With increasingly frequent global educational exchanges, more and more students and parents are turning their attention to prestigious overseas universities. Choosing to study abroad not only means academic improvement but also a holistic development encompassing life experiences and cultural immersion. However, many families still have questions about the “interview stage” in the application process: Do all schools require interviews? What are the formats and contents of interviews? How should students prepare in advance? Understanding the necessity and characteristics of interviews can help applicants prepare application materials more effectively, increase their chances of admission, and reduce psychological pressure.
Not all schools require interviews
Many students mistakenly believe that applying to overseas universities inevitably involves an interview, but this is not the case. Different countries and types of schools have different requirements for interviews. For example, some American liberal arts colleges and British private universities consider interviews an important part of the admission process, while most comprehensive universities or public universities rely more on application materials for evaluation. Whether an interview is necessary usually depends on the school’s admission philosophy and the number of applicants: schools with limited enrollment and high competition tend to use interviews to understand students’ comprehensive abilities and personality traits, while some institutions with larger enrollment sizes and more flexible admission processes may directly evaluate applicants based on written materials. For students, understanding the interview policies of their target schools is a crucial prerequisite for planning their application strategy in advance.
Diverse Interview Formats
If the target school requires an interview, the format varies. Common formats include online video interviews, telephone interviews, in-person interviews, and group interviews. Online video interviews are increasingly adopted by schools due to their convenience, especially for international students. Telephone interviews focus more on assessing a student’s communication skills and logical thinking, and are usually shorter. In-person interviews are often used when the school has the facilities to host the student, allowing for a more direct assessment of the student’s demeanor and attitude. Group interviews or group discussions evaluate a student’s teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Different interview formats place different demands on a student’s psychological resilience, communication skills, and adaptability. Therefore, understanding the interview types in advance and practicing and preparing accordingly can significantly improve interview performance.
Key Points for Interview Preparation
Effective interview preparation can help students maintain confidence under pressure. First, understanding the school’s background and the characteristics of the program is crucial. This is not only the foundation for answering questions but also key to demonstrating interest and suitability. Secondly, practice simulating common interview questions, including those related to academic interests, extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and future plans. Furthermore, language proficiency and expression are key assessment points, especially for non-native speakers; clear, fluent, and logical expression is crucial. Finally, appearance and etiquette are also important; appropriate attire, natural body language, and polite responses can all enhance the interview. In summary, interview preparation is not only a demonstration of academic ability but also a presentation of personality, potential, and overall qualities.
While not all schools require interviews, for some highly competitive institutions that emphasize comprehensive qualities, interviews are a crucial part of the student evaluation process. Students need to understand the interview format and content based on the requirements of their target schools and prepare thoroughly psychologically, intellectually, and in terms of expression. Through targeted practice, students can not only improve their interview performance but also demonstrate confidence, maturity, and multifaceted abilities throughout the application process. For parents and students, understanding interview information and preparing well are important methods to increase the success rate of admission. At the upcoming 2026 Wise Shanghai Overseas Property, Immigration and Study Abroad Exhibition, education experts will further share their interview experiences and preparation tips for various universities, providing practical guidance for families intending to send their children abroad, helping students avoid detours on their study abroad journey and smoothly enter their ideal universities.
