How long do you plan to stay in school? Do you have any post-high school goals, academic or otherwise? What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to academics? These are all questions that scholarship committees ask potential candidates. If you want the answers to these questions before they come up for an interview, here is a list of some standard interview questions with answers.
Interview Questions: What is your GPA? Have you ever been on academic probation or suspension? How many hours per week do you spend studying outside of class time (homework)? Have there been any instances where grades slipped because of non-academic responsibilities like work or family commitments? What has been most challenging about being a student at this institution so far and why?
Q. 1. What is your GPA?
My GPA is a 3.5.
Q. 2. Have you ever been on academic probation or suspension?
I have never been on academic probation or suspension.
Q. 3. How many hours per week do you spend studying outside of class time (homework)?
I typically spend about 10-15 hours per week studying outside of class time.
Q. 4. Have there been any instances where grades slipped because of non-academic responsibilities like work or family commitments?
There have been no instances where my grades have slipped because of non-academic responsibilities like work or family commitments, but I can understand how that could be challenging for some students.
Q. 5. What has been most challenging about being a student at this institution so far and why?
So far, language barriers have been the most challenging thing for me because I am not fluent in French yet. It can be difficult to meet friends or make connections when you are having difficulty communicating with other students and professors.
Q. 6. Why are you interested in our school?
I’m interested in your school because of the opportunities it offers to its students and also by reputation that I have heard from other schools.
Q. 7. What are your post-high-school goals, academic or otherwise?
My post-high school goals include attending medical school and becoming a pediatrician after obtaining my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D., if necessary.
Q. 8. What do you plan on studying in college and why?
I will be studying biology with a concentration in pre-medicine because my dream is to become a doctor like my mother was for me before she died when I was 10 years old; I want to help others the way she helped me.
Q. 9. What are your academic strengths?
My strongest academic subjects include math and science because I have always been interested in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Q. 10. What are your academic weaknesses?
My weakest academic subjects are typically the humanities because I find it harder to analyze literature or poetry critically than math or science concepts. However, I am still willing to put in the extra effort to improve my skills in those areas.
Q. 11. How did you hear about our scholarship opportunity?
I first heard about your scholarship opportunity through a friend who is also applying for it and also through online research on various scholarship websites.
Q. 12. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping others, especially children who cannot help themselves, because of my own experiences with an illness that left me sick for many years when I was younger.
Q. 13. Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time, I hope to have received my medical degree and be practicing medicine while continuing to work on earning multiple graduate degrees if necessary for certain specialty fields of medicine.
On the whole, scholarship committees are looking for students who are innately interested in learning more about their school or program of study, can express why they are passionate about using their knowledge to better the lives of others, will put in extra effort to complete tasks that may be challenging or outside of their comfort zone, and will embrace the diversity of a prospective class.
Q. 14. What do you think makes you stand out as a candidate for this scholarship?
I think what makes me stand out as a candidate for your scholarship is my commitment to helping others, whether it be through my academic strengths or by being involved in various extracurricular activities. Additionally, I have overcome many personal challenges in my life that have made me stronger and more resilient, which I believe speaks to my character. Lastly, I am genuinely interested in attending your school and studying biology with a concentration in pre-medicine.
Q.15. What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement so far in life has been graduating from high school despite being very ill for most of my academic career. It was a difficult accomplishment for me, but it showed me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes my way.
Q. 16. Why do you want to be a doctor?
I want to be a doctor because I have seen firsthand how medical care can improve the lives of others, both physically and emotionally. I want to be able to offer that same level of care and compassion to my patients as they undergo treatment for their illnesses. Additionally, I find the process of problem-solving and critical thinking fascinating as it applies to the field of medicine.
Q. 17. What qualities do you think a doctor should have?
I believe that a doctor should be an approachable, empathic person who is always willing to put in the extra effort to help others and never gives up on his or her patients, no matter how difficult their situation may be. A doctor also needs to have good problem-solving skills as well as strong critical thinking abilities because he or she will need to make quick decisions when diagnosing or treating their patients. Lastly, I think it’s important for there to be good communication between doctors and their patients so that both can understand what is happening with the patient’s health at any given point in time.
Q/ 18 If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to shadow for a day, who would it be?
I would choose to shadow Dr. Jane Goodall because she is an amazing woman who has dedicated her life to helping animals and the environment. She is someone who has never given up on her passions, even in the face of adversity, and I think that her story would be an inspiring one to learn from.
Q/19 What are your thoughts on diversity?
Diversity is something that should be embraced by everyone because it makes us all unique and contributes to our collective understanding of the world around us. I believe that schools and other educational institutions should strive to create a more diverse environment so that can learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.
Q/20 What are your thoughts on service?
I think that committing to serving others is an integral part of being a good person because it allows us to put our strengths to use to make the lives of others better. By giving back and helping those in need, we can learn just as much as we teach through the act of service.
Q/21 Describe yourself in three words or less?
Adventurous, compassionate, determined
Scholarship Committee: We thank you for your interest in applying for this scholarship program! Unfortunately, due to not meeting eligibility requirements your application will not be considered at this time. Please keep us in mind for future opportunities! There was no particular reason given as to why I wasn’t eligible and the first page of the application warns that the decision is final.
Q. 22. What do you believe makes a good leader?
I believe that a good leader needs to be someone who is both conscientious and empathetic since those traits both involve putting the needs of others before yourself and understanding how your actions affect other people. A good leader also needs to have confidence in his or her own abilities so that they can present themselves as an example for their peers to look up to. Lastly, a good leader should be able to make decisions quickly and effectively because he or she will need to respond appropriately when problems arise with the members of the organization they are leading.
Q/23 What makes you stand out from other applicants?
I think that what sets me apart from the other applicants is my ability to think critically and problem solve. I have a strong interest in the medical field, and I am confident that I will be able to use my skills and abilities to make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, I have been involved in service activities throughout high school and I believe that my experiences have helped me develop qualities that are essential for leadership positions.
Q/24 Do you have any questions for us?
No, I do not have any questions at this time. Thank you for your time!
I would like to reiterate that I am passionate about the field of medicine and feel that I would be an asset to any organization or team. My critical thinking and problem-solving skills are something that I am confident will benefit any workplace. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further with someone from your organization.
Q.25. What are your career goals?
My short-term goal is to graduate from high school and attend a four-year university, during which time I will major in physiology. From there, it is my hope to pursue a degree in medicine with the intention of becoming an OB/GYN. Ultimately, I would like to work as a neonatologist where I can help improve the lives of newborns who have been affected by preventable diseases.
Q/26 Why are you interested in this scholarship?
A.I am interested in applying for this scholarship because it provides an excellent opportunity for me to further my education while also helping others at the same time. Working as a pediatrician has always been one of my goals because I feel that it would be both personally and professionally fulfilling. Additionally, I hope to eventually take on an administrative position in order to further the goals of the program I am working for by increasing awareness of important issues (i.e. women’s rights).
Q.27 The world can be a tough place to live in. How do you cope with the pressures of life?
I think that it is incredibly important for people to focus on staying positive no matter what they go through or how much adversity they encounter. It is also important to learn from your mistakes and take comfort in the good memories that you have made. In order to cope with life’s many challenges, I try to surround myself with supportive people who will encourage me when I need it the most. Furthermore, I consistently prioritize my mental health because although doing things that make you happy might seem trivial, it has been shown that mental illness can cause serious effects on not only your physical well-being but also your relationships with other people.
Q.28. Leadership requires many skills. What leadership quality are you most proud of?
I would say that one of the qualities that I am most proud of is my ability to be compassionate and understanding towards others. Throughout high school, I have been involved in various service activities and I have learned that it is important to take other people’s feelings into account when making decisions. This quality will undoubtedly come in handy when I am leading a team or organization because it will allow me to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Q.29 If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the world, it would be the way that we treat our natural resources. Many of our natural resources are being burned at an alarming rate and it is important that we find alternative methods to fuel the energy that we need for everyday life. There are many ways that we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (i.e. building windmills, repairing solar panels, etc.) and I feel that it is crucial that we take advantage of them now before they run out completely.
Q/30 Looking back at your high school career, what has been one of your most rewarding experiences?
a few years ago my biology teacher decided to start a peer tutoring program where students with different skills would help others who were struggling in their respective subjects. When I first started doing this, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if I could actually help someone else understand the material. However, I quickly realized that it was a lot of fun to be able to explain things in a way that made sense to someone else and see them improve over time. Since then, I have continued to tutor other students both in and outside of school and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school career.
Q/31 What do you think sets you apart from other applicants?
One of the things that set me apart from other applicants is my experience working with children. I have been working as a camp counselor for the past two summers and have had the opportunity to work with kids from all different backgrounds. This experience has taught me how to make new friends and interact with people in a way that is both approachable and unifying. I also think that my ability to remain flexible and the patient has made me stand out because it allows me to be effective no matter how challenging the situation may be.
Q/32 What do you know about our institution?
I have done some research on your university’s history, location, academic programs, etc. After learning about everything that Trinity has to offer, I believe that it is the perfect environment for me to grow as both a student and an individual.
Q/33 How are you pursuing opportunities where you can learn and grow?
One of the ways that I am pursuing opportunities where I can learn and grow is by being involved in extracurricular activities. I have been a member of my school’s varsity cross country team for the past four years, and this experience has taught me how to work hard and be successful in a challenging environment. Furthermore, I have also been involved in various service activities throughout high school and I believe that these experiences have helped me develop into a well-rounded individual. Lastly, I am looking forward to participating in your university’s exchange program next year because it will allow me to learn about a new culture and customs while also expanding my academic horizons.
Q/34 What qualities do you think are important in a successful college experience?
I believe that one of the most important qualities for a successful college experience is the ability to manage time wisely. In order to juggle academics, social life, and extra-curricular activities, it is crucial that students learn how to balance their time effectively. I think that another important quality is the ability to take risks and challenge oneself because it allows students to grow both intellectually and emotionally. Lastly, I think that it is important for students to have a support system during their college years, whether it be from family, friends, or professors. This helps provide a sense of comfort and stability during what can be a very challenging time.
Q.35 How have you developed these qualities?
I have developed these qualities by being actively involved in my school and community. For example, I have been a part of service activities that have allowed me to help those who are less fortunate than me. In addition, I have been involved in athletics throughout high school which has helped me learn how to be successful in a competitive environment. Lastly, I have taken various courses that have challenged me academically and forced me to think critically about the world around me. All of these experiences have helped me grow into the person that I am today.
