How to Prepare for a University Interview

A university interview can feel intimidating, especially when it is your first formal interview.

You may worry about:

• Being asked something unexpected

• Forgetting what you wrote in your application

• Not knowing an academic answer

• Sounding nervous

• Experiencing a difficult online interview

• Giving shorter answers than other applicants

• Saying the “wrong” thing

The purpose of preparation is not to remove every surprise.

It is to help you enter the interview knowing:

• What the university is assessing

• What evidence you want to discuss

• How to explain your thinking

• How to respond when you are unsure

• What practical arrangements you need

• How to remain calm after a difficult question

The strongest applicants do not usually memorise dozens of perfect answers.

They prepare their ideas, practise communicating them and learn how to adapt.

This guide gives you a practical preparation process for:

• Academic interviews

• Oxford and Cambridge interviews

• Medicine and Dentistry interviews

• Nursing and allied health interviews

• Teaching interviews

• Portfolio discussions

• Creative auditions

• Group interviews

• Online interviews

• In-person interviews

For a full explanation of interview formats, read University Interviews Explained.

Start by Understanding Your Interview

Do not begin by searching for hundreds of sample questions.

First, work out what kind of interview you have been invited to.

Read the invitation carefully and record:

Detail	Your interview
University
Course
Date
Time
Time zone
Online or in person
Platform or location
Expected length
Number of interviews
Interview format
Pre-reading or task
Portfolio required
Identification required
Technology required
Adjustment contact
Admissions contact

UCAS advises applicants to check how their university communicates interview invitations, as these may arrive through UCAS, by email or through a university portal. Applicants who cannot attend should contact the university as soon as possible rather than simply missing the appointment.

Questions to Answer Before Preparing

Find out:

• Is it an academic conversation?

• Is it a panel interview?

• Will there be MMI stations?

• Will you complete a group task?

• Will you discuss a portfolio?

• Will you be given material in advance?

• Will you complete a written or practical assessment?

• Will the interviewer ask about work experience?

• Is there more than one interview?

• Are any parts assessed separately?

The university’s official guidance should be your starting point.

Advice from previous applicants can be helpful, but it may describe:

• A different course

• A previous admissions cycle

• Another interviewer

• An outdated interview format

• Questions that will not be repeated

What Are University Interviewers Looking For?

The qualities being assessed depend on the course.

Most universities are not looking for someone who already appears to be a finished professional or expert.

They are looking for evidence of potential.

This could include:

• Genuine subject interest

• Academic curiosity

• Clear communication

• Independent thinking

• Ability to use evidence

• Willingness to learn

• Reflection

• Motivation

• Professional awareness

• Teamwork

• Integrity

• Resilience

• Creativity

• Response to feedback

Academic Interviews

An academic interview may assess how you:

• Analyse a text or problem

• Apply familiar knowledge

• Respond to unfamiliar information

• Explain your reasoning

• Recognise weaknesses in an argument

• Change your approach after receiving a hint

Oxford describes its interviews as academic conversations similar to short tutorials. The purpose is to explore how shortlisted applicants think and engage with new ideas, rather than simply testing how much they have memorised.

Cambridge similarly advises applicants to prepare by reviewing their subject, practising academic discussion and becoming comfortable explaining their thoughts aloud.

Professional Interviews

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Teaching and allied health courses may assess:

• Communication

• Empathy

• Honesty

• Safety

• Professional boundaries

• Teamwork

• Respect

• Ethical reasoning

• Understanding of the role

• Reflection on experience

The Medical Schools Council identifies values and attributes including communication, teamwork, honesty, integrity, respect and empathy as important for prospective medical students.

For Nursing and Midwifery, the NMC Code is structured around four themes:

• Prioritise people

• Practise effectively

• Preserve safety

• Promote professionalism and trust

These principles can provide a useful foundation for reflecting on professional scenarios.

Creative Interviews

Art, Design, Architecture, Music and Performing Arts interviews may assess:

• Your creative process

• Experimentation

• Technical choices

• Response to feedback

• Artistic influences

• Ability to discuss your own work

• Potential to develop

Do not prepare only to describe the finished product.

Be ready to explain:

• Where the idea began

• Which decisions you made

• What failed

• What changed

• What you learned

• What you would develop next

Review Your Entire Application

The most important preparation task is surprisingly simple:

Read everything you submitted.

This includes:

• Your three UCAS personal statement responses

• Your qualification information

• Employment history

• Additional circumstances

• Submitted written work

• Portfolio

• Supplementary forms

• Admissions-test information

• Any separate university questionnaire

An interviewer may ask about any claim, experience, book, project or activity you included.

Read Understanding the New UCAS Personal Statement Format if you need to revisit how your three responses fit together.

Create an Application Evidence Table

For every important item in your application, complete the following:

Item mentioned	What did I do?	What did I learn?	Why is it relevant?	What might they ask?
Book or article
Course or lecture
Work experience
Project or EPQ
Volunteering
Competition
Employment

Revisit Every Book and Article

You do not need to reread every page.

You should remember:

• The central idea

• What interested you

• What you agreed or disagreed with

• What questions it raised

• How it influenced your thinking

• What you explored afterwards

Weak preparation:

I mentioned the book because it was relevant to Economics.

Stronger preparation:

The book challenged the idea that individuals consistently make rational financial decisions. I was particularly interested in how framing influenced choices, although I thought some examples were difficult to generalise beyond controlled settings.

Revisit Your Work Experience

Do not prepare a chronological description of everything you observed.

Focus on:

• What you noticed

• What surprised you

• How professionals communicated

• What responsibilities were involved

• Which assumptions changed

• What you learned about the profession

• What you would do differently

The Medical Schools Council recommends keeping reflective notes on relevant experience because these reflections can support both applications and interview preparation.

Research the Course Properly

You should know what you have applied for.

Review the official course page and note:

• First-year modules

• Optional modules

• Teaching methods

• Assessment methods

• Placements

• Laboratory or studio work

• Professional accreditation

• Year abroad opportunities

• Placement-year options

• Course length

• Particular specialisms

Prepare Course-Specific Reasons

Avoid generic statements such as:

It is a highly respected university.

or:

I liked the campus.

These may be true, but they do not explain why the course is right for you.

A stronger answer connects a course feature to an academic interest:

I was particularly interested in the first-year research methods module because I want to understand how psychological conclusions are constructed, rather than learning findings without evaluating the methods behind them.

Do Not Memorise the Website

Interviewers do not need you to repeat their course description.

Explain:

• Which feature interests you

• Why it matters

• How it connects to your preparation

• What you hope to develop

Refresh Your Subject Knowledge

The amount of subject revision needed depends on the interview.

For Academic Interviews

Review:

• Relevant school topics

• Subject terminology

• Submitted work

• Admissions-test material

• Books and articles mentioned

• Your EPQ or major project

• Current questions within the subject

Do not try to revise the entire degree.

Focus on:

• Secure foundations

• Connections between topics

• Explaining concepts clearly

• Applying knowledge to unfamiliar examples

Practise Application Rather Than Recitation

A weak revision question asks:

Can I define natural selection?

A stronger interview-preparation question asks:

How might natural selection operate differently when an environment changes rapidly?

A weak revision question asks:

Can I state the formula?

A stronger question asks:

How could I use this relationship to predict what happens when one variable doubles?

Academic interviews often explore what you do with knowledge rather than whether you can repeat it.

Prepare a Bank of Evidence

Many university interview questions require an example.

Prepare six to eight experiences that could demonstrate qualities such as:

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Leadership

• Organisation

• Problem-solving

• Resilience

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Response to feedback

• Managing disagreement

One experience can support several questions.

For example, a group project could demonstrate:

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Conflict resolution

• Time management

• Communication

• Adaptability

Use the STARR Structure

A useful framework is:

Situation

Briefly explain the context.

Task

What needed to happen?

Action

What did you personally do?

Result

What happened?

Reflection

What did you learn, and what would you do differently?

The final step is particularly valuable in university interviews.

Universities want students who can learn from experience, not applicants whose every story ends with effortless success.

Example STARR Answer

Question:

Tell us about a time you worked in a team.

Answer:

During a group research project, we needed to produce a presentation within two weeks, but the work was being divided unevenly. I suggested that we list the remaining tasks and agree responsibilities based on each person’s strengths and availability. I also created two short progress checks so that problems could be identified early. We completed the presentation on time and received strong feedback for its structure. The experience taught me that teamwork is not simply dividing work at the beginning. It requires regular communication and a willingness to adjust responsibilities when circumstances change.

Prepare Your Core Interview Answers

You should not memorise complete scripts.

You should prepare the ideas and evidence needed for common questions.

Why Do You Want to Study This Subject?

A strong answer normally includes:

1. The part of the subject that interests you

2. How that interest developed

3. Evidence that you explored it

4. What you now want to study more deeply

Weak Answer

I have always loved History and find it fascinating.

Stronger Answer

My interest became more focused when I studied how historians use the same evidence to reach different interpretations. While researching my coursework, I found that disagreements were often caused not by missing facts but by different assumptions about which evidence mattered most. I want to study History at degree level because I am interested in how those interpretations are constructed and challenged.

Why This Course?

Prepare to discuss:

• Specific modules

• Teaching methods

• Placement opportunities

• Professional accreditation

• Research areas

• Practical work

• Course flexibility

Connect each point to your goals.

Why This University?

You could discuss:

• Departmental strengths

• Teaching approach

• Facilities

• Course structure

• Student support

• Placement partners

• Study-abroad options

• Location, where academically or personally relevant

Avoid making league-table position your entire answer.

Tell Us About Yourself

Do not give your life history.

A useful structure is:

1. Your current academic focus

2. Your main subject interest

3. One or two relevant experiences

4. Why you are now applying

What Is Your Greatest Strength?

Select a quality relevant to university study.

Provide evidence.

For example:

One of my strengths is responding constructively to feedback. During my EPQ, my first draft contained too much description and not enough evaluation. I used my supervisor’s comments to reorganise the argument around competing interpretations. The final project was much clearer, but more importantly, I learned to seek feedback earlier rather than seeing it as something that happens only at the end.

What Is a Weakness You Are Developing?

Choose something genuine.

Explain:

• How you recognised it

• What action you took

• What progress you made

• What remains to improve

Avoid:

I am a perfectionist.

or:

I work too hard.

unless you can discuss a genuine effect and meaningful response.

Tell Us About a Challenge

Do not choose a story only because it sounds dramatic.

A smaller experience with strong reflection can be more effective.

Explain:

• What made it challenging

• How you responded

• What you learned

• How your later behaviour changed

Where Do You See Yourself in the Future?

You do not need a complete career plan.

You can discuss:

• Broad interests

• Skills you hope to develop

• Areas you want to explore

• A profession you are considering

• Why the course provides a suitable foundation

It is acceptable to remain open-minded.

Practise Thinking Aloud

Thinking aloud is especially important in academic and problem-solving interviews.

The interviewer cannot assess reasoning that remains entirely inside your head.

When given a problem, explain:

• What you notice

• Which information appears important

• What assumptions you are making

• Which method you might try

• Why an approach might fail

• How new information changes your answer

Useful Thinking-Aloud Phrases

My first thought is…

The information that seems most important is…

I would begin by considering…

That approach may not work because…

The new information suggests that I should revise…

I am not certain, but one possible explanation is…

Could I clarify whether we are assuming…?

Do Not Narrate Every Tiny Thought

Thinking aloud does not mean speaking continuously.

Explain the important reasoning.

You can pause to calculate, read or organise your thoughts.

Practise Responding to Hints

Academic interviewers may give you:

• A clue

• A correction

• A simpler example

• A new piece of evidence

• A challenge to your assumption

This is not necessarily evidence that you are performing badly.

It may be part of the assessment.

Oxford’s official guidance emphasises that tutors want to see how applicants respond to new ideas and may guide candidates through unfamiliar material.

When given a hint:

1. Listen fully.

2. Identify what it changes.

3. Apply it to the problem.

4. Explain your revised thinking.

Do not stubbornly defend your first answer because changing your mind feels embarrassing.

What to Do When You Do Not Know

You are unlikely to know every answer.

A useful response is:

I have not studied this directly, but I would begin by applying…

or:

I am unsure of the final answer, but the evidence suggests…

or:

My initial interpretation is…, although I would want to check…

This shows:

• Honesty

• Reasoning

• Willingness to attempt

• Awareness of uncertainty

Avoid:

I have no idea.

followed by silence.

Also avoid inventing facts to sound confident.

Prepare for Follow-Up Questions

Interviewers often use follow-ups to explore your answer.

They may ask:

• Why?

• What evidence supports that?

• Is there another interpretation?

• What would someone who disagrees say?

• Does your answer apply in every case?

• What happens if one condition changes?

• What did you learn?

• What would you do differently?

During practice, ask a teacher or friend not to move immediately to the next prepared question.

Ask them to challenge your answer.

That is much closer to a real interview.

How to Prepare for an Oxford Interview

For 2027 entry, Oxford interviews will be online in December 2026. Candidates may have several interviews and should check the subject timetable and technology requirements carefully.

Oxford Preparation Priorities

• Reread your application.

• Review submitted written work.

• Revisit books and activities mentioned.

• Practise analysing unfamiliar material.

• Practise academic discussion.

• Watch official subject examples.

• Test Microsoft Teams.

• Check your subject’s technology tier.

• Practise using an online whiteboard where required.

Oxford provides official sample questions from tutors to demonstrate the style and purpose of interview discussion. These should be used to practise reasoning, not to memorise model answers.

Do Not Attempt to Predict the Exact Questions

Oxford interviews can begin with your application but often move into unfamiliar material.

Preparation should develop:

• Flexible thinking

• Subject foundations

• Explanation

• Response to hints

• Comfort with uncertainty

Oxford Technology

Oxford uses Microsoft Teams for online interviews. Depending on the subject, applicants may also need to interact with documents or an online whiteboard. Oxford states that candidates and schools will not be expected to purchase touchscreen equipment solely for the interview and should contact the College if access is a problem.

How to Prepare for a Cambridge Interview

For 2027 entry, Cambridge’s main interview period runs from 7 to 18 December 2026. Most invitations are sent in November, although some arrive in early December.

Cambridge Preparation Priorities

• Review your application.

• Revisit subject material.

• Practise discussing academic ideas.

• Review any submitted written work.

• Check whether your College requires an additional assessment.

• Test the required technology.

• Practise responding to unfamiliar questions.

• Explain your reasoning aloud.

Cambridge advises applicants to read around their subject, review their personal statement and practise answering questions with a teacher or another suitable person. It also cautions against rehearsing fixed answers so extensively that responses become unnatural.

Some Cambridge courses include a College assessment arranged after shortlisting. The interviewing College provides the relevant details, so applicants should not assume that interview preparation is the only remaining selection task.

How to Prepare for a Medicine Interview

Medicine interviews may use:

• MMIs

• Panel interviews

• Online stations

• Role-play

• Ethical scenarios

• Data interpretation

• Motivation questions

Read Medicine Interview Guide and MMI Interviews Explained.

Review Your Motivation

Be prepared to explain:

• Why Medicine rather than another healthcare role

• What you understand about being a doctor

• What you learned from experience

• Why the demands of the profession suit you

• What challenges you recognise

Avoid presenting Medicine as:

• A guaranteed prestigious career

• A route chosen only because you enjoy Science

• A profession in which doctors work independently

• A career based entirely on dramatic emergencies

Reflect on Experience

The amount or prestige of your experience matters less than how thoughtfully you reflect on it.

Consider:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Patient dignity

• Confidentiality

• Emotional demands

• Responsibility

• Uncertainty

• Professional boundaries

• Health inequalities

Review Ethical Principles

You do not need to memorise a law textbook.

You should be able to reason about:

• Autonomy

• Beneficence

• Non-maleficence

• Justice

• Confidentiality

• Consent

• Capacity

• Patient safety

• Duty of candour

Use these as thinking tools rather than reciting them mechanically.

Practise MMI Timing

A station may require you to:

• Read a prompt quickly

• Identify the central issue

• Organise an answer

• Respond to follow-ups

• Move to a new task without carrying over frustration

The Medical Schools Council provides free interview guidance and mock-MMI resources.

How to Prepare for Nursing and Allied Health Interviews

Review:

• Why you want the profession

• The realities of the role

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Patient-centred care

• Confidentiality

• Safeguarding

• Equality

• Safety

• Resilience

• Professional boundaries

Use the relevant professional code or standards as a guide.

For Nursing and Midwifery, the four themes of the NMC Code offer a strong framework for scenario answers:

1. Prioritise people

2. Practise effectively

3. Preserve safety

4. Promote professionalism and trust

Scenario Answer Structure

When given a professional scenario, consider:

1. What is the immediate concern?

2. Who could be harmed?

3. What is within my responsibility?

4. What information do I need?

5. Should I seek help or escalate?

6. How can I protect dignity and confidentiality?

7. What follow-up action is needed?

How to Prepare for a Teaching Interview

You may be assessed through:

• Interview questions

• A short presentation

• A group task

• A written exercise

• A teaching activity

• Subject-knowledge questions

• Safeguarding scenarios

Prepare to discuss:

• Why you want to teach

• Why the age group or subject interests you

• What effective teaching involves

• Inclusion

• Communication

• Behaviour

• Safeguarding

• Resilience

• Feedback

• Professional responsibility

A safeguarding answer should prioritise:

• Listening

• Not promising secrecy

• Recording accurately

• Reporting through the correct process

• Avoiding your own investigation

How to Prepare for a Portfolio Interview

Review your portfolio from beginning to end.

For each major piece, prepare to explain:

• Starting point

• Research

• Influences

• Materials

• Techniques

• Experimentation

• Decisions

• Difficulties

• Feedback

• Changes

• Final outcome

• Next development

Include Process, Not Just Perfection

Interviewers may value:

• Sketches

• Drafts

• Testing

• Rejected ideas

• Technical failures

• Development

Prepare to discuss one piece that did not work as planned.

Explain what it taught you.

Practise Handling Criticism

You may be challenged:

Why did you make that choice?

What would happen if you changed the material?

Is this idea fully resolved?

Do not treat every question as an attack.

Respond thoughtfully and consider alternatives.

How to Prepare for a Group Interview

The aim is not to dominate.

Assessors may be looking for:

• Contribution

• Listening

• Cooperation

• Respect

• Leadership

• Inclusion

• Decision-making

• Time management

Helpful Behaviours

• Contribute early.

• Refer to another person’s idea.

• Invite quieter participants.

• Summarise progress.

• Keep the group focused.

• Disagree politely.

• Watch the time.

• Help move towards a conclusion.

Useful phrases include:

I agree with that point, and I think we could develop it by…

We have discussed two options. Should we compare them against the criteria?

We have not heard from everyone yet. Does anyone want to add another perspective?

We have five minutes remaining. Shall we agree our final priorities?

Arrange a Mock Interview

A mock interview is one of the most useful preparation activities when it is used properly.

Ask:

• A teacher

• Careers adviser

• Tutor

• Mentor

• Trusted adult

• Subject specialist

Give the Interviewer Information

Share:

• The course

• Interview format

• Your application

• Likely assessment areas

• Any official guidance

Ask them to include:

• Common questions

• Follow-ups

• One unfamiliar question

• One challenge to your answer

• A chance to ask questions

Do Not Practise Only With Someone Who Knows You Well

A familiar person may:

• Fill in gaps for you

• Understand vague answers

• Avoid challenging you

• Know the stories already

Where possible, practise once with someone less familiar.

Review the Mock Properly

Ask for feedback on:

• Relevance

• Structure

• Detail

• Evidence

• Reflection

• Clarity

• Length

• Eye contact

• Listening

• Response to challenge

• Filler words

• Pace

Choose two or three priorities to improve.

Do not attempt to change everything at once.

Record Yourself

Recording practice answers can reveal:

• Answers that are too long

• Repeated phrases

• Weak examples

• Lack of structure

• Speaking too quickly

• Limited explanation

• Excessive filler words

Do not analyse every facial movement.

The aim is to improve communication, not to become self-conscious about normal behaviour.

A Two-Week University Interview Preparation Plan

Day 14: Understand the Format

• Read the invitation.

• Research the interview type.

• Record the date, time and requirements.

• Request any adjustments.

• Confirm attendance.

Day 13: Review Your Application

• Read all UCAS responses.

• Highlight experiences, books and claims.

• Make a list of likely follow-up questions.

Day 12: Research the Course

• Review modules.

• Note teaching methods.

• Identify three course-specific reasons for applying.

• Prepare two thoughtful questions.

Day 11: Refresh Subject Knowledge

• Review relevant topics.

• Revisit submitted work.

• Review admissions-test concepts where relevant.

• Practise explaining one idea simply.

Day 10: Prepare Motivation Answers

Practise:

• Why this subject?

• Why this course?

• Why this university?

• What do you hope to develop?

Day 9: Prepare Experience Examples

Create STARR notes for:

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Challenge

• Feedback

• Responsibility

• Problem-solving

Day 8: Practise Academic or Scenario Questions

Depending on the course:

• Analyse a text

• Solve a problem aloud

• Answer an ethical scenario

• Discuss a portfolio piece

• Practise a role-play

Day 7: Complete a First Mock Interview

Use realistic timing.

Ask for specific feedback.

Day 6: Review the Mock

Identify:

• Strongest answer

• Weakest answer

• Answers that were too long

• Missing evidence

• Areas of uncertainty

Day 5: Practise Follow-Up Questions

Ask someone to challenge your initial answers.

Focus on:

• Why?

• What evidence?

• What would the alternative be?

• What did you learn?

• Does that always apply?

Day 4: Test Practical Arrangements

For online interviews:

• Test camera

• Test microphone

• Open the platform

• Check lighting

• Test whiteboard tools

For in-person interviews:

• Check route

• Check tickets

• Check building

• Prepare documents

Day 3: Complete a Second Mock

Focus on your improvement priorities rather than repeating identical answers.

Day 2: Light Review

• Review key evidence.

• Revisit course details.

• Prepare clothing and documents.

• Check technology or travel.

• Avoid learning scripts.

Day 1: Prepare Calmly

• Complete only light practice.

• Eat normally.

• Charge devices.

• Set alarms.

• Prepare water and documents.

• Sleep.

Interview Day

• Join or arrive early.

• Listen carefully.

• Pause when needed.

• Answer directly.

• Explain your thinking.

• Respond to hints.

• Move on after a difficult answer.

Preparing for an Online University Interview

Online interviews require technical preparation as well as academic preparation.

Test the Platform

Check:

• Login

• Camera

• Microphone

• Speakers

• Internet

• Screen sharing

• Whiteboard tools

• Updates

• Permissions

Oxford interviews for 2027 entry will take place online through Microsoft Teams, with technology requirements varying by subject.

Prepare the Room

Choose a space that is:

• Quiet

• Private

• Well lit

• Free from interruptions

• Suitable for the full interview

Place the camera approximately at eye level.

Avoid bright windows behind you.

Prevent Interruptions

• Tell other people when the interview is taking place.

• Silence your phone.

• Turn off notifications.

• Close unnecessary browser tabs.

• Disable virtual assistants.

• Keep pets out where possible.

• Avoid downloads or streaming on the same connection.

Have a Backup Plan

Keep:

• University telephone number

• Admissions email

• Interview link

• Charger

• Backup internet option where available

If the connection fails, contact the university immediately.

Oxford states that interviews disrupted by serious technical problems can be rearranged.

Do Not Use Unauthorised Help

Do not use:

• AI-generated live answers

• Internet searches

• Prepared scripts off camera

• Automatic transcription

• Another person in the room

• Unauthorised notes

Use only materials explicitly permitted by the university.

Preparing for an In-Person Interview

Plan the Journey

Check:

• Train or bus timetable

• Parking

• Walking time

• Campus map

• Registration location

• Building access

Aim to arrive with enough time to recover from a minor delay.

Prepare a Folder

Take:

• Invitation

• Identification

• Portfolio

• Requested documents

• Travel details

• Contact information

• Pen

• Notebook

• Water

Choose Clothing

Wear something:

• Clean

• Comfortable

• Presentable

• Suitable for the activity

A suit is rarely compulsory.

Avoid wearing something so unfamiliar or uncomfortable that it becomes a distraction.

Reasonable Adjustments

Tell the university if a disability, health condition, mental health condition or learning difference affects the interview.

Possible adjustments include:

• Additional processing time

• Rest breaks

• Accessible documents

• Enlarged materials

• Captioning

• Communication support

• Alternative technology

• Adjusted room

• Permission to use approved assistive tools

Contact the university early and follow its process.

Requesting adjustments is not a weakness. It enables the university to assess you fairly.

Managing Interview Nerves

Feeling nervous is normal.

The goal is not to eliminate nerves completely.

It is to prevent them from controlling your preparation or communication.

Before the Interview

Try:

• Slow breathing

• A short walk

• A familiar routine

• Light review

• Avoiding online comparison

• Preparing practical details in advance

During the Interview

When you feel anxious:

1. Place both feet on the floor.

2. Breathe out slowly.

3. Listen to the complete question.

4. Pause.

5. Begin with one clear point.

You do not need to fill every silence.

After a Difficult Answer

Do not spend the next question analysing the previous one.

Tell yourself:

That question is finished. I am answering this one now.

One weak answer rarely determines an entire interview.

Questions to Ask the University

Prepare two or three questions.

Good questions could include:

• How is feedback provided during the first year?

• How are placements allocated?

• When do students begin practical work?

• How much flexibility is there when selecting optional modules?

• How are students supported when moving into independent study?

• What opportunities exist to contribute to departmental research?

Avoid asking something easily answered on the course homepage.

You do not have to ask a question solely to appear interested.

What Not to Do

Do Not Memorise Complete Answers

You may sound rehearsed and struggle with follow-ups.

Do Not Search for Leaked Questions

Universities may regard sharing confidential interview material as misconduct.

Do Not Invent Experiences

Interviewers can ask detailed follow-up questions.

Do Not Use Overly Complicated Language

Clear communication matters more than impressive vocabulary.

Do Not Speak for Several Minutes Without Pausing

Give a developed answer, then allow the conversation to continue.

Do Not Pretend to Understand

Ask for clarification.

Do Not Argue With Every Challenge

An interviewer may be testing your flexibility.

Do Not Compare Yourself With Other Candidates

Different applicants may receive different questions and interview formats.

Do Not Neglect Practical Preparation

A strong academic applicant can still create unnecessary stress by failing to test technology or plan travel.

University Interview Preparation Checklist

Understanding the Interview

•  I have read the invitation carefully.

•  I know the format.

•  I know the date, time and time zone.

•  I know whether it is online or in person.

•  I know how long it will last.

•  I know whether there are several interviews.

•  I know whether there is a task, portfolio or assessment.

•  I have requested adjustments where needed.

Reviewing the Application

•  I have read all three UCAS responses.

•  I can discuss every activity I mentioned.

•  I remember the main ideas from books and articles.

•  I have reviewed submitted written work.

•  I have reviewed my portfolio.

•  I have reflected on relevant experience.

Course Research

•  I understand the course structure.

•  I know the first-year modules.

•  I understand the teaching methods.

•  I have course-specific reasons for applying.

•  I have prepared thoughtful questions.

Answer Preparation

•  I can explain why I chose the subject.

•  I can explain why I chose the course.

•  I have examples of teamwork.

•  I have examples of communication.

•  I can discuss a challenge.

•  I can discuss feedback.

•  I can explain what I learned.

•  I can answer follow-up questions.

Practice

•  I have practised aloud.

•  I have completed a mock interview.

•  I have received feedback.

•  I have practised thinking aloud.

•  I have practised unfamiliar questions.

•  I have practised asking for clarification.

•  I have practised recovering after a difficult question.

Practical Preparation

•  My technology has been tested.

•  My journey has been planned.

•  I have prepared identification.

•  I have prepared required documents.

•  I have suitable clothing.

•  I have the admissions contact details.

•  I have a backup plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Interview Preparation

How Early Should You Start Preparing?

Begin as soon as you receive the invitation.

Two weeks is enough for focused preparation in many cases, although subject reading and reflection should begin much earlier.

How Many Hours Should You Prepare?

There is no fixed requirement.

Several focused sessions are more useful than repeatedly rehearsing for hours.

Prepare enough to understand:

• Your application

• Your course

• Your evidence

• Your interview format

How Many Mock Interviews Should You Do?

One or two well-reviewed mocks are usually more useful than many repetitive sessions.

Should You Memorise Interview Answers?

No.

Prepare key points, evidence and reflection.

Should You Read Your Personal Statement Before the Interview?

Yes.

You should be able to discuss everything you submitted.

Will Interviewers Ask About Books?

They may ask about books, articles, lectures, projects or other supercurricular activities mentioned in your application.

What Happens If You Forget Something From Your Application?

Be honest.

Explain what you do remember and avoid inventing details.

What Happens If You Do Not Know an Answer?

Explain how you would approach the question.

Ask for clarification or a moment to think where necessary.

Is It Acceptable to Pause?

Yes.

A short thoughtful pause is better than beginning an unfocused answer immediately.

Should You Think Aloud?

Yes, particularly for academic, numerical and problem-solving questions.

Can You Change Your Answer?

Yes.

Changing your position after receiving new evidence can demonstrate intellectual flexibility.

Should You Give Long Answers?

Your answer should be long enough to include explanation and evidence, but not so long that it becomes a speech.

What Should You Wear?

Choose clean, comfortable and presentable clothing.

A formal suit is not normally required unless the university gives specific instructions.

Can You Have Notes?

Only use notes or documents the university permits.

Do not read from prepared scripts.

Can Someone Help During an Online Interview?

No, unless the university has approved a particular support arrangement.

Can You Use AI?

Not to generate or suggest answers during the interview.

AI may be useful before the interview for generating practice questions, but your preparation should remain based on accurate official guidance and your own experiences.

How Do You Prepare for an Oxford Interview?

Focus on:

• Academic discussion

• Unfamiliar problems

• Thinking aloud

• Responding to hints

• Reviewing your application

• Testing the required technology

How Do You Prepare for a Cambridge Interview?

Review your subject, application and submitted work, then practise explaining ideas and responding to follow-up questions.

How Do You Prepare for an MMI?

Practise short stations covering:

• Communication

• Ethical reasoning

• Reflection

• Teamwork

• Professional judgement

• Role-play

How Do You Prepare for a Group Interview?

Practise contributing without dominating.

Listen, build on other people’s ideas and help the group reach an outcome.

What Should You Do the Night Before?

Complete only light review.

Prepare your documents, technology, clothing and travel, then get enough sleep.

What Should You Do Immediately Before the Interview?

Check the practical details, breathe slowly and avoid trying to memorise new answers.

What If Your Interview Goes Badly?

Your perception may not match the interviewers’ assessment.

Continue with the remaining questions and wait for the official decision.

Should You Send a Thank-You Email?

Usually not.

Contact the university when you need to send requested information or report a problem.

Final Thoughts on Preparing for a University Interview

Good university interview preparation does not mean predicting every question.

It means being ready to:

1. Explain why the subject interests you.

2. Discuss your application honestly.

3. Use evidence from your experiences.

4. Reflect on what you learned.

5. Apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

6. Communicate your reasoning.

7. Respond to hints and challenges.

8. Admit uncertainty without giving up.

9. Manage the practical interview arrangements.

10. Recover after a difficult moment.

Prepare your ideas, not a performance.

Interviewers do not need a flawless speech.

They want to understand how you think, what motivates you and whether you are ready to develop through the course.

Listen carefully, pause when necessary and treat the interview as a conversation.

You have already done enough to make the university interested in learning more about you. Your task now is to help them see the person, thinking and potential behind the application.