College Interview FAQs and Preparation Rules

Admission to an educational institution depends not only on knowledge. Getting a college interview is just as important. You need to know what the frequently asked questions are and how to properly prepare for the interview.

In college - and at universities at various levels - interviews are often held upon admission. No educational institution discloses in advance what exactly is checked in such a test. But analyzing the experience of people who have already passed such checks, the following types of interviews can be distinguished:

• conversation "for show", that is, purely formal and does not affect the decision of the selection committee;
• general (conversation on various topics in order to identify general educational background and characterize the intellectual level of the applicant);
• interview-exam (with passing tests, completing tasks related to the chosen specialization);
• psychological testing (to determine the psychological fitness of a person for a particular profession).

In reality, these types of interviews can overlap. So, the examination check almost always presupposes the establishment of the psychological characteristics of the applicant. General questions can be asked along with professional competency questions. And if the applicant manages to convince the selection committee of his preparedness ahead of schedule, it is likely that they will ask a few more formal, non-binding questions.

At an interview in a medical school, they ask not only about biological sciences and the Russian language. Certain personality traits and moral and ethical characteristics are very important to the doctor. Thanks to them, the physician will be able to work extremely efficiently. The tests in medical colleges are designed to weed out exactly those people who will not be able to fulfill the duties of a doctor as they should.

Questions are usually directed to:

• to find out the readiness to help people;
• assessment of humanity;
• determination of resistance to stress;
• clarification of the intellectual and cultural level;
• determination of politeness and tact in communication.

Prospective physicians may also be asked questions related to:

• with non-disclosure of confidential information and official secrets;
• initiative;
• sociability;
• leadership characteristics;
• ability to organize work;
• speed of reaction;
• responsibility;
• the ability to maintain restraint even in a difficult situation.

Specific formulations in each case are selected individually. But most often psychological testing takes place according to the following methods:

• DDO Klimov;
• the Shmishek-Leonhard questionnaire;
• Dutch professional preference test.

An interview at a teacher training college implies, first of all, finding out the level of sociability. A teacher who is not ready to communicate with students and with other teachers is bad. An equally important role is played by those questions that are aimed at clarifying ideas about the qualities of a teacher and on what qualities the applicant considers optimal for pedagogical work. Additionally, they may ask:

• about favorite holidays;
• hobby;
• how the applicant is going to separate the fighting children;
• how the applicant will act if the children start making noise;
• how to stop bullying one of your students.

At the Polytechnic College, applicants are tested for each specialty. There there are a lot of specific requirements and nuances, depending on the range of competencies and tasks to be solved... Therefore, it is impossible to characterize all this in general terms.

When entering a marine college, the interview is usually interested in those special knowledge and questions that are not included in the high school curriculum. Such a check allows, first of all, to find out how much the applicant is passionate about the maritime business, whether he is fully interested in it.

When entering a tourism college, they usually try to find out what kind of person is going to go there, what he can do, what he is ready for and how motivated. The ability to behave and talk about yourself in public is also assessed. They may also ask about knowledge of geography and nature, history of various countries and regions.

When entering Olympic Reserve College, you need to be prepared for psychological testing. They do not ask any questions of a professional nature.

Those who decide to study to be a chef will have to demonstrate their personal qualities during the interview. Questions may be asked about artistic taste and level of imagination (after all, a good cook is not just an artisan, he creates a work of art from food). They will definitely ask about the motives for choosing a profession. They will ask if the applicant is ready for constant physical activity.

Each question is usually given a detailed answer. But sometimes you have to answer succinctly. It is impossible to predict what will happen in a particular case, because a lot depends on the selection committee and its mood. We must try to prove their interest in the profession, knowledge of some of its features and future professional responsibilities. Very detailed answers are unlikely to be required.

You need to listen as carefully as possible so as not to miss small nuances. Applicants need to behave more calmly.The admissions office almost always weeds out those who are overly nervous. It is very important to speak confidently and calmly in a clear, even voice.

In order to get a good interview at an educational institution, it is very important to prepare properly. Clothes are taken beautiful, comfortable, but not too frivolous or shocking people. Better to focus on formal style and give up jeans. Also important:

• adherence to the daily regimen in the last few days before the test;
• neat appearance;
• punctual arrival for an interview;
• studying data about the educational institution, its past, structure, leadership and extracurricular life;
• positive attitude;
• a long sleep the night before.