International students are put through a visa interview in English. Most questions during the interview are part of these 5 categories. There are many other questions you may be asked, but these are some examples to help you prepare.
Your study plans. Examples are:
Why are you going to the U.S.
What will be your major?
Can you not continue your education in your home country?
Your university/college choice. Examples are:
How many colleges did you apply to?
Have you been to the U.S. before?
What city is your school located in?
Your academic ability. Examples are:
What are your tests scores (IELTS, TOEFL)?
How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in the U.S.?
How good is your English?
Why not study in Canada, Australia, or the UK?
Your financial status. Examples are:
What is your monthly income?
How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education?
How much does your school cost?
Do you have a copy of your bank statements/sponsorship letter?
Your post-graduation plans. Examples are:
Do you have relatives or friends currently in the U.S.?
Do you have a job or career in mind after you graduate?
Do you plan on returning to your home country?
Tips
Wear formal clothes as if for a formal business meeting. The interviewing officer will always be an American.
Arrive early. You do not want to miss your interview because you planned poorly.
Do not get nervous. Remain confident. You will be more confident if you have prepared thoroughly. Smile when you meet the visa officer for the first time. Look into the eyes of the officer while speaking.
Be confident in your answers. Make short, clear, to-the-point replies, in a loud and clear voice. Do not tell anything that is not asked.
Be polite. Do not argue and do not ask unnecessary or unrelated questions.
You might not understand what the interviewing officer is saying because of his/her American accent and/or the microphone system. If you do not understand one of their sentences do not feel afraid to say, I do not understand and ask them to repeat the question.
Be honest during the interview and while preparing the documents.