Introduction
My interview was last year(2013) so i doubt they would have changed the structure of the interview, for what i know it's been almost the same throughout the years.
Firstly, I would recommend y'all to walk around SMU before the interview(maybe the day before?) because it can be quite complicated, all the buildings look almost identical. You don't want to be all flustered and sweaty before the interview.
Head into the ISM building, sign your name and the security guard will direct you to which floor, mine was the 4th floor i think. Some senior will take you to a room and brief you about the interview. So, listen up well! You will be given a piece of paper and you have to write down your strength and weakness. Oh, another thing, it is a group interview (about 5-6 people).
1.Web Design
When the professors are ready for you, you will enter to another room and sit according where your name is. There will be 3 of them sitting across you guys. Your first question would be to design a website on a piece of paper and then you have to present your idea to everyone using the projector. I think we are design a website for property agents. The professor will ask who wants to go up first, i went up the second! IMO, don't go up last. After you presented (or midway), you will be asked a series of questions like "Why did you suggest so and so", "Why not this instead?".
I remember there's this guy, he couldn't answer the questions and when they ask a similar question to another interviewee, he raised his hands and said he knows how to answer the question. The prof wasn't pleased at all so.. please don't do that lol.
2.Estimation Question
Now, this was the most (*$(@# part lol. Estimation Question! Question was, "How many bus stops are there in Singapore"
You are required to write your answers down on your paper (in 1 min), they will take your paper away from you and please remember what you have written! Because if your answers is completely different from your paper, they will question you. I remember i pretty much screwed up mine lol. Oh, and remember please give a number. Don't say things like "It is impossible to estimate because it is a rhetorical question." Or something along that line, you will kena three slaps on the face. They just wanna see how your logic is and how your assumption is like, so whatever it is, give good estimated number.
3. Q&A
Last segment! They will query you according to the Strength & Weakness you have filled it earlier. Then some of them will be questioned, "Why didn't you put ISM as your first choice?" / "Why do you choose SMU?"/ etc.
At the end they will ask "Any Questions?" You have to ask, and you should ask first in case some other interviewee has the same question as you, then you have to pull another question out from your ass lol. So best if you have 2-3 questions in your head. Also, ask good questions, don't ask questions that are already in the website or questions like "How is SMU better than NTU?" Because chances are, they will ask you back.
So make sure you at least read through their website, so they know you are prepared!
Finally, Thank the interviewers upon exit!
From what i know, ISM interview is the most xiong as compared to other interviews. Not trying to scare you but just be mentally prepared, i wished someone had told me beforehand lol.
I think that's about it. I honestly felt i screwed up the interview but i received my acceptance letter around May. Just sell yourself as much as you can!
Be confident be not cocky, OH OH and dress appropriately , safest bet is Formal, can never go wrong and impression counts.
Another thing to note, although ISM has the lowest gpa count for SMU, it is the most tedious among all the other school. It is really important that you're willing to work hard for ISM. So interests really matters, because it's for 4 years. If not you have to endure 4 years of doing something you dislike. The feeling will be terrible. Try to find out, or better yet, do questions on Java. Because you will be placed under pressure for coding tests. And i do mean, pressure. Most of your weekends you have to sacrifice for project meetings/revision including recess week. Not only that, you have to complete your other business modules. Which is not easy either. And coding takes alot of your time. Because it's like Maths, you have to keep practicing and train yourself to think/type fast. The only time you can relax is probably term break. If not, don't join ISM for your own sanity. Because ultimately, this line can suck the life out of you.
I feel i'm so pessimistic lol but i feel every IS student will say the same, so good luck whatever your decision is! :)
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