What are the three most popular college admission questions and how can you answer them?

1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why are you interested in this college or major?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses academically?

The process of interviewing for international colleges here in the Philippines can be daunting. This is the interview that is going to give the college you are applying for the chance to evaluate you. This is your opportunity to show the admissions officers that you are worthy of studying at their school. This all sounds pretty overwhelming, but as long as you know what to expect and what to do, your interviews with various colleges will not be nearly as scary.

A college interview provides their applicants the opportunity to gather more information about the school and answer any questions that you might have. Also, this interview gives the college the chance to learn more about you, your interests, and how you will be able to contribute to their school.

While it might vary from college to college, there are a few common general questions that multiple interviewers might ask you. Here are the three most popular college admission questions and how you can answer them:

“Tell me about yourself”

This question seems easy at first until you really take the time to think about it. This question is surprisingly hard to answer because you might not always know how to begin. It is true that the interviewers want to know more about you, but this is not necessarily the question to talk about your life story.

Instead, brag about yourself succinctly and humbly. While it might sound like an oxymoron, the right choice of words will allow you to draw a picture of yourself that is separate and unique from the other candidates. Remember to mention a few of your academic achievements as well as what you like to do in your free time.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends, teachers, and even your family. Seek out input from others and ask for feedback about what they think your best qualities are when you are preparing to answer this question. Give out clear phrases that will actually describe your personality and the things that you have done.

“Why are you interested in this college or major?”

Your interviewer might ask you this question to find out two things: first, whether you are really interested in your major or in the school, and second, whether you are taking the process of college application seriously.

There really is no easy way to answer this question. You are going to need to do a lot of research in order to have an answer for your admissions officer. Avoid just talking about the prestige, location, or ranking of the school because this shows that you simply have a superficial level of understanding of the school.

Instead, try to give a more in-depth answer. Find out any specifics you can about the cultural values, extracurricular activities, etc., of the school. If you are aiming for a particular internship program that the school offers which is related to the major you are applying for, mention it in the interview.

Also, do not talk about how you are only applying to a particular major or school because it can give you a lot of money or it brings job security. Interviewers want to see genuine interest from their applicants so instead, talk about why the course or subject inspire you.

“What are your strengths and weaknesses academically?”

College admissions officers want to know how you see your achievements as well as how you plan on overcoming obstacles. When you talk about your strengths, always be specific. Explain how your strengths helped you throughout high school and how it can help you in your future career in college.

For instance, if you consider writing as your biggest strength, maybe mention how you capitalized on this and got an internship program at a local publishing house or how it won you an essay writing competition. Tell the interviewer that you hope to accomplish the same in college.

On the other hand, when it comes to weaknesses, always be ready to admit them as long as you can prove that you have made the efforts to overcome them. Do not say that you have no weaknesses because no one is going to believe you and you will only end up portraying yourself as arrogant.

If you believe procrastination to be one of your weaknesses, talk about the strategies that you have used to overcome it instead.

Key Takeaway

Preparation is key. Making sure that you are well prepared improves your chances of having a good interview with the admissions team at the international college in the Philippines you have applied at.

Remember, though, that you do not have to stress too much about the interview. As long as you are attentive, prepared, and polite, your chances of getting accepted improve drastically. The interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the school and help you decide whether or not it might be a good fit for you, so don’t forget to ask questions.