Pre-U(ni) Part II: USM & UM Interviews

picture by Emma

Part 1 here.

Chapter 3: Presenting to the panels


Well...I didn't expect to get any interview when filling up the application forms 2 months ago...thought it was a 'sit-and-wait-until-June' exercise, so much so that momentarily I forgot that I was a student and immersed myself in the working world girl identity.

However, miracles happened and I'm grateful for these miracles. (And thought like a student again.)


I got two interviews, back-to-back in the same week: USM Mass Communications on 2nd May and UM Linguistics in English on 4th May. Both started at 8.30 am and ended in an hours' time after that (because for both interviews I was among the very first batch to be interviewed, among the first faces the panelists saw :D)

Here's what happened, presented in a Q&A format (for some variety):

Communication Studies Center, USM

USM

Q: How did you get to Penang?

A: In a bus. A nice bus, I may add. The Aeroline pick-up point/booking office where the journey would begin is in Sunway Pyramid, which is 15 minutes away from where I live, and it's by far the most comfortable/luxurious bus that I've been in. Here's some pics that I took of the various facilities there:

...and this is what it costs for all that luxury. Worth it though :)

Q: Did you go with your family or all alone?

A: With my grandmother - my mom's hometown is in Bukit Mertajam so my interview trip was also a 'balik kampung' trip-not to mention savings for accommodation ;)

Q: How does one get to USM, anyway?

A: The route is surprisingly direct - after crossing the Penang Bridge just follow the signboards that has 'USM' on it and voila, within 5 minutes you're there.

view of the sea from Penang bridge

Q: Where was the place of the interview?

A: Communication Studies Center. From the Batu Uban entrance, go straight at the first roundabout and turn left after CIMB Bank. (Yay, banking at my doorstep!)

Q: What was the procedure of the interview?

A: Before it started there was a place for everyone to wait outside the building. Then at 8.30, everyone lined up to register according to the position of their names in the name lists displayed. There were 4 tables assigned according to the lists.

I was in list D.

After registering, candidates were assigned to groups of three at a time. Once our turn came, we were called by the staff on duty and led to a waiting area outside the interview rooms, where the respective panels were preparing for the session. When everything was ready, they called us in for the interview, which was about 10 minutes. Then, we were free to leave.

Q: What kind of questions were asked?

A: As far as I can remember:
- The first question was to introduce ourselves according to a prepared order (there was this paper that was stuck to the table): name, results, academic background, why choose the university/course, etc.

- other questions (I'm giving examples of one of each) asked included general questions - "How big is Malaysia's population?", questions regarding the uni/course - "What do you know about the course?" hobbies - "what is your talent" and current issues "what was the last book you read"? "What media do you watch/read?"

- the last question was "Why should I/we choose you?"

Q: Any advice you want to give from your experience?

A: - If the language of expression is not stated, feel free to answer in either BM or English, but when specified, answer in the language asked.
- Try not to be so kam cheong...
- When introducing yourself, say as much as possible relating to your interest in the course. I regret a little that there were many things that I could have said to strengthen my 'hujah' but I left it out (due to nervousness)
- USM was found in 1969, not 1979. If unsure, say so. I was actually unsure between the two years but sticked to one answer...which was the wrong one. Silly me.

Faculty of Language & Lingustics, UM

UM:


Q: How did you get to KL?

A: My dad fetched me there early in the morning.

Q: How does one get to UM, anyway?

A: There are many ways to get there but all had slow moving traffic on Friday morning. Thank God we reached there in time, though. From my place (Puchong) either taking the Federal Highway or Jalan Gasing through New Pantai Expressway will do.

Q: Where was the place of the interview?

A: The Faculty of Language & Linguistics, which is towards the back of the university (I'm speaking from the POV of the KL/main entrance. The PJ entrance is slightly nearer.)

This was one of the interview rooms. Took this while waiting ;D

Q: What was the procedure of the interview?

A: It took a while for me to find the room as specified in the interview offer letter but eventually I found it. Everyone was waiting in the room that looks like a slightly bigger version of a school APD room. At about 8.40 attendance was taken by the staff on duty, and our STPM and MUET results were double-checked. Then, batches of students were called to the waiting areas (four outside a room). 


Unlike my previous experience, this interview was individual (increased the nervousness factor there a little). The panelists would call you once it's your turn. After that we could return home.


Q: What kind of questions were asked?


A: As far as I can remember:
- The first question was to introduce ourselves. Freedom was given to how I could go about doing so.
- Then, they asked about my interests, and why would that relate to the course.
- Next was what I knew about the course.
- Then, I was asked about people/books that inspired me.
- Lastly, I was asked what were my plans with the degree - "What are you going to do with this degree in say, 5 years?" 


Q: Any advice you want to give from your experience?


A: -It's English linguistics, so everything was asked in English, which for me was easier since I didn't have to teragak-agak like when I try to speak proper BM (not the rojak kind that I speak with my friends all the time). I know for some people it could be harder or the other way round, so to them I'd say try your best even though it may not sound perfect.
- Watch your body language, for the panelists are sitting quite close to you. I hope I didn't twirl my hair or slouch too much...
- I'm glad I could rectify some of the 'mistakes' I did in my USM interview...nervousness diminishes with experience I guess?


PS. In UM just now there was another candidate with a very similar name to mine :) So when my name was called for the interview, I was amazed to find out I wasn't the only one standing...then I also saw these girls whom I recall seeing in USM too. Now why was I so shy to go up and say hello? Hmm maybe they'll be my coursemates in either course? Comm/Linguistics students have to be very thick face and brave one lar(speaking to myself)...anyway, right now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed in regards to both applications.