5 ways to stand out in your graduate admissions interview

4 min read

It’s a simple truth: every step of your journey toward choosing the right master’s program is important. However, the admissions interview may be the most essential step of all. Apart from being a key part of the application process, the interview also serves as your one-on-one introduction to the university you want to join.

The admissions interviews feature a blend of subject-specific questions, as well as more general queries on your experience and long-term goals.

Why is the admissions interview important?

At IE University, the admissions interview process is serious business. Overseen by the IE Admissions department, it offers you a great opportunity to share your aspirations and showcase your achievements. At the same time, you learn more about the master’s program you would like to join. Making it to this stage is a big deal—it’s typically your last step before being admitted. 

It allows the Admissions Committee to further assess your unique qualities, including your personality, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, along with your personal and professional accomplishments.

Elizabeth Hutchinson is the university’s head of Admissions & Enrollment for Graduate Programs. “After 10 years in admissions at various universities,” she says, “I have personally administered more than 1,000 admissions interviews to evaluate candidates.” With such an extensive background in the process, Elizabeth is well-placed to offer students advice on their application journey.

“As an applicant, you may schedule the location of your choice and at the time that works best for you,” she explains. It’s clear that flexibility is a hallmark of not only our programs, but also our entire approach to higher education.     

5 tips for your admissions interview

As a renowned world leader in higher education, IE University’s selection process across all its master’s programs is rigorous, demanding and challenging. This allows the Admissions Committee to conduct an in-depth, holistic evaluation of potential candidates, with the end goal of building a talented, vibrant and diverse student body.

“Whatever program you’re applying to, there are many common mistakes,” Elizabeth notes. Earning a spot in your chosen master’s program can mark a critical juncture in your academic career and beyond. Thus, it is prudent to prepare adequately before your admissions interview. After all, it could make or break your prospects with your ideal university.

Elizabeth highlights these common pitfalls and offers five winning tips to help you make the best impression during your own master’s admissions interview.  

1. Study the institution

“If you are reading this article, you have already started off on the right foot: you are doing your research!” she says. As Elizabeth sees it, if you are excited enough about a program to apply to join it, then you should take the time to find out more details about it. This is one among the nitty gritty details that interviewers look out for, taking it as an overall indicator of your enthusiasm.

“Although it is acceptable to apply to multiple programs at once,” she adds, “If you call a program by the name of a competitor, talk about specifics of a different school or misspeak about the program offerings, it can call into question if this program is really one that interests you.”

2. Answer the question asked

During the interview itself, Elizabeth’s most tactical tip is to answer each question as accurately and completely as possible. “Write down the question being asked and refer back to it throughout your answer.” Open-ended questions can easily lead you to steer off-topic, so this could be an ideal way to maintain your focus. “Tangents can be good, but circle back to the question to show that you are paying attention,” she advises.

3. Highlight specific examples

“Almost every interview allows you to either navigate the conversation towards something you want to mention or leaves space at the end for you to highlight something specific,” Elizabeth notes. She encourages you to use this time to emphasize some relevant examples of when you made a significant contribution to the success of a team. It would also help to highlight cases that show off your unique interests and talents. “You have accomplishments to share and we want to hear them!” 

4. Be authentic

Elizabeth encourages you to see the admissions interview as your chance to tell your story. “We want to hear about your purpose, your impact and your career aspirations,” she says. This approach is in line with IE University’s broad focus, born from an understanding that “intellect comes in many forms.” And since the spotlight is on you, it is important to keep it real and honest throughout the interview.

5. Take the process seriously

Lastly, she reminds you that life-changing experiences require a serious commitment. “When you interview for a master’s program, you are interviewing for an amazing opportunity to accelerate your career.” As a result, avoid negative behavior like tardiness, texting or not paying attention during the interview. Alternatively, you may have reason to take the meeting via phone or in a loud location. The admissions team will be understanding of any circumstance, as long as you provide the necessary context. The same goes in case you need to reschedule an interview—always keep your admissions officer in the loop!

Another step forward

These helpful tips will show you in the best light and prove that you’re serious about taking the next step in your journey. As Elizabeth enthusiastically explains, “We can’t wait to meet you, hear about your purpose and learn how IE University fits into your personal, professional and academic development.”