Leeds EXCEL Scholars

Interview Tips for Prospective EXCEL Scholars

We are seeking students who are motivated, resilient, focused on personal growth, able to work in diverse environments, and who demonstrate the potential to succeed at Leeds.

• Review the EXCEL Scholars Program Guide: Review the materials sent with your interview confirmation email. Make sure you can commit to the Summer Bridge Program which will take place from July 13, 2025, to August 1, 2025.
• Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Be ready to share what makes you stand out. Highlight your academic interests, unique qualities, and reasons for pursuing a degree in business.
• Reflect on Overcoming Challenges: Think of specific situations where you've faced challenges. How have these experiences shaped your personal growth? Reflect on how you’ve managed to balance school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.
• Discuss Your Goals: Share some goals you’ve set for yourself and the steps you’ve taken to achieve them. What motivates you to keep pushing forward?
• Prepare Questions: Come up with one or two thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the program and allows for meaningful engagement.
• Use Your Time to Tell Your Story: These 30-minute interviews are an opportunity for you to share your story. Focus on what makes you unique and why you’d be a valuable part of the Leeds community. It's your chance to showcase what makes you special and why you want to join a community dedicated to supporting your success. Remain calm and take deep breaths. You got this!
• Go Beyond Your Application: We've already read your application, so use this opportunity to share what wasn’t included. If you didn’t highlight certain involvement or experiences, now is your chance to do so. Provide additional insight into your grades, activities, and any experiences that can further showcase your strengths.

• If I am denied from the program what does my admission decision change to? 
  • Your original acceptance decision to the Program of Exploratory Studies or Pre-Business will remain in place.
• What if I am no longer interested in business and want to change my major? 
  • We would recommend reaching out to the Office of Admissions to notify them about your change. If you happen to change your mind after being accepted as an EXCEL Scholar, we would appreciate notifying us as soon as possible.
• What should I expect from the interview process? 
  • We will ask multiple questions about your high school experience as a student and about your specific interest for studying business.  Please visit the "Interview Tips" tab for more information.
• When do I hear back if I have been accepted or denied into the EXCEL Scholars Program? 
  • Usually, it takes up to two weeks to receive your final decision after you've completed your interview.
• What are EXCEL Summer Bridge commitments and expectations? 
  • We require students to attend the entire 3 weeks (living on-campus Sunday through Friday), fully participate during classes and events, willingness to connect and learn with other diverse students.  Save the dates for Summer Bridge: July 13-August 1, 2025. 
• Is there a cost to participate in the EXCEL Summer Bridge? 
  • No cost, it’s FREE!