University motivation questions

University motivation questions

Why do you want to study for a degree? What do you think university can offer you? What else, apart from study, interests you about university? Why do you want to study at this university?

Example answer- I believe that studying at university level will benefit my future career and I look forward to the opportunity of university to broaden my horizons and build up my skills and confidence.

Subject related questions

Why do you want to study (whatever subject you have applied for) Chemistry, Geography, Surveying, Physiotherapy etc?

What do you know about the course? What attracts you to this course?

You may want to study that subject because

* You want to study a subject further and in more depth
* It is a strong interest and your best subject
* You will need it for your future career idea
* That university has a particular type of course that is suited to you
* The only way to qualify for some future career is through that subject
* Of a mixture of the above
* Or some other reason.

Let the interviewer understand your personal motivation for the subject, giving evidence and examples if possible.

I want to study geology because I have enjoyed this at A level and want to take this knowledge further. I particularly like the structure of this university course because of....... A recent field trip confirmed my enthusiasm for....

And finally the topical or situational questions

Topical questions

Interviewers love to ask your opinion on something topical, that is something in the news or related to your subject. For medicine this might result in a question about medical ethics and euthanasia or on the future of the NHS. Prepare to offer an opinion!

You can do this by reading the national serious newspapers online or in hard copy and pick out current stories that seem linked to your subject. Assemble them in a folder and think about how you could respond to a question on these topics.

How to offer an opinion

* Consider your gut reaction to the topic and how others with alternative views might argue
* Show balanced thinking and present your ideas and conclude with your particular view
* Be prepared to justify your angle on the topic

Situational questions (sometimes hypothetical)

These often start with

Give me an example of a time when... you dealt with a problem, or overcame some obstacles, or worked in as team to achieve an outcome etc

Or

If you were asked to....do something creative about ......what would you do?

With these questions it is a good idea to ask for them to be repeated so you gain time for a considered response. Try and show lateral thinking (not just one dimensional thinking but all round the subject thinking) and show how you weigh up and consider carefully.

Remember, you do not need to parrot text book answers but show who you are and why you want to study at that university. Preparation (that means considering likely questions) means that you will be ready for them whatever happens and you will come across naturally confident.

Good luck!