Here you count as a person: Two students on the application procedure at the UW/HH
Anna Kellerer and Marie Holzing started their medical studies in 2024. They tell us what really matters when it comes to the application and why the process in Witten convinced them.
A special feature of the UW/H is its application procedure: The focus is not just on final grades, but on the people behind them - their personality, their attitude and their motivation to take responsibility for their own learning. This is because the UW/H is looking for students who are keen to develop both professionally and personally and who want to play an active role in shaping their academic path.
In addition to formal documents, the application therefore also includes a self-written letter of motivation. In it, prospective students can show what defines them as a person, what drives them and why they have chosen this particular degree programme at UW/H. Those who impress with their application will be invited to a selection day in the next round. At this first personal meeting, both sides have the opportunity to get to know each other better and to check whether their ideas, values and learning culture match.
Anna Kellerer and Marie Holzing have already been through this process. Both moved to Witten in 2024 to study medicine. For them, the application process was not just about whether they would get a study place, but also about how they would like to learn medicine. They met for the first time at the selection day and quickly became friends. This contact was very valuable for the students and made it easier for them to start their studies. They talk to us about their view of the application procedure at the UW/H and show us what makes prospective doctors tick: motivation, reflective skills and a willingness to think about healthcare in a holistic way.
How do you look back on the application procedure?
Marie: I see this process as a great advantage. On the one hand, the university has the opportunity to get to know the people behind the applications and understand their motivation. But this approach was also good for me personally. After all, your A-levels grade says nothing about whether you are suitable for a future appointment as a doctor. There are so many subjects at school - some suit you, others less so. Your A-level average should not determine which appointment you can pursue later. When dealing with patients, social skills are particularly important and these are hardly assessed at school.
Did you find it easy to write the letter of motivation? What tips do you have for applicants who have yet to take this step?
Marie: Honesty is the most important thing. You shouldn't just copy something you've found on the internet, but write about your own motivation. It was important for me to include my life story. There were so many little things in my life that shaped my desire to study medicine. To get started, it can help to create a mind map and structure your thoughts and topics.
Anna: I initially found it difficult to describe my personality. I talked to family members and friends to find out how they saw me as a person. I also tried to show who I am by describing my experiences, actions and decisions. It can also be special family situations or incisions in life that have a lasting impact on you - you can include all of that.
After you received a positive response to your application, it was time for the selection day. How did you feel going into the interview?
Marie: For me, the application was my last chance to study medicine. I was therefore extremely nervous and put myself under a lot of pressure. However, I quickly felt welcome, which eased my nervousness. Of course, there were also some tricky questions during the interview, but I was prepared for that. Apart from that, the main thing I took away from the experience was that we bonded immediately as applicants. It was even nicer to see many familiar faces again on the first day of university.
Anna: With a lot of curiosity. Of course, it was also exciting because I had never been in a similar situation before and this was also the first university I had applied to. But when we arrived, it was really nice because we were a very small group and all the examiners and students from the selection committee introduced themselves. That immediately created a personal atmosphere and the warm welcome made me feel very valued. The interview itself was also pleasant and personal.
What does a selection day at the UW/H look like?
Marie: The order can vary, but in medicine you basically go through three stations after the welcome: Firstly, I had a one-to-one interview with questions about my CV and letter of motivation. In the next step, I had to give a lecture on an elective topic. This was followed by a short discussion and Q&A session. The last stage consisted of two surprise questions, which I had to answer within ten minutes. There were breaks in between so that I could take a deep breath and have a chat.
How did you prepare for the lecture?
Anna: We had to choose a social or health policy issue in advance and prepare a lecture on it. I chose a topic that was of personal concern to me and then asked myself the questions: Where can I find the necessary background information? How do I structure my lecture? And how do I manage to visualise my messages without using pictures or other aids? With my notes, I felt well prepared. The subsequent discussion and questions were very pleasant and at eye level.
What do you remember most about the day?
Marie: What I found striking and exciting was that the applicants were all very different - both in terms of their personality and their backgrounds. What really counts here is the person with their individual strengths and motivations. That's really nice and this diversity still enriches us in our day-to-day university life. I would therefore advise everyone not to pretend on the selection day. It's important to be honest and remain yourself.
Did the selection day help you to get to know the university better?
Anna: Definitely! At the end, we were given a tour of the campus - we were told that the university also "applies" itself to the students. I really like this idea and the tour was particularly valuable for those like me who hadn't been able to visit UW/H before. You get a good overview of the hotspots on campus - such as the cafeteria, the library and study areas or even the roof terrace in the wooden building. All the university staff we met - e.g. from the Student Administration Office - offered that we could always contact them.
Marie: I found it particularly valuable to be able to talk to students from the selection committee about Witten as a place to study. I come from Berlin, so of course it was important for me to find out what the quality of life is like in a small town.
Could you imagine being on the selection committee yourself?
Marie: Definitely! It's less about evaluating others and more about helping to shape the university. The UW/H thrives on students and their input. Feedback is valued and accepted here in order to grow as a university.
Anna: Students know the university very well and know what qualities are important and what challenges await them. The admission interviews therefore give a much better impression of your personality than an anonymous student ID number. The UW/H trusts the students' judgement and weights their assessment in the selection committee just as much as that of the lecturers.
Do you have any final tips?
Anna: If you have the opportunity, take someone with you for spiritual support. That will calm you down immensely. Plan enough time so that you don't have to stress about travelling and finding your way around. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Some applicants were dressed very smartly, others more casually and both were okay.
