Tips & tricks – on how to prepare for an interview

Oct 30 / Elina
Are you nervous about the upcoming university interview? Don’t worry, with these tips it can be a fun and successful experience! 

During an interview you have to be able to introduce yourself, talk about your interests, present and describe your work, and respond to questions. There will be a certain time limit for that so it is good to take into account some tips & tricks that could help you!

Here we have provided you with some recommendations from students’ and teachers’ perspectives!

Introduction 

Plan your introduction! Prepare to tell more about yourself:

  • your home country (think about your country,
  • what is special about it (culture/art/craft),
  • maybe there are some specific examples),
  • your previous school,
  • your skills (what have you learned?)
  • strengths (give a short example)


Be honest, your introduction can pop up some new questions you should be ready to answer.

Interview questions

Here are some of the most common interview questions, that can help you practice:

  • Why do you wanna be a designer/artist/architect?
  • What inspires you in this field? 
  • Who is your favorite designer/artist (name/nationality/work-why?) (Your answer should show your passion for the subject) (think about a person who inspires you creatively)
  • Your favorite personal project in the past? Why? What did you learn?
  • What do you think is the most important part of the design\ art process? Why?
  • Where do you look for inspiration?
  • Why did you choose this program?
  • What do you think you could offer to this university?How can this university help your future?
  • How do you see yourself in the future?
  • What will you do if you do not get a study place? 

Portfolio \ home assignments

Always practice the interview beforehand. Ask your friend to ask you the questions above. If you struggle with some answers, practice on them more.You may have to submit a portfolio or home assignment with your application. Be ready to talk about one of your works. 
If you don’t have a portfolio yet check out our course Portfolio Course — Scandinavian Design School Together with our teachers you will design and assemble a portfolio that expresses your creative skills and projects in a visually unique way.

Prepare to answer these questions about your work:
  • How did you come up with this idea?
  • Why did you choose this technique?
  • What’s the story behind it?


Also, it might be helpful to discuss your work with friends/family/art teachers.

For the interview

Remember it is better to be early than late. Before that make sure that your camera and microphone work in advance. It will make you less nervous.

If the interview will be in person and you will probably be required to bring your portfolio, ensure that the quality of your portfolio is good. It is always nice to take a look at well-done physical work.

During the interview

When you have prepared well you will feel more confident. Don’t be afraid to express your interests or to be curious The person interviewing you wants to hear your thoughts and opinions. Think about your body language, be positive, listen carefully and remember to make eye contact, show your enthusiasm for the subject and be confident when speaking about your portfolio.

By the end of the interview, you will get a chance to ask them questions about the university, program, or studies in general. It is good to prepare at least one question. Remember to thank them for the invitation and the interview at the end.

Our No 1. Tip: They want to know who you are  – be honest and most important, be you!

Stephen Pyon’s experience with college applications What I Learned Through College Applications | Stephen Pyon | TEDxYouth@ICS – YouTube
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