How to prepare for a uni interview

You'll be competing against many other strong candidates.

Such as ‘why do you want to study the subject’ and ‘why do you want to attend this university’.

They're likely to ask you to expand on what you've said about yourself, your achievements, and your ambitions.

Make sure you’re prepared and have thought about these beforehand. Asking smart and interesting questions shows the university that you're interested in the course. 

To best prepare these questions, look through the course guide and the university website. Make sure you've read up on the latest developments in your field – you won’t be tested, but it shows you are truly interested in the topic.

Or to send it before the interview. It's important you follow the guidelines when doing so. Creative arts courses will normally ask for examples of your work and will focus their interview questions on it. Make sure your portfolio is well presented and marked clearly, and you can articulate your influences and how you went about creating the work.

Getting a good night sleep will help you excel in the interview.

Campuses can be big and you can often get lost. Arrive early so you can familiarise yourself with the place – don't arrive late to an interview feeling stressed or flustered.

Whether the interview is in person or online, don’t slouch in the chair – sit up straight. Don't yawn or fold your arms. Always try to make eye contact and look alert when the interviewer is talking. Interviewers will learn as much about you through your body language, as through your words.

Try to act relaxed. They really want to get to know you and what you can personally offer their course. They may also ask unexpected and apparently random questions, to see how well you act under pressure.

As well as the one-to-one interview, you might be given a task or be expected to contribute to a discussion with competitors who want to get onto the course. Make sure you participate, as not saying much will reflect badly.