European Universities: How to Prepare for an Interview and Write a Motivation Letter?

Entering a European university is a dream of many Ukrainian eleventh graders. It is not surprising, as this event gives the applicant access to the best education and provides opportunities to realize their ambitions and dreams.

One of the key stages of applying to universities in Europe is writing a motivation letter and passing an interview. Their purpose is to study the applicant’s personality, reveal his or her motivation, and check whether he or she is suitable for the chosen program of this particular educational institution. There is no room for cookie-cutter answers: universities want to find candidates who are ready to learn, grow, and bring something unique to the community.

Preparing for an interview and writing a motivation letter is a great opportunity for self-discovery. In the process, you can better understand your strengths, clearly articulate your goals, and decide on your chosen profession. This will help you not only impress the admission committee, but also confidently move in the direction of your dreams, knowing why and where you are going.

Preparing for an interview: what to look for

Most university admissions interviews have certain standardized questions. For example, you may be asked about:

• strengths and weaknesses;
• academic interests (What exactly fascinates you in your field? Why did you choose this program?)
• plans for the future.

Take time to think about these topics in advance. It is important to have sincere and specific answers that reflect your true aspirations and motivation.

When answering questions, try to find a balance between confidence and modesty. Exaggerating your accomplishments can give the impression of unconfirmed self-confidence, while being overly modest can come across as a lack of confidence.

Answer clearly and specifically, give real-world examples of your accomplishments, but don’t be afraid to admit that you are still a work in progress. For example, instead of saying, “I am very talented in science,” it is better to talk about a specific project or competition where you achieved a good result.

Don’t forget that not only your words are important in an interview, but also how you say them. Non-verbal communication: posture, gestures, facial expressions — has a significant impact on perception. A smile, light gestures, and an attentive gaze can help create a positive impression of you as someone who is interested in communication and ready to cooperate.

Cover letter: how to stand out among other candidates

Writing a meaningful cover letter is not an easy task, but knowing all the nuances, you can attract the attention of the commission and leave a positive impression.

A clear structure will help you present your thoughts logically and consistently:

1. The beginning. Write a short introduction that immediately outlines why you are interested in this program and university.
2. The main text. In this part, describe your academic achievements, personal qualities, and examples that prove your interest and readiness to study. Support each statement with an example.
3. Conclusion. End your letter with a brief summary in which you emphasize your motivation and readiness to contribute to university life.

The first paragraph should interest the reader. Try to avoid trite phrases like “I have always dreamed of going to this university.” Instead, start with a specific example or event that sparked your interest in your chosen field, for example, “When I first took part in a research paper competition, I realized that science was my calling.”

Remember that a motivation letter is your opportunity to be heard. Write it in such a way that the committee sees you not just as a student, but as a person with a unique experience and a desire to learn and develop.

Preparation is the key to success

The licensed lyceum “My Horizons” in Khmelnytskyi creates all the conditions for our graduates to be ready for the most difficult stages of admission to European universities. We help high school students discover their strengths, learn how to express their thoughts and present themselves confidently.

Thanks to the individual approach and support of our teachers, students not only learn theoretical knowledge, but also develop skills that make them competitive at the international level.

Your future starts here — at the Lyceum, where you are seen, heard and helped to grow.