Preparing for Post-2024 Postgraduate Entrance ExamThe 2024 postgraduate entrance exam has concluded. What are the next steps for preparation?
2024 Postgraduate Entrance Exam has concluded. What preparations should be made for the subsequent tasks such as graduation thesis and postgraduate interview? Is it necessary to prepare for them simultaneously, both online and offline?
Pathways to Consider
Briefly mentioning the possible paths:
- Sino-foreign cooperative education in China
- Studying abroad (including affordable countries like Malaysia)
- Second bachelor’s degree (a safe bet, whether it’s for further studies, work, or studying abroad)
- Employment or Working Holiday Visa in Australia/New Zealand (Save up to 150k in a year in Australia, then you can switch to anything)
- Entrepreneurship by building your own business system (It’s advisable to first gain experience by working in a leading company in your target industry, or at least in a profitable one, or consider the company as a supplier. Even if there are not many in your industry, you will definitely need skills. Lots of know-how is required in terms of sourcing clients, establishing trust and long-term relationships, converting sales, after-sales, and secondary sales, etc.)
- Freelancing or becoming a digital nomad, especially in remote jobs overseas.
- Retaking exams or preparing for retests, writing dissertations, etc.
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Check out the Gem of the 24th Management Examination!!
The preliminary exam for the management admissions test is over, and some students are diligently following their study plans, while others are still unsure about which reference books to read, and some are even immersed in leisure…
Miaomiao wants to say: Be sure to prepare for the interview in advance!
Today, let’s talk about some questions related to the interview (feel free to ask if you have any questions).
This note includes, but is not limited to, the following questions:
When should you start preparing for the interview? What if you didn’t perform well in the preliminary exam? Do you still need to prepare for the interview? What is included in the interview? What are the exam formats? How to find reference books for specialized subjects? What should you do if the school has not specified reference books for the interview? Do you need to send emails to the professors in advance for the interview? How to prepare for the interview? Interview preparation schedule
When to Start Preparing for the Interview?
Based on previous years' situations, the preliminary exam scores are usually released in late February, the national cutoff scores are announced in March, and the interview cutoff scores are often released in mid-to-late March. The interviews typically take place in April. So, if you start preparing for the interview from now, you will have approximately three months.
The management admissions test primarily evaluates the following: specialized subjects, English, politics, and comprehensive interviews.
Each school may have slight variations in their exam syllabus, but English listening and politics are generally consistent across all schools.
In addition to the exam subjects, you’ll also need to submit various materials. Some schools may even require you to submit a resume, which requires time for polishing and organizing.
Moreover, some schools may have group interviews, which means that preparing for these subjects within a short timeframe after the preliminary exam results are released can be challenging.
Therefore, two essential points to keep in mind for interview preparation are:
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Start preparing early! Early!! Early!!!
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The management admissions test is the preferred choice for many cross-discipline students, so preparing for the specialized subject interview is the real challenge. Passing the preliminary exam does not guarantee success in the interview, so be sure to prepare thoroughly.
How to Determine if You Qualify for the Interview?
For those who haven’t estimated their scores yet, seize this moment to do so! If you’re reading this and have impressions of your performance, estimate your scores immediately.
(We have past questions and answers, or you can use Lexue Miao’s score estimation tool.)
For those who have already estimated their scores, compare them to previous years' cutoff scores. If your score is above the cutoff, it’s advisable to start preparing for the interview!
If you’re on the borderline, it’s recommended to prepare for both the interview and the transfer option!
What if You Didn’t Perform Well in the Preliminary Exam?
Every year, there are students who think they won’t make it to the interview and only start panicking about interview preparation after the interview cutoff scores are announced.
These last-minute preparations often lead to rushed and inadequate preparations, making it difficult to seize the opportunity when it arrives.
Opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared. In the past, some students with low scores managed to pass the interview, so make the most of any chance you have. Furthermore, even if you don’t get into your target school, there is always the option of transferring.
What Does the Interview Include? What Are the Exam Formats?
Generally, the interview consists of two parts: a written test and an interview.
The written test includes: a written test for specialized subjects and a political written test.
The interview includes: an interview for specialized subjects, a comprehensive quality interview, and an English Q&A.
Since each school’s interview content may vary, you can visit the official websites of the schools you applied to for information on interview content and formats.
What Does the Political Interview Cover?
Various schools have flexible and changing question formats, and the content assessed in politics may differ from school to school and even from year to year.
Some schools may provide specific content and reference materials for the political interview (which can be found on their official websites).
If a school has not specified the specific areas for assessment, you can prepare based on the political syllabus from the preliminary exam, as per previous preparation experiences.
Based on previous years, the content may include political theory foundations, current political hot topics, and some schools may include political questions in the comprehensive interview.
How to Find Reference Books for Specialized Subjects?
Method 1:
Visit the official website of the graduate school or admissions information of the school you applied to and search for information.
Method 2:
Visit the official website of the department of your specialized subject and search for information.
Method 3:
Search for “2024 Master’s Graduate Admissions Interview Guidelines” for the school you applied to.
What Should You Do if the School Has Not Specified Reference Books for the Interview?
Method 1:
Ask the senior students from the previous year to find out which books they used.
Method 2:
Search for previous years' reading lists. If this year’s list has not been published yet, you can start with the previous years' lists. You can also check past questions to determine the actual interview subjects.
Method 3:
If it’s a new school and the interview subjects haven’t been announced, then you should prepare comprehensively. For example, if you are applying for a master’s in accounting, you should study financial accounting, financial management, auditing, cost accounting, management accounting, etc.
Do You Need to Send Emails to Professors in Advance for the Interview?
While other majors may require this, for the seven majors in the management admissions test, it is not necessary. Focus on preparing for the interview.
How to Prepare for the Management Admissions Test Interview?
You might be wondering what to do if you have no clue about interview preparation. If you fall into any of the following categories:
- Don’t know how to start…
- Don’t have reliable study materials…
- Don’t know how to manage your time…
- Not familiar with the interview process and don’t know how to prepare…
- Don’t have anyone to practice with and don’t know your weaknesses in the interview…
Lexue Miao has created specialized courses to help you prepare for the interview effectively:
3 Key Courses to Master the Interview:
Keep reading below for details.
24 Interview English Ultimate Pass Course
Suitable for all 24 interview candidates
Solves 4 major interview English preparation challenges:
- Not familiar with the interview process and don’t know how to prepare.
- Unsure about what to say in the self-introduction.
- Poor listening skills, can’t understand the questions or can understand but can’t answer.
- Lack of confidence in speaking, non-standard pronunciation, difficulty speaking.
24 Interview Politics Exam Focus Course
Suitable for all 24 management admissions test interview candidates
Solves 4 major interview politics preparation challenges:
- Lack of understanding in politics, don’t know the scope of the exam, don’t know where to start.
- Lack of attention to current political hot topics, wide range of topics, heavy memory load.
- Lack of political awareness, unable to answer essay and short-answer questions.
- Tight preparation time, all time spent on specialized subjects.
24 Accounting/Auditing Master’s Interview Real Question Course
Specialized subjects 201 hours (Guidance + Foundation + Enhancement)
Professional English audio 2 hours
Interview politics 10 hours
Interview English 6 hours
Comprehensive quality interview guidance class 2 hours
24 Accounting/Auditing Master’s Interview VIP Comprehensive Course
Specialized subjects 258.5 hours (Guidance + Foundation + Enhancement + Sprint)
Professional English audio 2 hours
Interview politics 10 hours
Interview English 6 hours
Comprehensive quality interview guidance class 2 hours
24 Accounting/Auditing Master’s Interview 1-on-1 Customized Course
Specialized subjects 258.5 hours (Guidance + Foundation + Enhancement + Sprint)
Professional English audio 2 hours
Interview politics 10 hours
Interview English 6 hours
Comprehensive quality interview guidance class 2 hours
1-on-1 exclusive target school coaching
24 Accounting/Auditing Master’s Interview Course Service Arrangement
24 Accounting/Auditing Master’s Interview Specialized Course Instructor Introduction
Why Choose Lexue Miao for Interview Preparation?
With 6 years of dedicated interview preparation experience, trust the professionals.
Analyze data from nearly 270 schools in the past 5 years, covering more than 90% of the exam topics.
Courses are applicable to all schools, covering over 90% of the topics across schools.
Unique strategies for quick and efficient preparation, saving time.
Specialized subjects + politics + English + comprehensive quality, a single course covers all subjects.
Interview pass rate of over 95%, with 100% positive feedback from students.
Join @Lexue Miao for graduate school interview preparation and make your path to success straightforward and efficient!
Suggestion: Take a Break for About Ten Days and Relax. Afterward, Estimate Your Scores. If You Performed Well in the Preliminary Exam, Start Preparing for the Interview Promptly. The Interview is the Final Hurdle, So Make Sure Not to Be Careless.
After the Postgraduate Entrance Exam
Here are some choices you can consider after the postgraduate entrance exam:
For Graduating Students:
If you are a graduating student, remember that your thesis is still quite important, so don’t take it lightly. Although professors are generally lenient during undergraduate studies, it’s essential not to rush through it. The earlier you start working on it, the more time you’ll have for revisions.
Some students might be balancing their time between preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam and job hunting. If you feel that you might not pass the entrance exam, consider seeking an internship. For those who have already graduated, you can start looking for a job. It’s advisable not to tell HR right away that you’re only job hunting because you’re unsure about passing the entrance exam. Wait until you receive the admission notice before making any decisions.
Other students might be considering taking a civil service exam or studying abroad, and this can also be planned accordingly.
Of course, if you feel confident about passing the preliminary exam, you can start preparing for the interview courses in January. The time between the score announcement in late February and the interviews in late March is quite tight. The earlier you prepare, the higher your chances of success. Some students may even start studying in mid-January. If you don’t pass, consider this time as an opportunity for further study.
After the Postgraduate Entrance Exam
Here are some choices you can consider after the postgraduate entrance exam:
For Graduating Students:
If you are a graduating student, remember that your thesis is still quite important, so don’t take it lightly. Although professors are generally lenient during undergraduate studies, it’s essential not to rush through it. The earlier you start working on it, the more time you’ll have for revisions.
Some students might be balancing their time between preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam and job hunting. If you feel that you might not pass the entrance exam, consider seeking an internship. For those who have already graduated, you can start looking for a job. It’s advisable not to tell HR right away that you’re only job hunting because you’re unsure about passing the entrance exam. Wait until you receive the admission notice before making any decisions.
Other students might be considering taking a civil service exam or studying abroad, and this can also be planned accordingly.
Of course, if you feel confident about passing the preliminary exam, you can start preparing for the interview courses in January. The time between the score announcement in late February and the interviews in late March is quite tight. The earlier you prepare, the higher your chances of success. Some students may even start studying in mid-January. If you don’t pass, consider this time as an opportunity for further study.
Estimate Your Scores First, Then Prepare for the Interview, and After the Interview, Work on Your Graduation Thesis.
Postgraduate Entrance Exam: What to Do Next
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Estimate Your Scores First: Take advantage of the days immediately after the exam to estimate your scores. Don’t let the fear of performing poorly affect your mood, as you will have to face the reality sooner or later. Estimating your scores will help you mentally prepare and make reasonable plans for your next steps.
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Give Yourself Some Time to Relax: After estimating your scores, set aside two weeks to relax. Nearly a year of preparation can be mentally exhausting. Take this time to go on a trip with friends, catch up on TV shows, watch movies, go shopping, read books, and more. During these two weeks, try not to think about anything related to the exam and focus on clearing your mind and adjusting your mindset.
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Understand What’s Required for the Interview: Each school and program may have different requirements for the interview. Typically, the interview assesses specialized subjects and includes various components such as written exams, practical experiments, and oral questions from examiners for specialized subjects. The interview also involves English translation questions and questions about your undergraduate experiences. I compiled a list of Chinese and English questions for the interview earlier this year, so feel free to ask if you need them.
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Research Potential Advisors: While waiting for your exam results, visit your department’s official website to gather information about potential advisors. Look into their research interests, publications, and research areas. Once your scores are released, you can directly email the professors. If you have a strong interest in working with a particular advisor, express your desire to have a one-on-one conversation with them. This will facilitate further communication and help the professor get to know you better.
1. Postgraduate Entrance Exam: Planning for the Interview
Based on the examination schedules of various schools, you can create a personalized study plan for your postgraduate entrance exam.
Interview Planning Table
2. Postgraduate Entrance Exam Experience
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What Does the Postgraduate Entrance Exam Include?
The postgraduate entrance exam typically combines a written test and an interview. It mainly assesses specialized subjects, English oral skills, and political knowledge.
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Written Test for Specialized Courses: This part is based on current events and tests your ability to express specialized knowledge in writing.
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English Interview: Questions are drawn or provided as materials, and you will be asked to translate, paraphrase, provide opinions, or respond to questions orally.
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Specialized Interview: The specialized interview is a crucial part of the process. Supervisors will assess your expertise, undergraduate thesis, and future plans.
Among these components, the interview carries the most weight and plays a decisive role. The written test follows, but through experience, we know that the written test’s impact on the overall score is not significant. Oral skills have the lowest weight, often accounting for only a small fraction of the total score.
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Preparation Before the Interview
(a) Collect the necessary personal documentation for the interview, such as your ID, student ID, initial exam admission card, interview notification, and a scanned copy of your undergraduate transcript. You may also need scanned copies of published papers and awards, as well as a personal information form required by the school. For previous graduates, you may need to provide your undergraduate diploma and degree certificate. Equivalent degree candidates might need to provide a college diploma and undergraduate transcript for core courses. If you’re applying under special enrollment policies like the “Three Support and One Support” or “Voluntary Service Western Plan,” you’ll need to provide relevant documents. Expect a physical examination during the interview, so prepare a 1-inch photo in advance.
(b) Prepare other essential materials for the interview. For those with limited time for preparation (items 1-6), you can use templates provided by senior students.
- Self-introduction in Chinese and English
- Resume
- Contact information for potential advisors
- Advisor’s research interests and publication status
- Frequently asked interview questions
- Collect and organize past interview questions. Understanding these questions helps identify the recent focus areas and key topics to prepare for. Consult senior students and find the most recent interview questions. You can also search for interview materials at the target university’s printing shop or official website. Make sure to obtain the latest interview questions.
(c) Prepare your undergraduate thesis. Review your chosen topic and research direction. Some schools may ask about your undergraduate thesis.
(d) Study interview preparation experiences. Everyone has their own study methods. However, for specialized courses, high scorers have unique and effective methods. Borrow ideas from their approaches and combine them with textbooks and the interview requirements posted on the target university’s official website to create your preparation strategy.
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Understanding the Interview Rules
(a) Interview Process: Most schools have a two-day interview process. On the first day, you report in the morning, submit the required interview materials, and typically take specialized course or English written tests in the afternoon. The second day involves one-on-one comprehensive specialized interviews, English interviews, and, if you pass, a health check on the third day. Before the interview, the assistants will organize you to follow specific rules and entry orders. The entry order can be organized in three ways: by initial exam number, on-site lottery, or based on initial exam scores. The specific process may vary slightly among different schools, so refer to the interview arrangements published by your target university’s relevant college or department.
(b) Interview Rules: Most schools use a 1:1.2 interview ratio, although some majors may have a higher ratio. The larger the interview ratio, the more competitive the interview will be. If your first-choice school’s online admission number matches the enrollment number, you don’t need to worry. However, this rarely happens, so it’s advisable to check the previous years' interview ratios for your target schools.
(c) Composition of Interview Scores: The weight of the initial and final interviews varies by school. Common models include “60% initial exam score + 40% interview score” or “50% initial exam score + 50% interview score.” Besides knowing the weight distribution, it’s also essential to understand the specific scoring criteria for the interview. This will help you allocate your efforts more effectively. For instance, if the English section has a small weight, you should focus more on preparing for specialized course interviews and written exams.
(d) Written Test Formats at Schools: The format of the written test varies by school and major. It’s essential to understand the specific format in advance. Some schools and majors assign specific topics for essays ranging from 800 to 1000 words, while others use traditional questionnaires (multiple-choice, true/false, short-answer questions, etc.). You can find the specific format on the official website of your target school.
(e) Interview Formats: The interview format varies among schools. Some use structured interviews, which involve several professors interviewing one student at a time. Others use unstructured small group interviews, where ten students discuss a topic and are assessed based on their performance. Each format has its unique interview methods, so it’s crucial to understand the specific format of your target school’s interview and practice accordingly.
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Interview-Related Experience
(a) English Interview Experience
English interviews typically come in two forms: random topic translation between English and Chinese, and oral Q&A.
- Prepare for English oral interviews by practicing your speaking skills daily. Remember that the primary goal is to assess your English language proficiency and fluency, so you don’t need to use complex vocabulary. You just need to express your thoughts clearly and fluently in simple English. It’s essential to prepare a self-introduction in English, ranging from 1 to 3 minutes.
(b) Experience for Specialized Course Written Tests and Interviews
(1) Make full use of materials from the initial exam, including your notes from preparation. In addition to studying your major’s content, review materials related to similar majors at your target school.
(2) Read publications in your chosen field. Professors often ask, “Have you read any specialized books?” Most students prepare based on textbooks, which may not be very impressive. Professors ask this question to assess your knowledge and interest in the field. If you have time, familiarize yourself with relevant publications and summarize them.
(3) Stay updated on research results from your first-choice or transfer school’s professors. Knowing the latest research results from your potential advisor can impress them and help with the interview.
(4) Collect and summarize current events, especially those related to your major. Listening to the evening news can help you prepare for questions that combine hot topics with your field of study.
(5) Determine your research interests. In your resume, you might mention your research plan, including research interests. This is something advisors pay attention to. Even if your research interests change after entering the program, you should have a basic idea at this stage. Research interest is the most fundamental quality for a graduate student.
(6) Review interview questions from previous years. I recommend collecting interview questions from the past three years and analyzing common themes. This will help you identify areas of focus and prepare effectively.
(c) Contacting Potential Advisors (Extremely Important, Success Rate Approximately 90%)
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How to Contact Advisors (Use Email, Not Phone)
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Official Website Search: Go to the official website of your target school, navigate to the faculty or similar section (the name may vary), and search for your desired advisor’s contact information, including their email.
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Academic Network Search: Use academic databases like CNKI. Search for the advisor’s department and their name to find their published articles. Then, locate their email address in the articles.
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Ask Alumni: If the above methods fail, consider asking senior students from your major. They may have information about advisors' email addresses.
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Emailing Potential Advisors (Email Etiquette)
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Preferred Email Service: I recommend using a 163.com email address, as it offers useful read receipt functionality. This feature can notify you when the advisor reads your email, helping you gauge their interest.
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Email Subject: Your email subject should be clear and informative. For example, “Self-Introduction Letter for Admission to Your Master’s Program in [Your Field] – [Your Name].” This way, the advisor immediately understands the purpose of your email.
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Concise Email Content: Keep your email concise, as professors are often busy. However, don’t make it too short; you need to provide enough information about yourself.
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Attention to Detail: Pay attention to formatting, the professor’s name (ensure it’s correct), and use polite language and phrases. It’s a good idea to have someone proofread your email before sending it.
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Avoid Casting a Wide Net: Don’t send emails to multiple professors in the same department simultaneously.
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3. Interview Resume Template
4. Interview Email Template
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Greetings!
I would like to express my gratitude for taking the time to read my email. I am [Your Name], a student at [Your University], and I have applied for the Master’s program in [Your Desired Major] at [Target University]. My examination scores are as follows: Political Science [Score], English [Score], Mathematics [Score], Specialized Course [Score], and Total Score [Total Score] with a ranking of [Rank]. After reviewing your research background and publications, I am highly interested in your field of study and aspire to pursue my graduate studies under your guidance.
Let me briefly introduce my academic journey at [Your University]. I consistently maintained the belief that “learning is a student’s top priority” and devoted myself to rigorous academic pursuits. I diligently studied a wide range of basic and specialized courses, actively participated in practical courses such as experiments and internships, and received multiple academic scholarships and awards. These experiences have provided me with a solid foundation for my postgraduate entrance exam.
In terms of extracurricular activities, I actively engaged in student clubs, developing skills in event organization, communication, and teamwork. I held positions such as class monitor and director of the university student union’s propaganda department. I organized and participated in various university-level and college-level activities. However, to fully concentrate on my postgraduate entrance exam preparation, I voluntarily stepped down from my positions in the student union and youth league.
Throughout my university journey, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of my major, which is reflected in my solid academic knowledge and analytical problem-solving skills. I am also skilled in interpersonal relationships, possess some management and organizational abilities, and exhibit a strong sense of teamwork.
I am determined to excel in the postgraduate entrance exam and am eager to receive your evaluation. I hope to have the honor of being your student.
If I have the privilege of becoming your student, I will be deeply honored and will work diligently to complete my graduate studies.
Wishing you good health, success in your work, and happiness with your family.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Date]
For Graduating Students: Planning for Postgraduate Entrance Exam Interviews and Graduation Projects
For graduating students, preparing for postgraduate entrance exam interviews and graduation projects should be a coordinated effort. However, considering the variations in graduation project timelines among different universities and majors, it is advisable to analyze the situation on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, you can start selecting your graduation project topic and advisor during the first semester of your senior year. At the beginning of the second semester of your senior year, you should aim to have your project proposal completed. By the end of April, you should have completed your midterm project presentation. Final project presentations generally take place before the end of May, allowing you to focus on graduation-related activities such as commencement and other arrangements.
On the other hand, postgraduate entrance exam results are typically known in mid-February to early March. Following this, you’ll need to wait for the national admission cutoff. By late April, most of the admission procedures are usually completed. Therefore, the main conflict arises between the period from project proposal to midterm presentation.
But what if you don’t pass the postgraduate entrance exam? Should you also prepare for spring recruitment?
Spring recruitment for internet companies typically begins at the end of February. You might find yourself juggling between spring recruitment, postgraduate entrance exam interviews, and graduation projects.
Prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency is crucial. You must align your priorities with your capabilities. However, the ultimate goal remains graduating successfully and obtaining both your diploma and degree certificate.
Additionally, for a small number of students who haven’t passed their College English Test (CET-4/CET-6), seize the opportunity of the June 2025 CET exam. If you do not plan to pursue postgraduate studies, this might be your last chance to take the CET exam in your lifetime. For those aiming for specific scores, dedicate your efforts accordingly.
If you are in a computer science or software-related major and face challenges with spring recruitment, postgraduate entrance exams, or graduation projects, seeking one-on-one guidance can be beneficial.
Relaxing After the Exam
During the exam preparation process, your mind has been under constant pressure. After the exam, it’s time to unwind a bit! You can catch up on some sleep, hang out with friends, and readjust your mental state. After taking a break for some time, if your estimated score is satisfactory, you can start preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam interviews. However, if your estimated score falls short of your expectations, you should consider whether to retake the exam or begin focusing on spring recruitment for job opportunities!
Welcome to Register for Zhuhai U Specialization
Welcome to register for the Zhuhai U specialization.
Explore Opportunities Abroad and Pursue Job Opportunities
Consider going abroad if it’s the right path for you, and also explore job opportunities. It’s not necessary to solely focus on the path of taking the postgraduate entrance examination.
Civil Service Examination in March～
Consider a gap year or take the exam.
Just Have Fun!
It’s all about having a good time. Who wants to spend their time on reviewing for the interview? And what if you need to apply for another program later? Don’t waste your energy. The interview is pretty easy. Just skim through the books two weeks in advance, and you’ll be fine.