Mission: University Interviews

For those of you who are Year 13 (UK) or Seniors (US) - I'm really not too certain on academic structures outside of the UK, so if anyone wants to enlighten me in the comments, please do - chances are you're either getting ready to send off your university applications, or you have.

For a lot of universities, you will get invited to an interview, so they can assess whether you're the type of person they want on their course, and so you can get a better idea of if it's the right place for you. This post is all about helping you do the best you can at the interview stage.

Here is my three step plan to acing that university interview:

1. Prepare
   
   Before the interview, there are a few things you should do. Re-read your personal statement: chances are, you will be asked about it. They might ask you to talk more in-depth about that summer school you did, or explain why you chose those specific A-Levels/classes.
   
   Brush up on your course material. Especially for higher end universities (I had this in every interview, and I applied to five Russell Group universities), they will test your basic knowledge to see how you react to problems. It won't be overly difficult - they aren't trying to stress you out, interviewers do generally try to make you feel comfortable. If you get stuck, doesn't be afraid to ask for help. This would work more in you favour than against, as it shows you are willing to reach out.
   
   Familiarise yourself with the first year modules - you don't need to know what every single lesson will be about, but you should know a vague outline of what you're being taught, and it'll show an interest in that specific university.
   
   Come up with a list of questions - focusing on the course, the university or the general area - and ask them. If you show curiosity about what you're actually going to be learning, you will come across as someone who is genuinely interested, and someone they will want. Sometimes, interviews won't last the full allotted time, which is when the focus will flip, and the interviewer will expect you to ask them question - be ready for that.


2. Present
   
   This isn't a night out with your mates. This isn't a chill day round the house. Turn up in sweatpants, and immediately you're saying that you're not really too bothered. On the flip side of the coin, don't turn up in a full three piece suit, because you will come across as rather pretentious and trying too hard.
   
   My advice: treat this like a job interview. Find the right balance between formal and casual, so you're presentable, but you don't look like you're off to a black tie event in an hour. For girls, this would likely be a blouse and trousers/nice jeans (no rips)/a skirt, possibly with a blazer. For guys, this would be trousers and a nice shirt (and possibly a tie) - I wouldn't advise a suit jacket or waistcoat on top, but a casual blazer could work if it doesn't look overly formal. 
   
   Examples for girls -  1, 2 and 3
   
   Examples for guys - 1, 2 and 3


3. Persuade
   
   You know your facts. You're well dressed, you look the part, and now that all comes into effect. Engage with your interviewer - try not to ramble when they ask you a question, but make sure that your answer isn't just short and snappy. This is your time to impress them with your knowledge and passion for the subject, and nothing shows that more than a fleshed out answer which shows a good knowledge, but stays relevant.
   
   One thing I found, is the friendlier interviewers like when you ask about their area of research (and that continues into university as well - they're so passionate to talk about their area, it's amazing). When you first find out the name of your interviewer, google them to get an idea of their area of research, as chances are their questions will be related to this area as well.
   
   Make sure those prepared questions come out too - the more you engage and take control of the interview, the better it will be for you. Obviously, you are not the interviewer, but if there is something you are genuinely curious about, ask them. They're experts in their area for a reason, and this will paint you as someone who is interested and eager to learn.
   
   If you are particularly impressive in the interview, there is a chance you will get a lowered offer as a way to try and sway you towards them. At the end of the day, as appealing as lower grades may seem, choose the university based on how suitable it is for you, and what the syllabus is like, not how easy it is to get in.

And remember, as scary as it may seem, the interviewers are people too and the majority of them will try their best to ensure you are comfortable before they launch into knowledge questions.

Best of luck!

Leanne