F1 Interview Questions: PART 1: Related to Your Background

1) Where did you do your bachelor's degree?

A: I did my bachelor’s degree in IT engineering from D Y Patil University’s Ramrao Adik Institute
of Technology.

2) What is your undergraduate GPA/Percentage?

A: My current undergraduate GPA is 9.29/10.

3) Have you ever been to the US? Why?

A: I have never been to the USA.

4) If you have changed the field of specialization they would ask why you are doing so.
A: NA

5) Why are you leaving your current job?

A: NA

6) What were your responsibilities at your job?

A: NA

7) Who all are there in your family?

A: My family comprises of me, my mother, my father, and a younger brother.

8) What do they all do?

9) Did you have any KTs in your undergraduate degree?

A: No I did not.

10) Why do you think your performed bad in those years?

A: NA

F1 Interview Questions: PART 2: Related to US Education

11) How many Universities did you apply for?

A: I had applied to 7 universities.

12) Why did you choose this specific University? VERY IMPORTANT
A: I have chosen the reputed Stevens Institute of Technology because of the versatile and rich
curriculum which I felt is a perfect fit for me. The good amount of scholarship offered to me by
this university further solidified my decision. Also, Stevens has an excellent panel of professors
who are experts in their fields. I would love to learn the concepts of Big Data and Machine
Learning from Mahmoud Daneshmand and I would also be honored to receive the tutelage of
Michael Frank, the Director of the Master's Program in Information Systems at the School of
Business.

13) Why do you want to study in the USA? VERY IMPORTANT

A: The US has earned its place as the most popular destination for higher education among
international students and is home to some of the world’s best universities which offer support
for international students, a flexible education system, cultural diversity, top-ranked programs,
and a stellar opportunity for networking with people. I would like to be a part of this diverse
culture and achieve my goal of receiving a Master’s degree from a renowned US institution.

14) Why MS? VERY IMPORTANT

A: Post my undergraduate, I felt the need to further delve into the field of Information Systems
and upgrade both my knowledge and skillset for this field. Hence, I decided to pursue a Master’s
degree in this discipline. I also envision MS as a great way to enhance my personal as well as
professional development.

15) Can you tell me some details about your chosen university?
A: My chosen university is the Stevens Institute of Technology, a private research university
located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Founded in 1870, it ranks 83 among the multitude of National
Universities in the USA. Stevens is home to a multicultural community with students, faculty,
and staff from various ethnic backgrounds, fostering a rich and diverse environment. It has 3
schools: the School of Business, Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science,
and the School of Systems and Enterprises.

16)Can you mention some names of the professors?

A: Michael Frank is a Teaching Associate Professor and Director of the Master's Program in
Information Systems at the School of Business. Having a career spanning over 15 years at
Stevens, he has significant experience in the fields of Information Security & Risk Management, Business
& Strategy, and Project Management.

Chihoon Lee is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the School
of Business. He has been a part of Stevens for 7 years and is highly skilled in the field of
Statistics and Machine Learning.

Mahmoud Daneshmand is a Teaching Professor at the School of Business. He is a Data

Scientist, and expert in Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.

17) Why did you wish to study in the US and not in India?
A: The curriculums and specializations offered by the USA are one of a kind and the exposure
that I am looking for is available in the US and not in India. Receiving a degree from a world-
class institution in the US is also one of my goals.
18) What do you plan to study at the university?
A: I plan to study for a Master’s degree in Information Systems.

19) Give three points you liked about your university?

A: The curriculum offered here is versatile and precisely tailored to my interests. Stevens has
offered me a good amount of scholarship which bolstered my decision to choose this university.
Also, Stevens has an excellent panel of professors who are experts in their fields. I would love
to learn the concepts of Big Data and Machine Learning from Mahmoud Daneshmand and I
would also be honored to receive the tutelage of Michael Frank, the Director of the Master's
Program in Information Systems at the School of Business.

20) Where is your university geographically located in the US?

A: Stevens Institute of Technology is geographically located in the northeastern region of the
United States. Specifically, it is situated in Hoboken, New Jersey, facing the Hudson River.

21) How is the weather in that state?

A: New Jersey experiences a varied climate throughout the year transitioning through summer,
autumn, winter, and spring. Each season brings its own unique weather conditions, contributing
to the state's varied climate.

F1 Interview Questions: PART 3: Related to Finance

22) Did you receive any scholarships?
A: Yes, I have received a 12000 dollar scholarship.

23) Have you received any loans?

A: Yes I have taken up an education loan from IDFC First Bank.

24) Who is sponsoring your degree? VERY IMPORTANT

A: My degree is sponsored by my father.

25) What does the sponsor do?

A: My father is an Anaesthetist/ Doctor.

26) What is the annual income of the sponsor?

27) How are they going to fund your education?

A: My father is going to fund my education through personal savings and an education loan.

F1 Interview Questions: PART 4: Related to your Intention post studies

28) How can you prove you will come to India after your studies?
A: My goal is to receive a Master’s degree from the USA and after completing that, I will return
back to India and use this degree to steer my career and also support my father post his
retirement.
29) What will you do after completing your degree? VERY IMPORTANT
A: Once my degree is completed, I would like to utilize my OPT period to gain some
international exposure to my profile and come back to India and work in the field of Information
Systems.

30) What will you do if your visa is rejected?

A: I hope you accept my visa today but if I am rejected, I will reapply and prepare myself to be a
better candidate for next time.

31) What will you do after coming back to India after the course?
A: After coming back to India after the course, I will use this degree in my favor to gain
professional work experience in the field of Information Systems at reputed companies.

32) Do you think you would be able to perform well in the US?
A: Yes I think I will be able to perform well in the USA.

33) Will you work while studying?

A: No I would not like to work while studying as I would like to focus solely on my studies.

34) What is your long-term goal after 5 years?

A: My long-term goal after 5 years involves successfully completing this 2 year Master’s degree
and then utilizing it to establish myself as a dedicated professional with a stellar career.