1. Be yourself – relax during the interview, as the best kinds of interview take the form of formal conversations. When you relax you will be able to engage with the interviewer on a personal level as well as an academic one, ensuring you make a lasting impression.

2. Make sure you find out exactly what to expect – whether you will need to bring anything with you for reference such as a portfolio or an essay, and if you know the name of your interviewer make sure you research them to see if you share any particular interests.

3. Get there 15 minutes early – make sure you know where you are going and that you have the contact details of the university if anything should go wrong on your way to the interview.

4. Research your course and the university thoroughly, ensuring you have an indepth understanding of the content of the course. Think about what interests you and bring this up as a point of discussion in your interview, in order to highlight your academic curiosity.

5. Personal statement – make sure you have read your personal statement, as often interviewers will conduct your interview off the back of the information you have given. They will talk about the books or articles you have referenced, and it is important that you are able to engage in an intellectual way about these.

6. Mock interviews – make sure you have a teacher or academic advisor conduct mock interviews with you, ensuring that they ask you difficult questions so that you are prepared for anything the interviewer may ask.

7. Arrive at the interview with a pre-prepared list of questions about the course or the university – both with regards to academia but also wider university life.

8. Read around the subject you are applying for – ensure you have read relevant newspaper articles, professional publications and form your own opinions rather than recalling the ones that you have been taught in the classroom. Display your individual initiative by showing your interest in the subject which you are applying for. It is also crucial that you are up to date with current affairs as these are often used to develop the conversation within the interview.

9. Look presentable – first impressions are what will count, as this is the one opportunity you have to interact with university staff members of a personal level.

10. If the university has asked to interview you, it means they see you as a serious candidate, therefore you should endeavour to charm the interviewer. Even if the university is not your first choice, the more successful interviews you have, the more university places you will be offered, giving you the luxury of choice.

For further advice, and any interview preparation/support, please do not hesitate to get in touch – education@quintessentially.com