Common DSA Interview Questions

Firstly, what is DSA Interview?

The Direct School Admission (DSA) is an avenue for students to secure a place in secondary schools based on their talents and achievements outside of academics. To determine the suitability of applicants, schools often conduct interviews as part of the selection process. In this article, we will explore some common interview questions that students may encounter during the DSA interview process.

To help you prepare, we have categorized some common interview questions into different types. From questions about your background and achievements to inquiries about your knowledge of the school and its values, this cheat sheet covers it all. The DSA interview offers an opportunity for you to shine and demonstrate why you’re an ideal candidate. With thorough preparation, you can equip your child with the confidence and knowledge they need to excel in the DSA interview and secure a place in their desired secondary school.

5 DSA Interview Tips at a glance

Pre-Interview Tips:

1. Draft a short pitch with your child on how to answer these common questions

2. Get them to practise until it become natural

3. Engage your child in current affairs by having light conversations with them

During The DSA Interview:

4. Your child should speak clearly from their own personal experience. Be honest.

5. Last but not least, be confident!

Common DSA Interview Questions

1. About You and Your Background:

These questions aim to gain insights into your child’s personal background, interests, and aspirations. Help your child prepare for inquiries about themselves, including providing a brief overview and answering questions like:

• Tell me about yourself/ Introduce yourself.
• Describe yourself using one word/ How would your friends describe you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you usually do outside of school/ What are your hobbies?
• How can you bring value to the school?
• Tell me about your goals in life.

2. Your portfolio and achievements

In this segment, the interviewer wants to understand your child’s accomplishments, leadership abilities, and personal growth. Your child should showcase how they have developed skills or pursued personal growth beyond the classroom. This could involve activities such as volunteering, attending workshops, or undertaking challenging projects. Anticipate questions such as:

• What is your proudest achievement in school?
• Tell me about a time where you demonstrated leadership qualities in school.
• How have you developed yourself in areas outside of academics?
• Tell me about your contribution to your Co-Curricular Activity (CCA).

3. About the school and its programs

During the DSA interview, your child should be prepared to highlight his/ her understanding of the school, its values, programs, and unique offerings. Explain how these resonates with their interests, aspirations, and personal development. Be prepared for questions such as:

• Why did you apply to our school?
• Why should we accept you?
• What other schools have you applied to? / Which choice is our school ranked?

4. Behavioural/ Situational questions

These questions assess your child’s soft skills, such as their ability to handle various situations and challenges that may arise in a school setting. Examples of such questions include:

• How would you manage your time with many CCA trainings and school activities?
• What are some ways that you can cope with stress?
• How would you manage your team members if they do not follow the rules?

5. Social issues/current affairs

Prepare your child for DSA interviews with questions that assess their awareness of societal matters, critical thinking skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to positive change. Get them ready to showcase their strengths and excel in the selection process. They may be asked questions like:

• Is there any recent news that has caught your eye, and why?
• If you could solve any social issue, what would it be and why?
• What do you think about Singapore’s education system?

6. Group interviews

Group interviews may involve collaborative tasks or discussions. The questions may vary, but the focus will generally be on your child’s ability to work effectively in a team, communicate their ideas, and respect others’ opinions.

In conclusion, the DSA interview process assesses students beyond your child’s academic achievements. It aims to identify individuals who possess unique talents, leadership potential, and a genuine desire to contribute to the school community.

By guiding and practicing with your child to confidently respond to these common interview questions, you empower them to shine brightly and secure a place in their dream school. Embrace this journey with optimism and belief in your child’s extraordinary potential. Success awaits!

Read Also: PSLE Insider: The Complete Guide to the Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec)