8 essential tips for acing your university interview

If you’ve recently submitted an application to a UK university, you may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. This scenario is particularly likely for competitive programs such as medicine, dentistry, law, or engineering. Interviews are also a standard requirement at prestigious institutions like Oxford or Cambridge.

A university interview is an opportunity for the institution to assess your suitability for the course and gauge your potential as a student. Additionally, it’s your chance to demonstrate your interest, knowledge, skills, and personality. So, how should you best prepare for such a pivotal event?

In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips and advice on preparing for university interviews. We’ll draw upon our extensive experience at Outleap, an online platform assisting students in crafting high-quality UCAS personal statements, as well as incorporating insights from various other resources.

Understanding University Interviews

A university interview essentially serves as a conversation between you and one or more admissions tutors who specialize in your chosen subject. The duration of the interview may vary, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the course and the university. The interview could occur on campus, online, or via phone, depending on the institution’s preferred format.

The main objective of the interview is to assess your academic ability, motivation, enthusiasm, and suitability for the course. You may be asked to discuss a variety of topics including your personal statement, subject knowledge, opinions, experiences, and future goals.

How To Prepare For A University Interview

When it comes to university interviews, preparation is key. Here are some steps to guide your readiness:

  1. Conduct Thorough Research: Understand the course content, structure, assessment methods, and entry requirements. Get familiar with the university’s reputation, ranking, facilities, student support services, and campus life.
  2. Review Your Personal Statement: Be ready to elucidate why you want to study this subject, the inspiration behind your interest in the field, your unique skills or qualities that make you suitable, and what you aim to achieve through the course.
  3. Stay Updated On Current Issues: Keep abreast of recent news, research, debates, or controversies relevant to your subject area. Be ready to express your perspectives on these topics, substantiated with evidence or compelling arguments.
  4. Practice Common Interview Questions: Consider seeking help from a friend, family member, or teacher for a mock interview. This practice can provide useful feedback on your performance and can help boost your confidence.
  5. Prepare Thoughtful Questions For The Interviewers: Demonstrate your genuine interest by asking relevant and insightful questions about the course or the university at the end of the interview.
  6. Arrange Travel And Accommodation (if necessary): Ensure everything is in place well before the interview, whether it involves booking transport, confirming a reliable internet connection for an online interview, or simply avoiding a last-minute rush that could trigger unnecessary stress.
  7. Dress Appropriately: While there’s no strict dress code, maintaining a clean, tidy, and professional appearance can leave a positive impression.
  8. Relax And Be Authentic: Traits like confidence, honesty, respectfulness, politeness, and enthusiasm will shine through during the interview. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something; demonstrating self-awareness and humility often leaves a lasting positive impression.

Common Interview Questions

To give you an idea of potential interview content, here are some commonly asked questions:

  • Why do you want to study [subject]?
  • What qualities make a good [profession related to the subject]?
  • What are the current challenges or issues facing the [subject] profession?
  • How do you cope with stress and pressure?
  • How do you work in a team with other people?
  • How do you deal with ethical dilemmas and conflicts?
  • How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making?
  • How do you demonstrate empathy and compassion?

If you’re applying to creative arts programs, a portfolio showcasing your best work will likely be discussed during the interview. A well-organized collection that highlights your interests, skills, ideas, and development can consist of research, examples, work-in-progress, completed pieces, and related college work, presented within a size-appropriate folder (A3, A4, or photos for larger pieces).

Remember, each question in your interview is an opportunity to convey your passion and potential for your chosen course. While thorough preparation is essential, remember that there’s no harm in seeking additional help or guidance when you need it. Your journey to university is an exciting one, and we’re here to support you along the way. We wish you the best of luck with your application!