If your teen has applied to university, first of all, congratulations! That’s a huge milestone that should be celebrated. And for some students, the next big step is the university interview. While not all courses or universities require interviews, for those that do (Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, and some competitive courses), it can feel like a big moment.
For many teens, this might be the first formal interview they’ve ever had. Understandably, it can be daunting, but with the right preparation, they can go in feeling confident and ready to show off their passion and potential.
So, if your child has explored all the university options available, submitted their application and are raring to go, read on.
When Do University Interviews Happen?
Most university interviews take place between November and March, depending on the application deadline. If your teen has applied through UCAS for courses with an earlier deadline (like Oxbridge or medicine), they might be invited to interview soon after submitting. Other courses may send invitations later, sometimes after reviewing personal statements and predicted grades.
Universities typically contact applicants directly, often via email or through their UCAS Hub. Make sure your teen is checking their messages regularly so they don’t miss an important invite.
What’s the Point of the Interview?
University interviews aren’t designed to trip students up. The goal is to assess a candidate’s enthusiasm, subject knowledge, and potential to thrive in the course. It’s a chance for the admissions team to get to know the person behind the grades and the personal statement.
Some interviews might be more like a conversation; others could involve subject-specific questions, problem-solving tasks, or scenario-based discussions, especially for vocational courses like medicine.
What to Expect on Interview Day
Here’s a general idea of what your teen might face:
- Academic questions: Interviewers might explore the subject in depth. For example, a history applicant might be asked to compare two historical events or reflect on a book mentioned in their personal statement.
- Why this course/university?: This is a chance to show enthusiasm and demonstrate that they’ve done their research when choosing the right course.
- Problem-solving: Applicants for maths, science or philosophy may be asked to work through a problem out loud. It’s less about getting the right answer and more about showing clear thinking.
- Scenario questions: For medicine, teaching, or law, they might be asked how they would respond in certain situations.
It’s also common to have interviews online via Zoom or Teams, particularly for international applicants or those who live far from the university. So, it’s a good idea to do a test run to check lighting, sound, and background beforehand.
Top Tips to Help Your Teen Prepare
- Mock interviews help: Practice answering questions with a parent, teacher or tutor. Get them used to speaking clearly and thinking on their feet.
- Encourage curiosity: If they’re asked something they don’t know, it’s okay to say so. Encourage them to think aloud, ask questions back, or reflect on how they would approach the topic.
- Know the personal statement: Many interviews refer to points raised in the statement, so it helps to re-read it beforehand.
- Read around the subject: Encourage them to explore recent developments or debates in their subject area. It shows real interest.
- Dress smartly (but comfortably): Whether in person or online, first impressions matter. A tidy, simple outfit shows respect without being over the top.
- Plan a few questions: Interviewers usually ask if applicants have any questions. This is a good chance to show interest in the course, teaching style or student life.
- Take a breath: Remind them it’s okay to pause and collect their thoughts before answering.
What Happens After the Interview?
Decisions don’t usually come immediately. Some universities will notify UCAS within a few weeks, while others may wait until all interviews are completed. Either way, it’s worth reminding your teen that the interview is just one part of their application, and it’s not all or nothing.
Whatever the outcome, going through an interview is an excellent experience, especially if future careers will involve assessment centres or panel interviews.
How Tutor Doctor Can Help
University interviews can feel intimidating, but the right support can make all the difference. At Tutor Doctor, we help students prepare not just academically, but also with communication skills, confidence-building, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for interviews.
Whether your teen needs help with mock interviews, brushing up on subject knowledge, or practising how to think on their feet, our tutors are here to guide them every step of the way.
Find your nearest Tutor Doctor location today and help your teen walk into that interview confident, calm, and with the tools and experience they need to shine.
