Interview Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Interview Simulation: Questions and Answers

Initial Questions

• Officer requested passport and I-20.
• Applicant is going to DePaul University.
• Applied to six universities including DePaul; recalls DePaul, Drew University, and Southern Methodist University.
• CGPA in Bachelor's: 9.2/10 (impressive to the officer).
• Did not take the GRE (not required by the applied universities).
• Took Duolingo for language proficiency (not IELTS or TOEFL as the counselor suggested Duolingo was enough).

Reasons and Justifications

• Plans to study Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence at DePaul University.
• Believes Computer Science is fundamental as most aspects of life involve computing.
• DePaul has a good reputation, particularly in Computer Science, and professors are leading in research.
• No relatives in the US, only a few seniors from bachelor's who attended similar universities.
• Funding through an education loan ($70,000) and family savings (30 lakhs).
• First-time visit to the US; no prior visa denials or international travel.
• Future plans: return to home country to work as a software engineer.

Officer's Feedback and Rejection Reasons

• Applied to low-ranking universities, raising concerns about the intent to benefit academically vs. desire to experience life in the US.
• No GRE, whereas high CGPA students are expected to apply to top-tier universities (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS required).
• DePaul, while a good university, is ranked only within the top 300 (tier 3).
• Friends attending the same university suggest a non-selective application process, possibly for experience rather than academic growth.
• Inadequate specific reasons for choosing DePaul or Computer Science; no mention of professors or specific programs.
• Rejection based on vague and non-compelling reasons provided for university and program choice.

Training and Tips for Successful Interviews

Common Red Flags and Mistakes in Visa Interviews

• Applying to low-ranking universities without a compelling reason.
• Failing to take standardized tests like GRE/TOEFL/IELTS when applicable.
• Vague or non-specific answers regarding choice of university and program.
• Indicating the choice is influenced by friends or non-academic factors.

Preparation Strategies

• Have clear, specific reasons for choosing both the university and program (mention professors, unique programs, research opportunities).
• Take required standardized tests, especially if having a high CGPA, to aim for top-tier universities.
• Avoid citing non-academic reasons (e.g., friends' attendance) for university choice.
• Confidence and readiness to detail future plans and how the education will benefit academically and professionally.

Additional Resources

• Online playlists and guides on how to effectively answer common visa interview questions.
• Professional services (e.g., via WhatsApp) for personalized advice or visa application help service for comprehensive preparation.