This week, we’ve been bringing you the best advice about university interviews, but what if your course doesn’t have an interview?
How can you prepare, and how do you know if the university is right for you if you don’t go for an interview?
Due to a limited number of places and higher numbers of applicants, universities around the country are inviting applicants to interviews, to assess them in person, and get a better feel for the candidate as an individual.
While all your pals are city-hopping, going from interview to interview, it can be unnerving if you have an unconditional offer, or a conditional offer that’s reliant solely on grades.
For many, it can be a blessing not to have an interview, but for others, it can feel like you’re missing out on a vital part of the preparation.
An interview is a chance for the university to see if you’re a good fit for them, but it’s also a good opportunity to see if they’re a good fit for you.
For candidates who aren’t offered an interview, it can seem impossible to truly know if you’re making the right choice about your future.
But fear not, because there are plenty of ways to ensure you’re prepared before the big day in August.
APPLICANTS DAYS
Most universities hold applicants days, or offer holder days. This allows people who have received an offer – conditional or unconditional – to come to the campus and find out more about life at the university.
Each course subject usually holds multiple presentations throughout the day, to tell you more about the course, and is more tailored to applicants who know they want to study this course, rather than the general information given at an open day.
Lecturers, tutors and professors are more than happy to answer questions, and stay behind to answer questions for those who don’t want to ask in front of a crowd.
It’s also a good opportunity to wander round campus and get a feel for whether you can see yourself living in the city.
ACCOMODATION
With an offer in hand, be it conditional or unconditional, you can apply for accommodation sooner rather than later.
Make sure to take virtual tours online and visit the accommodation in person if possible, so you don’t get any surprises when you turn up in September.
Also make sure to visit the student union, and have a look at the clubs and societies that are available to you: your social life is important, too!
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ASK QUESTIONS
If you’re unable to visit the university beforehand, or think of questions after your visit, make sure to ask them before you make any decisions. Get in touch with the university and make sure you feel well-informed.
Everyone is happy to answer your questions, because they want you to choose their university, so you won’t be bothering or annoying anyone.
Whether you have a university interview or not, the whole process can be daunting, and one that needs significant preparation. But, it’s nothing you can’t handle, and we know that any university qould be lucky to have you!
Have you recently attended a university interview? Let us know your experience on Twitter on Instagram.
