<p>My S is being interviewed for a private scholarship. The interview will be over the phone since he is unable to be present in person. I'm not familiar with scholarship interviews and how they might differ from admission interviews. What kinds of questions do they ask?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the scholarship, but a telephone interview will involve a lot of questions about him-- his interests, goals, and how the scholarship might fit into those interests, goals, etc. If this private scholarship is connected to a school, they may ask him about his interests connected to the school, too. He should have some knowledge about the scholarship as well (who endowed it and why, what types of students have been awarded in the past, what does the program expect of its scholars, etc). I'm sure there's more, but hope that helps.</p>
<p>Thanks. It's a general "academic excellence" scholarship from a local company. He does plan to return to this area after graduation, so maybe he should be prepared to talk about that. </p>
<p>Any other advice?</p>
<p>Put a glass of water near the phone. Have Mom or Dad answer the ring while interviewee slowly takes a drink, being careful not to choke. This is a distractor, but the water is always helpful. I got a sudden attack of dry mouth during my phone interview for a job last year.</p>
<p>Good suggestion re: the water. D had a phone interview for a one-month scholarship/study trip to Germany this summer. It was only about 10-15 minutes, but it was completely in German! Talk about a bit of pressure, over the phone. She was relaxed, and had practiced (over the phone) with her german teacher. Maybe you can have a family friend call and do a "fake" phone interview with your son. As I "eavesdropped" in the next room to her side of the conversation, the interviewer asked about movies, books, interests, etc. and in general, referenced many things from her written application. I was relieved when I heard her laughing with her answers. She "passed" to the national phase of the competition and.....got the award/trip. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>Thanks for the water idea. He will be interviewed from school so we won't be there to eavesdrop. He had only given his home phone on the application so they called here with the message to call back and schedule the interview. I left him a message about the interview, but I haven't heard back from him. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice. It's not a need based scholarship, but we certainly need the money. Do you think they will ask about how the scholarship will help him? </p>
<p>I'll let you know how it turns out.</p>
<p>He should take the time to learn about the company. Google can be his friend as can word of mouth from friends who know about the company.</p>
<p>Companies give scholarships to students whose interests, character and prospective majors are in line with the company's needs and values. </p>
<p>It would be wise to see if he can find out info about students who have gotten the scholarship in the past. His GC may know or he may be able to find info through Google or searching the local newspaper's database.</p>
<p>Given a choice between two equally attractive applicants, companies will pick students who have financial need. It helps if the needy student also shows a strong work ethic such as plans to work over the summer. Companies like to help needy students who also are helping themselves.</p>