Not every course interviews, but where they do (medicine, Oxbridge, many competitive courses), the interview often decides the offer. Preparation is the difference between freezing and thinking out loud well.
Before the interview
- Know your personal statement cold. Anything you wrote is fair game. Re-read it and be ready to expand on every claim, book and experience.
- Research the course and university. Understand the structure, what's distinctive, and why you chose it specifically. Generic answers are obvious.
- Read around the subject. Be able to discuss a recent development, book or idea in the field, and have a view on it.
- Know the format. Panel, one-to-one, MMI (multiple mini interviews), or interview plus task? Check the university's page and prepare accordingly.
- Do mock interviews. Practise out loud with a teacher, friend or in front of a mirror. Record yourself once; it's uncomfortable but useful.
Common question types
- Motivation: "Why this course? Why here? Why you?"
- Personal statement follow-ups: deeper questions on what you claimed to have read or done.
- Subject knowledge / problem-solving: often deliberately beyond the syllabus to see how you think, not what you've memorised.
- Ethical or scenario questions (especially medicine, law, teaching): there's rarely one right answer; they want your reasoning.
- "Tell me about a time..." behavioural questions about teamwork, failure or leadership.
During the interview
- Think out loud. For problem questions, they're marking your reasoning, not just the answer. Talk them through your thinking.
- It's fine to pause. Take a breath before answering. A considered reply beats a rushed one.
- It's fine to be wrong or unsure. Say "I'm not certain, but I'd approach it like this..." Tutors often push to see how you handle being stretched.
- Be specific and honest. Don't bluff about a book you haven't read; they will notice.
- Stay engaged. Make eye contact, listen to the actual question, and ask for clarification if you need it.
Practical tips
- Test the tech in advance for online interviews: camera, microphone, connection, and a quiet, well-lit space.
- Dress smartly and arrive (or log in) early.
- Prepare one or two questions to ask them; it shows genuine interest.
- Afterwards, don't over-analyse. Interviews are designed to feel hard. Feeling stretched is normal, not a sign it went badly.
Your interview builds directly on your statement, so make it strong first: see key elements and common mistakes.