I've got an interview coming up for a UK university and I'm not sure what to expect. How should I prepare, and are there any particular differences from US interviews?
UK university interviews can vary greatly depending on the course and institution. However, there are a few key things you should be prepared for.
1. Discussing your subject area: Unlike many US interviews, UK university interviews are typically more academically focused and tend to delve into your subject area. This could include discussing your statement, talking about projects or coursework you've completed, or expressing your thoughts on certain subjects within your chosen field. Make sure you're thoroughly familiar with your subject and prepared to engage in an academic dialogue.
2. Subject-specific tasks or activities: In some cases, particularly for more practical courses such as art, engineering, or medicine, you may be given a task or activity to complete as part of your interview. This could be anything from solving a problem to creating a piece of work.
3. Conversational style: Often, the interviews are designed to be more like a conversation than a formal interview. This is a chance for the interviewers to understand how you think and how you approach intellectual challenges, rather than just what you know.
Preparation Tips:
- Revise your subjects: Brush up on your chosen subject and be ready to talk about it in depth. The interviewers may probe into what you've studied, your take on certain issues or events, and your career aspirations related to the subject.
- Understand your university course: Read up on the course structure, what modules you will be studying, and what they involve. This will show that you've done your research and are keen on the specific course structures.
- Review your statement: Be ready to discuss anything you've mentioned in your statement. If you've mentioned books, theories, or experiences – make sure you can talk confidently about them.
- Practice problem-solving and thinking out loud: UK university interviews often involve on-the-spot problem-solving. Practice talking through your thought process in these scenarios.
Lastly, remember to be yourself. The interview is not just about examining your academic suitability – it's also about seeing if you're a good fit for the university's environment.
Good luck with your interview!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.