► Will I get an interview?
The good news is that most Higher Education (HE) applicants never have to go through the ordeal of an interview. Decisions will be made about your application based on what you put on the form and what your referee has said about you. Your chances of having an interview (or more likely interviews) are vastly increased if you apply to Oxford or Cambridge. The selection procedures at both universities are especially rigorous.
Should you decide to apply for any of the courses outlined below, your chances of being interviewed (providing you meet the basic selection criteria) are higher:
• Medical/Paramedical courses including Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy,Occupational Therapy, Radiography etc.
• Veterinary Science
• Social Work
• Teaching
This does not mean that the historians and mathematicians amongst you can relax! Some courses will still interview you, though in a lot of cases mainly candidates who fall into one of these categories:
• Borderline applicants
• Mature students
• Students with non-traditional qualifications
► What sort of interviews are there?
There are three major types of interview:
• Individual Interview - This is usually in a formal setting with one or more interviewers
• Group Interviews - This is usually where a small group e.g. 6-8 applicants participate in a group discussion or work on a subject related task
• Test Interviews - This is where applicants are asked to complete an aptitude test to judge their suitability for the course (mainly Medicine or Law)
► What should I do before I have an interview?
If you are invited to interview, there are certain things you can do beforehand to ensure you give a good account of yourself on the day:
• Research the course you have applied for very thoroughly. This is one way interviewers have of testing your motivation!
• Read through your UCAS form very thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss anything on it, including your reference (if it has already been discussed with you by your tutor).
• Use ‘Open Day’ visits and/or the HE Convention to find out as much as you can about the college/university and its environments. Allow time to look around the campus/town. Ask 2 questions about course content/work placements/graduate destinations etc.
• If you are applying for a subject you are currently studying, be prepared to talk about what aspects of the subject you enjoy and what books/journals you are reading.
• Arrange to have a mock interview with your subject teacher or see your Connexions Personal Adviser. This can help to iron out any problem areas and help you to feel more confident on the day.
• Think about the questions they may ask you. Refer to your subject area in ‘Degree Course Offers’ (suggested questions are included).
• Appearance is important, most admissions tutors would be surprised to see you in a pinstripe suit, but will look for evidence that you have
made an effort.
• If you are applying for a subject you have not taken at school/college, you will need to show how your interest in this has developed and why you
want to pursue this course of study.
• Write down any questions you might want to ask the interviewer. It is very easy to forget them during the interview.
► Questions you may be asked
College and university interviews do not always follow a set pattern. However you are more than likely to be asked to talk about the following topics:
• School subjects - depth of your knowledge will be questioned, including books you may have read or projects undertaken.
• Reasons for applying for the course and the college/university.
• Hobbies, interests, positions of responsibility - Most universities/colleges prefer ‘well-rounded’ students with a variety of interests.
• Current affairs/topical issues - This is not to trap you but to allow you to put forward your own ideas/thoughts. It is a good idea to look at a national newspaper (broadsheet) on the day of the interview.
These are some of the things selectors will be looking for:
• Academic ability
• Commitment
• Self-motivation
• Interest in the subjects to be studied
• Determination
• Self-reliance
• Willingness to learn
Think carefully about how you can demonstrate these skills in an interview.
► Remember!
First impressions count, so try to smile, and look confident even if you don't feel it. Be prepared to talk. Put yourself and your ideas across with clarity. You will be in competition with others so it is important to make a good impression.
If you do not understand any particular question, ask for it to be repeated or rephrased. If you are unable to answer the question tell the interviewer rather than try to waffle through.
► Admissions Tests
A number of universities and courses expect you to take additional Admissions tests to assist them in their selection procedures.
The main ones are:
Bio-Medical Admissions Test (BMAT)
Applicants to the following Veterinary and Medical Schools are required to
take this test; Cambridge (Medicine and Veterinary Science), Oxford (Medicine), UCL (Medicine), Bristol (Veterinary Science), Royal Veterinary College (Veterinary Science), and Imperial College (medicine). The tests are designed to test critical thinking as well as subject specific knowledge. The BMAT website (www.bmat.org.uk) has further details. You can find out the dates for the next test by visiting the BMAT website.
UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)
This test is used in the selection process by a consortium of UK Medical and Dental Schools (other than those who use the (BMAT). Institutions currently using the test include; Aberdeen, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Cardiff, Dundee, Durham, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull York Medical School, Keele, Kings College London, Imperial College London (Graduate Entry), Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford (Graduate Entry), Peninsula, Queen’s, Sheffield, Southampton, St. Andrews, St. George’s and Warwick (Graduate Entry).
The test takes 2 hours and does not contain any curriculum or science content. The test focuses on the following skills:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Decision Analysis
- Non- Cognitive Analysis.
Further information can be obtained from www.ukcat.ac.uk
National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)
The following schools of law currently require applicants to take this test;
Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, Glasgow, Kings
College London, Nottingham, Oxford, UCL. To find out the date of the next test, please visit www.lnat.ac.uk. You should register on the website where you can also download sample questions. The test has two sections. The first consists of multiple choice questions assessing candidates’ ability to read, understand, analyse and make logical deductions from passages of text in formal English. The second requires candidates to write a well-reasoned essay on a subject chosen from a list of titles.
More help4u:
The Sixth Formers Guide to Visiting Universities and Colleges (Trotman Publishing) - Contains a very useful checklist to use on open days.
University and College Open Days (UCAS Publication) - Gives information including dates of Open Days and persons to contact - to arrange your own visit contact institutions direct.
