JUPAS Interview Mastery: Unlocking Strategies for Different University Programme Styles

The DSE results are out. You’ve navigated the intense JUPAS application process, and an interview invitation has finally landed in your inbox. A wave of relief, quickly followed by a jolt of anxiety – it’s a feeling every HKDSE student knows well. This interview is the final hurdle, the crucial conversation that stands between you and your dream university programme. It’s no longer just about your grades; it’s about who you are and why you’re the perfect fit.

But here’s the secret: not all interviews are created equal. A Business school interview is worlds apart from a Medicine MMI (Multiple Mini Interview). To succeed, you need to go beyond generic advice and tailor your preparation to the specific style of your chosen field. This guide will break down the strategies you need to master your JUPAS interview, no matter what programme you’re aiming for.


The Universal Rules: Your Foundation for Success

Before we dive into programme specifics, let's cover the essentials that apply to EVERY interview. Nailing these basics shows professionalism and respect.

1. Research is Non-Negotiable

Professors can spot a candidate who hasn't done their homework from a mile away. You must know:

  • The Programme: What are the core courses? Are there any unique streams or specialisations? Mention a specific module or professor that excites you.
  • The University & Faculty: What are their values, research strengths, or recent achievements?
  • The Industry: What are the current trends, challenges, and key players in the field you want to enter?

2. Perfect Your "Tell Me About Yourself"

This isn't an invitation to recite your life story. It’s a 1-2 minute "elevator pitch." Structure it logically:

  • Present: Briefly mention your name and what you’re passionate about academically.
  • Past: Connect your key experiences (e.g., a specific DSE elective, an extracurricular activity, a part-time job) to your interest in the programme.
  • Future: Explain why you are applying to this specific programme and what you hope to achieve.

3. Body Language Speaks Volumes

Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake (if in person), and listen actively. For online interviews, look at the camera, not just the screen, to simulate eye contact. Your non-verbal cues project confidence.

Pro Tip: True confidence comes from a strong foundation. When you’re not worried about your core subject knowledge, you can focus on expressing your personality. Consistently sharpening your understanding with an AI-powered learning platform ensures your academic base is solid, freeing up mental space to shine during the interview. Why not start practicing on Thinka's AI-powered platform to build that unshakable confidence?


Cracking the Code for Different Programme Styles

Now, let’s get specific. Here’s how to tailor your approach based on the faculty you’re applying to.

1. The Strategist: Business, Economics & Finance Interviews

These programmes look for candidates with commercial awareness, analytical skills, and a proactive mindset.

What to Expect:
  • Group Discussions: Often, you'll be given a short business case or a topical issue to discuss with other candidates. Example: "Discuss the opportunities and threats for Hong Kong's retail sector in the age of e-commerce and changing tourist demographics."
  • Current Affairs Questions: Expect questions about recent economic news, from interest rate changes to the latest tech IPO.
  • Personal Questions: "Why are you interested in finance?" or "Describe a time you demonstrated leadership."
How to Prepare:
  • Be a News Junkie: Regularly read the business sections of publications like the South China Morning Post (SCMP) or the Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ). Form your own opinions.
  • Think in Frameworks: For case studies, use simple frameworks like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to structure your thoughts. In a group setting, focus on being a collaborator – build on others' points, facilitate discussion, and offer structured arguments rather than just speaking the loudest.
  • Show Your Ambition: Connect your personal goals to the business world. Talk about a company you admire, an entrepreneur who inspires you, or a market trend that fascinates you.

2. The Problem-Solver: STEM, Engineering & Tech Interviews

Here, the focus is on your logical reasoning, passion for innovation, and problem-solving abilities.

What to Expect:
  • Brain Teasers & Logic Puzzles: These test your thought process, not necessarily the final answer. Example: "How many golf balls can fit inside a double-decker bus?"
  • Technical Questions: Questions related to your chosen field, like basic physics principles for Engineering or a recent breakthrough for a Science programme.
  • Project-Based Questions: "Tell us about a project you worked on (even a school one) that you are proud of."
How to Prepare:
  • Talk Out Loud: For logic puzzles, the interviewer wants to see how you think. Break the problem down into smaller steps and explain your assumptions and calculations aloud. ("First, I would estimate the volume of a golf ball... Then, I would estimate the internal volume of a bus, subtracting space for seats...")
  • Show, Don't Just Tell: If you have a portfolio of projects (e.g., a simple app you coded, a robot you built), be prepared to talk about it enthusiastically. Explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
  • Stay Curious: Follow tech news sites, YouTube channels about science, or magazines like Nature or New Scientist. Mentioning recent developments, like the impact of generative AI on data analysis or new materials in engineering, shows genuine passion.

A deep understanding of fundamental principles is key. If you need to brush up, exploring our HKDSE Study Notes can be a great way to solidify your knowledge base before the big day.

3. The Critical Thinker: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Interviews

These interviews assess your ability to think critically, construct a coherent argument, and engage with complex societal and cultural issues.

What to Expect:
  • Opinion-Based Questions: You'll be presented with a statement and asked to discuss it. Example: "Do social media platforms do more to unite or divide society? Discuss."
  • Text/Image Analysis: You might be given a short poem, a political cartoon, or a historical photograph and asked for your interpretation.
  • Questions About Your Interests: "What is the most interesting book you've read recently and why?"
How to Prepare:
  • Develop Balanced Arguments: The best answers acknowledge complexity. For debate-style questions, explore both sides of the issue before concluding with your own reasoned stance. Start with phrases like, "On one hand..." and "However, it's also important to consider..."
  • Engage with Culture: Go beyond your school syllabus. Read widely, visit museums, watch documentaries, and be prepared to talk about how they shaped your perspective.
  • Connect to Hong Kong: Link global issues to the local context. How does a global trend in political polarisation manifest in Hong Kong? How do themes in world literature resonate with our city's identity?

4. The Empathetic Professional: Medicine, Nursing & Healthcare Interviews

These interviews, especially the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format, are designed to test your ethics, empathy, and suitability for a caring profession.

What to Expect:
  • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs): A series of short, timed stations, each with a different scenario or question.
  • Ethical Dilemmas: Scenarios with no easy answer. Example: "A 15-year-old patient confides in you that she is pregnant and begs you not to tell her parents. What do you do?"
  • Role-Playing: You may have to act out a scenario, such as breaking bad news or calming an anxious patient (played by an actor).
  • Commitment Questions: "Why do you want to be a doctor/nurse, and not another helping profession?" "What have you done to learn about the realities of this career?"
How to Prepare:
  • Understand Medical Ethics: Familiarise yourself with the core principles: autonomy (patient's right to choose), beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest), non-maleficence (do no harm), and justice (fairness). Use these to structure your answers to dilemmas.
  • Practice Reflecting: It’s not just about what you did (e.g., volunteering), but what you learned from it. Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for the emotional and intellectual challenges of healthcare.
  • Stay Informed: Be aware of current healthcare issues in Hong Kong, such as the doctor shortage in public hospitals, the ageing population, or mental health awareness. This shows you are engaged with the community you wish to serve.

Quick Fact: A recent trend in university admissions across all disciplines is a focus on interdisciplinary skills. Interviewers love to see candidates who can connect ideas from different fields – for instance, a STEM student discussing the ethics of AI, or a Business student analysing the social impact of a company. This is where personalized learning platforms can help, by allowing you to explore topics and strengthen knowledge connections at your own pace, building a more holistic understanding.


Your Final Checklist Before Interview Day

You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time to shine. The interview is your chance to show the admissions officer the passionate, curious, and thoughtful person behind the DSE scores.

  • Prepare Your Questions: Always have 2-3 thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows genuine interest.
  • Mock Interviews: Practice with a teacher, a family member, or even by recording yourself. This helps you refine your answers and manage your nerves.
    • - Plan Your Logistics: Know the location (or test your video call software), plan your travel time, and pick a professional, comfortable outfit.

The JUPAS journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The interview is the final lap. By understanding the specific style of your target programme and preparing strategically, you can cross the finish line with confidence. You've prepared for years for your HKDSE exams; now it's time to prepare for the conversation that could shape your future.

Good luck!