News and Events
the interview season for UK and Hong Kong universities is here! While not every program requires an interview, those that do often consider it a crucial part of the selection process.
In the UK, programs that almost always conduct interviews include those at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as health-care-related programs. Imperial College London also interviews candidates for most of its subjects, such as engineering programs.
Similarly, the top three universities here - University of Hong Kong, Chinese University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - typically hold either group or individual interviews to assess non-JUPAS applicants.
Interview styles vary significantly across programs and universities. Oxford and Cambridge, for example, conduct rigorous academic discussions to simulate the tutorial system used at their colleges. In health-care programs, in which future students need to interact closely with patients, the emphasis is evaluating candidates' soft skills such as communication skills and empathy, along with their commitment to and understanding of the health-care sector.
In Hong Kong, many programs such as law, engineering and business host group interviews. In those interviews, candidates may be asked to introduce themselves individually, then collaborate in discussing an issue or coming up with a proposal.
Other programs, often the more competitive ones, host individual interviews to identify students' potential and abilities.
Additionally, in recent years, HKUST has implemented video interviews, where students respond to prerecorded questions. Candidates typically have about 30 seconds to prepare and one minute to respond.
Many students are surprised to find that interview invitations often come with short notice, typically one to two weeks before the interview date. That means rather than waiting for an invitation, students should take the initiative to start preparing now.
Having coached numerous students through their interviews over the years, here are a few quick tips.
First, do your research on the programs and universities that you are aiming for. Knowing what each program prioritizes allows you to understand what they are looking for in candidates. However, ensure your responses are genuine and not simply a summary from the websites.
Second, be prepared to discuss experiences that have shaped you and your motivation for the subject.
While most students prepare ahead, they often struggle to concisely highlight their reflections and learnings. Focus on reflecting rather than simply recounting events.
Finally, engaging in regular mock interviews with teachers or friends can significantly refine your interview techniques and boost your confidence.
If you do not have someone to practice with, you can try recording your interview responses and play it to yourself to check if the responses and body gestures can be improved. Be sure to cover both personal experiences and subject-related questions during the mock interviews.
