Sciences Po Interview Preparation
Master the interview process with expert tips, sample questions, and proven strategies from Dr. Karan Gupta
Interview Format
Format
Sciences Po is one of the few European universities with a rigorous, formal admissions interview for undergraduate programs. The oral exam is a core part of selection, especially for the undergraduate college and many master programs.
Duration
25-30 minutes
Interviewers
Two-person panel — typically one Sciences Po faculty member and one external professional or academic
Interview Style & Expectations
Intellectual and analytical — testing critical thinking, general knowledge, current affairs awareness, and ability to construct arguments under pressure
What Sciences Po Looks For
Sample Interview Questions
Academic
Comment analysez-vous [current political/social issue]? (How do you analyze [current issue]?)
Tip: The interview tests analytical thinking, not memorized answers. Structure your response: define the problem, identify key tensions, present multiple perspectives, then offer your reasoned view.
What book, article, or event has most influenced your thinking recently?
Tip: Choose something that shows intellectual depth. Sciences Po values students who engage with ideas beyond their coursework.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the European Union today?
Tip: Sciences Po is deeply European and globally engaged. Show nuanced understanding of EU politics — avoid simplistic takes.
Personal
Why Sciences Po, and which campus or program interests you most?
Tip: Sciences Po has 7 campuses (Paris + 6 regional). Each has a geographic focus (Europe, Middle East, Asia, Americas, Africa). Show you know which campus and why.
Situational
How would you explain a complex political issue to someone with no background in it?
Tip: This tests communication and pedagogy. Be clear, structured, and avoid jargon. Show you understand complexity without drowning in it.
Preparation Strategy
Do's - Preparation Tips
- Read French and international press daily for weeks before the interview — Le Monde, The Economist, Financial Times
- Practice structuring oral arguments in French and/or English depending on your program language
- Sciences Po's 7 campuses each focus on a world region — know why you chose yours
- The interview is intellectual sparring, not a personality test — prepare to defend positions and handle pushback
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Not following current affairs closely enough — the panel will test this directly
- Giving surface-level opinions without structured analysis
- Not knowing the difference between Sciences Po's campuses and why you chose a specific one
- Being unable to handle follow-up challenges to your arguments — the panel will push back
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