How to prepare for a university admissions interview
What to expect from a UK admissions interview, the questions you are likely to be asked, and how to prepare so you feel calm and confident.
By ASL Consultancy & Education ·
Being invited to interview is good news: it means the institution wants to know more about you. With the right preparation, an interview is a great opportunity to show your motivation and personality.
Why institutions interview applicants
Not every course includes an interview, but many do – especially for vocational subjects, competitive courses and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds. Interviews help admissions teams understand:
- Why you want to study the course
- Whether you understand what the course involves
- How you communicate and think
- Whether you are ready for the commitment of study
Types of interview
- One-to-one or panel interviews, in person or online
- Group interviews or activities, where you work with other applicants
- Assessments, such as a short written task, numeracy test or presentation
- Multiple mini interviews (MMIs), used by some health courses, with several short stations
Read your invitation carefully so you know exactly what to expect, and ask the institution if anything is unclear.
Questions you may be asked
While every interview is different, these questions come up often:
- Why do you want to study this course?
- Why have you chosen this institution?
- Tell us about yourself.
- What relevant experience do you have?
- What do you know about the career this course can lead to?
- Describe a challenge you have faced and how you dealt with it.
- How will you balance your studies with work or family commitments?
- Do you have any questions for us?
How to prepare
Re-read your application. Interviewers often ask about something you wrote in your personal statement. Be ready to talk about it in more detail.
Research the course and institution. Know the main modules, how the course is taught and assessed, and what makes it different.
Prepare examples, not scripts. Think of three or four real experiences you can adapt to different questions. The STAR method helps: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Practise out loud. Saying answers aloud – ideally in a mock interview – is the single most effective way to improve. You will become more fluent and less nervous.
Prepare your own questions. Asking a thoughtful question shows genuine interest – for example about support for students, placements or how the course is assessed.
On the day
- Online: test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand; choose a quiet, well-lit space.
- In person: plan your journey and arrive early.
- Dress neatly and comfortably.
- Bring any documents you were asked for.
- It is fine to pause and think before answering, or to ask for a question to be repeated.
After the interview
Make notes on how it went and what you were asked – useful for any future interviews. Then be patient: institutions make decisions in their own time.
How we can help
Interview preparation is one of our key strengths. We run realistic one-to-one mock interviews, help you prepare for common questions and give you detailed feedback and confidence coaching.
Book a free consultation to find out more.