University Interview Tips

Been invited to a university interview, but struggling to prepare? Read our tips below to make sure you give your best performance on the day, and check out our University Interviews Guide for further help.

Tips for before the interview

  1. Find out what form the interview will take – if you know how many people will be interviewing you, and whether it will be formal or not, you will know what to expect.
  2. Read the prospectus – have an idea about the course and university to show you're committed to studying there.
  3. Look over your UCAS form – it’s often the basis for interview questions so make sure you can talk about the things you’ve said on it in detail.
  4. Read over your A-Level subject notes – you may be asked why you took a particular A-Level or what parts of your A-Levels you enjoy.
  5. Read a quality newspaper or magazine related to your subject – interviewers may ask for your opinions on current affairs or developments in your field.
  6. Have a mock interview – get a teacher you’re not familiar with to prepare a formal interview to give you an idea of what it will be like.
  7. Speak to students who’ve already had an interview – ask them what to expect or if they have any tips.
  8. Think of points you may want to make in the interview – prepare specific things you want to say or subjects you want to discuss if you get the chance.
  9. Prepare answers for common questions – for example, why do you want to study this course or at this university?
  10. Think of some questions to ask in return – how is the course assessed? What teaching methods are used? Although make sure they’re not already answered in the prospectus.
  11. Plan your journey – take into account rush hour traffic and finding the room/building so you arrive in plenty of time.

Tips for the day of the interview

  1. Get a good night's sleep – be ready for your interview and don’t stay up all night drinking or worrying about it.
  2. Arrive early – allow 20-30 minutes for traffic and finding the place. If you have extra time, take a look round the university or talk to other applicants.
  3. Contact the university if there’s a problem – if you’re going to be late or unavailable due to circumstances beyond your control you should be able to rearrange the interview.
  4. Dress smart but comfortably – formal clothing may be uncomfortable if you’re at the university all day, and dressing scruffily may give a bad first impression.
  5. Turn off your mobile – you don’t want any distractions in the interview and it will not impress the interviewer.

Tips for during the interview

  1. Be aware of your body language – look at the interviewer, make eye contact and try to smile from time to time.
  2. Be enthusiastic about your course – make sure you get your interest in the course across to the interviewer.
  3. Take your time with questions – don’t feel pressured to answer immediately, take a little while to develop your answers to avoid saying the first thing that comes into your head.
  4. Say if you don’t understand a question – interviewers don’t expect you to know everything and will often prompt you or rephrase a question if you ask.
  5. Give full answers – the interviewer is trying to find out about you, so make sure you tell them something. Don’t waffle just to make your answers longer though.
  6. Don’t try to bluff questions – admissions tutors will know a lot more about their subject than you will. If you don’t know the answer to a question be honest and admit it.
  7. Listen to the interviewer – answer the questions asked rather than the ones you’ve prepared for.
  8. Ask questions – use ones you prepared earlier or new ones you’ve thought of. It shows you’re enthusiastic and will help you get more out of the interview.
  9. Try to relax – interviewers will expect you to be nervous and will try to make you feel comfortable.
  10. Be yourself – interviewers want to know about you, not just what tips you’ve read off the internet!

4. Tips for after the interview

  1. Don’t worry if you found it hard – some interviews are designed to stretch candidates.
  2. Make the most of being at the university – talk to students, have a look round the city or sample the local pubs.
  3. Think about what you’ve learned – the interview also allows you to find out more about the university and course. How have your opinions changed?
  4. Write down your answers to questions – this will come in handy for other interviews you may have.
  5. Discuss your interview with other people – they can give you feed back on how they think you did and give you advice for other interviews.
  6. Don’t worry about whether you’ll be offered a place or not – prepare for your next interview or just enjoy yourself, as you can’t do anything to change the result.

Further information

For more tips and advice on preparing for your university interview, please see our University Interview FAQs and our blog post about mistakes to avoid.

You can also read example questions for:

Comments

Hi i have read through the

Sun, 27/02/2011 - 02:23

Hi i have read through the posts and they have been really helpful, I have got my first interview for adult nursing degree at staffs uni in just under 2 weeks and would b really grateful for any tips on interview questions and what to wear,thank u my email is kelly.dudley12.yahoo.co.uk xxx

I have an interview at

Tue, 01/03/2011 - 23:26

I have an interview at Manchester Uni tomorrow for Actuarial science then another on the 15th for electrical engineering on the 15th. These tips have certainly helped, I feel a lot more confident and hopefully both my interviews go well.. Cheers

hey i have an interview for

Wed, 02/03/2011 - 19:53

hey i have an interview for childs nursing at northampton uni and manchester uni, just wandering if you can give me any tips on the kind of questions I would get.
Thanks
lucy_anderson24@hotmail.com

This is a very stable, and

Sat, 12/03/2011 - 21:33

This is a very stable, and reassuring, list and it has helped me very much in preperation for interviews in the future. Thank You very much, also I have a small suggestion of which you may want to consider: I think that it might be helpful to make a page for FAQ's in interviews, this may help more than you already have.

i'm applying for a university

Sun, 27/03/2011 - 15:31

i'm applying for a university which is more to army, and i really worry about my english language. i admit, my english are quite broken. i'm afraid, their interview will be held in english language. please help me. my e-mail address, millalola@rocketmail.com. thanks a lot.

I am applying for scholarship

Tue, 05/04/2011 - 08:01

I am applying for scholarship. Anyone can help me to give sample answer for "tell me about yourself" question. I really thank you for any help. email: syafiqahadin@gmail.com

thank you ! i will help me a

Sat, 07/05/2011 - 10:06

thank you ! i will help me a lot ! :)

very nice and useful tips

Sun, 08/05/2011 - 07:18

very nice and useful tips.thanks
i have an interview next week for BScN program, would u plz send me some sample questions they would ask me.plz send it in my e-mail id
asrar.moithai@yahoo.com
thanks...

hi,I have an interview for

Sun, 15/05/2011 - 00:54

hi,I have an interview for mental health nursing at BCU.Does anyone know what kind of questions they might ask? email to me at alice1985@live.com

please!

comments

Wed, 06/07/2011 - 02:16

thanx alot. tips are awesome. try to provide some sample interviews....

What colour shirt should be worn?

Sat, 16/07/2011 - 11:58

What color shirt should be worn? and should it be white or any color or short sleeve or full sleeve and shoes should be???

thanks a lot i learnt lot of things by this....

Very Very Handy, gud work....

Wed, 27/07/2011 - 08:07

Very Very Handy, gud work.... Be Blessed

It was really helpful! Thanks

Tue, 30/08/2011 - 22:56

It was really helpful! Thanks a lot :))

i have an interview onthe 21

Tue, 13/09/2011 - 11:38

i have an interview onthe 21 Septemebr for BTech in Project management can you please help me with the tips my email adress is hezekeld@avbob.co.za

i have an interview onthe 21

Tue, 13/09/2011 - 11:38

i have an interview onthe 21 Septemebr for BTech in Project management can you please help me with the tips my email adress is hezekeld@avbob.co.za

Thanks very much. Your tips

Wed, 19/10/2011 - 17:34

Thanks very much. Your tips are very useful.

im really worried i have my

Wed, 16/11/2011 - 17:55

im really worried i have my interview next wednesday for chester and iv never had one before! im not sure what to wear and do you know what the most commonly asked questions are? im hoping to study mental health nursing. Thanks

The interview tips were very

Thu, 17/11/2011 - 12:29

The interview tips were very good it helped to reflect on questions that you may have forgotten expecially if you have'nt been for an interview in a while. Thank you for your support and guidance.

hi erm this wa good. i was

Thu, 01/12/2011 - 18:29

hi erm this wa good. i was wondering if you could give me questions you think will come up on a pharmacy interview i have. thanks. also i have an admissions test... anything in particular you think will come up?
email me - iram__x@hotmail.co.uk

Hey

Sat, 03/12/2011 - 20:39

Hey

could you give me some tips on how to succeed in a group interview (applied for an adult nursing degree)

E-mail:mameha_1991@hotmail.de

Adult Nursing

Mon, 05/12/2011 - 12:14

Hello, ive got an interview for adult nursing in a few days and wondered if you have any idea on what kind of questions they'll ask me any advice would be great my email address is zoe_harvey08@yahoo.co.uk

thanks x

I have an interview at a

Tue, 06/12/2011 - 10:15

I have an interview at a University for a Bachelor of Social Work in a few days, and I'm curious to know what sort of questions the panel may ask, please email as soon as you can, thanks.

my email is: tiffanyioane@hotmail.co.nz

hi I have got interview

Tue, 06/12/2011 - 12:24

hi I have got interview tomorrow on city for civil engineering. I don't have any ideas about what kind of questions they might ask.can any one send me some ideas about it?

Thank u
nagarajah.maathu@gmail.com

Thankyou for the tips I'm now

Wed, 14/12/2011 - 13:51

Thankyou for the tips I'm now a lot calmer for my interview!!

Before my interview i

Thu, 05/01/2012 - 13:26

Before my interview i searched the web and couldn't find anything about the interview i had for Child Nursing at Plymouth University so i thought i would post what my interview was like :-)
I had a 30minute written assessment where i was asked 4 questions:
1. What is the role of a children's nurse?
2. What skills do you think you have to be a children's nurse?
3. What is the most demanding aspect of the programme of study and how can you overcome this?
4. Discuss a time when you had to convey an important message to someone and say how you did this and what the end result was.

The interview was 15-20minutes long, you can't prepare for this. I got given a sheet with 4 statements on and i had to choose 2 of them that i wanted to talk about. Statements were like what do you think about parents smoking in front of their children and what do you think about a disabled couple having children. Know this is easier said than done, but try not to be nervous! ha, relax and you'll be fine...

burscough bird 69

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:49

very good advice but not everyone does A level subjects i do a btec in health and social care lad. so will they ask me the same tings n dat ?

Edmund Gracian Paul

Mon, 09/01/2012 - 11:00

Thanks 4 the fab tips. I has interview with Cambridge please email me some tips omnimon@live.co.uk or omnimon@hotmail.co.uk or omnimon@hotmail.com. I look forward to reading your help.

reslly good, feel better

Sun, 15/01/2012 - 15:53

reslly good, feel better already jusy for reading the tips.

reslly good, feel better

Sun, 15/01/2012 - 16:01

reslly good, feel better already jusy for reading the tips.

Adult Nursing Testing Day for UWS

Sat, 21/01/2012 - 22:50

I was just wondering if you could give me some advice for a group discussion and personal interview for Adult Nursing at UWS. My email address is msmith69@caledonian.ac.uk. Thankyou x

Hi, I have an interview for

Sun, 22/01/2012 - 15:52

Hi, I have an interview for primary teaching at Glasgow University in two weeks. I'm really nervous and I don't do well under pressure, I also don't know what questions to ask. If there is any possible chance you could help by giving any tips it would be really appreciated.. could you email any tips to (georgina_nicola_smith@live.co.uk)
Thank You very much.

Adult Nursing at Bedfordshire University

Tue, 24/01/2012 - 20:31

Hello, your tips are very helpful for my preparation for my interview which Ihave on the 3rd of Febuary. As many other aplicants applying for university this year and going for interviews I am very nervous and slightly worried. I was hoping that you may have certain helpfull practise interview questions that I might be asked. Many thanks. Elise lildoctor007@hotmail.com

hi every one,I will be having

Tue, 24/01/2012 - 20:54

hi every one,I will be having Social work interview in 2 weeks time.So can any one write to me what type of written assessement and Interview questions can i expect?my email is (medhanez@yahoo.com)

Child Nurse

Mon, 30/01/2012 - 22:05

i have got interview in Sheffield Hallam university.
I have tried to research what sort of question the interview would ask me but can you give me the main question in child nurse.

Also when the interview is done, When will they say to us that we have got a place in university or no.

you can email me on nenra_17@hotmail.co.uk
for best tips, advice and questions with answers
thank you

Sophie

Tue, 31/01/2012 - 09:54

Hi I have recently applied for university, but have not yet recieved any offers for interviews, Should i be worrid.

BSc Occupational Therapy Interview

Tue, 31/01/2012 - 12:27

I have an interview at Northumbria for the BSC Occupational Therapy degree later this week and was wondering if anyone can give me any tips or advice on what I can expect!!!! My email is 1974jet@googlemail.com

Music Interview

Tue, 31/01/2012 - 16:17

These tips and prep questions are great! Bring on my interview tomorrow!

Adult nursing

Fri, 10/02/2012 - 00:12

Hi,
Thanks for you interview tips, am having interview on the 11th of April 2012 and i would like you to please Email me on this address olufemiolufemi@hotmail.co.uk to be expected on the interview.

Adult nursing

Fri, 10/02/2012 - 00:13

Hi,
Thanks for you interview tips, am having interview on the 11th of April 2012 and i would like you to please Email me on this address olufemiolufemi@hotmail.co.uk to be expected on the interview.

social work degree interview

Tue, 14/02/2012 - 09:50

A part from the tips given, which I really appreciate, what are the other typical questions that are expected this year 2012. I am currently doing access course to HE.
THANK you in advance

mental health nursing

Mon, 20/02/2012 - 11:18

I have got an interview very soon for mental health nursing. Does anyone know what kind of questions are going to be asked at the interview?

Nice one....

Wed, 22/02/2012 - 08:58

Nice one....

Social Work Newport University

Mon, 27/02/2012 - 18:06

I have a interview soon for the above course and uni. can anyone help with any hints and tips. much appreciated.

Social Work Ba Newport Uni

Mon, 27/02/2012 - 18:17

I have a interview soon for the above course and uni. can anyone help with any hints and tips. much appreciated.

ameecoombes@hotmail.com

nursing degree in mental health

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 22:15

l have an interview at greenwich university in a week's time but am so nervous can u let me know the questions they ask or what to be prepared on before l go please

nursing degree in mental health

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 22:16

l have an interview at greenwich university in a week's time but am so nervous can u let me know the questions they ask or what to be prepared on before l go please reply on vcmalaba@yahoo.co.uk thanks

nursing degree in mental health

Sat, 03/03/2012 - 22:19

l have an interview at greenwich university in a week's time but am so nervous can u let me know the questions they ask or what should expect to talk about or anything reall that might be of help before l go please reply on vcmalaba@yahoo.co.uk thanks

Selection Day for Child Nursing - Nottingham

Tue, 06/03/2012 - 13:32

Hello everyone,
Great interview tips, firstly.
I received a phone call today asking if I was available for a group interview/selection day at the University of Nottingham for Child Nursing. Very short notice, I know, but of course, I accepted as this was my first choice.
If anyone is able to give me some idea of what is likely to happen, could they please email me on: sheebeegb@hotmail.com
Unfortunately, the course website is down so I have been unable to refer directly to their material.

Joseph- Accra

Wed, 07/03/2012 - 10:48

Thanks for this simple but inspiring tips. I like the part that says: talk to other applicants if there is time. That will do much help. Thank you. Keep the good work up. Thanks

Adult nursing tips please

Tue, 17/04/2012 - 20:19

Hi I have an interview next week and was wondering if you could suggest possible interview questions. Many thanks sass_19@hotmail.com

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