20 Ball State University Interview Questions and Answers

Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana. The university offers more than 190 undergraduate and graduate programs to its 22,000 students. Ball State is known for its strong commitment to teaching and research, as well as its affordable tuition rates.

If you’re hoping to land a spot at Ball State, you’ll need to ace your interview. The interview process for Ball State is competitive, so you’ll need to be prepared to answer a variety of questions.

In this guide, we’ve gathered a list of sample Ball State interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Ball State University Interview Process

The interview process at Ball State University can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Student Assistant, the process may be as simple as one informal interview. For other positions, such as a Graduate Assistant, the process may involve multiple rounds of interviews. In general, the interview process is friendly and relaxed, although it can be competitive for some positions.

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers ask this question because they want to know what you’re good at and where you can improve. When answering this question, be sure to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.

Example: “I believe my greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to help others succeed, and I enjoy collaborating with others to find solutions to problems. My weakness would probably be that I sometimes get overwhelmed by large projects. To overcome this, I make sure to break down the project into smaller tasks so I can stay organized.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when you have a lot on your plate?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and workload. Use examples from previous experiences to show that you are organized, efficient and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “I use a planner to keep track of my daily tasks and appointments. I find this method most effective because it allows me to see everything I have going on at once. At the beginning of each week, I create a weekly schedule for myself based on what’s due when. This helps me stay focused and ensures that I’m meeting all of my deadlines.”

3. Why did you decide to pursue a career in education?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are passionate about teaching. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share a personal story that relates to your career choice.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have always loved learning new things. My parents would tell me stories of how I would ask them questions all day long, which led them to take me to the library every week so I could learn more. As I got older, I realized that I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives by helping them discover their passion for learning. I want to show my students that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.”

4. How would you handle it if a student was not performing well?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you would handle a challenging situation. They want to know that you can help students succeed and improve their grades. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to help the student. Show that you are empathetic and willing to work with them.

Example: “If I noticed a student was struggling in one of my classes, I would first try to find out why they were having trouble. If it was due to an illness or other personal issue, I would be understanding and give them extra time on assignments. If it was because of something I taught, I would make sure to review the material again. I would also offer tutoring sessions for any students who needed additional support.”

5. Tell me about a time that you had to deal with an irate customer or student, how did you handle the situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional even when faced with a challenging situation. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to diffuse tense situations.

Example: “In my current position as an admissions counselor, I often speak with students who are upset about their admission status or the financial aid they’ve been offered. Sometimes these conversations get heated, but I always make sure to listen to what the student has to say and explain our decision in a way that they understand. I also offer to help them find other resources if we cannot meet their needs.”

6. Do you think grades should be based on attendance?

This question is a great way to assess your views on grading and how you would handle attendance issues in the classroom. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of students attending class, but also that grades are based on more than just attendance.

Example: “Attendance is important because it shows that students are actively engaged in learning. However, I think grades should be based on much more than just attendance. Grades should reflect the student’s ability to apply what they learn in class to real-world situations. If a student misses an assignment or test due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, I believe they should have the opportunity to make up for it.”

7. Can you provide an example of a project you worked on where you had to collaborate with others?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your teamwork skills. Collaboration is an important skill to have in a team environment, so it’s important to provide an example that highlights your ability to work with others and communicate effectively.

Example: “In my current role as a marketing specialist, I worked on a campaign for a client who wanted to increase their sales by 10% within six months. My team and I decided to create a digital marketing strategy that included social media advertising, search engine optimization and email marketing. We split up the tasks among our group and each person was responsible for creating one aspect of the overall campaign. By working together, we were able to successfully complete the project and achieve the goal.”

8. What is your experience working with students with disabilities?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience working with students who have special needs. If you have worked with students with disabilities in the past, share some of the ways you helped them succeed and overcome challenges.

Example: “In my current role as an English teacher, I work with several students with learning disabilities. One student has dyslexia, so I make sure to read aloud any important information that’s written on the board or included in handouts. Another student has ADHD, so I use visuals and group activities to help keep their attention during class. These accommodations are helpful for all of my students, but especially those with special needs.”

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. Employers want to know that you’re motivated and driven to succeed. When answering this question, make sure you show your enthusiasm for the position and explain how it will help you achieve your future goals.

Example: “I hope to be working as an English teacher at a high school by then. I’ve always wanted to work with teenagers, and I think teaching would be the perfect way to do so. Working here would give me the experience I need to get my teaching certificate. It would also allow me to learn more about the education system and decide if this is really what I want to do.”

10. Are you comfortable using technology in the classroom?

Technology is an important part of the classroom, and employers want to make sure you’re comfortable using it. If you have experience with technology in the classroom, share what you’ve done. If you don’t have any experience, explain how you would use technology if given the opportunity.

Example: “I am very comfortable using technology in the classroom. I always bring my laptop to class so that students can ask me questions or look up information for themselves. I also use a projector and screen during lectures so that everyone can see clearly. I find this helps keep students engaged and allows them to take notes more easily.”

11. What motivates you to succeed?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you approach work. They want to know what inspires you, so they can make sure that their company is a good fit for you. When answering this question, think of the things that motivate you in life. Think about what makes you excited or passionate.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others. I love being able to use my skills to help people solve problems. In my last job, I helped students understand difficult concepts. I would explain things multiple ways until they understood it. This made me feel like I was making a difference in someone’s life.”

12. Have you ever been involved in any research projects before? If so, what were they?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential future colleagues. It’s also an opportunity for you to show the interviewer that you’re passionate about research and eager to get started on new projects at Ball State University.

Example: “I’ve been involved in several research projects throughout my academic career, including one where I studied how different types of music affect productivity levels among employees. Another project was focused on determining whether or not there are any gender differences when it comes to leadership styles. My most recent project was studying the effects of social media on students’ mental health.”

13. What do you think has been the most significant advancement in education over the past decade?

This question is a great way to gauge your understanding of the education industry and how it has changed over time. Your answer should show that you are aware of recent trends in education, as well as their implications for students and teachers.

Example: “I think one of the most significant advancements in education over the past decade has been the increased use of technology in classrooms. While there are still many schools that don’t have adequate internet access or computer labs, I believe that integrating more technology into the classroom can help students learn at a faster pace while also providing them with valuable skills they can use later in life. For example, learning coding in elementary school could give students an advantage when applying for jobs in the future.”

14. Describe a time when you helped someone achieve a goal.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your leadership skills. Use examples from your past that show you’re a strong leader who’s able to motivate others and encourage them to succeed.

Example: “In my last position, I had a colleague who was struggling with their work because they were going through some personal issues. They weren’t meeting deadlines or turning in assignments on time, so I met with them one-on-one to see how I could help. We talked for an hour about what was going on in their life and how we could get back on track with our work. After that conversation, they turned in all of their assignments on time and never missed another deadline.”

15. Are you familiar with our campus?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of Ball State University and its campus. If you have visited the university before, be sure to mention it in your answer. If you haven’t been to the school’s campus but are familiar with their academic programs, you can still give an honest answer by describing what you know about the university from online research or other sources.

Example: “I am not personally familiar with Ball State University’s campus, however I did do some research on the university prior to this interview. From my research, I understand that Ball State University has a beautiful campus with many resources available to students. I also learned that Ball State University offers several majors and minors within the sciences, which is why I applied here.”

16. What is your teaching philosophy?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan to implement it in the classroom. To answer this question, think about what methods have worked best for you as a teacher. Explain that you want students to be active participants in their learning process.

Example: “I believe that every student learns differently, so I try to create an environment where they can find success through different means. For example, some students may learn better by listening to lectures while others prefer hands-on activities. In my previous position, I had a student who was struggling with his math class. He told me he felt overwhelmed by all of the information presented in lecture. We decided to switch from traditional lectures to online videos. This change helped him feel more comfortable in the classroom.”

17. Do you consider yourself a team player?

Teamwork is an important skill for students to develop at Ball State University. The university wants to ensure that you can work well with others and are willing to collaborate on projects. When answering this question, it’s important to show the interviewer that you value teamwork and collaboration. You can also mention a specific time when you worked as part of a team to complete a project or task.

Example: “I definitely consider myself a team player. Throughout my academic career, I’ve always been involved in some type of group project. In high school, I was part of several clubs and organizations where we had to work together to plan events and fundraisers. I find that working as part of a team helps me learn new skills and gain valuable insight from other people.”

18. We pride ourselves on being innovative here at Ball State University. How do you approach innovation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your approach to innovation and how you might fit in with their team. Use this opportunity to highlight any past experiences that show your ability to be innovative, or discuss what you hope to bring to the university’s culture of innovation.

Example: “I believe that innovation is something we should strive for every day. I try to look at problems from different angles and think about new ways to solve them. For example, when I was working as an assistant manager at my last job, there were times when our servers would go down during peak hours. We had a backup server, but it wasn’t always available. Instead of just accepting that this was part of the job, I worked with IT to create a system where we could remotely reboot the servers if they went down.”

19. What type of environment do you work best in?

Employers ask this question to make sure you will be a good fit for their team. They want employees who are motivated and productive in an environment that is positive and collaborative. When answering this question, think about the type of work environment you have had in your past jobs. Consider what made it successful and how you can replicate those conditions at your next job.

Example: “I thrive in a fast-paced but organized work environment. I am someone who likes to multitask and get things done quickly. In my last position, we were always under tight deadlines, so I learned to prioritize my tasks and manage my time well. I also like working with others, so I would love to join a team where everyone works together.”

20. What is one thing you wish to accomplish in your first year at Ball State University?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are eager to get started and make a difference. It also gives them insight into what your goals are for your career as a whole. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you would like to accomplish in your first semester or year at Ball State University.

Example: “I wish to become a leader on campus by organizing events and activities for students. I have always enjoyed planning social gatherings and making sure everyone has fun. I believe that if we all work together, we can create a more inclusive environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves.”