INTERVIEW IUP

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

- background, passion, experience or activities at school, achievement, goal the

interviewers will find valuable and interesting about yourself. (tell something
relating to the major applied)

“Having a keen interest in the interaction between individuals and their

environment, I find it very intriguing and exciting, specifically its influence in World
politics today. After competing my senior, I would like to study it further in …”

2. Why do you choose UGM?

How far you know about UGM: ranking, education programs, alumni, network
with other universities, accreditation, vision and mission of UGM, achievements,
lecturer at UGM whose point of views are considered by the government,
community service programs of UGM in remote areas such as Papua. That
shows that UGM is committed in playing such crucial roles in solving problems in
society.

With many positive sides of UGM, you trust that studying in UGM plays such a big
and important role in pursuing your success.

“During my studies and researches I found out as much as possible about the
universities approach to learning. From that research, and also from speaking to
other students, the department’s approach to learning makes me confident that I
will be given the best support while I am here. I also understand that this university
has great learning facilities and that means I have every chance of succeeding.”

Maybe try to name a couple of professors in the university with whom you would
like to study. The interviewers will be so happy if you already know with whom you
want to study/work.

3. Why do you apply for IUP? Why international?

- Tell the interviewers about how far you know about IUP and how it helps to
achieve your goal in the future.
- Education programs, study approaches, collaboration with other universities
abroad, reputable alumni, etc

4. Why do you choose to study … (your major/subject)? What do you know so far
about your major?

Tell about passion, experience, knowledge and achievement relating to your major.
Connect to the major offered by UGM.

Show in a brief that you are knowledgeable about your targeted major.

“I want to study this subject because I believe I can succeed. More important thing is
that I have passion for this subject that means I will enjoy learning and immersing
 myself in my studies. I actually feel the benefit of studying the subject in UGM will
be long-lasting as my career goals very much align with the subject.”

5. If you get accepted, what do you want to do after graduating?

Ensure the interviewer that you will use what you have got during studying at UGM
to achieve your goal (can be more specific) and always bring the good name of UGM.

Think of the next step that you will make and which will bring you to your end goal
like your career goal.

6. If you are accepted in IUP program and regular program, which one would you
choose? And why?

State that you will choose IUP program as it suits your future goal/passion more.

7. What’s your plan if you are not accepted in this intake?

“I will try to apply for the second intake by preparing much better.”

8. Why should we accept you?

Show that you really want to study at UGM because it is the fittest vehicle to achieve
your goal/dream. With your strong passion, dedication to academic achievement
and commitment, you believe that you are a qualified candidate as a student of IUP
UGM.

“I will bring an ability to work hard, a desire to contribute positively, whether that’s
being part of a recognized club or society within the university, and also being part
of the wider academic debate during lectures and discussions in general. I feel I have
a lot to offer and can assure you that I will contribute positively if I am successful.”

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

1. What are your achievements? Your biggest achievement?

Talk naturally about your previous remarkable experiences in a fashion that will not
make you sound as a self-centered person. Don’t forget to mention people who
helped you along the way as well.

tell your achievement relating to the major applied. If don’t have, can say,”to be
honest I do not have any achievements relating to medicine. However, I have
won/participated in …”

“It would have to be my A level results and how I improved throughout the two-year
period. Some people didn’t expect me to do well in a couple of subjects, but I knew
if I worked hard, dedicated quality time to study, and immersed myself in the
subjects, I could do well.
 My results have had such a positive impact on my attitude to work and study in
general, and I now have the self-belief that I can go a long way in both my education
and also my long-term career plans.”

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Find excellent points in yourself.

For weakness, try to find a point you find it as an obstacle in studying or doing
something and you already know how to solve it.

Think of a time in your life where you faced a challenge (a real one!) and when you
put in some significant effort to solve it. It can be anything basically related to your
problems in daily life at school, home or some extracurricular activities which
showcases that you are a nice problem-solver and you do not panic when you see
something is going on not how you planned it before.

“I find the initial planning stage of the studying quite difficult at first. It is because I
never create a plan which ensures all of my study work is thorough, point and
complete. However, after using my study plan, it becomes easier and makes me
enjoy following s study structure. It gives me a feeling that I am continually moving
forward towards my study goals.”

3. Are you able to work in group?

Yes, you are able and comfortable to work in group.

Show to the interviewers that you are a person who sees an ally in any person in the
team/member and ensures that every standard is met along the way and there is a
healthy corporate culture in the team.

Besides, you can tell them about your previous experiences in working with others.

4. Will you only focus on your academic? Or you want to join some non-academic
activities such as organizations, sports or others?

It will be better if you already read about several non-academic activities in UGM
and if you find something interesting to join with, you can tell the interviewers with
your reasons.

Or if you do not have any idea or still confused, can say that you will decide it once
you are accepted as you need to figure out whether it is possible to join an academic
activity when you are quite busy studying.

“I like to keep myself physically fit and spend time running a few times a week.
Whilst I am not a fitness fanatic, I do feel that by keeping physically fit, my mental
attitude and mindset are also in a good place which helps my studies.”

5. Is there any interesting news or issues you follow lately?

 Read current issues, especially about Covid-19.

6. What do you know about Yogyakarta Culture? (student outside Yogyakarta)

a. How do you study? (Could you please describe your endurance in

study?)
 “I study a little bit every day in order to review things continually in my
mind. This helps me understand things and avoid the stress of last-minute
cramming.”

b. Do you count yourself having an inquisitive mind? Please describe.

“As the famous philosopher, Rene Descartes said,”cogito, ergo sum.”, it

means “I think, therefore, I am.” I am a person who will not trust entirely
in the words of others, but I will delve into the details.”

c. What do you do if you have a problem (in general)?

“When I need a solution to my problem, I need to clear my mind and calm

down. I always trust that making a decision when I am not calm will most
likely be a wrong one.”

d. What is your biggest problem in studying? What is your plan to cope

with the problem?

“There are various external stimuli these days that I feel distracted. Social
media, phone and games have a part to play in wreaking havoc on my
ability to focus on studying.

Overcoming the power of all these external distractions, I eliminate the

things I know to be my weakness from my workspace. I limit my
socializing to weekends and consider installing a browser app that stops
me going on Facebook or my other favorite sites for certain periods of
time.”