My Scholarship Interview @ SMU

In this article, I will provide insights into the scholarship interview process as part of my SMU admission journey. I will discuss the timeline and communication regarding the scholarship interview, delve into my preparation strategies, and share reflections on the experience.

As background information, I submitted my SMU application on January 1, 2024, and subsequently, I received notice of my direct admission into the Bachelor of Accountancy program at SMU, along with an invitation for a scholarship interview on January 24, 2024, via email. The expeditious review of applications within slightly more than three weeks caught me by surprise. However, what was particularly unexpected was a separate WhatsApp message confirming the interview's timing, scheduled for two days later on January 26. Initially skeptical of the message's authenticity, it was later verified as legitimate communication from the SMU Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

The scholarship interview, conducted via Zoom, induced a sense of nervousness in me. Noteworthy is the fact that the interview, a general scholarship evaluation, featured professors from the School of Accountancy as interviewers.

With only a 2-day notice before the interview, I found myself in a situation that initially caught me off guard. However, despite the short preparation time, I was not entirely clueless about how to approach the upcoming scholarship interview. Drawing from my past experiences, the only other significant interview I had undergone was for the ASEAN scholarship, which facilitated my high school education in Singapore. Although my recollection of the preparation process for that interview was somewhat hazy, I approached the current situation by integrating the knowledge gained during my high school years and adopting the following strategy.

Read the email carefully

In preparation for the upcoming interview, it is imperative to pay close attention to the details outlined in the email communication. Specifically, for this interview, adherence to several key points is crucial.

First and foremost, ensuring that the Zoom application is updated is essential. Additionally, meticulous attention to a professional business attire is required, coupled with the creation of a safe and quiet environment in the designated interview space. It is imperative to have a valid identity card accessible during the meeting and to log in precisely 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

This procedural diligence is of paramount importance, as it directly influences the initial impressions formed by the admission team and professors. Failure to comply with these straightforward instructions may inadvertently compromise the favorable perception one seeks to convey.

Search online for gurus

The initial query I explored on Google was "How to prepare for Singapore Management University interview," leading me to the website https://digitalsenior.sg/smu-interview-guide/. Although the content primarily addressed general admission into SMU rather than a scholarship interview, I discovered it to be highly beneficial. While perusing the article, I identified potential questions that might be posed during the interview. Subsequently, I compiled these questions into a Word document, engaging in brainstorming to establish a comprehensive question bank.

The compiled questions predominantly revolve around personal experiences, SMU-related inquiries, brainteasers, and current affairs.

Formulating Responses to Interview Questions
Upon compiling a list of 10 to 15 potential questions, my next step was to generate comprehensive answers for each. One fundamental query that is almost guaranteed during initial interviews is the classic "Introduce yourself." Drawing upon my experience in the EL6132 course taken in my final year of high school, where we created an elevator pitch video as part of interview preparation, I crafted a well-articulated response. This answer encompassed details about my career aspirations, leadership roles, volunteer activities, and personal hobbies. To enhance my preparation, I also revisited answers from previous university applications and reviewed my high school transcript for a thorough recall of my achievements.

A valuable tip for this section is to gain a deep understanding of yourself before applying to the school. With numerous educational institutions, both local and overseas, demonstrating why a particular school is significant to you and elucidating why you are an exceptional candidate for a scholarship necessitates a well-crafted response. Articulating the reasons for choosing the specific school showcases your commitment and uniqueness, increasing the likelihood of being awarded a scholarship for your studies.

Engaging with Current Affairs
Furthermore, I dedicated time to delve into current affairs, particularly focusing on Singapore's dynamic landscape and educational framework. Recognizing the significance of being well-informed, I aimed to supplement my understanding of current events, acknowledging that my knowledge in this area may not be as current as some of my peers. This last-minute immersion into current affairs proved valuable, allowing me to blend factual information with personal insights, presenting a nuanced perspective reflective of my experience as a high school student.

For instance, when posed with a question like, "Do you think our education system has put too much focus on paper-chasing?” I adopted a methodical approach. I researched supporting statistics and integrated them with my firsthand experiences from private tutoring sessions in 2023. My response affirmed an agreement with the notion that Singapore's education system places a disproportionate emphasis on exam results, particularly within mainstream schools. Drawing on my tutoring experiences, I highlighted the impact on students' confidence stemming from an excessive focus on exam techniques. I advocated for a shift towards more real-world applications in secondary school education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that fosters creativity and exposure.

Reflecting on my time at NUS High School, I pointed out the opportunities provided to engage in Olympiads study, research, and tertiary education modules. This exposure, outside the conventional academic framework, underscored the importance of a comprehensive educational approach. I further underscored the mental well-being challenges faced by students in the contemporary educational environment, referencing an NUS-led study indicating elevated levels of depression and anxiety symptoms among adolescents in Singapore. In conclusion, I advocated for ongoing improvements in the education system to ensure a more holistic and adaptable approach, addressing concerns related to the overemphasis on paper chasing.

This response, albeit lengthy, aims to provide a comprehensive perspective that aligns with expectations from a high school student.

As the time for my interview approached, I took the necessary steps to ensure a professional setup. I ensured adequate lighting for my webcam and prepared the required identification card, while also dressing in business attire to convey a professional image. Thirty minutes prior to the scheduled interview time, I seated myself and reviewed the content I had prepared.

Upon joining the Zoom call, I went through the identity verification process and was informed of a slight delay in the meeting start time. During this interval, I utilized the time to rehearse my introduction, aiming to cover as many relevant points as possible. As soon as the screen transitioned to reveal the faces of the interviewers, I understood that the interview had commenced.

The initial question posed was comprehensive: "Introduce yourself. You can begin by discussing your academic background, notable achievements during high school, and your career aspirations for the future." Anticipating this query, I delivered a prepared response akin to an elevator pitch, highlighting my internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, and personal interests.

Subsequent inquiries revolved around my reasons for choosing a local university, particularly SMU, despite my notable achievements. This underscored the importance of articulating clear motivations for selecting a specific institution, especially one's top choice.

The remainder of the interview comprised follow-up questions seeking clarification on my earlier responses. With that, the 12-minute interview drew to a close.

The online interview session was notably brief, catching me off guard with its concise nature. Despite the brevity, the positive reactions from the interviewers have instilled confidence in my chances of securing the scholarship. However, the impending announcement in the first week of April 2024 has ushered in a period of anxious anticipation, and I earnestly await the outcome.

Contrary to my initial expectations, the interview proved to be less demanding than I had envisioned. Each question posed was within the scope of my predictions, a deviation from my anticipation of potentially challenging inquiries related to accounting concepts. I am relieved that none of my responses left room for disappointment, contributing to an overall positive interview experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on my university journey

Scholarships, Tips to study in university, Personal experiences