Peking / Interview
The Peking interview
No admissions interview. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
No admissions interview
No interviews offered; admission is decided on academic records, SAT/ACT/IB/A-Level scores, HSK results, a personal statement, a self-introduction video, and two recommendation letters.
How to prepare for Peking
- Treat the self-introduction video as your substitute interview: keep it concise (typically 2-3 minutes), speak clearly in either Chinese or English, and focus on academic motivation and future goals rather than generic achievements.
- Demonstrate genuine China interest , PKU favors applicants who can articulate why they want to study in Beijing specifically, so weave in language ability (HSK level), prior China experience, or research interests tied to PKU faculty.
- Apply via PKU's own portal (studyatpku.com), not Common App; errors or missing documents on the portal have no fallback, so review the checklist meticulously before the February deadline.
- If your Chinese proficiency is limited, be upfront and show a concrete plan to improve , PKU offers some English-medium programs but still expects international students to engage with campus life in Chinese.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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