You always have to apply for a place at universitygo through the admissions process. In the better scenario (the simpler one) just fill out oneregistration form(online or offline), submit the required documents andget the answer you want– the acceptance of your application. However, in many cases you will have to do thispass an admissions interview, compete with other students for the limited number of study places. This is particular atNursing schools, pharmacy schools, medical schools, law schools, etc.
Regardless of whether you have to apply for your place at university or not, you are almost always faced with the question of your choice:Why our university?Why not somewhere else? In many cases you have toAnswer this question directly on the application form, and you willalmost always face it in your job interviewas well as. Let's take a look7 example answersto the question, including some unconventional choices. Try them, choose one of themresonates with the message you are trying to conveyon your application, makes sense for the respective university and then adapt it slightly for your application form or the eventual interview at school.
7 Sample Answers to "Why Did You Choose This College?" Job Interview Question
- I chose your place fortwo main reasons. The first is thestudy program. I went through theCurriculum for every four years, checked every subject and I find your syllabussuperior to other competing universitiesin the country. Second reason isYour location. I know the city well, I like it very much, especially the surrounding nature, andI can imagine living there for the next few yearsat least.
- I wantedstudy with the best. You surpass themnational university rankings, manytop-class professorsteach with you and I know that aGraduating from your university means somethingin the job interviews and opens doors to interesting places for me as soon as I deserve it. I havethe notes to be appliedfor a place in your medical school and see no reason why I should choose the second best alternative. I hope you will give me the chance to prove my motivation and willingness to study in an interview.
- To be honest, I applied to you becauseI know I have a realistic chance of getting in. Iwasn't the best studentin high school and it would be a waste of time to send my application to specific universities which would bedon't even bother to read it once they see my GPA. But I don't support such elite institutions. At the end of the day,You will find some great teachers at every university, and I see no reason why I shouldn't learn management from you. Besides melike the mission statement of your school, the role you play in a local community, andwould be proud to be one of your students.
- I have several reasons for my choice. First of all, medidn't get it last year, but I hada really good impression from the interviews, and enjoyed my time with the teachers and students at the school.I'm gaining work experience and improving my interviewing skillsDuring the gap year I wanted to give you another chance because I know this time I have a better chance, more experienced and mature. Also, I like it very muchthe research opportunities for undergraduate students, which not many schools in the area offer. Last but not least,I live in the city.It will be easier for me to support my studies financially because I don't have to pay rent or the dormitory.
- I have justlove everything in your place. Above all the campus. The huge library, the park, just mefound the place incredibly inspiring and motivating. I have visited it several times. Second, the study program and theThey value practical exercises. Then I like tooyour basketball team, I'm a big supporter and will try to play in the team when I get a chance. Last but not least, the way you really present your place online and in the mediacorresponds to my values, and I will be incredibly happy to study at your school...
- My main reason isyour sports team. I have carefully studied the application rules and I know that I am entitled to my results and record timesTo receive a scholarshipwith you. I know the coaches and have been following their careers for a while, andwould like to train under them, Andrepresent your school's colors with great results.But at the same time I wanthave something to fall back on in life, because an athlete's career is short and an injury can always stop you. To studySports Management and Marketingwhile trying to be a top runner seems like a dream come true to me. And I can live this dream at your university.
- Two of my close friends study at your university.I interviewed her a couple of times to get first hand informationTeachers, the subjects, life at the universityand everything. Andi love what they sayabout the quality of the lectures, the interaction with teachers and students, the extracurricular activities and the management of the place. That motivated me to apply to your university and when I saw that you had a degree in water management engineering,something I've always wanted to study, it was an easy choice…
Praise her, but try to be honest
At the end of the day,Members of the admissions committee are people of flesh and bones, just like you or me. They enjoy it when someonerecognizes their good work, when people talk nicely about their jobs. Try to find something to commend the university for. Options are almost endless.
Their campus, study programs, their online presentation, scholarships they offer, modern technology they use, their attitude towards different problems we face as humanity, certain teachers and professors, their research activities, their sports teams and so on and so on. ButDo your research first, because it is important to be realistic.
Praise a school for the achievements of its students or teachers when in fact they areat the end of the rankingin the categories for which you praise thembring you nothing but rejection. Do your research, find praiseworthy things, and then praise them in your application or interviews.
Find out about the courses on offer at any time
At the end of the day,Study program is the most important thingfor your choice. Regardless of whether you have a beautiful campus or employ the best teachers in the country, there is no point in going to just any university,unless you can study the subjects of your choice,Unless you like the curriculum.
As you can see from my list of example answers,Students typically select multiple reasons for their choice. And you should do the same and take care of itthe study program is one of the reasons. You can even go one step furtherselect specific themes that you like,or teacher, or alsoMaster's degrees to pursue laterat the same university and state this as the main reason for your application.
At the end of the day, you probably willapply to multiple schools.And rightly so, because you don't want to bet all of your chances on a single application form. However, when you hear (or read) why you chose your university,The members of the admissions committee should be given the impression that they are your first choice. That's the ultimate goal you should be trying to achieve in your answer to this tricky question...
Ready to answer these? Hopefully! But don't forget to also check sample answers to other tricky college interview questions:
- Does your academic record accurately reflect your skills?
- What achievements are you particularly proud of?
- If you were an animal what would you be?
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Matthew Chulaw
Matthew has been in international recruitment since 2008. He helps job seekers from all walks of life to pursue their career goals and prepare for their interviews. He is the founder of the website InterviewPenguin.com.
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FAQs
Why did you choose your university answer? ›
College authorities want to know more about your academic interests and commitments. Talk about the specific educational, research, and other academic opportunities offered by the college that appeal to you. Expand on this idea by talking about how these opportunities help support your future goals.
Why do you choose to go to university? ›A degree will not only give students the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject but also to develop transferable skills such as communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, while enhancing their ability to work as part of a team.
What five things are most important to you when choosing a university? ›- Safety.
- Academic Support and Career Services. ...
- Campus Life. ...
- Athletics and Extracurricular Activities. ...
- Majors and Minors. ...
- Class Size. ...
- Cost and Fees. ...
- Location and Distance From Home. ...
Your skills and qualifications. If you can prove that you've got all the skills that the company is looking for in a candidate, you'll have effectively answered the question. Your passion and motivation. You can highlight how good of a company fit you'd be and how much you love working in your field or industry.
How do I choose the best university for me? ›- Geographic Location. Location is one of the most significant factors in choosing a college for many students. ...
- Academic Majors Available. ...
- Academic Quality. ...
- School Size. ...
- Overall Cost. ...
- Campus Environment. ...
- Resources and Support Systems.
A good university should have a combination of freedom and leadership and it should be promoted in every program. Being one of the best private universities in India, the educational institution should foster competitiveness, creativity and innovation, so that students could develop in the best way possible.
What were the factors that made you choose this college university *? ›- Importance of Accreditation: ...
- Use of up-dated syllabus: ...
- College Location: ...
- Student – Professor Ratio: ...
- Check the scholarship provisioning of the college: ...
- Transfer rate of Students: ...
- Safety: ...
- Internship and Placement:
You should state your excitement or passion about the prospect clearly and concisely. Use specifics and explain why or how those particular details or aspects of the job or company are meaningful or important to you.
What are the 7 most common interview questions and answers? ›- Where do you see yourself in five years time? ...
- What are your strengths/weaknesses? ...
- Why should I hire you? ...
- Tell me about yourself/your work experience. ...
- Why do you want this job? ...
- What are your salary expectations? ...
- Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?
- 10 common interview questions and answers. ...
- Tell me about yourself. ...
- What attracted you to our company? ...
- Tell me about your strengths. ...
- What are your weaknesses? ...
- Where do you see yourself in five years? ...
- Can you tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
How did you find this university answer? ›
“I have chosen this University for four reasons. Number one, I carried out extensive research into the University, your track record of achievement and the support you provide for your students. During my research, everything pointed to this being a positive, supportive, and encouraging place for me to learn and study.
How do students choose a university? ›The same report also identified the top factors students consider when choosing a university to apply to through Clearing as: course availability (75%), entry requirements (68%), location (61%), and career prospects (59%).
What values do universities look for? ›- A positive attitude towards study.
- A passion for the chosen course subject.
- An ability to think and work independently.
- An ability to persevere and complete tasks.
- An inquiring mind.
- Good written English.
- An ability to work well in groups.
In addition to grades and test scores, college admissions officers look at your extracurricular activities. Choose one or two activities and discuss them in-depth. Colleges look for quality over quantity.
What is important to think about when choosing a university? ›Key Points to Consider when choosing a college!
Location plays a crucial role while choosing a college for professional education. Must consider the curriculum and extra-curriculum activities offered by the college. One must know the college culture and environment of the college.
You talk about the things you have to offer as a student and a person. You might write things like: “As shown by my grades and extracurricular achievements, I will bring a strong work ethic and commitment to my classes and other campus activities.”
What are the 8 hardest interview questions and answers? ›- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here's an answer for you.
For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers. A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these.
What is the answer to tell me about yourself? ›Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.
How would you describe yourself? ›Sample answers:
I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.
How to introduce yourself in interview? ›
- Greet Your Interviewers. ...
- Let Your Interviewers Know About Your Educational Background. ...
- An Alternate Approach for Seasoned Professionals. ...
- A Line or Two on Your Passions and Hobbies. ...
- The Vital Closing Statement.
Before you commit to a major, you should consider several factors, including the program cost, your salary expectations, and the employment rates in that field of study. In addition, you should think about your personality, your academic and professional goals, and your interests.
What are three of the factors you should consider when choosing a major? ›- What is Your Passion? ...
- What is the Earning Potential of Your Interest? ...
- What Schools Offer This Major? ...
- How Much Will it Cost? ...
- Determine in What Areas of Your Life You are Most Successful. ...
- How Will You Pay For It? ...
- What is the Work Load Like?
Selecting a major now can help you decide which college to attend. If you're interested in a particular career, find out which majors are required and make sure the colleges you're considering offer them. If you're unsure, consider liberal art colleges or universities offering many difference academic areas.
What do students look for when choosing a university? ›If you're shopping around for colleges, you're going to want to consider a broad range of factors, such as location, size, cost, academic quality, campus safety, choice of majors, as well as other factors that are important to you personally.
What are the top 7 qualities universities look for in student applicants? ›- A positive attitude towards study.
- A passion for the chosen course subject.
- An ability to think and work independently.
- An ability to persevere and complete tasks.
- An inquiring mind.
- Good written English.
- An ability to work well in groups.
- Academic Majors. ...
- Academic Quality and University Reputation. ...
- Accreditation. ...
- Cost of Tuition and Cost of Living. ...
- Available Scholarships. ...
- University Location. ...
- Career Opportunity and Success.
- Faculty Members Helpfulness.