INTERVIEWS & ADMISSION TESTS

Once upon a time, all prospective university students were interviewed as part of the application process. Today, an interview is relatively rare. This is mainly because so many more students are going to university and it is simply too expensive to interview them all.

Essentially, all Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary candidates should expect to be interviewed along with some lawyers, some physiotherapists, some nurses, most teachers and some creative/art subjects (who are likely to require a portfolio of work).

The following section therefore is of main concern to these groups.

Before the interview

• Request a mock interview through School (see Mrs Tompkins who can arrange for this to happen) • Organise your transport so that you get there in good time; there is nothing worse than rushing or arriving late. • Dress appropriately; you do not need to wear a suit since smart casual is acceptable. • Read the university prospectus and information about the department and course very carefully. • Re-read your personal statement and UCAS form; many interview questions are based on this. • Prepare answers for obvious questions e.g. why have you chosen this course, what has attracted you to this university, what are your strengths and weaknesses (go easy on the weaknesses), where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time, what qualities go into making a successful doctor/lawyer etc. • Be prepared to discuss specific interests you have, books you have read, newspapers you read or places you have visited connected to your chosen course. • If you are applying for a course that you have not studied before e.g. Law, make sure that you have a decent grasp of the subject before the interview.

During the interview

• On the day, try to look calm, cheerful and reasonably relaxed. A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile will always go down well. • Do not try to bluff in the interview; they may well see through you in seconds. If you do not know an answer, say so. • Be engaging and enthusiastic; they like candidates who show a genuine interest in their subject. • The interview is unlikely to come in the form of a ‘grilling’. Rather, interviewers aim to put the candidate at ease and want to discuss their thoughts and ideas. • You will often be asked at the end of the interview whether or not you have any questions; have one or two ready to ask BUT do not ask questions on topics covered in the material already sent to you by the university. • Beware of body language – avoid playing with your hair (a possible sign of flirtation) and do not cover up your mouth (a possible signal of lies).

• Sit up straight (it means you are alert), lean slightly forward (it means you are interested), nod in agreement from time to time. • Speak clearly, speak concisely and try to provide examples to illustrate your points. • REMEMBER – You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

How will the school help?

1. All students will be given the opportunity to receive interview/presentation skills training. 2. Mock interviews can be arranged for students, but students need to be proactive in seeking help with this and sufficient notice should be given. 3. Subject specific interviews can be arranged on an individual basis. You must inform your tutor immediately when you receive notice of an interview. S/he can then help to arrange a mock interview.

Admission Tests

A number of undergraduate degree courses now require students to sit tests in addition to submitting their UCAS form. These are for the very over-subscribed courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Law and are increasingly being used by Oxford. You will need to check carefully the test that is required by each institution and the manner in which this needs to be completed. You will also need to check the date of the test, since this can fall in the October halfterm break.

In brief, examples of tests are as follows:

BMAT: BioMedical Admissions Test. Used by a growing number of universities for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. For a full list see: http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-testtakers/bmat/about-bmat/.

ELAT: HAT: LNAT:

Mathematics/ Computer Science English Literature Admissions Test (Oxford). History Aptitude Test (Oxford). National Admissions Test for Law (used by Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, Glasgow, King’s College London, Nottingham, Oxford and UCL). Mathematics & Computer Science Aptitude Test (Oxford).

Physics: Physics Aptitude Test (Oxford). TSA: Thinking Skills Assessment (PPE and Economics & Management at Oxford). UCAT: UK Clinical Aptitude Test (Medicine or Dentistry. Used by over twenty universities – see UKCAT website for details).

Cambridge also test students at interview in the following subject areas: Medieval and Modern Languages, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Economics. With the national changes to A Levels gathering pace, it is likely that further tests may be created. Although we endeavour to keep abreast of such changes, students should look to explore the nature of any entrance tests and ask for support, if this is required.

Non-traditional Interviews

In recent years universities have been calling students to interview for subjects not listed above. These are rarely interview days of the traditional type; they are usually designed to help the universities decide if you are a serious applicant and to promote their course and institution to you. There may be a group interview, which is usually very informal lasting only ten to fifteen minutes, comprising of one or two general questions and then an opportunity for the applicants to discuss any questions they themselves may have about the course. Students would be well advised, however, to prepare fully for these to ensure that they impress on the day and can discuss this with their tutors.