How Do You Prepare for a University Interview?
So, you’ve smashed your personal statement, impressed with your predicted grades, and now… you’ve landed a university interview. First of all, congrats! That’s a BIG deal. Now it’s time to bring your A-game and show those admissions tutors the star that you are.
Now it’s time to prepare like a pro. Whether you’re heading to Oxford, Cambridge, or another top uni like UCL, Durham or Manchester — here’s your go-to guide to feel cool, confident, and ready to impress.
Here’s your ultimate guide to preparing for your university interview — the fun, friendly, and fully stress-reducing edition.
1. Know your personal statement like it’s your favourite song.
Your personal statement is often the starting point for interview questions. Read it back and highlight:
Be prepared to discuss the books, podcasts, lectures, or experiences you mentioned.
Be honest about what you’ve actually read (spoiler: saying you love Chaucer when you’ve only seen memes is risky business 👀).
Reflect on why those topics excited you — unis want to see genuine academic curiosity.
Pro tip: If you said you love a certain author, be ready to talk about their work. Actually read it. Don’t get caught saying “I’m obsessed with Orwell” if you only watched Animal Farm on YouTube.
2. Deep dive into your chosen subject.
This isn’t about being a human Wikipedia — it's about showing you're passionate beyond the A-Level syllabus.
For example:
History student? Read History Today, watch BBC documentaries, listen to You're Dead To Me.
Physics hopeful? Dive into New Scientist, YouTube channels like Veritasium, or books like The Quantum Universe.
Oxbridge and Russell Group interviewers often ask you to think aloud. They’re testing how you approach ideas, not whether you know everything.
You don’t have to become a walking encyclopedia — just be able to talk passionately and thoughtfully about your subject. Interviewers love to see curiosity. So don’t worry about giving a “perfect” answer — just show them your mind is switched on and excited to learn.
3. Practise, don’t memorise.
Practising your answers = YES.
Reciting scripted speeches = NO.
Grab a friend, teacher or family member and run through common questions like:
Why do you want to study this subject?
Why this university?
What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?
Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.
Talk to yourself in the mirror. Record voice notes. Get used to your voice and train your brain to think out loud.
4. Remember — This is a conversation, not a quiz.
Uni interviews aren’t like The Weakest Link. They’re often discussion-based, especially for Oxbridge and other top-tier universities.
You might get a curveball question like:
“Can you explain this abstract concept?”
“What would happen if we removed this law from society?”
“If you could design your own experiment, what would it test?”
It’s okay to say, “That’s an interesting question — let me think about it.” Your thought process matters more than getting the “right” answer.
5. Dress smart, but stay YOU!
This doesn’t mean you need a suit and tie. Just aim for neat, comfortable, and confident. You want your outfit to help you feel like the capable academic you are, not distract you.
Whether it's in person or online, looking put together shows you’re taking it seriously — even if your socks are still slightly mismatched.
6. You might get asked something you haven’t learned — And that’s OK!
Don’t panic if you're asked a question in your university interview that you haven't explicitly studied. This is especially common in subjects like chemistry, medicine, or engineering, where interviewers want to see how you think, not just what you already know.
What to do:
Stay calm and take a breath.
Talk through your thinking out loud.
Identify any relevant principles or methods you do know.
Be honest if you're unsure, but show your willingness to try.
Remember: They’re not expecting a perfect answer. They’re looking for curiosity, logical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset.
"In my chemistry interview," one student shared, "they gave me a problem I had never seen before. But they weren’t looking for a textbook answer—they just wanted to see how I thought it through."
7. For online interviews: Tech Check Time!
Find a quiet space with good lighting and a tidy background.
Test your mic, camera, and internet connection beforehand.
Keep notes nearby (but don’t read from them!).
8. On the day: Stay calm, stay curious!
Arrive early (or log in early).
Take a deep breath before answering.
Don’t rush. It’s okay to pause.
Smile. It helps you relax and builds connection with the interviewer.
And most importantly: You belong there.
They’ve invited you because they see potential. This is your chance to bring that application to life — and have a meaningful conversation about your passions.
Final Thoughts: Your Best Self Is Enough
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to know everything. Not only that, but you just need to show that you’re ready to learn, grow, and contribute.
So breathe. Prepare. Then walk in like the future uni star you are.
You’ve got this. And if you need help practising or prepping, reach out — we’re always here to support you!
Check out our blog post about Ways To Help Your Children Through The Exam Period!
