Oral Entrance exams for Debrecen

[DonalOD]

Can any one offer advice on the oral entrance exam for Debrecen

Thanks for your time and attention.

[50 Øre]

Where are you doing the interview/exam?
Debrecen? Your home country?

[DonalOD]

I am doing the interview in my home country, Ireland.

[cristagali]

Which teacher is conducting the exam? I may be able to give you some advice. I have a 4 year bachelors degree from the US so I didn't have to take the Oral, but they should have given you some notes. Most likely the interviewer will be from the Cell Biology Department or Biophysics, but maybe Biochem or even Physio, so let me know the name. AND never, never say "I don't know" in an oral exam. If you're stuck on a question, offer your own thoughts, offer the examiner several answers, be confident, and most likely he/she will let you talk to show you have some knowledge about the subject, even if you were not exactly right on...good luck. Debrecen is a nice place..a little more sun than Ireland so bring you sunscreen! 8)

[50 Øre]

DonlOD,
I attended an interview last week in Oslo, Norway. I'm guessing it will be pretty much the same in Ireland, so I'll brief you through what to expect.

You've probably allready recieved some transcripts from the school on which topics to prepare for in biology, chemistry and physics. If not, contact the recruiting agent for your area or write an email to the secretary of the english program: Debrecen@valuemd.com

My interview took place in a hotel conference-room downtown Oslo. The interview was conducted by a male and a female professor. I don't remember their names, (to many Zs and Gs). The interview started off with some smalltalk, and then moved on to the oral exam. You have to prepare for chemistry and either biology or physics. In each subject I was asked which topics I wanted to talk about, roughly 2-3 pr. subject. (I.e: Chemistry: Chemical bonds, alcohols, alkynes. Biology: Cell membrane, human respiratory system). In my case, the man asked all biology questions, while the lady asked all the chemistry questions, with some input from the man. The exam itself took about half an hour. When done I was asked to leave the room so. After a quick assesment, I was invited back into the room to get my acceptance papers.

A thing to point out, that has been mentioned previously by others, is to not make a big deal out of it if you don't answer all questions correctly. I certainly didn't, but was still accepted to the school. If you show that you have a good overall understading of the subjects, you should be fine. The times I didn't know the answer, I was given small hints that would put me on the right track. Only once did the professors spit me in my face for answering incorrectly... Hehe. No, seriously, the two professors I met with were very nice and relaxed, a contrary to what I was expecting.

My best advice is to relax, be yourself, and stay confident that you'll do well.

[cristagali]

The above post says it well. Don't panic, hopefully you have reviewed your notes and think of it more as a "discussion" and not an exam. Like I said, NEVER say "I don't know", and try to keep talking. The more you talk the less tiime they can keep asking questions...It's a good trick I've learned here ha! good luck 8)