[Module Three] #7. Creative Thinking Questions: How to Use a Pencil?
Creative and Critical Thinking Questions
Episode Seven
Hello, and welcome back to PREP NYUS: How to Get Into Your Dream School NYU Shanghai. I'm LuLu and today we're beginning a new module, Module Three: Creative and Critical Thinking Questions. These questions aren't just about testing your imagination— they show how you connect ideas, showcase your personality, and align your values with those of NYU Shanghai.
If you've been following along, we've covered Foundational Interview Questions in the First Module and Practical Relationship Scenarios in the Second Module. Now we are charging full speed ahead into Module Three: Creative and Critical Thinking questions, which will test your ability to think outside the box (cliché I know).
Today’s spotlight: Creative Thinking Questions.
NYUS uses these questions to assess your originality and learn about your unique perspectives. They want to see how you handle unexpected prompts and whether or not you can confidently and creatively articulate your thoughts.
Segment one. What are Creative Thinking Questions?
Creative thinking questions are designed to test how well you think on your feet. NYU Shanghai uses the following measures:
Originality. Your ability to generate unique and personal answers
Personal understanding. Do your answers reflect your unique experiences?
Structure. Can you articulate your ideas clearly? Are you able to use your reasoning and ability to connect ideas?
Therefore, NYUS is looking for students who are solution driven because it highlights open-mindedness and teamwork. And as always, they're looking for a student who is genuinely interested in attending NYUS, not for the sake of a top university, but because of NYUS itself.
These questions may seem random, but they are strategically structured to evaluate how you process information and present yourself as a student. You can also tie creative thinking to NYU's global and interdisciplinary approach.
As a student, aim to show that you can think in a way that reflects cultural adaptability and problem solving skills.
Segment Two. Actual questions from past interviews.
What do you think should be changed about the college system? If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? If you had to teach a class on any topic, what would it be? Can you tell me five things you could do with a pencil? If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
As you think about your answers, remember, NYUS is really looking for a proactive, solution-based student who's genuinely interested in attending NYUS.
Think of each question as an opportunity to showcase your individuality and personality. Additionally, as you answer these questions, see where you can drop your “cupcakes.” For example, Zoe answered the question about college reform by seamlessly weaving in her debate background.
Segment Three. How to approach creative questions.
Here's a simple framework to craft stand out answers.
Be direct, answer clearly and concisely.
Be personal use stories, hobbies, or unique interests.
Be purposeful. Connect your answers to NYU's goals.
Let's do a couple of examples together. For each question, I'm going to first share a weak answer followed by a strong answer. This way you have a better understanding of what makes a good answer.
Example one: if you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Weak answer: “I'd be a lion because they're strong.”
Strong answer: “An octopus because they're adaptable, intelligent, and problem solvers. Octopuses can blend into their surroundings. Just like I adapt to new cultures and environments at NYUS, I know I'll need to think on my feet, adjust to new experiences and solve problems creatively, just like an octopus.”
Example two: can you name five things you could do with a pencil?
Weak answer: “Write, erase, or stab a vampire.”
Strong answer: “A pencil isn't just for writing. It's a multitasking tool. Here's how I'd use one. One as a hair holder for a quick up-do. Two, to build a mini catapult for a science project. Three, as a foot roller for A DIY Massage. Four, to prop up a wobbly table leg. Five, as a ruler to measure small objects.
And then to elaborate, you can say, “I love finding solutions to everyday problems, like using a pencil as a hair holder. During my debate competitions at NYUS, I bring this resourcefulness to collaborative projects. Lastly, I'd use it to sketch sustainable city designs and journal about my journey to NYUS, where I hope to study urban sustainability.”
As you can see, the second answer is better because it's personal, creative, and ties into NYUS’ values. The second answer is creative and unexpected. It's imaginative and fun, showing that you think differently. Plus, it has a personal touch.
You added a story and tied it into your interests.
Here's another example:
I'd use a pencil to work my travel map because I dream of studying across NYU's global campuses. I'd also use it to write letters to my future self, a habit that keeps me reflective and goal-oriented.
This tells the school that you have many layers and you put the focus back again on NYUS' Global perspective. Both are excellent answers because they are NYUS relevant and personal to you.
I'm going to just tell you a list of 10 other things you can do with pencils, so if you get this as your question, consider yourself very well prepared.
One, use it as a drumstick. Two, create a Sundial. Three, stir a drink. Four, play pick up sticks. Five, mark a spa in the garden. Six, use it as a back scratcher. Seven, make a DIY compass. Eight, Use it as a bookmark. Nine, Create a mini flagpole. Ten, Use it as a rolling pin.
Segment Four. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When Answering Creative Questions Avoid these mistakes:
Being too generic.
Answers like “I will be a lion because they're strong” won't make you stand out.
Overexplaining or rambling.
Keep your response structured and engaging.
Forgetting to connect it back to yourself.
Always relate your answers to your own personality, skills or goals and bonus points if they relate also to NYUS' visions and goals.
Segment five. Real answer from student.
This was Zoe's answer to a creative question. Question. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
She said, “I choose poet Maya, Angelou. Her work on resilience and identity resonates with me as a writer. At NYUS, I'd be able to bring her focus on storytelling to global dialogue initiatives.”
The key takeaway?
Personal passion + the NYUS connection = ding, ding, ding, winning combo.
You see how Zoe was direct, personal, and purposeful with her answer.
Pro tip: think of the three Cs: Clear, Concrete, and Connected.
Clear meaning structured logic, concrete meaning proof of “cupcakes,” connected as in connected to NYU's mission.
That's all for today's episode of PREP NYUS: How to Get into Your Dream School.
In this episode, we learned how to approach creative interview questions. How? By choosing an answer that reflects your personality, explaining your reasoning clearly and relating your answer back to NYUS and your goals. In the next episode, we'll continue with more creative questions and explore deeper ways to showcase your uniqueness through storytelling.
If you have any questions, email me at NYUSPrep@gmail.com. Thanks for listening, and remember, you've got this!
Cue the closing music.