Preparing for a university interview

Firstly, if you've been invited to an interview - congratulations! You've already shown in your application that you're a promising applicant with the potential to meet our entry requirements.

An interview is a chance for the department to get to know you better, and learn more about:

• your abilities, experience and knowledge.
• your interest in the course.
• you as a person - your interests, motivations and ambitions.

Your interview is also a fantastic opportunity for you to find out more about the course and department, and decide whether it's the right fit for you.

What to expect

After you've confirmed a date and time for your interview, you'll be contacted with further information and joining instructions.

We are currently conducting interviews online and in person, on campus. At your interview, you can expect the following safeguarding measures to be in place.

For online interviews.

• More than one member of staff will be present at all times (this can also include members of professional bodies if appropriate).
• Interviews will not be recorded.
• There should not be any private messages or conversations between a member of staff and a candidate, nor should any personal contact details be shared.

For in-person interviews.

• Where possible, two members of staff (or members of professional bodies) will be present. When this is not possible, steps will be taken to ensure the interview is conducted in a private, but open space.

How to prepare

Here's some guidance to help you prepare for any of our interviews. For course-specific advice, please contact your department.

Do your research

One of the main things we're interested in is why you want to study the course. Read the course information and think about why you're passionate about that subject. Are you interested in a particular aspect of the course, or a certain module? What excites you about studying this course for the next 3-5 years?

• Search undergraduate courses

Revisit your personal statement

Read over your personal statement and be prepared to answer questions or elaborate on what you wrote about.

Think about your experience

Talking about relevant work experience or volunteering in your interview is a great way of demonstrating your interest in the subject. Think about what you've learned and the skills you've developed, and how they relate to the course.

Write questions to ask us

Remember, an interview is a two-way process. Make sure you prepare some questions to find out as much as you can about the course, and living and studying in York. This is a great opportunity to make sure the course and University are right for you.

Practise makes perfect

Run through your interview technique with a friend, family member or teacher, if possible someone that knows a bit about the subject. Practice talking about why you're interested in the course, what you love about the subject, and why you want to study at York. If your interview's online, it's also a good opportunity to check your set-up.

Interview techniques

There's no such thing as a perfect interview. So as much as possible, try to relax and see this as a chat with someone about a subject you're both interested in.

Be yourself

The most important thing during the interview is to be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know you as a person, so be confident in yourself and let your passion for the subject shine through.

Take a breath

If you're not sure about the answer to a question, take a minute to think about it. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat their question if necessary.

Be engaged

Your body language is just as important as what you say. Sit up straight but comfortably so you don't fidget, and make eye contact. Look (and sound!) interested in what the interviewer is saying.

Our top tips

• Carefully read any information you've been sent about the interview.
• Think about why you want to study the course.
• Prepare a few questions to ask us.
• Dress smart, but comfortably.
• Make sure you arrive on time.
• Put your phone on silent before the interview starts.
• Try to relax and be yourself.
• If your interview's online:
• check your computer set-up ahead of time.
• make sure you have a stable internet connection.
• think about what's in the background when you're on screen.
• make sure you're somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed.

Good luck!