How to prepare for the DSA Interview?

How can you prepare for the DSA interview?

The main objective of any DSA interview preparation is to allow your child stand out in his/her interview.

So, how can you help your child prepare for it?

There are several general guidelines that are very similar to our own job interviews.

(1 )   Be familiar with the school and why this particular school best suits you

Knowing the background and culture of the school is of paramount importance. A good grasp of its motto, vision and even the student culture can give you a comparative advantage that makes you shine out.

The interviewer may want to know how your child’s special talent can contribute to the school or how well your child can fit with the school’s beliefs. Just imagine a top gymnast applying to a school that doesn’t even have gymnastics as a CCA.

It will be beneficial if you had gone to the school’s open house. If you had not, then a check on the school’s websites or online forums will be useful.

(2)   Be familiar with your strengths, weaknesses and goals

Knowing yourself well is as important as knowing the school. Some conventional questions about your hobbies, achievements and projects can be expected in the interview.

The answers of these questions can be prepared and rehearsed beforehand. Don’t just say “I like reading.” But explain why do you like reading and perhaps lead the interview by talking about an interesting book that you have read recently.

It is crucial that you display your strengths with confidence, understand your weaknesses with humility and be clear about some of your goals.

(3)  Expect the unconventional

There is little surprise in knowing that certain interviewers have a tendency to ask the unexpected, questions that are out of the ordinary. The interviewers want to see your child’s performance when under pressure. These questions include, “What is your view on global warming?” or “If you are being send to Mars alone and you are only allowed to bring one item, what will you bring?” There are no ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ answers.

However, one must remember that sensibility and creativity have to be balanced carefully when answering such questions. If stumped, try not to leak out expression of confusion or anxiety. Rather, appear to be considering the question with thought. If necessary, also ask the interviewer to rephrase or repeat the question, so that you may have more time to construct a coherent response.

(4)   Expect the current

It is critical for good students to be in the know regarding current issues. Interviewers expect students to be knowledgeable not only in the in-betweens of your textbook, but also about important current affairs.

“How is the haze affecting you?” or “What is one News Headline that had caught your attention lately?” These are questions that can be asked. Since they are about current issues, do not dig up news that was donkey years ago. Interviewers want to know that you are in touch with the world.

(5)   Display a good amount of confidence, respect and etiquette

Be confident but not arrogant. Be critical but not disrespectful. Be expressive but do not forget basic etiquette. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and wear a smile.

You must understand that body language is very important, as these are things that the interviewer will notice and based on which, they will form their first impressions.

The interviewers can tell if the child is nervous or indifferent through his/her body language. If in a group interview, show interests in your peers’ answers, don’t barge in. Wait for appropriate moment to give your opinion.

Dress neatly. (Usually the child will be asked to wear their current Primary school uniform). Be their early so that the child can have time to compose himself/herself.

Also, pay attention to minute details such as greeting the interviewers and thanking them at the end of the interview.

Although these are just some simple guidelines on DSA interview, they are a platform for a child to be ready for various situations that may arise. Remember, being prepared and informed will help you create good first impressions.

Krtc@Marine Parade conducts DSA Interview Skills Workshop for students who would want to receive in-depth coaching and gain a added advantage to stand out among his/her peers in their DSA interviews. 

What makes our workshop different from others DSA workshops/seminars?

We do small group coaching rather than giving general talks. Our coaching targets at individual schools/the specific domain (GEP/Mainstream/Sports/CCA/Music/Arts) that the student is applying for.

We conduct mock interview to let students experience what they can expect (the norms/odds) in an interview and to teach them how they can handle it better.