university interviews
TRANSCRIPT
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
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Likelihood of interview• Some courses require an interview as
part of the selection process• Mature students/vocational route to HE• Prestigious institutions like Oxbridge
Monday, November 17, 2014 5
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
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 6
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
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 7
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
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 8
What to expectVariation in rationale of interview:
- explore UCAS application in more detail- provide separate/additional information from UCAS form- test required skills
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 9
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’
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 10
Interview questions• Designed to let you prove
your ability• Not to catch you out!• Answer the questions and
use good examples• Preparation is vital
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 11
Activity 1: Subject-specific questions
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 12
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?
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 13
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
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 14
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?
Monday, November 17, 2014 UCAS visit day 16
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
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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!
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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!
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Questions?
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