Impress at your college or uni interview

How to prepare

A college or university interview is different from a job interview. It’s more like a discussion so that you and the course leader can figure out if it’s the right fit for you.

All interviews are different, depending on the course, and you’ll be competing against many other strong candidates.

The good news is you can still prepare. Here are some standard questions you should be ready to answer:

• What do you know about the subject you’re applying to study?
• Why are you interested in this subject?
• Why do you want to attend this college/university in particular?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• What makes you more suitable for the course than another applicant with the same grades?
• What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

Our four top tips to prepare

Your interviewer wants to make sure you’re ready to take the next step in your studies. So, above all, be clear on your reasons for applying and what you wrote in your personal statement.

1. Ask questions

The goal isn’t to look like you know it all. Asking a question of your own shows you’re interested and keen to learn.

Keen to know what texts you’ll be studying? Want to know about societies relating to your course?

This is your chance to learn about studying too. Find out as much information as you can!

2. Bring evidence

Having something physical to show at the interview is a great way to emphasise your passion.

You could bring your exam results, a piece of work you're proud of or a portfolio. Anything you think would be a great talking point or says a bit about who you are.

3. Show enthusiasm

It’s important to show you’re enthusiastic about all aspects of life at college or university. You could talk about meeting new people, managing your finances or how you’ll adapt to the change after school.

Show the interviewer you’re ready for the next step.

4. Stay positive

If you didn't get the exam results you wanted, talk about why and what you learned from the experience.

Remember, your results are only one aspect of your application. So, be confident in yourself and your other skills – these are just as important.

After the interview

Usually, the course leader will give you an idea of when you’re likely to find out if you’ve been successful. If not, you could always ask this as one of your questions.

If you haven’t been successful, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s always worth asking if they have any positive feedback or tips for how you might improve. No matter the outcome, you should see the opportunity to learn as a positive.