Beyond the Transcript: Acing the University Interview

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Ajax Scholars

The university interview, whether it's a live video call or a pre-recorded response, is your chance to bring your application to life. It's where your personality can shine through and make a lasting impression. As veterans of countless interviews for top programs, we know what it takes to turn this nerve-wracking experience into a major advantage.

Preparation is Everything

Don't walk into your interview cold. You need to do your homework. Know the program you're applying to inside and out. Why this school? Why this specific program? What courses are you excited about? Who are the professors you want to learn from? Having specific, well-researched answers shows genuine interest.

  • Know Your Story: Be ready to talk about everything on your application, from your extracurriculars to your essay. Connect your experiences to your goals and your interest in the program.
  • Prepare for Common Questions: While you don't want to sound rehearsed, you should have thoughtful answers prepared for common questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Why are you a good fit for our school?"

The STAR Method: Your Secret Weapon

When answering behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge"), the STAR method is your best friend. It provides a simple, powerful structure for your answers:

  • Situation: Briefly describe the context. What was the situation?
  • Task: What was your goal or task? What needed to be done?
  • Action: What specific actions did you take? This is where you highlight your skills and initiative.
  • Result: What was the outcome? Quantify your success whenever possible. What did you learn?

It's a Conversation, Not an Interrogation

Remember, the interview is a two-way street. Your interviewers want to get to know you as a person. Be engaged, be curious, and be yourself. Ask them thoughtful questions about the program, student life, or their own experiences. This shows that you're not just trying to impress them; you're genuinely trying to determine if their school is the right fit for you.

Confidence comes from preparation. Walk into that interview knowing you've done the work, and let your passion and personality do the rest. We're here to run mock interviews and give you the feedback you need to feel unstoppable.