美国大学电话面试的准备

每年二月到四月都是美国大学电话面试的高峰期，而接到电话面试的申请者就意味着会有很大的可能性获得全额奖学金（指研究生）。因此，在这样一个经济萧索的寒冬中则更应充分把握住这每一次难得的面试（获奖）的机会。那么接下来，让我们看看都有哪些类型的面试。

Representative Interview 这种面试最常见。主要是系里安排某一特定老师对意向录取学生按照100%或150%比例面试。面试过程中老师做详细记录，再汇报给录取委员会作决定。以我们经验看这名老师基本上就可以决定录取哪一名学生。而这种例行公事的面试问题也都很简单，主要是考察语言能力。

Panel Interview 这是由几名老师对一名学生进行面试，每名老师提出的问题都不同。为了增加难度一名老师进行面试时其他老师大声聊天来制造噪音，这种面试有时也播放一段录音然让学生进行归纳。

Conference Interview 这是学校为防范枪手而准备的面试，要求学生使用摄像镜头。当然找枪手的学生谎称摄像镜头不好用，对方也只能用普通电话面试了。

Boss Interview 这是未来的老板给申请者准备的面试。这种面试老板除了了解学生的英语能力外也会了解学生过去的研究兴趣，领域和未来的研究方向。为了确保面试成功应该事先到网上查询该面试老师的研究方向和擅长领域。

关于面试中的常见问题及我所准备的答案

Q：Can you drive? (老板会考虑让你开车出门为他/她办事)

AWell, I am learning, but because the driving rules in the U.S. are quite different from those in China I plan to take the driving test while I get over there; hope the examiner won’t be too strict with me…

Q：How many schools have you applied for and how many offers have you received?

A：I have applied for xxx schools, and so far xxx, xxx, and xxx University (说几个排名比现在面试学校高的几所学校) have given me an offer. However, I want to tell you that your institution would be my first choice if I am admitted.

Q：How long have you been learning English?

AI have been learning English since …, but as I know my English skills are far from perfect, so I have been learning English with native speakers since two months ago, and I will continue to do so till late this summer when I go over to the U.S.; as a result, I believe my English won’t be a barrier for further studies at your institution.

Q：Will you come to our school if I/we give you an assistantship?

A：Are you serious? That would be cool! I will go to your school for sure and I won’t make you disappointed. (即使不想去以后也有一百种借口推掉).

Q：理工类）Do you want to take the Master or PhD program?  

A：I will take the PhD program and I love research (由于学生需要大概一年的培训才能胜任TA/RA 工作，无论系里还是导师都希望招 PhD学生。)  

Q：Do you have any questions for us? (这个答案必须是YES)

A:： 问几个有新意的问题，如：） Do you think President Obama can handle all the challenges the country faces?