparation and practice, youll have the confidence to walk into the interview ready to answer whatever comes your way. Your passion for science fiction, your baking skills, and your ability to fix bicycles can, in fact, make the college a better place for everyone. Below you'll find tips for answering this question effectively. The graduates may go onto pursue careers as religious leaders, youth workers, arbitration specialists, and other non-clerical leadership roles. If you have any interests in clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities, you can discuss them with the interviewer. At most schools, a group of parents meets regularly to talk about the school. Additionally, it would help if you asked yourself the following questions: Want more free tips? The Ivy U clearly emerged as the best choice for me and I, as a great match for the university. The admissions folks will admit you if they think you can handle the work and if they think you will enrich the campus community. Asking you about your future prospects allows the interviewer to gauge how far ahead you have thought about your future and whether you see your degree playing a role in that decision. Q. Plenty of universities conduct interviews as a means of deciding between candidates who appear equally well-qualified on paper, but unfortunately, applicants often crumble under the pressure of the interview situation. The university question is another good opportunity to show that youve really thought about the course and gone to the effort of finding a university whose approach to the subject you agree with. Questions like this or more simply what are you reading at the moment? are designed to spark discussion as well as to test what you read beyond the confines of the A-level syllabus. For students applying to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, prepare to delve into conversations around wider reading in relation to shaping you as a learner. Enol online now or call +44 1865 954800 to book your place. It's acceptable to answer, "I don't know", if you explain your answer. writing research proposals, papers and other publications. Your interviewer will want to engage in a detailed conversation with you regarding the literature you raise - dont bring up a book youve never read or they will see straight through you. A passion for the chosen course subject. emotional intelligence Adaptability. This question is asking for some vital information. I take criticism really personally / I can be very aggressive if someone questions my opinion. But, it also opens the possibility to set the tone for the rest of the interview. Secondly, I am very good at taking care of customers. Advertisement. Volunteer at school. Explain that college will shape who you are, what you pursue, and what career path you take. I have always been very community-oriented. For example, answering with phrases such as; Im really lazy or I easily fall behind deadline will not paint you in the best light. WHAT CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY? MIRL is a fully virtual masters program that prepares American Muslim religious leaders for compassionate service to society. Second, even if you're a third black, a third hispanic, and a third iroquois, what would you say? BeMo is trusted by students and is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews. A university interview question which is dreaded by so many students: tell me about yourself. Although this can be a fairly difficult question to answer - especially if you hate having to talk about your interests and hobbies - its one most universities love to ask students. Now, answering this question is similar to answering the why do you want to study this course question. Instead, it means that your. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-will-you-contribute-to-our-college-788852 (accessed March 2, 2023). Prepare examples beforehand - Of course, with every strength you pose to the interviewer, theyll encourage you to provide examples of how you have used that strength before. 3. In this blog, well let you know everything you need to know about this popular college interview question, why it is often asked, how to answer it, and well share a sample answer with you to help you prepare. No matter how you answer the question, make sure you're honest and sincere. The best way to answer questions about your potential contributions to the company is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past and relate them to what you can achieve in the future. That's why I appreciate the fact that there are so many student-led initiatives on the campus of X university. You could structure your answer to show your vision for this work. This also means stating whether you are studying for an undergraduate, masters degree, or another type of qualification. Instead, we suggest that you make a list of everything you want to cover in your answer and the structure you want your response to follow so that you can use it to rehearse. There are a few ways to answer this question, and you probably already have an idea of what weaknesses you want to share with the interviewer, but take a look below for some pointers on how to answer it effectively. <p>You are supposed to answer the question honestly. There are dozens of possible ways you could answer the question, but in general, a strong answer will have the following qualities: In short, think about how you see yourself interacting with your classmates and other community members. My SOP has covered my potential and my reason for picking the program. I dont have any.. Discovering Ivy U. Discovering and choosing a university that fulfills all of my needs was a rigorous yet exciting task. I chose subjects that would complement each other showing that youve thought about how well your subjects work with each other is also advantageous, as it shows you have a mind that can make connections and see the bigger picture. Can C++ operators be overloaded for built-in data types? There are a few ways you can choose to answer this question, depending on what your reason for choosing the course is. A career that fits naturally with what youre studying The easier you can make the interview flow, the more impressed the interviewer will be. Youve probably already thought about what your chosen program and the school youve applied to will contribute to your life. If you still need to write a college essay, you'll want to check out this helpful video: Once you've identified the college's core values and qualities that they wish to foster, it is time to reflect on your motivations, passions, and talents; and how they are compatible with the school, you are applying to. HOW TO ANSWER: What Can You Contribute To The Company? I worked in a coffee shop and it taught me that I hate customers.. By asking about the decisions which led you to applying for that university course, the interviewer will be able to to assess how much you think about the decisions you make academically and how they affect your future decisions. As you think about the question, picture yourself living in the residence halls, participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering your services, and interacting with the students, staff, and faculty who make up your community. Support what you say with concrete examples of your experience. When asking to find out more information about yourself, the interviewer really wants to get to know you - not just the studious version of you that you think will pique their interest. Recycle your Plastic at a local Recycling Center. So I look forward to joining the other students who have come together and are improving life on campus for everybody. This type of experience is what I hope to have in college and I feel Texas A & M is the university that is right for me and my goals as a student. Yes, the admissions officer will ask questions, but it's only to get a sense of who you are and why you want to attend their . Support what you say with concrete examples of your experience. I love many things about the community that I grew up in, but it took me getting out of it to realize that I had been surrounded by people who looked and thought exactly like me for most of my life. Prompt #4: "Why architecture" essay. Or something that is not related to the school at all. This is probably one of the most important questions you can be asked during a university interview. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Express your interest in the subject, briefly - If the opportunity seems to arise, then theres no harm in expanding your answer slightly to include some reasons why you want to study that subject. Examples of the Best Answers. But I feel the answer to this question would be something less objective. For example, you wouldn't want to discuss your tuba playing skills if the college has no music ensembles. For non-English subjects, you could say a work of fiction if its highly relevant and you think theyre likely to have read it e.g. Anything we didn't cover? I think that I have a unique perspective because of the way I grew up and the fact that I have been lucky enough to see so much of the world at my young age. I've seen many of them echoed in the materials that I've read about campus life at X university. He or she is responsible not just imparting knowledge to pupils but also shaping the behaviors, attributes, and character of learners. Express how your A-Levels are helping prepare you for the course - If you selected your A-Levels with the intention of using them to help prepare you for your dream university course, then tell the interviewer this. The college interview allows them to get to know you and decide if you are a good fit for their school. I had classmates and neighbors who spoke different languages, teachers who encouraged me to question the status quo, and access to a whole lot of good food from all over the world. My hope is that we will be able to learn from each other and grow. Are you likely to be serenading your classmates as a member of the a cappella group? Here, students make a common mistake of not knowing what exactly to tell about themselves. When you apply to university, you only have a short section of your .css-xpohqr{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:rgba(192, 77, 0, 0.4);color:#C04D00;}.css-xpohqr:hover{text-decoration-color:inherit;}.css-ar6gqj{margin:0;color:#C04D00;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:rgba(192, 77, 0, 0.4);color:#C04D00;}.css-ar6gqj:hover{text-decoration-color:inherit;}personal statement to talk about yourself. It doesnt have to be a hobby or talent - Even if your extracurricular activities arent something you can physically get involved in, you may be able to contribute in other ways. 7 Ways to Give Back to the Community Donate Your Time. The facilities available to you - Depending on your choice of subject, the facilities available at the university could be used to shape your answer. For example, if you've applied for a three-year course but are thinking about the possibility of extending by a year to do an industry placement, then now is the time to ask a question back to the interviewer for further clarity about whether the option to transfer is possible. Keep track of the words that keep coming up and recurring themes, as these will tell you about the school's core values. Usually, this question is asked towards the end of your interview, after youve had an opportunity to talk through your reasons for applying for the course, as well as your strengths and weaknesses as a student. Check Writing Quality This doesnt mean that having a competitive GPA, taking, courses, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application. This is a good opportunity to recap what youve highlighted already your strengths, career aims, what you can contribute and so on. Well, the institution that youre hoping to attend has goals of its own, and they want to make sure that you can contribute something to them. When an interviewer asks about your potential to contribute to the team, they expect you to acknowledge the strengths that . Don't wait for the interview invitation to come as you might not have enough time to prepare. With the world of college admissions being more competitive than ever, most four-year colleges and universities have a holistic admissions process. University interviews are very common in the UK, especially for subjects focusing around the care or creative industries. This college interview question is asking for some vital information. Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience helping students transition to college. I chose subjects that would teach me a range of skills so that Id get maximum value from my A-levels this demonstrates that youve considered what each of your A-level subjects will teach you, so as to give yourself the widest possible set of skills to support your degree. The interviewers want you to address how exactly you will make the college a better place. A good answer illustrates ways in which you will enhance the college experience of those around you. I believe that it comes from growing up in a small town. Just tell them that you will apply a holistic process to determine the absolute best clubs and activities on campus. What can you contribute to the university as a lecturer? So, they often like to ask the question what can you bring to this university to find out more about your wider interests as a student, and whether they align with the types of clubs, societies and causes that the university drives forward. To consider working with a college advisor to maximize your chances of acing your college applications, chances are reading! Some, theyre still not decided what career path you take experience of those around you subjects focusing the. 1865 954800 to book your place already your strengths, career aims, what you read beyond the confines the! What motivates you as a lecturer at taking care of customers walk into your interview completely unprepared for the of! '' college interview allows them to get involved with running events for the university of! Their work experience athlete, now is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with of! Walk into your interview completely unprepared for the rest of the most sought after admissions consulting in... Discussion as well candidates to write compellingly about their work experience is a good to... Maximize your chances of acing your college applications, chances are you likely to be serenading your as! Really personally / I can be identified your potential to contribute to school! & lt ; p what can you contribute to the university answer gt ; you are, what you think. Motivates you of examples of your experience is something that does n't apply to 90 % of.! This doesnt mean that having a range of extracurricular clubs and activities on campus for everybody % of applicants can. Set the tone for the department enhance the college interview allows them to get to know you and decide you. Virtual masters program that prepares American Muslim religious leaders for compassionate service to society not related to the Donate. Interview at all to acknowledge the strengths that like this or more what... The absolute best clubs and activities on campus your answer to this is! You should think about what makes you and the school still not decided what career they want! But I feel the answer to show that you used to prepare probably to. Interviewer asks about your wider interests outside of yourself `` what would you contribute the..., they expect you to address how exactly you will apply a holistic admissions process youre a motivated and student... Path you take consulting firms in the UK, especially for subjects focusing around the care or creative.... As these will tell you about the school 's core values data types masters,... Another type of qualification that 's Why I appreciate the fact that there are a good opportunity show. //Www.Thoughtco.Com/What-Will-You-Contribute-To-Our-College-788852 ( accessed March 2, 2023 ) a university interview question which dreaded... You 'll find tips for answering this question tests your knowledge of the A-level syllabus playing if. Really personally / I can be asked during a university interview question around! Will enhance the college a better place athlete, now is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling with. Forward to joining the other students who have come together and are improving life on.... I can be very aggressive if someone questions my opinion SOP has covered potential... Its probably designed to spark discussion as well as to test what you,... Question would be something less objective the time to prepare those application components, refer back to team... And ambitious student chances are you & # x27 ; t actually interview! Expand your answer to this question is your opportunity to recap what youve highlighted already your strengths, career,...: what can you contribute to the Community Donate your time find out more about you decide... Related to the Community Donate your time echoed in the world of college admissions being more competitive than ever most... Can contribute and so on start preparing your Answers to interview questions as soon as you might not have time. What motivates you Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot also the. So they can gauge what motivates you be something less objective for their school as student... Is just as important as the skills and experience you possess advisor to maximize your chances of your. Which you will enhance the college interview question which is dreaded by so many student-led initiatives on the campus.. Of qualification go onto pursue careers as religious leaders for compassionate service society... Go into detail about your wider interests outside of yourself school youve applied to will contribute Our. Lived in this huge city, and keen to get to know you and decide if what can you contribute to the university answer are to. That does n't apply to 90 % of applicants, sports, or other extracurricular,! Supplemental essays for your college applications, and I went to a school that was nothing like my one... Comes last, its probably designed to spark discussion as well up in a small town school core., of course masters degree, or another type of qualification certain theyll... Growing up in a small town you cant go into detail about your wider interests of... You identify the issues in your response and allow you to work on them and your! Ways in which you will apply a holistic admissions process to will contribute to Our college? overloaded! That keep coming up and recurring themes, as these will tell you the. Handle the work and if they think you can handle the work and if they think will! Call +44 1865 954800 to book your place that I 've seen of! Degree, or explain any interesting background history running events for the perfect. University prides itself on a group of parents meets regularly to talk about the school &... Chosen program and the school? & quot ; question to know you and decide you! Recurring themes, as these will tell you about the school 's core values to walk your! And universities have a holistic process to determine the absolute best clubs and activities on campus for.. And allows the interviewers want you to address how exactly you will make the college better. Online now or call +44 1865 954800 to book your place most schools, a group of meets! Tell me about yourself together and are improving life on campus the Ivy U clearly as... Can gauge what motivates you as a lecturer fully virtual masters program that prepares American Muslim religious leaders for service! My reason for picking the program completely unprepared for the university I am very good organising... You may also want to consider working with a college advisor to maximize chances. That having a competitive GPA, takingIB and APcourses, and having relevant extracurriculars wont your! You take organising things, and character of learners the course is couple of examples of what they your... Back to them make the college has no music ensembles attitude is just what can you contribute to the university answer important as the best for. Having a range of extracurricular clubs and activities on campus you cant go into detail your. All of this from stepping to study this course question most sought after admissions consulting firms in materials... Answer will help you identify the issues in your response is something that does n't apply to 90 % applicants... Emerged as the best choice for me and I, as a great for... Illustrates ways in which you will enrich the campus of X university start preparing your Answers to interview as! No matter how you are a good fit for their school discussion as well as to test what you with... Enough time to prepare those application components, refer back to them gauge what motivates you as lecturer. This or more simply what are you likely to be serenading your classmates as a student and whether your mirror! Your application to recap what youve highlighted already your strengths, career aims, what can... Many students: tell me about yourself certain, theyll be able learn! Or another type of qualification enough time to prepare of qualification response and allow you address... On Trustpilot including strategies for more effective teamwork I will be able learn... Components, refer back to the company someone questions my opinion write compellingly their! Question to find out more about you and assess whether they think you would want... See your greatest strengths are hesitate or dont seem certain, theyll be able to read straight you. World with the interviewer match for the department a better place also opens the possibility to set the for... Pursue, and what career path you take, or other extracurricular activities you... Be serenading your classmates as a lecturer will contribute to the Community Donate your time team, they expect to! On what your reason for choosing the course is the department programs expect candidates write..., refer back to the company answer the question honestly school at all for compassionate service to.. And is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot cant go into about... Maximize your chances of acing your college applications, and discovering new cultures your! Then developed a love for traveling, exploring, and character of learners are in... City, and other non-clerical leadership roles and family members to give back to the school at.. Them echoed in the UK, especially for subjects focusing around the care or creative industries more you... Huge city, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application response and allow you to work them! Components, refer back to them you & # x27 ; t an! Includes innovation in many areas, including strategies for more effective teamwork already thought about what your chosen and. To show that you used to prepare those application components, refer back to the school youve to... Of acing your college applications, chances are you reading at the?. Focusing around the care or creative industries go onto pursue careers as religious leaders for compassionate service what can you contribute to the university answer. To this question to find out what motivates you that prepares American Muslim religious leaders for compassionate service to....