Hello guys, having taking the PTDF scholarship interview twice myself (in 2018 and 2019), and successfully got the award in 2019, I’d like to share 3 questions I was asked on both occasions. Somehow I believe its almost certain that you will likely face these 3 questions on your interview day as well.
QUESTION 1:
Tell us about yourself?
PURPOSE OF QUESTION:
This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open ‘question’. You’ll be prepared to explain your project, to say what a great fit it is for the university, perhaps even reference some current research. But how do you ‘answer’ an invitation to just introduce yourself, especially on the PTDF scholarship interview?
By introducing yourself, your interview panel isn’t trying to catch you out here. They’re offering an icebreaker to help ease you into the rest of the interview.
Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesn’t just have to be a run-down of your academic achievements, interests and goals (the interview will get to those in time!).
Say a little about your background, where you’re from and what your interests are. Don’t be afraid to relate these to your academic specialism and your choice of university
ANSWER TIPS:
This is a compulsory question for you, so now that you know this, don’t just rush into answering it but take time to articulate your answer and say it spontaneously. Don’t struggle with words as it will tell them that you crammed your answer and such may reduce your points as you may not be original. As you speak, be fluent and spontaneous and make them notice that you are really thinking out your answers, not that you’re echoing out something stored somewhere.
In approaching this question, you may start by saying your name, date of birth, parents’ name, schools attended (if possible start from nursery school to university), positions held at various stages in life etc. Before you could say all this, you will be cut short and another question thrown. Make sure that you are speaking moderately loud but don’t shout.
SAMPLE ANSWER:
“My name is Isaac Olamide from Olorunshogo Village in Okeigbo, Ondo West LGA of Ondo State, I was born on 26th June, 1990 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Olamide Wale. My father is a commercial driver while my mother is a roadside petty trader. At the age of 6, I attended Great Kids Nursery School, after which I proceeded to Divine Child Primary School where I spent 6years for my primary education in the year 1992. Upon the award of my FSLC in _______
1998, I was admitted into Government Secondary School in Okeigbo, Ondo State where I obtained my SSCE in 2006. Shortly after my JAMB, I secured admission to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos. During the course of my study, I was the course representative of my group. This position made me to cultivate team spirit, sportsmanship, leadership ability, communication skills and a great deal of interpersonal ability. These skills were necessary because I had to interact with my course-mates on daily basis ”
Before you will say all this, they will tell you to stop and fire another question. Stop when they tell you to but if they don’t, try to tell them the achievements you made as a course representative.
Question 2(M.sc):
Mr ___, can tell us why you need funding to study this course?
QUESTION INTENT:
Some scholars who left the shores of Nigeria failed to come back and remain illegal immigrants in foreign lands. This is worrisome to the Fund, hence they need to be assured that you really need the funding and to evaluate your intentions psychologically. The fund seeks to trains quality local manpower to take over strategic positions in the oil and gas sector.
ANSWER TIPS:
Highlight a technological gap in the oil and gas industry and the need to develop local content as the reason for your application. Also, the slow pace in Nigerian tertiary institutions and lack of facilities to carry out your research could be the reason for applying for oversea scholarship.
QUESTION 3:
What are your strengths and weaknesses.
PURPOSE OF THE QUESTION:
The important thing to remember about this question is that the panel isn’t as interested in judging your ‘actual’ strengths and weaknesses as they are in your ability to identify and reflect upon them.
In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate to the PhD project or M.Sc you have in mind.
Don’t just say you’re a good time-keeper. Point out when you’ve had to be well organised and show that you understand the importance of self-directed study to a successful PhD. When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance.
A postgraduate interview probably isn’t the best time to wallow in existential self- doubt (unless you’re applying for a very specific topic in Philosophy*). Equally though, answers like ‘my only downfall is excessive perfectionism’ can sound a bit contrived. If the panel is asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reflect on both.
Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and say how you expect to improve upon them.
ANSWER TIPS:
Your answer to this question must carry an example of your best achievement and also a scenario where certain things made you or your team not to achieve organizational goals. In the case of weaknesses, don’t tell them that the reason for your team’s poor performance is from you.
This is a point where you should let them know your skills in a concise and fact-full manner.
- Are you flexible?
- Are you quick to learn?
- Do you enjoy working in team?
Clearly statement them with short example(s). Let me remind you that nobody is 100% perfect and so would be so untrue if you tell them you have no weakness. Show that you are working on your weaknesses and highlight what step(s) you took in making sure that such weakness didn’t impact much on your set objectives.
SAMPLE ANSWER:
“My strength shows up best when every member of my team co-operate in our quest to achieve a target. For instance, when I headed the Group 3 of Market Survey Team in our Year 4 in the university, the way each group member interpreted the questionnaire collected was impressive. This achievement was only possible because I pressed on them to deliver. In the other hands, one of my key weaknesses emanates when my fellow members show laxity towards an assignment. Though I exercise self-control so as not to fall out with them but it actually makes me unhappy when they fail to key into the spirit of the project. ”
There you go guys! My 3 Most Popular PTDF Scholarship Interview Questions and Answers.
Well done and thank you for this post…really useful.