In the following video and blog, Richard McMunn provides you with his top 8 University Interview Questions and Answers. The questions and answers that follow in this post are suitable for all UK university admissions.
Why do you want to study your chosen subject?
What not to say:
Do not say someone else thought it would be a good idea for you to study this subject or that it was chosen for you – it has to be your choice.
What to say:
Mention the fact that your chosen subject will have a longer-lasting impact, because it aligns to your future career plans.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – Why do you want to study your chosen subject?
“I want to study this subject because I have a genuine belief I can succeed but, more importantly, I have a genuine passion for the subject that means I actually enjoy learning and immersing myself in my studies. I guess for some students, they simply want to obtain the qualification, but I actually feel the benefit to me will be long-lasting, as my eventual career goals very much align with the subject matter.”
Why have you chosen this university? How did you prepare for these university interview questions?
What not to say:
Do not mention anything related to night life, or the fact it is located in a nice/scenic area.
What to say:
Make reference to the university’s strengths in respect to learning facilities, teaching and support.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – Why have you chosen this university?
“During my studies and research, I found out as much as possible about the university’s approach to learning. From that research, and also from speaking to other students, the department’s approach to learning makes me feel confident that I will be given the best support whilst I am here. I also understand you have great learning facilities here at the university that will mean I have every chance of succeeding.”
Which part of your A Level studies did you find the toughest?
What not to say:
Do not mention finding the time to study or the workload was the toughest. Instead, state that you enjoyed studying and learning more about the subjects.
What to say:
A strong response is one that is relevant to the initial planning stage of your studies, but points out that this eased once you got into a routine.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – Which part of your A Level studies did you find the toughest?
“I did find the initial planning stage of the studying quite difficult at first. It was difficult simply because I had never had to create a plan before that ensured all of my study work was thorough, on point and complete. However, after a few weeks of utilizing my study plan, it became much easier and I actually enjoyed following a study structure – it gave me a feeling that I was continually moving forward towards my study goals.”
What’s your biggest achievement and why?
What to say:
Choose an achievement that is quite recent and also one that demonstrates you are a ‘completer finisher’. It is OK to state that your A Level grades are your greatest achievement, but if you do use these as an example, explain how the achievement has impacted you on a positive level. It is also good to use charity events or sporting achievements for your answer to the university interview questions.
What not to say:
Don’t say anything related to social activities or drinking!
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – What’s your biggest achievement and why?
“It would have to be my A Level results and how I improved throughout the two year study period. To be honest with you, some people didn’t expect me to do particularly well in a couple of the subjects, but I knew that if I worked hard, dedicated quality time to study, and also immersed myself in the subject, I could do well. My results have had such a positive impact on my attitude to work and study in general, and I now have the self-belief that I can go a long way in both my education and also my long-term career plans.”
Explain how you intend to study during your time at university?
What to say:
Make sure you have a plan in place of how you intend to study during your time at university. Explain to the interview panel that ‘quality’ study is far more effective than simply hours and hours of time with your head in the books. More importantly, tell the panel what works for you in terms of study, as this shows you have already considered your study plans for university.
What not to say:
Don’t say you have no plan, but you’ll find the time to study between socialising. Study should be the priority whilst at university.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – Explain how you intend to study during your time at university?
“I believe I know myself pretty well now in terms of what works for me whilst studying. I am a firm believer that quality study is far more effective than simply sitting there reading for hours upon end. For me, quality study involves creating mind maps and also writing down the key learning points from each lesson. I also find that I am more effective at studying during the evening. This is the time of day where my concentration levels are at their greatest, as I found out during revision for my A Levels. I already have a plan in place for making sure my studies are effective and that I make the most of my time at university.”
What are your main interests outside of education?
What to say:
This question is designed to assess what you do outside of education. What you do outside of education can have an impact on your study time, so answer the question carefully. Pick out the positive aspects of your external hobbies, interests and activities and then say why you think they are of benefit to your time at university.
What not to say:
Don’t say your main interests are playing computer games or spending time down the pub with your friends.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – What are your main interests outside of education?
“I like to keep myself physically fit and spend time running a few times a week. Whilst I am not a fitness fanatic, I do feel that by keeping physically fit, my mental attitude and mindset are also in a good place too, which I feel helps my studies. I also enjoy reading non-fiction and I have actually just finished reading James O’Brien’s book entitled ‘How To Be Right In A World Gone Wrong’, which I found insightful, funny and educational. I like to read self-development books simply because they give me a wider insight into what’s possible in the world and how I can develop my mind to achieve my future goals.”
How do you feel about your A Level results?
What to say:
University interview questions are designed to assess your level of honesty, whether you are aware of your weaknesses, and also whether or not you are a person who takes responsibility for their own learning. If you feel you could have done better, say so. Don’t blame anyone else or any external factors for not doing as good as you thought you could. The best answer to this question is to be reflective of your own performance, and then move forward.
What not to say:
Don’t say you feel you can’t improve on your results, or that you feel great and you have no concerns about passing your degree. Everyone has weaknesses, so make sure you know what yours is!
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – How do you feel about your A Level results?
“Overall, I was relatively pleased with my results, but I could have done better. Although I dedicated lots of time to study and I followed a dedicated study plan, I had underestimated the study required for one particular subject. Whilst I did pass with a good grade, I could have done better. I learnt a lot from my grades, and although I was satisfied overall, I know I will need to work hard and improve if I am to be successful at university. You are only as good as your last exam result, and now is the time to focus again with a fresh mindset and lots of hard work and commitment.”
What can you bring to the university?
What to say:
Being at university is a two-way thing. You get to study with, hopefully, fantastic lecturers and facilities, and the university gets a top, successful student in yourself.
What not to say:
Give an answer that demonstrates maturity and intelligence. Focus on your ability to contribute academically and organizationally but do not mention things such as your sense of humour, the amount you can drink and how good you are at team sports.
HOW TO ANSWER THE UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW QUESTION – Q. What can you bring to the university?
“I understand that being at university is an important part of my development, but that you too want students who are going to work hard, achieve and be a positive role model in the process. I will bring an ability to work hard, a desire to contribute positively, whether that’s being part of a recognized club or society within the university, and also being part of the wider academic debate during lectures and discussions in general. I feel I have a lot to offer and can assure you I will contribute positively if I am successful.”
Get access to more tough University interview questions and answers via our online course, at: https://www.how2become.com/free-online-interview-training-course/
very helpful
thanks a lot