Interview Questions for EAE/DSA

Have you considered about (a similar course) instead?

Do your background research.

How can you contribute to this course?

Focus on positive traits that you have e.g. driven, interest etc.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Be specific. If it's reading, talk about specific books and why they interest you.

If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be and why?

Whimsical questions are a great way to see a candidate's creativity. Just remember that there are no "correct" answers.

If you are rejected for this course, what other courses would you be considering?

Be honest. Prepare a response in mind. Interviewers want to have a sense of how clear you are on your goals and how keen you are on a particular course or job.

Can you explain your 3 choices for EAE/DSA?

'My results are no good. This is a backup plan.' - BIG NONO. Think about the differentiation factors between the schools, give specific examples how your interests and achievements align with the current school you are interviewing for.

Tell me about yourself.

Common first question. It is not asking for a life story. Talk about your skills and interests and relate them to how well you fit in.

What do you think your greatest takeaway would be after the 3-year course?

Talk about specific skills, experiences, friends and knowledge gained that will help you.

Why would entering through EAE be beneficial to you?

Do not mention anything about cut-off points. Emphasise your interest/passion and how it would give you the opportunity to have a head start in preparing for this journey.

What do you know about this course?

Do your background research and find out how this course is different from others offered by other polys

Why did you choose this course?

Do your background research and find out how this course is different from others offered by other polys

What's your favorite website?

The question aims to highlight how you like to spend your time — do you spend time networking online, staying on top of the latest industry news or catching up on celebrity gossip.

What do you know about modules in the course?

Do your background research.

Do you have any questions for us?

'No' is not an answer. You could leave interviewers with the impression that you're not engaged with the conversation, or that you're not interested enough in the position to jump at the opportunity to learn more. It is also premature to ask about things like workload and commitment. This is a good opportunity to find out about the programmes, internships etc.

What are your weaknesses?

Avoid clichés like "caring too much" or being a "workaholic" as it makes you seem like you're trying to appear flawless - and like it or not, interviewers will be able to see right through this scheme. When discussing your weaknesses, share about how you are working on improving in those areas. This demonstrates self-awareness.

Why did you choose this course and not another course from another poly?

Do your background research.

Tell me more about your CCA.

Don't give a laundry list but highlight key learning experiences or share how you have overcome certain challenges. Experiences that highlight your strengths that are relevant to the course/industry would be useful.

What are your hobbies?

Exercise and fitness-related hobbies can demonstrate health, energy, vitality, and the ability to manage stress. Ensure you acknowledge and celebrate any creative hobbies you undertake. Explain how these activities improve your lateral thinking skills, strengthen your ability to approach tasks inventively and drive your original use of available resources.

What can you bring to the polytechnic/university?

I'll bring to the polytechnic/university my ambition to learn both in and outside the lecture room, and I'll be a thriving member of the student community. (Show that you're going there not only to study, but to learn practical skills and network)

(Assuming) Your XX subject score isn't ideal, are you sure you can cope?

If this subject is relevent, explain how you are going to work hard in this area to take you to where you want to be.

Why do you want to enrol at this poly/JC?

Stand out from other applicants. Not only on why you like the poly but also how you will be a good fit for the poly, integrate with the school's culture and academic environment. Show examples of what you have done that fits your course or poly's programme.

Have you had any setbacks and disappointments? How did you overcome them?

Interviewers are looking for students who display resilience and who have learnt and become stronger after failures. Use specific examples. What shortcomings caused the setbacks, how you have learnt and changed for the better. Don't make yourself look bad. Be specific and clear.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Interviewers are trying to see if you could link the course to your future aspirations.

Tell me a time when you had to do something that was not popular but necessary.

Interviewers ask this question to assess your leadership abilities and moral compass.

What is your opinion about [current affairs topic]?

Interviewers want to know that you read widely and show interest in current affairs.

Is there something you worked on or you've done that didn't particularly go your way?

Interviewers want to know that you're resilient and are able to deal with challenges and setbacks.

What gets you up in the morning?

Interviewers want to know what you're passionate about.

What are some of the modules for this poly course? / What are some of the programmes this JC offers?

Interviewers want to test your knowledge of the course that you applied for.

Why did you put (this poly) as your 2nd choice?

Mention that the 1st choice has something that this doesn't (be it e.g. internship opportunities, type of CCA, location or particular modules). Then, also mention good reasons why you put this poly as 2nd choice.

Can you demonstrate your skills (that you have mentioned) on the spot?

Practice! Especially if skills in areas of the arts. For sciences, they may ask theory-related questions. So read up.

What do you hope to work as in the future?

Research carefully on jobs that are related to the course that you're applying for.

Your results don't look so good, what are you doing about it?

Share strategies that you're taking now to work on your weaker subjects. Show your interviewer that you have the ability to overcome challenges. EAE is a aptitude based admissions exercise. The reason why polys still look at your results is to ensure that you can cope with the rigour of poly education.

What are your strengths?

Telling your interviewer that you're hardworking or organised may seem like a bright idea at the time. Unfortunately, such responses fall under the many clichés interviewees cite when asked about their strengths. While it's great that you're a team player or strive towards perfection, providing such answers won't give you much credit. Instead, consider linking these traits with relevant skills or experiences, like describing past projects you were entrusted with to show how responsible you are, or talking about past volunteering efforts during an interview with an NGO.

What's the best trip you've ever taken?

Whatever you say in response to these questions should reveal your passions. These questions are best asked at the beginning of the interview because they're relatively easy to answer, provide a backdrop to the candidate you're interviewing and have no right or wrong answer.

When have you been happiest in your life?

Whatever you say in response to these questions should reveal your passions. These questions are best asked at the beginning of the interview because they're relatively easy to answer, provide a backdrop to the candidate you're interviewing and have no right or wrong answer.

List 3 things that make you nervous.

Whether you've encountered something uncomfortable in class, at an internship, or within your personal life, chances are you've successfully navigated a tough moment and come out on top. In order to demonstrate your ability to get past this type of challenge, outline the steps you've taken to address these sorts of problems when they crop up.

If you could be a kitchen utensil, what would you be and why?

Whimsical questions are a great way to see a candidate's creativity. Just remember that there are no "correct" answers.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

Whimsical questions are a great way to see a candidate's creativity. Just remember that there are no "correct" answers.

Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.

You can use the STAR technique to give a clear and concise response: 1) Situation - what happened? 2) Task - what is your role? "As a team leader, it was my role to..." 3) Action - what did you do? 4) Result - what was the outcome and what you have learnt from the experience.

Why should we choose you over all the other candidates that applied?

You must first know that for this course, what kind of people are they looking for. Then use your experiences to show you have what they need.