university interviews

1Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day

University Interviews

Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 2

Session outline• Why do universities interview?• What to expect• Interview questions• Preparation and enhancing

performance on the day• Top tips• Questions?

Monday, November 17, 2014 3

Why interview?• The university can distinguish between

students who are otherwise very similar• Identifies skills and information not

included in your application• You get another chance to demonstrate

your knowledge, commitment and skill


Likelihood of interview• Some courses require an interview as

part of the selection process• Mature students/vocational route to HE• Prestigious institutions like Oxbridge


Subject interviewsYou may be interviewed for:

- Art and Design- Medicine/Veterinary Medicine- Pharmacy- Physiotherapy/Midwifery/Nursing- Teacher training- 1:1 discussions for other subjects

- Selected courses at other universities


What to expect• Huge variation between

universities – check information carefully

• More than one interview? – e.g. Oxbridge

• How long? – 10-30 minutes usually, but may be longer


What to expect• How many interviewers? 1

to 1 or panel of 3-4?• What structure? – e.g. panel,

group task, audition• What content? – mostly

academic or course-relevant, but may include extracurricular interests


What to expectVariation in rationale of interview:

- explore UCAS application in more detail- provide separate/additional information from UCAS form- test required skills


What to expect• Individuality of interviewer/interview• The possibility of tasks e.g.

- Maths: ‘identify something interesting about this number’- English: ‘critically analyse this text’- Engineering: ‘explain how this system works’


Interview questions• Designed to let you prove

your ability• Not to catch you out!• Answer the questions and

use good examples• Preparation is vital


Activity 1: Subject-specific questions


General questions you may be asked

• Why go to university/college?• Why do you want to study this subject?• Why do you want to study it here?• What work experience have you done?• What are your greatest achievements?• How have you overcome challenges?• What do know about your subject outside of

the classroom e.g. media, industry, current issues?


Activity 2: Mock interviews• Get into pairs and take turns to ask general

interview questions• Answer as if you are being interviewed for

your chosen degree course at your first choice university

• Try and think of any questions you would like to ask the interviewer


What should you ask?• Prepare a few questions and make

these relevant to your course/institution

• Avoid general questions and questions you could find out yourself e.g. entry requirements

• If all your questions are answered in the interview then do acknowledge this

UCAS visit day Monday, November 17, 2014 15

Preparation• Carefully read the information you

have been given about the format and purpose of the interview

• If it is likely to be based on your UCAS form then re-read it and question-spot

• Where could you provide further examples?


Preparation

• Practice telling someone your answers to obvious questions

• Research your course/university and re-read any other information you have been sent

• Have key examples and information ready• Be alert to issues in the news


In the interview• Dress smartly or appropriately• Smile and be confident• Be clear and articulate• Try to appear relaxed• Prepare answers but don’t over-

rehearse• Remember – universities want good

students, but they need to make the right impression on you too!


Top tips• Preparation is everything – research your

course/university and practice mock interviews

• Appear confident, relaxed and ready for your interview on the day

• Be honest and do not fabricate or exaggerate

• Thank your interviewers afterwards• Good luck!

19

Questions?

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Not sure which university is for you? www.which.co.uk/university

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http://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/studentlife

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university interviews

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