Interviews for higher education
Each institution and department has its own policy regarding interviews. Some will not interview at all, while others may see the majority of applicants.
Interviews are mainly given where competition for places is high or it is important to make sure the right type of person is applying eg medicine, teaching, broadcasting. For courses where all applicants are likely to have similar high predicted grades the interview will be the deciding factor for who gets a place (eg veterinary science, medicine).
If you are invited for an interview you will normally get one or two weeks’ notice. At some institutions interviews are part of the open day, whilst at others they are separate.
Attending open days gives you the opportunity to view facilities and find out about all aspects of the course and university/college from tutors and existing students. Institutions generally have more than one open day, so if you miss the spring or summer one, there may be one in the autumn you can attend.
Preparation
- After applying, and well in advance of any interview you may have, it is a good idea to try to keep up-to-date with topical issues in your subject area. For example, you could keep relevant extracts from quality newspapers and re-read them before an interview. Items relating to medical ethics, politics, education, social and legal issues – to name but a few - regularly appear in the press. You could also look at some of the professional journals that cover your study area or intended profession. Local reference libraries keep a selection of these.
- Read through the prospectus thoroughly. You can also ask for a departmental prospectus. Additional information may be available on the university website – don’t forget, subject departments often have their own websites too.
- Make sure you read through a copy of your UCAS application – in particular, what you said in your personal statement.
- Prepare anything you need to take with you, eg your National Record of Achievement/Progress File, portfolio of artwork or examples of coursework or essays.
- Plan your journey – allow plenty of time to get there. If you are going by public transport make sure that you have directions from the bus/train station.
- Decide what you are going to wear – you need to be smart and presentable, but you also want to be comfortable.
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The interview
- Interviews can last from five minutes to over an hour. You may be interviewed by just one person or a panel (maybe two or three people).
- The interview may also consist of a group exercise or discussion.
- Alternatively you may be asked to complete a practical test, exam or submit pieces of writing.
- You will be advised in advance what format your interview will take. For example, if you apply for a journalism course you may have to take a general knowledge test and/or write a short essay.
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Things to remember…
- Interviews are two-way – it is also an opportunity for you to find out if the course and institution meet your needs.
- Interviewers appreciate that you may be nervous. Don’t be scared to ask them to repeat a question or re-phrase it if you don’t understand.
- Avoid one-word responses. Try to give constructive answers, but be careful not to waffle. If you are asked about a topical or controversial issue, you are not expected to have a definitive answer but to show an understanding of some of the main issues involved.
- You may be asked why you have chosen your course of study – you could prepare an answer for this prior to the interview.
- Be prepared to talk about the things that you have included on your personal statement.
- Some interviewers will ask about your out of sixth form/college interests and activities. This is because they are interested in getting well-rounded students onto their courses.
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Questions you may be asked…
- Why have you chosen this subject?
- What factors influenced your choice?
- Why do you want to come to this university/college?
- What are your views on… (a topical or controversial issue related to your chosen subject)?
- What do you know about … (a topic in your chosen field of study)?
- Have you any experience to back up your subject choice? (For some courses work experience may be essential – you need to check this when you apply.)
- What do you hope to do at the end of the course?
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Questions you might like to ask…
- How is the course assessed – course work, continuous assessments, exams?
- How is the course taught – how many lectures, seminars and/or tutorials?
- What industry links does the department have?
- What have previous graduates of this course gone on to do?
But remember - do not ask too many questions about items that have been well covered in course literature or a talk given on the open day – it will just give the impression that you haven’t read the information or didn’t listen.
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Top tips!
- If you want some interview advice – talk to friends and other students who have already had university interviews.
- A mock interview is a good idea. A teacher, relative or Careers Consultant may be able to help.
- If you are looking for some ideas of the types of questions you may be asked, try ‘Degree Course Offers’ (Trotman). Each subject area has examples of possible questions.
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