How to Ace Your Uni Interview

So you've applied to uni, filled in the application form and written your personal statement. But now you've got an interview. This is a big step in the application process and one that many people find difficult. For a lot of you, this will be the first interview you've ever had, which can be a daunting prospect. With that in mind, I've written down a step-by-step guide to how to ace your interview:

1. Re-read the invitation
   It's easy to miss important details first time round, so make sure you've read every sentence twice. You may be required to confirm your attendance or bring in some work or documents. This is often the first hurdle that courses use to whittle down the applicants, and it's such an easy one to pass! If you're worried you've missed anything, show the invitation to a friend or tutor, or call up the university to double-check!

2. Put the date in your calendar
   This may seem like an obvious step, but if the interview is several weeks away then it's all too easy to forget or double book. If you're going to have to travel a long way to get there, think about if you'll need to stay in a hotel the night before or after.

3. Prepare your work
   If you were asked to bring in some work or documents for your interview, make sure you prepare it well in advance. This will give you time in case the printer breaks or you can't find that thing you were looking for. If you're bringing in a document, put it in a board-backed envelope or plastic wallet to keep it safe.

4. Practice your interview techniques
   You probably won't be able to predict the exact questions you're going to be asked on the day. However, practising an interview with your friends, teachers and older siblings who have been through the process will help you with several things. Firstly, it will combat some of the initial anxiety by helping you to associate interviews with positive experiences. Secondly, your pretend interviewers will be able to pick up on some of the bad interview habits that you hadn't noticed. Finally, it will help you come up with succinct answers to common questions such as why you want to attend that university.

5. Do some research
   It's really important that you do some research about the university, course and career prospects before you go to your interview. This will show that you are interested in the degree and enthusiastic about studying there. Not only that, but it will also help you come up with some questions for the end of the interview. Almost every interview will ask you if you have any questions for them. Prepare two or three questions in advance (write them down if you need to!) so that you come across as engaging. This could include questions like "What's the next step in the process?" and "What's your favourite part of this course and why?".

6. Plan your outfit
   Deciding what to wear is difficult because it largely depends on what your degree is and how the interview is structured. If you know that the interview will involve an activity, make sure you wear something suitable for it or bring a change of clothes. If you're having an interview at an arts university, you can probably afford to be a bit more casual, but avoid anything with holes, rips or offensive imagery and language on. When in doubt, your safest bet is to dress in a suit or smart outfit. It doesn't hurt to look too smart, but it could look bad if you're too casual. If you're still not sure, ask your tutor for some advice.

7. Plan your travel
   However you're planning on getting to your interview, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to account for traffic, delays and getting lost. If you're way too early then you can take that time to relax, find out where you're going and mentally prepare. However, if you're running late then you're going to be stressed and flustered - not the best interview look! Talk through your travel plans with a friend to make sure you haven't muddled anything up or misread a time.

8. Prepare everything the night before
   Preparing everything you need for your interview the night before will help put you in the right mindset for the day. Leave everything in one place so that you don't accidentally forget something important. You can also write down a list of what you need and then read through it just before you leave the house to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Make sure your clothes are clean and not creased and then get an early night!

9. Read through your personal statement
   On your way to the interview, take a moment to read through your personal statement and remind yourself of what you said. You might be asked about it in your interview and you don't want to be a deer in the headlights!

10. Finally, be confident!
    During your interview, coming across as confident will give you a huge advantage. But don't worry if you're not feeling it! Simply sit up straight, smile, make occasional eye contact (no staring) and do your best to be friendly and chatty. This is about showing your best side!