Common University Interview Questions and Sample Answers

University Admission Requirements

Before graduating from secondary school, grade 12 students are usually busy preparing to be able to enter a university of their choice.  In Thailand, this is the time that students are busy with university admission requirements. Schools have different requirements but the following are common to many universities:

  1. Secondary Education Certificate of Completion
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA)
  3. General Aptitude Test (GAT)
  4. Portfolio
  5. Entrance Test
  6. University Interview
  7. Tuition Fees

Since English is a second language in Thailand, students need to prepare well for the university interview. So, let’s talk about the commonly asked university interview questions and how to answer them in a simple and direct way, but with sense and thought.

Common University Interview Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Why do you want to study at this university?
  3. What can you bring to this university?
  4. What course do you want to study and why?
  5. What are your interests?
  6. What do you do during your free time?
  7. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  8. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Now let’s talk about how to answer these questions.

Tell me about yourself.

I’m Johnny Dewey, just call me John. I’m from Kheha Romklao. I finished my secondary education at RSL School. I would describe myself as hardworking, honest, and someone who values time very much.

I believe that life is not so easy that’s why I should persevere and work hard in order to achieve more and improve my life. I am also an honest person. I value the truth and I want people to be truthful to me too. This is a value I learned from my parents. I find time valuable because time lost cannot be recovered anymore. So at every opportunity, I try to use my time as wisely as possible. With regards my studies, I see to it that I have a program of activities everyday focusing on my studies.  That’s how I would describe myself in brief.

Here is a template you can use. Just fill in the blanks with your own answer.

I’m [name, surname]. Just call me [nickname]. I’m [age] years old.  I’m from [your place]. I finished my secondary education at [your school].

I’m a/an [good character] person. [explain in 1 or 2 sentences more] I am also a [another good character] person. [explain in 1 or 2 sentences more]

That’s how I would describe myself.

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Why do you want to study at this university?

I want to study in this university because you value quality education very much. You have excellent curriculum, and your faculty staff are graduates of reputable universities in Thailand. Moreover, you have excellent facilities, and you have a friendly school social environment. These are the reasons why I want to study in this university.

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What can you bring in this university?

I can bring a positive attitude towards learning. I believe that focusing on learning will help me become a better person in the future. I am also passionate about photography. I can be of help in capturing memorable photos that can be added in your university gallery. Furthermore, I am a writer of our school paper at RSL. I can be of help to your university newspaper as a columnist if given the opportunity. I hope to inspire other students to do better and strive harder in order to become successful individuals in their chosen fields.

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What course do you want to study and why?

I want to study nursing because it has always been my dream since I was a child.  I value working as a health care provider. I feel good when I can help sick people. I believe that being a nurse is a noble profession. These are the reasons why I want to pursue a degree in nursing.

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What are your interests? / hobbies

I love reading books. I especially like reading travel and culture books. Reading helps me travel the world with less money since I can experience life and culture by the experience of others.  Aside from reading, I also play musical instruments. I can play the guitar and I love singing too. Singing is like a stress reliever for me.

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What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Being studious and hardworking are my main strengths. I believe that if I have given something to do, I need to give my best in accomplishing it. If I am not so familiar with the task assigned to me, I do my best to research and learn from books and videos on the internet.

Due to perseverance, I sometimes forget the time especially when I study at night which results to my late sleeping habit. This I consider a weakness. I have realized this already and I am doing my best to improve my sleeping habit so I will not compromise my health.

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Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I am certain that the coming five years will be productive for me. Learning in a reputable institution like yours with a positive outlook towards quality education will surely be a rewarding experience. I can picture myself growing to become the person I am working on. I feel that the values of this university can be advantageous to my career. In return, I see myself utilizing my knowledge to yield better outcomes. In the next five years, I see myself as a graduate of my course and competitive in the workplace.

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There

Tips on University Interviews

  1. First impression lasts long.
  2. Don’t be nervous, be confident, and smile.
  3. Have a firm handshake.
  4. Maintain good eye contact.
  5. Prepare well.
  6. Arrive on time.
  7. Dress appropriately.
  8. Be confident, but don’t be arrogant.
  9. Show that you are a team player and you can fit in well and that you are teachable.
  10. Be articulate and speak fluently.

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