UCAS - University interviews - an important career step

University interviews - an important career step

While the university application process is mostly conducted at distance, online and through UCAS, some candidates are asked in for interviews for their prospective course.

For many students, university is an important step in their career. Your attitude to an interview needs to reflect this long term commitment, and all the related implications for your future.

If you're being interviewed alongside a number of other candidates, it is worth bearing in mind that everyone is in the same position, and will all likely be as apprehensive. Often, the interview will not be competition for one vacancy, as with many job interviews, but rather to help filter out those who are most appropriate to study the course.

UCAS Connect blogger Emma notes that most people are a little unsure of themselves and as eager to make friends as everyone else.

When it comes to the interview, as long as you're well prepared, the best advice is simply to be yourself. "You have to remember that they're really trying to get the best out of you and to see how you think," Emma explained. "As long as you keep calm, you should be able to enjoy the experience."

Interviews can be more common for popular courses, or at popular institutions where admissions staff are keen to determine whether you'd be able to cope with the rigors of study.

However, remember that policies vary greatly, with some universities only interviewing borderline applicants and others choosing not to interview at all.

UCAS has lots of advice available on its website to help interviewees to prepare, but first and foremost its important that you are well informed about the course you are applying for, perhaps reading up on some "hot topics" within your subject area which you may be asked about.

It also helps to read through your application once again in advance, so you are familiar with the claims you have made and can ensure that a consistent message about your attitude and character comes across.

2012-01-09

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