University Interview Tips: 7 Ways to Prepare and Perform Well

For many competitive university courses, the interview is a key part of the admissions process. While not every degree requires one, interviews remain common for subjects such as Medicine, Law and courses at Oxford and Cambridge.

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Why do universities conduct interviews?

University interviews are most commonly used for courses where admissions tutors want to look beyond grades alone. When many applicants achieve similar academic results, interviews help universities understand how a student thinks and engages with their subject.

In highly selective courses, the goal is not simply to confirm knowledge. Admissions tutors are usually interested in how applicants approach unfamiliar ideas, how they structure an argument and how they respond when challenged or asked to reconsider an answer.

In practice, interviews allow universities to assess several qualities that are difficult to measure through written applications alone.

Universities often use interviews to evaluate:

• Intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in the subject

• Ability to think critically and analyse new information

• Clarity of explanation and communication

• Willingness to engage with questions and develop ideas

• Potential to thrive in a discussion-based academic environment

For this reason, strong interview performance rarely comes from memorised responses. Instead, successful applicants tend to demonstrate thoughtful reasoning, openness to discussion and a clear enthusiasm for their chosen field of study.

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What happens in a university interview?

University interviews vary widely depending on the course and institution. Some universities use them sparingly, while others rely on them heavily when selecting between strong candidates.

Most interviews are academic in nature. Admissions tutors are usually interested in discussing your subject, exploring how you approach unfamiliar problems and understanding how you explain your thinking.

Although formats differ, interviews typically include one or more of the following elements:

• Academic discussion – Tutors may ask questions related to your subject to explore how you analyse ideas or interpret information.

• Problem solving – Particularly common in STEM subjects, where you may be asked to work through a problem or explain your reasoning.

• Personal statement discussion – Interviewers often refer to your personal statement and ask about activities, reading or experiences you have mentioned.

• Panel or individual interview – Some universities use a panel of interviewers, while others conduct one-to-one discussions.

The atmosphere is usually more conversational than many students expect. Admissions tutors are not looking for rehearsed speeches; they are interested in seeing how you respond to questions, develop ideas and engage in academic dialogue.

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University interview tips: 7 ways to prepare

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Tip 1: Understand the format of your interview

Not all university interviews are structured in the same way. Some will focus heavily on academic discussion, while others may explore your motivations for studying the subject or refer closely to your personal statement.

Before the interview, research how your chosen university typically conducts interviews for that course. Understanding the format helps you prepare appropriately and reduces unnecessary uncertainty on the day.

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Tip 2: Review your personal statement carefully

Your personal statement often forms the starting point for discussion. Admissions tutors may ask you to expand on books you have read, topics you mentioned, or experiences you highlighted.

Re-read your statement carefully before the interview and be prepared to discuss the ideas behind it in more depth. The goal is not to repeat what you wrote, but to show genuine engagement with the subject.

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Tip 3: Be prepared to think aloud

Interviewers are often more interested in your reasoning than your final answer. If you are given a challenging question, explain how you are approaching the problem rather than staying silent while trying to reach the perfect response.

Talking through your thought process allows tutors to see how you analyse information and develop ideas.

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Tip 4: Engage with your subject beyond the curriculum

Many interview questions invite you to explore ideas rather than recall facts. Reading widely, listening to lectures, or following developments in your subject can provide useful material for discussion.

Showing curiosity and intellectual engagement signals that you are interested in the subject beyond exam preparation.

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Tip 5: Practise explaining your reasoning clearly

Strong applicants can articulate their thinking step-by-step. Practising with a teacher, mentor, or mock interviewer can help you become more comfortable explaining complex ideas out loud.

This is particularly valuable for courses where interviews involve analytical discussion or problem-solving.

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Tip 6: Stay calm when you encounter unfamiliar questions

It is completely normal to be asked questions you cannot answer immediately. Interviewers may intentionally introduce unfamiliar material to see how you respond.

Rather than panicking, take a moment to consider the question and explain how you might begin approaching it.

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Tip 7: Prepare thoughtful questions of your own

Most interviews conclude with an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions. Preparing one or two thoughtful questions about the course, teaching style or academic opportunities demonstrates genuine interest.

Avoid asking questions that can easily be answered by the university website. Instead, focus on aspects of the course that genuinely interest you.

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Common mistakes students make in university interviews

One frequent issue is trying to memorise model answers. Interviews are rarely structured around predictable questions, and rehearsed responses often sound unnatural. Admissions tutors are far more interested in how you think than in a perfectly polished answer.

Another mistake is treating the interview like an exam. When students feel pressure to provide the “correct” response immediately, they may stop explaining their reasoning. In most interviews, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to a problem is more valuable than arriving quickly at a final answer.

Some students also underestimate the importance of subject engagement. Tutors expect applicants to show curiosity about their chosen field. Being able to discuss ideas, reading or experiences related to the subject can help signal genuine interest.

Finally, it is common for applicants to become overly anxious when they encounter a difficult question. Challenging prompts are often intentional. Interviewers want to see how you approach unfamiliar material, not whether you already know the answer.

Approaching the interview as an academic conversation rather than a test can help students avoid these pitfalls and respond more naturally to the discussion.

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How much do university interviews matter?

The importance of the interview varies between universities and courses. At some institutions, interviews are only one component of the admissions process. At others, they play a decisive role in selecting between academically strong candidates.

For highly competitive courses, interviews often carry significant weight. They allow admissions tutors to assess qualities that cannot be measured through grades alone, such as intellectual curiosity, reasoning ability and communication.

Broadly speaking, interviews tend to be most influential in courses where discussion, analytical thinking and subject engagement are central to the academic experience.

For example:

• Oxford and Cambridge rely heavily on interviews as part of their selection process.

• Medicine and Dentistry frequently use interviews to evaluate professional judgement, communication and motivation.

• Highly selective humanities courses may use interviews to explore analytical thinking and subject engagement.

In contrast, many universities do not interview for the majority of courses, instead making decisions based primarily on academic performance and written applications.

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Conclusion

University interviews give admissions tutors the opportunity to explore how applicants think, communicate and engage with their chosen subject. While they may seem daunting, they are usually designed as academic conversations rather than formal examinations.

By understanding the purpose of the interview and preparing thoughtfully, students can approach the experience with greater confidence and clarity.

For students applying to competitive universities, Ivy Education offers tailored interview preparation to help applicants present their ideas effectively and navigate the process with confidence.

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FAQs

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