Top 9 Tips For University Admission Interview Success

Feeling nervous about your upcoming university admission interview as an international student? Don’t worry—it’s completely normal! This interview is more than just a formality; it’s your golden ticket to your dream university and the perfect chance to shine. But here’s the thing: acing the interview isn’t just about knowing the right answers. It’s about showcasing your unique personality, and cultural background, and how you’ll contribute to the university’s diverse community. You need more than just good grades—you need confidence, preparation, and a solid game plan.

Now, imagine walking into the interview room, calm and collected, ready to make a lasting impression. With the right preparation, you’ll not only handle the questions effortlessly but also show the panel why you’re the perfect fit for their institution. From practical tips on how to wow the panel to sample interview questions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Read our top 9 tips for university interview success.

What Is A University Admission Interview?

A university admission interview is a formal or informal conversation between a prospective student and a university representative (such as an admissions officer or faculty member). It helps the university assess the student’s suitability for the program and allows the student to learn more about the institution.

University admissions interviews are generally either evaluative or informative. Evaluative interviews can be expected to gain admission to prestigious universities like Oxford. In this instance, your performance in the interview will be considered when the university admissions officers decide whether to offer you a place. In an informative interview, you can find out more about the university, while the university also finds out more about you.

University admissions interviewers are likely to meet many candidates, so you need to think about how you can stand out and leave a good impression. When interviewers ask you to tell them about yourself (a question that is likely to come up in some form), try to respond with something memorable. This is your chance to convey your passion for your chosen subject, your future ambitions, and the qualities you possess that will ensure your academic success.

Why Do Universities Conduct Admission Interviews?

Universities conduct admission interviews to gain a deeper knowledge of an applicant beyond their transcripts and test results. This process aids in their assessment of personality, communication skills, critical thinking ability, passion for the chosen field, and general fit within the university community—all of which cannot be fully known by written applications alone.

To give you a deeper understanding, let’s look at the three major reasons why universities conduct interviews before admitting a student:

1. To access the student’s readiness

University interviews assess whether you are qualified and ready to take the course. The university wants to see if you have the prerequisite skills needed for the course.

2. Universities want to select the best candidates

This is usually so when you are applying for graduate programs. By conducting interviews, the university filters the best candidates for the course. By asking questions about the applicant’s reasons for choosing the program and specific areas of study, interviewers can rate their genuine interest and commitment to the field.

3. Identify potential challenges

The admissions committee uses interviews to discover potential academic or personal challenges that might not be apparent from the application, helping them determine if the applicant can handle the workload.

How To Prepare For University Admission Interview | Step by Step

Here are tips on how to prepare for a university interview and come out successful:

1. Know the type of interview to expect

This is usually the first thing to do when you are scheduled for an interview.

University admissions interviews are generally either evaluative or informative. In evaluative interviews, university admissions officers factor in your interview performance to decide whether to offer you a place.

On the other hand, in an informative interview, you can find out more about the university, while the university also finds out more about you. In this case, the university admissions officers may be just as keen to impress you as you are to impress them because they want you to choose their institution. Of course, your university interview may include both evaluative and informative elements.

2. Think about how you can stand out

University admissions interviewers will likely meet with a large number of candidates, so consider how you might stand out and make a positive impression. When interviewers ask you to tell them about yourself (a question that is bound to come up at some point), attempt to react with something memorable. This is your chance to express your enthusiasm for your chosen subject, your future goals, and the characteristics that will assure your academic success.

3. Be familiar with your personal statement

The interview committee will most likely refer to things you’ve mentioned in your personal statement or application essay, whether it’s about a certain hobby or a claim about one of your achievements. (This is one reason why it’s very important, to be honest!) Go through what you wrote and consider any related questions that might come up in the interview, such as questions about particular books you’ve referred to or areas of academic interest.

4. Know the course requirements

It’s also a good idea to take a look at the university’s prospectus or official website for full information on how the course is structured, ranging from the admission requirements down to degree requirements. This will help you show that you’ve researched the course thoroughly and could also help you form some useful questions to ask the admissions officers—there is usually an opportunity to do this, even in a performative interview. Make sure the questions you ask haven’t already been covered in the published course information.

5. Plan some answers to common university interview questions

To stand a great chance at winning the hearts of members of the interview committee, you must practice common university interview questions like ‘Tell me about yourself’, what attracted you to studying abroad, and the like. When answering their questions, always show your interviewer that you’re enthusiastic about your subject and very keen on their university; be as specific as you can.

However, while some planning is recommended, try not to overdo it! Allow your answers to flow naturally, rather than sounding too rehearsed.

6. Know your subject

You should be prepared to explain to your interviewer why you are interested in your chosen subject and your reasons for enrolling in your selected course. Furthermore, you can demonstrate your interest by keeping up with the latest news, research, and advances in the field.

7. Practice with a friend

If this is your first proper interview or you’re simply very nervous, it might help to sit down with a friend or family member and do a practice run of the most common university interview questions. This should highlight any questions you need to go back to and think about again, or if you have a habit of saying ‘um’ too much!

8. Dress appropriately

Although university admission interviews are often fairly informal, it is much better to be dressed up than dressed down! Wear clothes you would wear for a formal job interview—something smart and comfortable—and you’ll make a good first impression.

9. Arrive early

If you’re attending an admissions interview in person (rather than via Skype, for example), make sure you know exactly where you’re going and how long it takes to get there and allow plenty of time. You should aim to arrive around 10-15 minutes early.

What To Expect From A University Admissions Interview

Admissions officials may conduct interviews and auditions at the end of the university application process to assess applicants who are likely to be accepted into their courses.

While the format and length of the interview will vary by university and department, the majority are based on a discussion with the course tutor.

Some courses may need you to bring a portfolio that includes examples of your greatest work. This normally only pertains to arts courses; however, English applicants are frequently requested to describe a poem or essay they’ve written, whereas math applicants may be required to solve an equation.

The interviewer will want to maintain an element of surprise with regard to the interview, but they should at least let you know in advance if you’ll be expected to complete a task.

What Happens After A University Admissions Interview?

Generally, you will receive an email from the admissions team telling you the outcome of your interview. The email will contain instructions on how to reply.

For those applying to study in the UK, after the university admission interview, the outcome will be recorded on your UCAS track. If you are successful, you will be given an offer. The conditions of offers vary, so check carefully. You will then be able to make your decision.

Sample University Admissions Interview Questions

Knowing what you could be asked and planning your answers can help to ease the stress of an interview. Here are some example questions:

Why do you want to study this subject?
Why did you choose this university?
What did you enjoy about your A-levels?
How would you describe yourself?
What are your main interests?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What achievement are you most proud of?
What are your career plans?
Why should we offer you a place?

You will also need to consider the types of questions that are relevant to your specific area and have some background knowledge of what the sector entails.

For example, a biochemistry student may need to solve a problem involving the differences between various recognizable compounds.

For English literature courses, the interviewer may ask you about a literary work mentioned in your personal statement or what you’re currently reading.

If you find that you don’t understand the question, it’s better to ask them to repeat or rephrase it than try to guess what was being asked.

FAQs On University Admission Interview

Are university interviews mandatory?

This depends on the institution and program. Some universities require interviews for all applicants, while others only interview shortlisted candidates or those applying for specific programs, such as medicine or law.

How long does a university admissions interview last?

Depending on the program and institution, interviews typically last between 20 and 45 minutes.

Will the interview determine my admission decision?

In most cases, the interview is one part of the admissions process. Factors like academic records, personal statements, and references also play a significant role.

Conclusion

Preparing for a university admission interview as an international student can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s an opportunity to shine. Remember, preparation is your superpower. From researching the university to practicing common questions, every step you take builds your confidence and readiness.

References

futurelearn.com – Why do universities interview?
ucas.com – How to prepare for a uni interview
prospects.ac.uk – Preparing for a university interview

Top 9 Tips For University Admission Interview Success | International Students

What Is A University Admission Interview?