Friday, 12 December 2014

Some tips for preparing for #university interviews

Following on from last week’s advice about University offers through UCAS Track, as promised, here are a few tips on preparing for University interviews.

Which Universities and courses are more likely to invite you for interview is not an exact science as it varies year on year. However, you are most likely to be invited for interview, rather than receiving a conditional offer straight away, if you are applying to study for a professional training degree, such as dentistry, primary education, social work or nursing. It’s also likely you will be invited for interview for a talent-based degree such as music, acting, art and design.

Occasionally, though less likely, you could be interviewed for degrees in the sciences, engineering or computing. You’re least likely to be interviewed if your course involves the humanities or social sciences, for example English, Politics, History or Geography.

Some universities are known to interview candidates on a more regular basis such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Warwick and York, but this varies each year.

Here are some key points to prepare for University interviews.
  • Be aware of the format the interview will take? Individual or group, face to face or Skype and is written work or testing required?
  • Re-read your personal statement. Elaborating on key points you have made in it will be an important part of your interview.
  • Research course content and be ready to give opinions as to why its core and optional modules of study appeal to you. Be prepared to demonstrate why you will be good at studying particular topics and what skills you have to ensure success on the course. Showing passion for the subject is essential.
  • What are your key skills and prepare examples to demonstrate them?  Leadership - head of house, team captain in sport. Dedication - grade 7 piano, charity work for an extended period. Teamwork - Duke of Edinburgh, CCF, team sports or Young Enterprise. Be ready to sell yourself by emphasising these skills during your interview.
  • Research the interviewer. What is their role and their career background? Understanding this will help you engage them in conversation by finding common ground.
  • Ask relevant questions as this is your opportunity to impress the interviewer and to find out more about the course to help you decide if it’s right for you.
  • Know why the university appeals and how you would contribute to university life as a whole. They are interested in the all-round you, not just your academics.
Do you need some help preparing for a university interview? Our team of education consultants are here to help. 
Please give us a call on 01865 522066 or send us an email via  consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk




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