Getting an interview invitation from your top university is exciting but can also make you incredibly nervous.
As you anticipate questions about your interests, skills, what you want to study, and future goals, it’s understandable to stress about making a good impression.
However, with some advance preparation and interview tips, you can walk into that interview room feeling cool, calm and collected.
This article will explore tips to help you put your best foot forward.
Why Should You Prepare for a University Interview?
University interviews allow admission tutors to verify if you are truly engaged with your chosen course beyond what's in your personal statement.
They want to see if you have the qualities needed to excel in higher education like passion, aptitude, and communication skills. Preparing shows you are serious about attending and have the dedication to work hard.
It also helps ease nerves so you can have an authentic conversation that gives a good representation of who you are. With competition for places fierce, preparation is key to stand out.
How to Prepare for a University Interview
Research the university and course
To prep, thoroughly read through the university and course prospectus pages along with student testimonials. Understand the teaching methods, modules offered, assessment processes etc. This helps you ask informed questions later.
If they mention competencies needed to thrive on the course, reflect on how your skills and experience match these.
Prepare for common university interview questions
While questions vary between universities, there are common themes around your interest in the subject, relevant extracurricular activities, future career goals and wider reading.
Practice articulating concise, structured responses drawing on real-life examples wherever possible. Have a bank of questions ready too.
Managing anxiety before the interview
Nervousness before an interview is completely normal. Managing anxiety begins with getting organised early. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
On the day, listen to relaxing music on the journey and do breathing exercises. Wear smart attire in colours that make you feel confident.
Arrive early to settle in. Remind yourself tutors are not there to catch you out but to truly understand you and assess if their course is a good match.
Practicing with mock interviews
Set up practice interviews with teachers, parents or friends using example questions from university websites and prospectuses.
Have them highlight areas you can improve - whether it's avoiding filler words, making more eye contact or summarising key points. Each will boost your confidence and help the real interview feel less intimidating.
Using the right body language during the interview
The way you present yourself physically also makes an impression. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, lean slightly forward to demonstrate engagement and make frequent eye contact.
This portrays confidence and underscores your genuine interest to tutors. Smile warmly when greeting your interviewers and shake hands firmly.
Arriving early and preparing for the day
Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes early to find the room and settle any nerves with some deep breaths rather than rushing in flustered.
If delayed en route, call immediately to notify them then re-focus. Once there, use the bathroom so you're comfortable.
Review your notes before entering. Silence mobile devices and place any portfolios, artwork, etc, neatly in front of you. Greet interviewers with a smile and friendly “hello”. This gets things started positively.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
What to ask at the end of the interview
When they ask if you’ve any other questions at the end, have 2-3Ready. This shows your engagement. Inquiries around pastoral care availability, study abroad options or societies demonstrate you see yourself attending.
Ask for details about something mentioned to indicate your attentive listening. This leaves a strong final impression.
How to ask course-specific questions
To stand out, identify what excites you about the course elements and form questions around these. So if it’s the dissertation or practical opportunities, ask about the scope to pursue niche research interests or how placements facilitate professional development in related sectors.
Wrapping Up
Preparing thoroughly for university interviews takes time but is invaluable. Researching courses, practising responses and planning thoughtful questions helps minimize stress.
Demonstrating your authentic interest, confidence and readiness to apply yourself will help you make the best impression.
With some advance preparation, you can have satisfying conversations that hopefully lead to offers from your top choices.
Best of luck!
