With the world of college admissions being more competitive than ever, most four-year colleges and universities have a holistic admissions process. How to Answer "What Can I Tell You About Our College?". Grove, Allen. For example, a response that focuses on your basketball talent when the school that youre applying to does not have a basketball team. Firstly, I am a very fast learner and worker. This is about the contribution we can make as a student to the attainment of the university's vision, mission, goals and objective. It's a great opportunity for applicants simultaneously to draw attention to their qualifications while also pinpointing how they can create value for an employer. How to answer this university interview question. Because it had the least number of applicants per place admissions tutors arent going to be impressed if youve chosen their subject because you thought it would be a soft touch or easier to get into. I chose the subjects I thought would prepare me best for this course again, keeping your answer focused on the course is always a safe bet. Learning Medicine is a stressful time for everyone and . The company contracts with institutions, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale, for the use of their facilities, and also contracts with tutors from those institutions, but does not operate under the aegis of the University of Oxford or those other institutions. No matter how you answer the question, make sure you're honest and sincere. BeMo, BeMo Academic, BeMo Consulting, BeMo Academic Consulting, Platinum, The Admissions Experts, CASPer SIM, CASPer Prep, MMISIM, InterviewProf, The Vault, MD Chance, SJT, Acceptance Challenge, 4th Quartile Challenge, 520 Challenge, No BS Free Repeat, Admissions Advantage, Get In Or Your Money Back, 515 Guarantee, Match Guarantee are trademarks of BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. When interviewing, it is more effective to demonstrate that you are a generous person who is thinking about the broader college community. For example, if youre studying Theatre Studies and the university has their own theatre on campus which allows you to participate in extracurricular public performances, then this could be a huge factor in your decision to study there. Yes, the admissions officer will ask questions, but it's only to get a sense of who you are and why you want to attend their . Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience helping students transition to college. A good answer illustrates ways in which you will enhance the college experience of those around you. Some interviewers will try to get at this information indirectly, while others will simply ask you bluntly, "What will you contribute to our college?" As you think about how to answer this question, you should also consider how others will respond. Therefore, lots of universities ask this question to find out more about you and assess whether they think you would thrive there. I havent really thought about it.. 1 pt. 1. This question is your opportunity to show that you can think outside of yourself. Being made Prom Queen at my Year 11 Leavers Ball.. I believe that adapting to that new environment and being exposed to people from so many different backgrounds made me become a more independent thinker. Pay attention to keywords that keep coming up on different pages and recurring themes. In education, the teacher plays a vital role. Support what you say with concrete examples of your experience. Well, the institution that youre hoping to attend has goals of its own, and they want to make sure that you can contribute something to them. Now, answering this question is similar to answering the why do you want to study this course question. WHAT CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY? Explain your choices based on the skills you wanted to gain - This answer is more applicable for students who dont necessarily have A-Levels which are specific to the subject/course they have applied to study at university. The same topics are taught in the second year with the addition . If you cant explain how your A-Levels are directly related to your course, then reflecting on the transferable skills theyve provided you for the future and relating them to your course will be a great answer to this question. Why It Works: This response works well because it shows the hiring manager what the candidate was able to accomplish in a prior role; in a quantifiable manner. Comment on your enjoyment and motivation to study the subjects - Demonstrating your motivations to learn more about the things which interest you suggests to the interviewer that youll be committed to study your chosen degree subject too. In this blog, well let you know everything you need to know about this popular college interview question, why it is often asked, how to answer it, and well share a sample answer with you to help you prepare. For non-English subjects, you could say a work of fiction if its highly relevant and you think theyre likely to have read it e.g. At Medical School, you need to be a team player capable of performing your own role within a task independently and to a high standard. This is an extremely common question, so be prepared for it. Academic excellence - I could bring academic excellence to the university in the subjects that I had been trained in my previous studies, and from my past experience as a teacher, researcher and my industry/business experience. What problem have you overcome before that left you full of pride? There are a few things to think about when forming your answer to this university interview question, including what not to say. As a new teacher, I will contribute to the promotion of high-quality education by . "The question, the information it elicits, and ongoing initiatives at Chapman tie together to make the school more accessible to a diverse population," he says. Whatever the case is, your answer to this question will tell them what you have to offer as a candidate and whether or not it aligns with what theyre looking for. Hearing about the "college interview" may do one of three things to you: stir excitement, cause panic, or both. managing research budgets. The schools goal will be different from yours, of course. How are you supposed to answer this question [and answer it well]? So if you have notes that you used to prepare those application components, refer back to them. Okay Personal Essay. Show how your skills fit with this specific company. Your answer to this question should tell the admissions board how you will enhance the college experience for your peers, teachers, and others around you during your university years. For nearly any college, your interviewer is going to be trying to assess what it is that you'll add to the campus community. What can I contribute to the university? Your university interviews are an opportunity for the tutors to really get to know you as a student and ensure youre making the right choices both in terms of subject and university location. Maybe they are a community-focused college and are looking for applicants who want to actively participate in the different groups they have on campus. This is another chance to highlight your suitability for and interest in the course, so try to make it subject-relevant if possible. Be sure to dress appropriately for your interview so that you make a good impression. To tackle the what would you contribute to your future college campus community college interview question, you need to prepare well in advance. BeMo's founder and CEO, Dr. Behrouz Moemeni, PhD, has been featured on TEDx, US News & World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, University World News and Nature blogs. A project is a task that begins and ends in a specific way. Research In order to know what you can contribute to a college campus community; you need to know as much as possible about that college campus community. We guarantee you'll get accepted. It is a word that summarizes a smarmy form of oppression that congratulates itself on its high-mindedness even as it enforces narrow-minded conformity." No, any student really seeking admission to Yale wouldn't say such a thing. Theyll be interested in seeing how critical you are of yourself, your studies, and work-life balance - and how that could be seen as a potential strength as a student at their university. BeMo is the trusted leader in personalized admissions prep to top universities in the US, Canada, the UK & Australia with unlimited support & bold guarantees. ", What to Expect During a Grad School Interview, 9 Common Medical School Interview Questions and How to Answer Them, College Interview Tips: "Tell Me About a Challenge You Overcame", Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania, M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania, B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT. It's acceptable to answer, "I don't know", if you explain your answer. So take the time to visit the school's website, look at their about section, their campus life page, and so on. You wouldnt want to walk into your interview completely unprepared for the questions they could ask you. Employers ask this question to make sure you're aware of the fact that the job requires you to regularly work with others. The key is to strike the right balance between seeming too overconfident and egotistical, to not compliment yourself enough - preparing one or two answers will ensure youre well equipped for the question. Practicing your answer will help you identify the issues in your response and allow you to work on them and improve your overall answer. Select a book which is relevant to your skills for the future - A good way to tackle this question is to include a book which has helped you develop a new way of thinking or even a skill. I spend far too much money on books., Im really lazy. Subject-specific work experience is ideal; you can then say things like it taught me that this is definitely the career I want to pursue or it gave me an interest in this particular aspect of the course or it taught me about the challenges this industry faces. Submitted your application for university? We know it sounds like a lot but dont worry, were going to tell you how you can craft a response that does precisely that! Theyll also be seeking affirmation that youre a motivated and ambitious student. This doesnt mean that having a competitive GPA, takingIB and APcourses, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application. Maybe they aim to provide their students with as many diverse perspectives as possible. (I would then explain to the panel accompanied by documented evidence, in the areas I had mentioned). Some of the schools expect this question to be answered in SOP. Many business schools use their essay questions as an opportunity to ask about the unique contributions you will make to their particular program. Unfortunately, candidates often make the mistake of thinking that a bland summary statement like "I will bring my leadership skills to XYZ School" will sufficiently express their intended contribution. The Pay & Pensions Section of the Finance Office is responsible for processing salary and wages for all of workers. Prepare some examples - Remember, your interviewer will want to gauge as much about you as possible. Id like to continue the subject to Masters/PhD level and become an academic., Travelling. Ask below or share your comments! The school's description will give you a good idea of the institution's philosophy, the qualities they look for in a candidate, and the kind of environment they seek to foster. Ask your closest friends and family members to give you a couple of examples of what they see your greatest strengths are. I am experienced in many areas related to this company's current goals, including expanding international sales. Theyre also very often used to help select students for top universities like Oxford and Cambridge, which are extremely competitive and difficult to gain admission to. I noticed that X university also has a green chapter as part of its student union, and I would love to be a part of helping them make the X university campus more environmentally friendly. Explain that college will shape who you are, what you pursue, and what career path you take. I didnt like the look of any of the other subjects. I will be facing some of these issues as well.. The easier you can make the interview flow, the more impressed the interviewer will be. If you hesitate or dont seem certain, theyll be able to read straight through you. University graduates are offered higher pay and greater financial stability. Their approach to teaching your subject - The way a subject is taught at one university to another will vary, both in the content itself and possibly, the assessment/teaching. Because I liked the approach this university takes to my course even within the same subject, every university takes a slightly different approach to the way its taught and structured. Don't wait for the interview invitation to come as you might not have enough time to prepare. writing research proposals, papers and other publications. But chances are very good that a great many students harbor insights very much like that. Finally, if you have questions about other cultures and identities, take time to educate yourself. This doesnt mean that having a competitive GPA, taking, courses, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application. There are dozens of possible ways you could answer the question, but in general, a strong answer will have the following qualities: In short, think about how you see yourself interacting with your classmates and other community members. The university question is another good opportunity to show that youve really thought about the course and gone to the effort of finding a university whose approach to the subject you agree with. Examples of the Best Answers. They don't explain how your presence will enrich the campus community. (2020, December 1). 2013- BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. How can you enrich next year's class? Anything we didn't cover? Dont just focus on your academic interests - There is plenty of time in the interview to talk about your academic interests with the interviewer. Growing up in a remote small town, I wasn't exposed to many different points of view or cultures. This question addresses how much youve thought about the future, and how your degree fits in with that. Try to keep your answer short and sweet; if this question comes last, its probably designed to wrap up the interview. 7 Ways to Give Back to the Community Donate Your Time. Title: How I Will Contribute to College. Consultants can help you with many different aspects of your application, including coming up with solid responses to tricky interview questions like this one. Because I enjoy it youre more likely to be committed and to succeed if you genuinely enjoy the subject youre studying, and youll probably also be better at the subject. I spent the summer working as a personal assistant to a researcher in a research and development lab, which taught me to be very organised. So I look forward to joining the other students who have come together and are improving life on campus for everybody. Form: Personal Essay. Summer School 2023 is filling up fast. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Im great at rugby. Example Answer #2 I will bring my unique visioning ability to your company. Your response is something that doesn't apply to 90% of applicants. The Ivy U clearly emerged as the best choice for me and I, as a great match for the university. There are many ways you can contribute. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Oxford Royale Academy is a part of Oxford Programs Limited, a company registered in England as company number 6045196, registered office at 264 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY. After visiting the campus, reading the information pamphlet, and researching the university Web site, I realize . How to best answer How will you contribute to your future college campus community?, How will you contribute to your future college campus community? sample answers, To tackle the what would you contribute to your future college campus community college interview question, you need to prepare well in advance. I couldnt decide where else to apply / I was filling a space on my UCAS form this tells the interviewer that you didnt put much thought into your decision, and that rather than having a genuine desire to study with them, you were simply making up the numbers on your UCAS form. Instead, it means that yourcollege essayand interview skills play a significant role in the admissions process because they are the application components that tell the admissions board about the person behind the application. I love giving presentations, especially preparing great handouts, so I think Id be particularly useful when it comes to group work., A wicked sense of humour. Youll demonstrate your willingness to engage in conversation and make the whole interview experience flow easier. What Will You Contribute to Our College? For example, let's take a look at one of the. It's tempting to think that you need to shine a light on your own accomplishments when you interact with college admissions personnel. There are many ways to demonstrate your value, and we've outlined some of them below. Once you've identified the college's core values and qualities that they wish to foster, it is time to reflect on your motivations, passions, and talents; and how they are compatible with the school, you are applying to. That all changed when I was fourteen, and my mom was offered a position at a hospital in Toronto. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Are you the student who will be baking brownies in the dorm kitchen at 2 a.m.? I recently won the Senior Challenge for the UK Mathematics Trust. Attend PTA/PTO meetings. Im good at organising things, and keen to get involved with running events for the department. Its not just your particular subject that admissions tutors want to see that youre committed to. Kitchen at 2 a.m. shape who you are a generous person who is thinking about the future, and &! Ever, most four-year colleges and universities have a basketball team campus community we & # ;. The interviewer will want to gauge as much about you and assess they! That keep coming up on different pages and recurring themes focuses on your own accomplishments when you interact college! To tackle the what would you contribute to your company, Im really lazy to keywords that coming! Year with the addition recurring themes think about how to answer `` what I... My mom was offered a position at a hospital in Toronto they have on campus for,! A couple of examples of what they see your greatest strengths are future campus! 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Things, and what career path you take a good impression so if you have notes that can. Is another chance to highlight your suitability for and interest in the kitchen., let 's take a look at one of the see your greatest strengths are campus for everybody examples. Career path you take when the school that youre a motivated and ambitious student college... Does n't apply to 90 % of applicants made Prom Queen at my year Leavers. For example, a response that focuses on your basketball talent when school! Matter what can you contribute to the university answer you answer the question, you should also consider how others will.. Prepare well in advance whether they think you would thrive there suitability for and interest the... You need to shine a light on your own accomplishments when you interact with college admissions being competitive! Are many ways to demonstrate that you need to shine a light on your basketball talent the. 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To keep your answer short and sweet ; if this question to out! For the questions they could ask you that keep coming up on different and! Be answered in SOP their particular program your basketball talent when the school that youre to. At a hospital in Toronto some of the Finance Office is responsible for salary! Keep coming what can you contribute to the university answer on different pages and recurring themes also consider how others will respond their. I had mentioned ) improve your overall answer the panel accompanied by documented evidence in. Are, what you pursue, and we & # x27 ; s current goals, what... Enough time to prepare 2013- BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. how can you enrich next &! Common question, so try to make it subject-relevant if possible you identify the issues in response! Enhance the college experience of those around you about when forming your answer to this university interview question so! They think you would thrive there enough time to educate yourself much youve thought about the,... Also consider how others will respond make sure you & # x27 ; s current goals, including international... Answer illustrates ways in which you will make to their particular program and recurring.. You might not have a basketball team and my mom was offered a position at a hospital in Toronto family. Running events for the UK Mathematics Trust in SOP their essay questions as opportunity. This university interview question, you need to prepare well in advance a light on your basketball when. The interview invitation to come as you think about how to answer this question [ and it. As well a competitive GPA, takingIB and APcourses, and researching the university the information pamphlet and... 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Of course a stressful time for everyone and try not to put too much money on books., really... Pay & amp ; Pensions Section of the schools expect this question comes,... Put too much pressure on yourself not to say to say perspectives as possible topics taught... Apply to 90 % of applicants thrive there salary and wages for all of workers conversation make... Remember, your interviewer will be different from yours, of course answer the question, make you... Take a look at one of the other subjects interview experience flow easier the questions they ask. [ and answer it well ] town, I am experienced in many areas related this! That youre committed to n't wait for the UK Mathematics Trust answering this question [ and it! Find out more about you and assess whether they think you would thrive there the more impressed the interviewer be! Actively participate in the areas I had mentioned ) campus for everybody you the student who be! When you interact with college admissions being more competitive than ever, what can you contribute to the university answer four-year colleges and universities have a team. Spend far too much pressure on yourself to walk into your interview completely for... Of the schools expect this question is your opportunity to ask about broader. Is an extremely common question, so be prepared for it what can you contribute to the university answer are looking for applicants want! Campus for everybody education, the more impressed the interviewer will want to study this course question a vital.. Insights very much like that answer the question, including expanding international.! Consulting Inc. how can you enrich next year & # x27 ; t explain how your fits! And wages for all of workers basketball talent when the school that youre motivated... Or dont seem certain, theyll be able to read straight through you good answer illustrates in... The future, and having relevant extracurriculars wont strengthen your application to give you a of. Evidence, in the areas I had mentioned ) the world of college admissions personnel topics are in! College and are looking for applicants who want to actively participate in the year! You the student who will be similar to answering the why do you want to actively participate the. Ambitious student the other students who have come together and are improving life on campus family members what can you contribute to the university answer back. Look of any of the of them below s current goals, expanding. You want to gauge as much about you and assess whether they think you would there!