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Thread: Uni Interviews

  1. #1
    Odc
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    Uni Interviews

    I have one or two uni interviews coming up which are pretty important but I haven't got any idea of what to expect. Anyone got any advice on things that I should prepare for like whether I should brush up on my subject and should I be worried about what I wear?


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    Seething Cauldron of Hatred TheAnimus's Avatar
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    do you know how is going to be interviewing you?

    if so look at the last few papers they published, find out what they like to research.

    Look at your statement, try and figure out 3 questions you would ask that person about things they've done, areas they are intrested in!

    Interviews like this should be a good time for you to get awnsers to questions about the curriculum, if your asking questions about the freedom you have to choose some esoteric subject about the course ur applying for, they will have less time to ask you any questions where you can look like a fool. This is by no means that you should ask questions non stop. But if they seam happy, go for a 50/50, they will be happy that you are looking so seriously at the uni your finding out if you will enjoy it. That counts for a lot!
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    Suck, Squish, Bang, Blow
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    Did mine last year and tbh, most of them were pretty easy, I had a couple (Warwick and Loughborough) that pretty much just asked me why the subject, why I wanted to go and Lboro actually asked me what was the likelihood of me going there (hint: say 100% lol).
    My Imperial intereview was a lot tougher, acutlly asking me questions that were related to my subject and really stuff I wouldn't have learnt at school.
    But, most people say, and this is how I feel aswell, if you get an interview you're most likely going to get an offer, unless you really screw it up.
    Just try to stay calm while you're there.
    I wore a suit to mine, shirt and tie is good enough, although some people went in normal casual clothes, but I think its best to make the effort.
    I didn't have any oxbridge interviews so I don't know first hand what they're like, apparently really difficult.

    EDIT: Agree with TheAnimus, deffinatley have a couple of questions ready to ask, it shows your interest in the university and subject.
    Last edited by midzt; 11-01-2007 at 10:17 PM. Reason: added stuff
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    Formerly known as Andehh Andeh13's Avatar
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    dress smart, but i wouldnt bother with a suit - shirt and smart trousers & shoes. It depends if its formal or in-formal. Also, what university are you looking at?

    As for the subjects, as long as you are interested in the course & know what to expect you should be fine. Make sure you are enthusiastic about the course, and at least have some idea what what you will get out of it/what you want to use the degree for. Dont go in and look plank when they say what made you choose this course?

    Enter with a smile, shake their hand firmly and sit down confidently but not smugly, relax, be yourself and pretend that you actually look forward to joining the course. Asking them questions is always a good idea, but dont make it look like your clueless on the course.
    Last edited by Andeh13; 11-01-2007 at 10:23 PM.

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    Odc
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    Good tips so far thanks. I'm not really comfortable in wearing a tie etc, so I think a shirt with decent trousers and shoes is probably the best approach.
    As for asking questions your probably right about it showing enthusiasm so I'll get a few ready. (Durham and Bristol are the main ones Andehh).
    I hope your right about pretty much having a place midzt


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    Been a while sicne I did mine, but as long as you're clean and dressed reasonably smartly I don't think they'll care one way or the other about a tie. Knowing your stuff is much more important that whether you can tie a bit of cloth round your neck.
    BTW, durham is a nice place to live.

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    Pseudo-Mad Scientist Whiternoise's Avatar
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    Oxbridge is very variable from what i've heard from friends and read on blogs, etc.
    People who do medecine tend to have more than one interview and are scrutinised in almost every way, whereas physics undergrads have a 20 minute interview based almost entirely on mechanics style problems.

    Depending on what you are intending to take, make sure you know your statement back to front - you don't know whether you'll be quizzed on aspects of it (another physics example - many people apparently state an interest in quantum mechanics, but when asked about it in interview (their general knowledge, experience, etc.) most of them did not have very coherent answers).

    Asking questions about the uni should definitely help and i suppose the most important thing is to be yourself

    What are you planning on taking?

    EDIT: Ah and also make sure you have a decent number of reasons (maybe a short prelearned speech ) about why you want to do the course you want to do and why that uni.

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    Seething Cauldron of Hatred TheAnimus's Avatar
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    Good bristol or bad bristol?

    I did quite well with my interviews (ended up with 3 un-conditional offers, i guess thats because most have to show they take in n% of dislexic students!) but i did almost obsessivly stalk my interviewers. I rang up and asked the secretry a week before, just too "conferm the details" claiming i hadn't recived confermation letter (lie) and as part of the casual conversation asked who was going to be interviewing me. ie "is it going to be prof x, i've been really impressed by his work on y" do not arse kiss, if you've not really found his work intresting, your going to be seen a mile off, find someone in the department who's be doing intresting work! Odds are he will become your personal tutor, having a good repor is will get you a good experiance out of uni!

    I must of skimmed over about 40 papers before interviewing at good manchester!

    That tactic worked well for me
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    When I did mine, I basically went in knowing what I wanted from the course and what I wanted to achieve. I had also noted all the previous things Id done in the past to help me towards what I wanted.

    Dressing smart and clean is always a great idea, but never be false, always be yourself, that will stand well with a lecturer / interviewer.
    Tell the truth, ask questions with answers you really want to know and always keep eye contact.

    Good Luck with the interviews, get a good nights sleep before and enjoy the day, if your all bottled up it wont help you.

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    I never attended a university through interview, so i'm not sure I can comment, but I am fully aware that lecturers (and this goes for most interviews, lectures and presentations too) love it when you're excited and enthusiastic about the thing you're discussing. Mention things that fascinate you but steer clear of things that bore you, engage them in these matters and you'll find you're discussion will take an easy course of its own - I have to assume that you are at least mildly knowledgable and enthusiastic of your field of study, and that the interviewer is an academic in the same field.

    I think it goes without saying but ensure you dress professionally, and a clean shave dosn't go amiss.
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    hexus.monkey monkeyville's Avatar
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    Ask questions about the course and specifics about what makes their university different from the rest. I was never aware of who i was going to be interviewed by and therefore just turned up with non-specific questions about the course. Know your personal statement and if you've exaggerated things on it have a way of avoiding the situation and bringing something else up.

    Clothing was something that worried me the most. I did a few in suit and one completely informal in jeans and tee. Think the best bet is to get a nice pair of trousers with smart shoes and then get a shirt on (minus tie) with the added extra of a nice jumper if your interviewing up norf'.

    Don't be afraid to get a good pile of sandwiches from the free buffet! Full stomach is always a bonus. Then at least you get something from the experience.

    Mostly just enjoy the trips away to different city's.
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