In order to make the allocation of places fairer and less dependent on the grade, more and more universities are introducing another selection procedure in addition to the Numerus Clauses: the aptitude test. When you hear the word “test”, the alarm bells will probably ring. After all, your dream place at university depends on passing it. For this reason, UCAT practice tests are essential for preparation, visit here to start preparing UCAT practice questions.
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What is an aptitude test?
An aptitude test is used to determine whether you are suitable for a place at the relevant university or university of applied sciences. Most of the time, the test consists of multiple-choice questions in several subjects, e.g. math and English. Of course, it is also possible that the answers are not given, but you will certainly not be expected to write endlessly long texts. After the written part, there is often a short conversation with a professor, in which, for example, you have to give a mini-lecture on a previously mentioned topic or you just talk. Depending on what you want to study, there may be other requirements, for example for courses in sports, art or music. So that you can better prepare for the aptitude test, we have the 5 most important tips for you:
1. Inform yourself well beforehand!
Before the test, take a good look at the university’s website. Most of the time you can find some tips about the procedure or scope of the test there. Every now and then there are even literature suggestions for learning or even trial tests. You can then practice this test at home under “real-life” conditions by, for example, stopping the time. In addition, you will often find contributions in forums from people who have already taken an aptitude test at the university. They often have learning tips that can help you.
2. Prepare early to avoid stress!
It is best to start buffing up for the test as early as possible. Last-minute learning is not recommended: you get stressed out of it and you are very insecure during the test. We recommend a preparation time of at least 2-3 weeks.
3. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
While it’s important to prepare for the test early, don’t overdo it. After all, the universities know that you cannot have any significant specialist knowledge before your studies have even started. Accordingly, nothing too complicated will be queried in the test. Don’t take the whole thing too seriously! It also helps you to look at the test from a different perspective: See it as an opportunity to get to know your dream university better. The rooms in which the test takes place are later the lecture rooms and the professors and employees you get to know there will also run into you later. So you should also pay attention to how you like the atmosphere in the university and whether you feel comfortable there at all. If not, fortunately, it is not too late to apply to another university.
4. Be there early enough!
Make sure you plan enough time to get to the test, especially if you have to drive to another city. Nothing is more stressful on such a day than being in a traffic jam, getting lost or the like, and therefore being late or even missing the test. Our tip: For university cities that are far away, maybe just arrive the evening before and explore the city/surroundings a bit. Should you later get hold of the place you want to study, you will already know a little about what to expect.
5. Hurry up!
During the test, it is important that you move forward quickly. If you can’t answer a question, don’t dwell on it for too long but continue quickly, because such tests are often deliberately designed so that you don’t have enough time. Rather concentrate on the questions that come easy to you in order to collect as many points as possible.
If you follow these 5 tips and are a bit lucky, then nothing can go wrong with your aptitude test. We are already keeping our fingers crossed for you!
5 common interview questions after the aptitude test are cleared
Although the interview has always been a great challenge for applicants. With good preparation, you can better convince the potential employer of yourself. There are questions that appear in almost every job interview. There are seldom interviews without these standard questions. These serve the purpose that the potential employer can get to know you better and check whether you really fit into this company and this position. We have put together for you the 10 most common application questions, their meaning, and tips on how to best answer them.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Even if it’s not a question, it is asked at almost every job interview. Here you shouldn’t tell your full life story, but the facts relevant to the job. Before doing this, write down important clues from your life that would be of interest to the employer. You can then practice the answer in front of the mirror or with a friend. You should avoid answering the question with “That’s all on my resume”.
2. Why did you apply to us?
The employer wants to find out whether you have found out about the company. You can get information on the entrepreneur’s website, in image brochures, trade fairs or press releases. With the information about the company’s history, key objectives, products or company policy, you can see what similarities they have with your own qualifications. So write down all the data that you have found out about the company and relate it to your own data. This template can help you to formulate and practice the appropriate sentences.
3. What would you like to have achieved in five years?
Those who have clear ideas about their future appear determined and structured. The employer wants to know from you whether you have thought about your professional future and what plans you have in mind. Think about your plans and to what extent they fit in with the company’s vision. Make a sketch of your plans for the next five years and link them to the areas of responsibility of the advertised position. You don’t have to name the exact position you are aiming for. A general statement that you are flexible and open to new things underlines that you are not stuck in your plans.
4. Why should we choose you?
With this “stress question” the employer wants to find out how you deal with pressure. Don’t let yourself get disturbed and stay friendly. List all qualifications from your résumé again and emphasize that you can identify with the company philosophy and the company. As a career starter, you can refer to your studies/training and previous professional experience/internships. You should also mention major fields of study and special knowledge, such as a foreign language, if it is relevant to the advertised position.
5. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Here the employer would like to know something about your self-assessment. When it comes to strengths, excessive self-confidence is less popular. With statements like “I am the best” or “I am good everywhere” one seems rather arrogant. The best way to prove your strengths is with examples. So you can mention that you are good at dealing with stress and enjoy learning something new. It is the same with weaknesses as with strengths. Too much honesty is just as harmful as excessive self-esteem. Choose weaknesses that you can improve through training. So you can say that you would like to improve your foreign language skills. Or you present the weakness in such a way that it can be interpreted as strength. The statement “Occasionally I tackle too many tasks at once” could be interpreted to mean that you are very eager and motivated. In general, you should introduce weaknesses with the sentence “I am occasionally …”.
