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TMUA for Universities

The TMUA is currently used by the universities shown for selection to some courses in Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science.

You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the TMUA. Failure to register for the TMUA where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.

Depending on the University to which you are applying, the TMUA may be a compulsory part of your application, or it may be optional. Make sure you know the requirements for the specific courses to which you intend to apply.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the TMUA you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.

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The TMUA is currently used by the universities shown for selection to some courses in Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science. You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the TMUA.

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The TARA is a non-subject specific test and is used in a range of subject areas. If you are applying to UCL, you must check the university webpages for your chosen course to see if the TARA is required. Failure to register for your admissions test may invalidate your application.

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ESAT for Universities

The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT. Failure to register for the ESAT where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.

Different courses will require you to register for a different combination of parts. You will need to select the parts relevant to your application at the point of registration. You will not be able to change this when you get to the test centre so it is your responsibility to ensure you are correctly registered.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the ESAT you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.

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The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution's website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT.

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Wondering where to start with your UCAS law application? This page will help with your application to study law at university.

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This complete guide to answering nursing interview questions is designed to help all nurses - experienced and newly qualified. We researched the most common interview questions and asked panel of experts to feedback on how they should be dealt with.

Topics covered in this guide
What Nursing interview questions can I expect to be asked? How to specifically prepare for a Nursing interview How to prepare for an interview for any job Is now a good time to be searching for a new Nursing job? Three job interview case studies by Nurses Browse our Nursing jobs
What Nursing interview questions can I expect to be asked?

Why do you want this job?

A very common question early on in your interview. Don't go into too much detail, but give an answer that reflects your passion and enthusiasm for Nursing.

Talk about why you got into Nursing, why this role excites you, and why you're the perfect fit.

What does compassionate care mean to you?

The concept of compassionate care is a pillar of Nursing, so this question is bound to come up in some interviews. Brush up on your 'six Cs', and try to use a scenario from your own Nursing experience that exemplifies compassionate care.

How have you dealt with conflict in the past?

This is another example of a question that requires a specific example from your own experience. Your goal is to show that you have some basic, logical conflict resolution strategies, that you're calm under pressure, and that you recognise the signs of when you need to escalate a situation.

What makes a good shift?

This is a common and interesting question. Yes, your interviewers will want to hear about delivering safe, effective patient care - but they might be looking for more. Interviewers are well aware that Nursing can be stressful so they're also interested in your honesty.

If a good shift for you also means a balanced shift - one where you get proper breaks and lots of chances to refresh yourself - then that's fine too. The NHS has a huge focus on work-life balance currently, so don't be afraid to reference it.

What is your proudest Nursing achievement?

Clearly, this is about sharing a story that matters to you and that reflects whatever you love about Nursing. This is a great chance to show passion, to show how caring you are, and to show your enthusiasm for your career.

Don't try to overthink it either - this is about your proudest achievement, not what you think your interviewers will be impressed by.

Have you ever had to deal with a mistake?

This question is common, and answers can be about your mistakes or others' mistakes. Either approach is fine, and either can work in your favour. Talk about what you learned, what you would do differently, and how you worked with others to rectify the situation. Interviewers don't expect you to have never made mistakes, but they do expect you to have learnt from them.

Why did you decide to specialise in your specific field?

Again, this is about demonstrating your passion. And that passion is best explained with some real-life examples of why you love it.

Consider what made you study your chosen field in the first place, but also what motivated you in practice too. And try to demonstrate how your specific skills are perfectly aligned to your chosen area of Nursing.

What do equality and diversity mean to you?

Increasingly, interviewers are keen to ensure you have a clear understanding of the importance of equality and diversity. They may also want to test your understanding of how that can play out within your role.

What issues are currently faced by UK healthcare providers?

For interviewers, this question is an opportunity to get a sense of how seriously you take your career. If you're in it for the long term and committed to your craft, chances are you'll be interested in the issues your industry faces. So you'll need to show that you care by showing your knowledge (and make sure you brush up before your interview).

How do you deal with sensitive or confidentiality issues?

This question may be scenario-based (i.e. someone phones up and asks for information about a patient, so what do you need to check before giving information). However the question is framed, you just need to show that you understand the processes clearly.

...and something concerning Clinical Governance tends to always crop up!

Clinical Governance... Re-read it. Know it. Here are two links for a quick bit of pre-interview revision!
RCN Clinical Governance
...Oh, OK, one more. I love this video from the Harvard Business School about preparing for interview.

Good luck, from Nurses.co.uk

Nursing is currently the UK's most employable degree, with 94% of graduates getting a job within the first six months of finishing their course.

This bodes well for every Nurse, at every level of their career. Whether you're looking to change specialism or location, get a pay rise or a promotion, you're in high demand - and you hold the power.

How to specifically prepare for a Nursing interview

Getting the basics right will ensure you avoid some of the more obvious pitfalls. After that, your success comes down to showing your interviewer why you're a great Nurse, and why you're perfect for this position.

So here are some more detailed, Nursing-focused interview tips:

Research the organisation inside-out

Whether you're interviewing with an NHS trust or a private organisation, you need to spend lots of time getting to know them. Find out about the hospital you'll be Nursing in - what kind of NHS Trust or private hospital is it, what's the funding level, what does it specialise in, does it hit targets, how big is it, who is the Chief Executive etc etc.

It might seem like all these organisations are very similar, but typically they're not. Their values, for example, will almost always differ and will reflect their own unique strengths and challenges. Grace talks about this in her video when she says "the core values of each NHS Trust are very important to them and if you know them in the interview this will definitely go in our favour".

So, yes, knowing your potential employers' key values and being able to show how your skills align with them will be a massive tick for you.

Read their website and follow their social media channels. Try to get a sense of their biggest challenges, what they do - but also what matters most to them. Trusts are often a reflection of the values that matter to their local communities too, so getting an understanding of that will also help.

Brush up on what's happening in the NHS

Nursing and the NHS is a topic that's constantly on the national agenda, and your knowledge of those issues is important. It shows how serious you are about Nursing - that you're invested for the long-term.

And it also allows you to explain how and why you're passionate about making a difference. A good start of course is our own news and insights. Access 100s of articles by our experts and follow us on Facebook so that our latest posts appear on your feed. (OK, plug over!).

Research scenarios

You are likely to be asked some scenario-based questions at some point. So it's important to prepare by practicing some scenarios yourself - perhaps with friends or family. Typically, these questions are around violent family members or friends, safeguarding or emergency situations. Try to consider as many as possible, and role play through them.

Know your medications

Know your medication and rehearse care situations. Interviews will more often than not ask questions based on scenarios. This is to satisfy the interviewer that you know procedure and can adhere to it, that you are up to date on training and knowledge on medication and how to adapt to a likely situation within the environment of the job.

Match your skills to the role - prove, don't claim

Reading and re-reading the job description is a no-brainer. But even more importantly, you need to really think about how your skills and experiences match the job criteria.

The way to do this is about proving, rather than claiming. Simply stating that you have a certain skill is easy - indeed, anyone can do that. What will set you apart is if you can put your skills in context and talk about situations in which your skills have been applied.

Before your interview, just refresh yourself on the some of the best examples you have of applying your skills in real-life situations. If you can do this in a clear and concise manner, you will definitely make an impression.

But be sure to use the most accurate experiences. You want to demonstrate you're a good match for the job description (and the NHS Trust, care home, private hospital in question). Don't just assume they'll know you're a good match because you've got this far, explain how your Nursing skills and experience meet the needs of the job. So read, and then re-read the job description and person specification AND THEN think about the real-life situations you've been in that illustrate your suitability.

They may have a job description (the outline of the role ) AND a person specification (the job description put into human terms, defining the kind of person that will be required). If so use both when you're thinking about how you satisfy the needs of the job.

Don't forget to listen!

Interviews aren't merely a test of your ability to speak; you're also being assessed for how you communicate and interact. So while preparation is vital, don't fall into the trap of reciting an endless monologue. Take your time and listen to the interviewers.

Ask questions if you're not completely clear about questions you've been asked. And do everything you can to show off your social skills - after all, the best Nurses tend also to be the best listeners.

Prepare some questions to ask

As you may or may not know, interviewers will typically ask if you have any questions of your own - normally towards the end of the interview. So to ensure you're confident and ready, prepare a couple in advance. A good example is to ask about learning and development opportunities, which is a great way of showing your ambition and eagerness to progress.

You could also ask more in-depth questions about the organisation, maybe referencing something you've already learnt about them. Your question is an opportunity to show how seriously you take this role, and therefore a good chance to score some extra brownie points.

How to prepare for an interview for any job

Some aspects of Nursing interviews are similar to any other. You can consider these to be timeless truths - common sense tips that will always help you to get the job. So here are our timeless tips:

Don't just be punctual - be early

It goes without saying that punctuality is a great place to start. This is the one time in your life where you really should arrive early. Overestimate potential delays and carefully check your route. Better still, practice your route beforehand.

Being late means starting from behind - and it's always avoidable with proper planning.

Dress smartly

The world of work is changing, and yes, the average employee dresses far more informally than they used to.

But dressing smartly never does your chances any harm. You'll feel more confident, and you'll look more professional - like you're taking the interview seriously. It's a tried and tested way of making a good first impression, so don't overcomplicate it.

Be charming to everyone you meet

You'd be surprised how often interviewers talk to everyone you've come into contact with. You need to be switched on the second you enter.

Be your best, most polite self from the second you arrive and avoid the potential of any negativity coming your way. Receptionists are friends with everyone!

Eat, drink and sleep properly

Our habits are often disrupted when we're nervous, but ensuring you've slept and eaten well before your interview is incredibly important. Interviews require a great deal of sustained energy and concentration, so get a good night's sleep and fill yourself with nutritious food on the day.

Every detail makes a difference.

Revisit your CV and job description

Knowing the finer details of your CV and the job description allows you to answer nursing interview questions confidently and fluently. At the same time, not knowing those details adds nerves and tension to proceedings unnecessarily.

What do you offer the employer?

Even in a market where skills are in high demand, you should never approach a job interview complacently. Think carefully about what you can bring to the role without sounding like a know-it-all.

Try not to tell them that they're currently doing something poorly, or that you do it all so much better! This can suggest you might be a difficult new member of staff or find it hard to follow instructions. It's more likely that they need a skilled member of staff to help them provide quality care, not a revolutionary!

An interview is your chance to show why you're perfect for this job - so don't allow your memory to slip. Do the homework and it will pay off.

Is now a good time to be searching for a new Nursing job?

Short answer, yes! The NHS has a terrible staffing problem. In 2018, the BBC was describing it as a national emergency. 11.8% of Nurse posts were not filled. That's a shortage of nearly 42,000 positions.

While that presents extreme challenges for hospital and community care, it means there are abundant Nursing opportunities throughout the UK. That's the upside of some of the downsides currently faced by the NHS.

To give you more of an idea:

- 33,000 Nurses left their posts in 2017

- There were 3,000 more leavers than joiners

- There are more than 40,000 unfilled Nursing posts in the UK

Meanwhile, patient demand continues to rise. Our population is ageing, and as you'll well know, older patients require more care with greater regularity. The best illustration of growing patient demand is that A&E admissions have risen by 40% over the last 13 years.

The bottom line for Nurses is that you're in demand too. Jobs are numerous and varied in every corner of the UK, and you can build your career with a sense of job security that fewer other careers can match.

Three job interview case studies by Nurses

Whether you're preparing for your first job interview as a newly qualified Nurse or you're an experienced interviewee, landing the job is never straightforward.

Interviews are stressful, even for seasoned pros. They're pressurised situations that often stifle us - making us less fluent, and ultimately less ourselves. But actually, the issue isn't about what you do at interview; it's all about what you do before. Put simply, the difference between those who succeed and those who don't is preparation.

We asked three Nurses, Grace, Chloe and Laura, to share their Nursing interview experience.

Here's what they had to say.
Interview tips by a qualified nurse. What I learned from my three nursing interviews. I just had my first nursing job interview and here's what I learned.
Browse our Nursing jobs
All nursing and midwifery RMN - Mental Health Nurse RSCN - Childrens Nurse RGN - Registered General Nurse RNLD - Learning Disability Nurse Home Manager

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The Complete Guide To Answering Nursing Interview Questions

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Complete guide to answering nursing interview questions. We researched the most common interview questions & asked experts to tell us how to answer them.

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Types of apprenticeships With more than 350 different NHS careers, there are hundreds of different jobs which can be done through an apprenticeship.

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The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test, used by a consortium of UK and International Universities to help select applicants for their medical and dental degree programmes.

It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as the UCAS application and academic qualifications. It is also your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your aptitude for a demanding programme of study.

The UCAT is a computer-based test, delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout the UK and worldwide.

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About the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | UCAT Consortium

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The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test, used by a consortium of UK and International Universities to help select applicants for their medical and dental degree programmes.

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What is an assessment centre?

An assessment centre is normally the final stage of the selection process and involves completing a range of tasks that are relate to the role you're applying for (e.g. a presentation, group task, case study, interview, written exercise or networking session). It is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills abilities in a practical setting. Our downloads section contains details about how to prepare for and perform well at the different types of activity you could be given on the day.
How to prepare?

Use the job description to see what sort of tasks you can expect on the day. For example, jobs that involve dealing with numbers might include a data analysis related task, whereas roles that involve a lot of writing may have a written task.

Brush up on your commercial awareness beforehand, so you are familiar with what the company does and what the key issues in the industry are.

On the day
Pay attention to the instructions - Make sure you understand the task, and leave time at the end to check for errors. If it's a group activity, try to agree with the rest of your group how you might split the tasks between you, to make the best use of the time available.

Make a good impression - Be pleasant and professional with everyone you meet. Employers are observing your ability to communicate effectively and they'll be looking at your eye contact and body language, and how well you use appropriate professional language and behaviour.

Be a team player - Whilst you should be confident and to and make contributions to discussions, listening to and encouraging others is just as important. Remember, if you work together and produce good results as team, it will reflect well on you all. The recruiter wants to see how your skills match against what they're looking for and are not scoring you against the other candidates.

Network - Assessment centres often include lunch and coffee breaks. Although these are seen as the 'informal' parts of the day, you are still being observed! Ask questions to current employees about what they are working on or what they enjoy most about the role/company for example.
Afterwards
Think about what you did well and any areas you found challenging, as this will help you prepare for future assessment centres.

What is a virtual assessment centre?

Virtual Assessment Centres (VAC's) can include a number of activities typically found in face-to-face versions; a presentation, group task, case study, interview, tests and/or networking session. Recruiters are utilising technology to run VAC's, so expect to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams or similar programmes on the day. You will normally be sent a timetable for the day in advance and be given clear instructions on how to access each assessment on the day. There will be an interviewer or assessor involved in each activity to explain the format and to assess your skills.

Preparation for VAC's should be broadly similar to face-to-face - you will need to research the company and have a clear understanding of the role you've applied for, and have an idea of the strengths and skills required for the role. It's also advisable to familiarise yourself with the technology in advance, by setting up any relevant logins and practising collaborating with friends or family to see how you communicate virtually. Remember that you will be assessed throughout the exercises, so make sure you are smartly dressed with a tidy background.

Assessors will particularly be looking at your engagement and enthusiasm, so join in on conversations with staff and fellow candidates, and use positive body language such as nodding or looking into the camera to show interest. Stay calm if you have any issues with your connection or internet; these things happen and allowances will be made if needed!

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An assessment centre is normally the final stage of the selection process and involves completing a range of tasks that are relate to the role you're applying for (e.g. a presentation, group task, case study, interview, written exercise or networking session). It is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills abilities in a practical setting.

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University of Manchester Medical resources

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University of Manchester Medical resources

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Welcome to the one-stop shop for medical school.

Here at Scrubbed Up, we're a team of medical students helping you through the nitty- gritty of applying to medical school. Our aim is to provide an original, student-friendly perspective, centred on providing tips and advice we wished we had known ourselves, when applying. Essentially, from one student to another. We also want to show you what the medic life is really like. From planning the perfect gap year, pulling the ultimate all-nighter, to finding the perfect study environment . Welcome to the one-stop shop for everything medical school.

There are many, many, many resources on the internet, but here at scrubbed-up.com, we aren't like just any other site.

We are a collective- this is a platform with articles, vlogs and a forum created and run by over 60 medical students, across the country. We don't offer just one perspective, or just one opinion. Graduates, international students, prospective students - we have something for everyone.

We don't aim to give you the usual, same old advice on how to write a personal statement, or tackle an interview station . Instead, we have collated resources which tell you exactly what you need to know, all in one place, saving you time .

All our resources are completely free- there are no ridiculous prices in sight. This includes the Scrubbed-Up Personal Statement and BMAT Checker.

is built on the ethos of giving back. If you enjoyed our content, please donate what you can towards our partner charity The David Nott Foundation.

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Scrubbed Up | The one-stop shop to Medical School

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Here at Scrubbed Up, we're a team of medical students helping you through the nitty-gritty of applying to medical school: whether that's personal statements, UCAT, BMAT and interviews/MMI's. We aim to provide an original, student-friendly perspective, centred on providing tips.

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Explore the University of Readings huge range of resources on choosing and applying to university.

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What do you know about applicant tracking systems?

If you think the first obstacle to getting a job interview is a recruiter's judgment, you're not seeing the whole picture. 99% of Fortune 500 companies and a growing number of small and mid-sized businesses filter resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before someone takes a look... if they ever do.

Learn how ATS work, what they do to your resume, and how to beat ATS so that your resume gets seen by the human decision makers who schedule job interviews.

1. What are applicant tracking systems?

Applicant tracking system software provides recruiting and hiring tools for companies. Among other functions, these systems collect and sort thousands of resumes.

Read full article: What is an applicant tracking system?

When you apply for a job online, your resume isn't typically going directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. It's first being processed by an ATS. Whether that human recruiter ever sees your resume could depend on how well your resume is optimized for ATS algorithms.

2. Why employers use applicant tracking systems

Top employers hire for several jobs at a time and receive hundreds of resumes for any given opening. Because applying for a job online is easier than ever, many of these applicants are unqualified and figured "it was worth a try."

Applicant tracking systems keep all these resumes in one place, helping recruiters and hiring managers stay organized as well as EEOC compliant. In theory, these systems also save time by automatically surfacing and highlighting top candidates. In reality, ATS do help hiring professionals narrow their applicant pool, but top candidates slip through the cracks.

3. Applicant tracking systems are everywhere

Most large corporations utilize applicant tracking systems. Jobscan research found that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while a Kelly OCG survey estimated 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on recruitment software.

There are dozens of different ATS, each with their own features, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Here are just a few of the top ATS:

If you're applying to a large organization, chances are you'll face an ATS. If you're applying through any online form, you're applying through an ATS. Even job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have their own built in ATS.

4. How applicant tracking systems work

Applicant tracking systems collect and store resumes in a database for hiring professionals to access. Resumes may also be stored long after the original job you applied for is filled. Corporate recruiters or hiring managers can then search and sort through the resumes in a number of ways, depending on the system they're using.

Viewing Applications

Some recruiters still choose to glance at every job application that comes through their applicant tracking system. In this case, most take a quick glance at the applicant's past highlights, job titles, and companies. They can make a determination about whether they want to learn more in about 6 seconds. It's important to make sure your top skills and qualifications are easily identifiable.

Automatic Rankings

Some applicant tracking systems can automatically compare your resume to the job description. For example, Taleo calls this feature "Req Rank," which ranks each applicant based on how well their resume scores based on the job description.

Instead of reviewing each and every application, the recruiter can focus squarely on candidates the ATS has identified as a great match.

With Jobscan, you can see how well your resume skills match up with the job description. Get your match report.

Keyword Searches

A common way recruiters filter resumes in an applicant tracking system is by searching for key skills and titles.

For example, if a recruiter is hiring for an Administrative Assistant position out of 400 resumes, their first step will probably be a search for "Administrative Assistant." This will isolate candidates that have done the exact job before. Anyone that doesn't have that exact term in their resume is out of luck.

A search can contain multiple terms. For example, they might perform a complex search that contains a combination of titles and skills important for the job:
Administrative Assistant AND data entry AND payroll ...
Candidates who can predict the correct resume keywords will have the greatest chance of being included in recruiter search results. The best way figure out which skills and keywords to include is by analyzing the job description.

Jobscan automates this process by analyzing your resume against the job description to show the top skills and keywords missing from your resume.

5. Resume formatting matters in applicant tracking systems

When you upload your resume into an applicant tracking system, the recruiter won't necessarily view the file. Some ATS parse the document into a digital profile to make things uniform and searchable.

This causes big problems for job seekers.

Many ATS parsing algorithms are outdated and unintelligent, causing your resume information to get distorted or lost. This means vital keywords or details might not be imported. Imagine your most important qualification slipping through the cracks!

Modern ATS are starting to get away from this practice, but some popular systems like iCIMS (used by Amazon, General Mills, Comcast) still do it. In order to create an ATS-friendly resume that is parsable by these outdated systems, be sure to keep section headings simple, use consistent formatting for your work history and dates, avoid tables, and use a .docx or .pdf file format.

6. How to beat applicant tracking systems

There is no universal trick to "beating" applicant tracking systems. Getting past an ATS and landing a job interview requires a well-written resume that is mindful of ATS algorithms as well as the people pushing the buttons.

Here's our simplest advice for how to beat ATS:

Carefully tailor your resume to the job description every single time you apply.

Optimize for ATS search and ranking algorithms by matching your resume keywords to the job description

Use both the long-form and acronym version of keywords (e.g. "Master of Business Administration (MBA)" or "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)") for maximum searchability

Use a chronological or hybrid resume format (avoid the functional resume format)

Don't use tables or columns as they often cause major parsing errors

Use a traditional resume font like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia

Don't use headers or footers as the information might get lost or cause a parsing error

Use standard resume section headings like "Work Experience" rather than being cute or clever ("Where I've Been")

Save your file as a .docx if possible

7. Don't cheat or over-optimize for applicant tracking systems

Optimizing your keywords and formatting for applicant tracking systems is not the same as cheating the system.

In theory, you can trick ATS algorithms by stuffing your resume with keywords. Some do this by secretly adding additional keywords to their resumes using "invisible" white text or by unnaturally overusing keywords.

Full article: Are You Guilty of Resume Keyword Stuffing?

These tricks might help you get a better initial score in the ATS, but they're unlikely to fool recruiters. Instead of getting yourself blacklisted from the company, focus on crafting the best resume possible based on your actual skillset.

8. Applicant tracking systems are here to stay

During the Great Recession, employers were flooded with applications and wanted features that discouraged and filtered out unqualified candidates. This resulted in many of the bloated application processes and indiscriminate filters found in ATS today. Unfortunately, improving unemployment rates won't mark the end of ATS.

While outdated systems are still in use at some large companies, we are seeing new ATS being developed for the modern age. As employers fight for the best talent, candidate experience is becoming more of a priority. Automation and ranking systems aren't going away; they're just becoming more technical as recruiting software begins leveraging AI.

An ATS-optimized resume is the first step to getting past the bots and face to face with an actual person. Jobscan tests and researches common ATS to help job seekers avoid the traps of these systems, from the outdated to the cutting edge.
Scan your resume to see if it stands up against ATS: Versions of this article were published in 2015 and 2016 by James Hu. It was rewritten and updated for 2018.

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8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

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What do you know about applicant tracking systems? If you think the first obstacle to getting a job interview is a recruiter's judgment, you're not seeing the whole picture. 99% of Fortune 500 companies and a growing number of small and mid-sized businesses filter resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before someone takes a look...

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For the majority of prospective university students, an interview isn't something they need to think about and they can concentrate on getting strong grades and submitting a brilliant personal statement.

However, Law degree applicants should be prepared to attend an interview as part of the application process. Although interviews are fairly uncommon for Law applicants, the more prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge do choose to conduct interviews.

Don't panic though - interviews don't have to be as scary as you think they are. With the right preparation and a calm outlook you'll breeze through the interview and straight to the top of the pile.

Here are our top interview tips and common interview questions when applying for a Law degree:
How should I prepare for my Law degree interview?
Firstly, relax! The interviewer(s) isn't out to get you or make you feel uncomfortable. It's also important to remember that you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you, so prepare some questions to ask them about the course and university to make sure it's right for you.

If the university is going to interview you then they should have provided some guidelines to give you a rough idea of what to expect. Some universities even provide sample questions so that the type of questions you're asked don't come as a complete surprise.

If the university doesn't give you any information, or you'd like some more, there's no harm in asking them.

Our top tips for a good Law interview are:
Revise answers for the obvious questions
You know you're definitely going to be asked questions such as "Why do you want to study Law?" and "What interests you about this course/university?" so there's no excuse for not having some answers prepared.

You don't need to memorise a stock answer to each question, but have some bullet points or a rough idea of what you'll say.
Feel comfortable talking about Law
As a prospective Law student it's important that you're up to date with current affairs and feel comfortable talking about Law and answering legal based questions.

You'll need to be able to express your ideas and opinions clearly and concisely. You can build your communication skills by joining things such as a debating society when you're still at school or college.
Do your research
Although it might seem like all Law courses are roughly the same, each university will put their own slant on it and have modules and content that is unique to them.

It's vital that you research each course and university thoroughly. You don't want to sit in an interview and say you're interested in studying a particular area of the Law to be told that the university doesn't cover it.
Read about the Law and legal cases
As we said above, you need to be knowledgeable about current affairs and legal cases that are in the media. Reading a few good quality newspapers should give you an overview and you can then carry out further research into cases that particularly interest you.

There are also journals, websites, and other sources that discuss topical issues relating to the Law and the legal industry, so make sure you read those as well.
Common interview questions when applying for a Law degree
The questions that you will be asked can seem quite in depth and tough to answer. It's important not to panic though. Most of the time there is no right or wrong answer. Interviewers are generally more interested in how you approach the question, rather than the exact answer you give.

Here are some examples of questions that have been asked to Law applicants during their interview:

What sort of a learner are you? Can you give some examples of the processes you use to learn new information?

How do you think you will judge whether you have been successful in your life?

What aspects of your life matter more to you than others?

Have you ever been in a situation where you realised what you said or did was wrong? With hindsight, in what way would you change your behaviour?

What aspects do you enjoy about working in a group?

What are some of the challenges you have experienced when working in a group?

Should the government be able to hold suspected terrorists indefinitely without trial?

Is the law always fair?

Do depictions of the legal system in television programmes damage or boost the image of lawyers to the general public?

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Common Interview Questions when Applying for a Law Degree

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For the majority of prospective university students, an interview isn't something they need to think about and they can concentrate on getting strong grades and submitting a brilliant personal statement. However, Law degree applicants should be prepared to attend an interview as part of the application process.

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Courses at universities and colleges in the UK range from LLB degrees that provide the skills and knowledge required to practice in law, to BA/BSc degrees that focus on law more as an academic subject. As with other academic courses, its possible to combine many different subjects together. Common combinations include law with business, management, criminology, accounting, policing and a modern foreign language.

Subject combinations and available course option include:

single, joint, and multiple subject combinations

full-time, part-time and flexible study options as well as courses with a placement (sandwich courses)

qualifications ranging from BA/BSc (Hons) and LLB degrees, through to HND, HNC and Foundation Certificates

A key consideration when choosing courses is whether or not you wish to pursue a law related career and choose to take a 'qualifying' law degree (LLB). Completion of an LLB degree will exempt you from the need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law which non-law graduates have to complete if they wish to become a solicitor etc.

Are you considering an accelerated degree? Click here to read more about the possibility of completing your undergraduate course on a shorter timescale.

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Thinking about studying law? Find out why you should study it, entry requirements, and what jobs you can do with a law degree.

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Interviews can be daunting, but the key to interview success is preparation. To help you along the way, we've gathered a sample of questions from schools and universities that could be asked on your interview to help you get off to a great start.

The challenges of being a trainee

What challenges do you anticipate facing as a trainee and what strategies will you employ to help you overcome them?

"Answer will ideally show; a realistic idea of what the training course will involve, demands of working in a school plus the additional demands from university, such as written assignments. Answers should also give a sense of trying to manage work-life balance and having interests outside of training to provide that balance. Answers may also relate to talking to their mentor, course tutor, departmental colleagues and peers to find the help and support they need."
Paul Bainbridge, associate assistant headteacher, Burnham Grammar School
Dealing with constructive criticism

Can you explain an instance when you have been offered constructive criticism and describe how you acted upon it?

"I'd be looking for an applicant to display a positive attitude towards advice and constructive criticism offered by colleagues, regardless of their colleague's age, seniority or level of experience. I'd be looking for a specific and detailed example of how the trainee was able to take the feedback on board and carry out the suggested improvements, as well as an understanding of the impact of these changes on the quality of their work. This question enables us to recruit applicants who will be committed to their own professional development, share the positive values we promote within the partnership and who will be able to meet Standard 8 (8d) of the Teachers' Standards."
Helen Byron, head of training, Burton Meadow ITTC
Why teaching

Why do you want to teach?

There are lots of different answers to this, but the best answers are always when the trainee gives a very specific example from a positive or challenging experience they have had already. Real-life examples are so much better than 'I want to make a difference'."
Darren Priestley, assistant headteacher, Anglo European School
Educational issues

What are the current issues in education today?

"The response to this can be anything, but this is a question which on the whole is answered very poorly. Reading the TES, educational blogs or journals will provide a host of key issues from pay and conditions, levels, progress, curriculum, closing the gap, pupil premium, etc. You can take your pick but it demonstrates you have prepared well and are reading key educational literature."
Jake Capper, teaching school lead, Pathfinder Teaching School Alliance, York
Your subject matters

Why should pupils learn your subject?

"Responses to this question should demonstrate enthusiasm for the distinctive nature of a candidate's chosen subject. Transferable skills such as communication or problem-solving skills are fine, but they are not the most important reason for pupils to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in your subject area.

"Evidence of research into recent developments in policy, practice and research in your curriculum area are important here. This is because the mentors who work with student teachers in schools really value the innovations that new entrants to the profession bring. An understanding of pedagogies that can develop a love of your subject is the hallmark of a really strong candidate. It's really encouraging to see a candidate who not only knows they want to teach, but also has an embryonic understanding of how they want pupils to experience learning in their classroom."
Emily Sayers, senior education lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University
The format of the interview varies between schools and universities. Your interview could be a one-on-one or a panel interview, and you may have tests and tasks to complete.

You may also be required to participate in a 'recruitment exercise', which may include any of the following:

a group task, discussion or presentation

a further individual interview

a written test

Remember, no one is perfect at interviews, but plenty of preparation will get you there.

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Common interview questions | Get Into Teaching

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Interviews can be daunting, but the key to interview success is preparation. To help you along the way, we've gathered a sample of questions from schools and universities that could be asked on your interview to help you get off to a great start.

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If you've applied for teacher training in the UK, you'll probably be invited to an interview as the last stage of the application process.

Teaching is a seriously demanding profession. The interview will reflect that fact - so preparation is key. Follow our advice for your teacher training interview to get you to the finish line.

1. Tailor your preparation

Whether its school led or university led training you're applying for, keep in mind that each and every institution is different.

Do your research on each and look out for subtle differences in their tone and ethos. Do you fit with that ethos? How can you get this across in interview?

2. Think of the qualities you'll bring to teaching - but don't second guess the questions

It's natural to think about the questions you're likely to be asked and begin to formulate answers. But we advise you don't stick to this strategy too strictly, as you may not be asked a single question you're expecting.

Instead make a list of the qualities you'll bring to teaching, the insights you've gained from your experience in schools, and try to think how these can be applied to a range of different questions.

3. Read around the education sector

Keep up-to-date with the latest in education news, the issues facing the sector, and what practices teachers are using today. TES and the Guardian Education are great resources for teachers.

When it comes to the actual interview, look for opportunities to communicate your knowledge of the sector - it will show that you have a genuine interest in the profession.

4. Convey passion for your subject

How are you going to inspire the next generation if you're not passionate about your subject? That's certainly what the interview panel will be asking if you fail to show you care about your subject.

Think about why you want to teach it, and why is it important.

5. Don't forget about your other life experiences

Perhaps you've got experience managing people, working within a team, communicating across departments, or you've spent time with people from a range of backgrounds. It's all relevant so if you see the opportunity to talk about experiences aside from teaching, then talk about them.

Just remember to make the link back to teaching explicit - how will that experience help you as a teacher? Teaching really is a moveable feast so your interview panel will be looking to admit all sorts of people with all sorts of skills.

6. Be prepared for more than just the formal interview

Your invitation to interview will detail exactly what else you can expect to be doing on the day. It's fairly standard procedure these days for there to be more than just interview questions.

Group exercises designed to test your communication, teamwork, and perhaps even leadership skills are commonplace. You may be asked to prepare a short presentation where you'll be assessed on your ability to engage an audience.

If the selection day is taking place in a school you'll almost certainly be asked to complete an exercise with a group of children, whether that means teaching part of a lesson or otherwise. But don't worry - the selection panel isn't expecting you to be a polished teacher already. It will be looking for thoughtful and thorough preparation as well some evidence of the ability to develop rapport with a group of children.

7. Get the basics right

And finally - get the basics right! Get a good night's sleep, be punctual, dress smartly but comfortably, check your body language, and speak clearly. Good luck!

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How to prepare for your teacher training interview

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If you've applied for teacher training in the UK, you'll probably be invited to an interview as the last stage of the application process. Teaching is a seriously demanding profession. The interview will reflect that fact - so preparation is key. Follow our advice for your teacher training interview to get you to the finish line.

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Student finance calculator - get a quick estimate of what student loans, grants, bursaries and other funding you could get - for full-time, part-time and EU students

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Applications for full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 2023 to 2024 are now open!

Visit our dedicated page on Gov.uk to find out when it's time to apply and for more information on what you can get.

Got a query or problem that you need help with? Visit our 'How to' guide to find answers to questions that undergraduate students are currently asking us.

Follow us on social media for updates:

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Whether you're thinking about studying, or are already a student, you can find out everything you need to know about student finance in England in this section. Student Finance England (SFE) answer all your questions.

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If you apply for a course that requires an admissions test, you'll need to check the registration deadline for the test, when you will sit it, and what it includes, as well as the deadline for your UCAS application.

Many courses that require you to sit a test have a 15 October deadline, but your course may be different, so it's important you check key dates and deadlines. To see if your course requires you to sit an admissions test, check the course description in the search tool.

Most admissions tests happen between August and November the year before you're due to start your studies - some even earlier, before you've sent your UCAS application!

Remember to check the date of your admissions test - some take place before the UCAS application deadline.

Course-related admissions tests
Law Mathematics Medical courses Thinking Skills Assessment
University admissions tests

University of Cambridge

If you're considering a course at the University of Cambridge, you will need to check whether you need to sit an admissions test.

It may be that you have to sit an assessment before your interview, or at the interview stage of the application process. To do this, you'll need to register separately to your UCAS application - the deadlines for these vary, so make sure you check the university's website.

The deadlines for registrations are as follows:

In addition to your UCAS application, you will also need to complete a Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ).

Applicants from outside of the EU are also required to complete a Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA).

The University of Cambridge runs the following assessments as part of their application process:

Full details of the tests you will need to sit as part of your application can be found in the course description in our search tool.

University of Oxford

If you're thinking of applying to the University of Oxford, there's a very high chance you will need to sit an admissions test. The majority of courses require them, but check the course description in our search tool to be sure.

You will need to register separately to your UCAS application to sit the exam. The deadlines for registrations are as follows:

1 October at 17:00 (UK time):
BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) - please note, the University of Oxford will only accept results from BMAT October for A100 Medicine and BC98 Biomedical Sciences. Candidates for A101 Graduate Medicine may choose either the September or October sitting of the BMAT, but test-takers must not take the test twice in one application round.

5 October at 18:00 (UK time):

15 October at 18:00 (UK time):

Full details of the tests you will need to sit as part of your application can be found in the course description in our search tool.

Other course providers' admissions tests

Click the providers below to find out which of their courses have an associated admissions test.

Birmingham Metropolitan College (Formerly Matthew Boulton College)

University of Bolton

Dental technology

Nursing (adult) Bolton NHS Trust

Nursing (adult) Central Manchester Foundation Trust

Nursing (adult) Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Bournemouth University

Computer animation arts

Computer visualisation and animation

Scriptwriting for film and television

Software development for animation, games and effects

Buckinghamshire New University

Nursing (adult)

Nursing (children's)

Nursing (mental health)

Operating department practice

Social work

Social work (postgraduate entry)

University of Greenwich

Midwifery

Nursing (children's nursing)

Nursing (adult nursing)

Nursing (mental health nursing)

Nursing (learning disabilities nursing)

Paramedic science

The University of Kent

Journalism

Politics and international relations (Bidiplome)

Social work

King's College London (University of London)

Midwifery practice and registration as a midwife

Midwifery studies with registration as a midwife

Nursing studies with registration as a nurse (children's nursing)

Nursing studies with registration - children's nursing (graduate entry)

Nursing studies with registration as a nurse (adult nursing)

Nursing studies with registration - adult (graduate entry)

Nursing studies with registration as a nurse (mental health nursing)

Nursing studies with registration (mental health)

University of Oxford

Pearson College

Business and Enterprise (Top-Up)

BA (Hons) Business Management

BA (Hons) Business Management with Finance

BA (Hons) Business Management with Global Industries

BA (Hons) Business Management with Law

BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship

BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing

The University of Salford

Social policy

Social work studies

Social work studies (postgraduate entry)

South & City College Birmingham

Advanced practice in early years education

HND in biological sciences for industry

Computing and systems development

Sport and exercise science

University of the West of Scotland

Adult nursing

Adult nursing with registration

Education

Mental health nursing

Mental health nursing with registration

Midwifery

Social work

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If you apply for a course that requires an admissions test, you'll need to check the registration deadline for the test, when you will sit it, and what it includes, as well as the deadline for your UCAS application.

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Medicine Interviews - University of Birmingham

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The interview process is designed to help assess your suitability for a career in medicine.

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The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test, used by a consortium of UK and International Universities to help select applicants for their medical and dental degree programmes.

It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as the UCAS application and academic qualifications. It is also your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your aptitude for a demanding programme of study.

The UCAT is a computer-based test, delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout the UK and worldwide.

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About the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | UCAT Consortium

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The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test, used by a consortium of UK and International Universities to help select applicants for their medical and dental degree programmes.

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Practice Reasoning Tests Online - Aptitude Tests

Companies use aptitude tests to assess candidates

Aptitude (psychometric) tests are widely used by companies around the world during the candidate's recruitment process. Employers will usually invite you to complete reasoning test straight after you submit online application. Such tests measure your work-related cognitive capacity and ability to analyse information and make critical decision in different contexts. Passing aptitude test will guarantee that you will be considered to the next stage of your recruitment process.

Each year our platform helps thousands graduates and professionals pass reasoning tests

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Our tests are written by the same professional psychologists who design assessment for employers.

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We will help you choosing the right Aptitude Test package for your practice.

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Practice Reasoning Tests Online - Aptitude Tests

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Practice Reasoning Tests Online - Aptitude Tests Companies use aptitude tests to assess candidates Aptitude (psychometric) tests are widely used by companies around the world during the candidate's recruitment process. Employers will usually invite you to complete reasoning test straight after you submit online application.

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Universities hold interviews to meet you and assess you're fit for the course you've applied for. The interview process also helps universities assess your academic potential, self-motivation and ability to engage with your subject within and outside your coursework.

For some of our courses, you'll need to come to an interview or complete an admissions test before we make a decision on your application. Depending on the course, we may interview all candidates, or a shortlist of potential students we'd like to learn more about.

Interviews and tests vary between courses. We'll always tell you what to expect, what to bring and where to go. If a course does require an interview or test, it will say so on the course page on our website and the UCAS course search.

If you have questions about the interview process or need help along the way, contact our Admissions Team:

Questions to prepare for

In any university interview, you'll be asked some common questions, and some course and subject specific ones.

You might get caught off guard by a few questions, but remember, it's okay not to know the answer or to take your time to think about what to say. Don't just respond with what you think we want to hear. Be true to yourself.

Common questions interviewers might ask

You should prepare for the common questions interviewers will ask. But honesty and injecting your personality into your answer will always reflect better than a standard, scripted response. The following information can help you shape your answers to common questions.

Questions to ask the interviewer

An important part of any interview is when you can turn the lens back onto the people who've been asking you questions. You don't have to ask questions, but this is an opportunity to show how you think and work.

Try to find a question or two that will challenge your interviewer. Your questions can be as complex or simple as you want. If you make them stop and think, you know you've asked a good question. You could ask about the course content, about future career prospects if you take this course, or how the university might change during the time you're there.

What to bring

Bring a copy of your personal statement with you on interview day. The chances are that our interviewers built their questions based on what you shared with them in your personal statement. So it's handy to have a reminder of what you said.

For some courses, you'll need to submit a portfolio of your work, either electronically before the interview or in person on the day. In both cases, you should bring a copy of your portfolio to showcase your work and achievements during the interview.

Assessments, workshops and auditions

Some of our interviews include assessments. These could be written tests or tasks. On our creative courses, interviews can include workshops and auditions.

You'll get instructions or guidelines on how you'll be assessed, but you won't know exactly what's in store. Focus on preparing for what you know. Workshops and auditions can either be conducted solo or in groups, and are usually based on material you'll receive ahead of the day.

How to present yourself

Preparing for your interview

If you're invited to an interview, we're already interested in what you have to offer - what more can you share with us in person? Spend time thinking about what we might be looking for, and how you can convince us you're the right person.

Remember that your interview will be more than just repeating your personal statement - your interviewers have already read that. Instead, think about how you can apply what you know in new ways at university, and the kinds of things you're interested in learning more about with us.

Find a friend or someone you can practice with, get them to ask you some of the common interview questions. You don't want to work from a script, but knowing the key parts of your story will be helpful when answering questions.

On the day

When interview day arrives, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Dress for the occasion - you don't have to dress formally, but a clean, smart outfit shows you're serious

Be punctual - arrive early and have a back-up plan if you have a long journey that might involve delays

Think about your body language - good posture, eye contact and speaking clearly all help to communicate your ideas in a more effective way

Be honest - they've invited you because they want to get to know you better, but interviewers can tell when you're saying what you think they want to hear, rather than being honest

Stay positive - don't beat yourself up about how you could have answered the last question better, focus on the questions ahead of you

Additional checks and requirements

Some of our courses have additional checks and requirements as part of the interview process, particularly for our courses in health and childcare. We'll make sure you're aware of these and have time to prepare or submit the information we need. Some of our checks include:

Standard and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Occupational Health assessment

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) conducted interviews for paramedical related courses

Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs) workers' checks, particularly for dental students

After the interview

When the interview's finished, you might have a mixture of relief that it's over and regret that you could have done better. That's natural, but it's important to remember there's no one right way to interview. Note down where you think you did well and where you could improve in future interviews.

There'll be a bit of wait between your interview and finding out if you made it through. Try not to stress about the outcome, instead spend this time on reflection, thinking about what you can work on, and self care to make sure you're keeping happy and healthy.

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How to prepare for your university interview

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Universities hold interviews to meet you and assess you're fit for the course you've applied for. The interview process also helps universities assess your academic potential, self-motivation and ability to engage with your subject within and outside your coursework.

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Social work

Social work is a hugely challenging area, which places great demands on individuals and teams almost every day of their working lives. For this reason, universities have to be especially careful in their selection processes, to make sure that they choose the right calibre of students for their courses.

In social work, your interview will be far more important than your qualifications and your personal statement, so you need to be well prepared for the kind of questions you will be asked.

Subject specific social work university interview questions

It is important that potential students understand the role of the social workerin society. This is often very different from what you may have experienced firsthand, and so you will be asked questions to assess your understanding, such as:

What do you think a social worker does?

Why does society need social workers?

What experience do you have of social work?

Has a social worker ever worked with you or your family?

What is the ultimate aim of social work?

What do you think people expect from social workers?

Is there a particular area of social work that interests you, and if so why?

Describe a typical week for a social worker?

What are the biggest issues in social work right now?

Personal social work university interview questions

Your attitude, approach and personality will play a major role in your daily life as a social worker, so it is important that your university interview identifies whether you have got 'what it takes' to succeed. Typical personal questions include:

What do you hope to achieve as a social worker?

What qualities do you have that would make you a good social worker?

Are you a good listener, and can you listen without judging?

Describe a situation where you have shown empathy

How would you go about calming down an anxious or agitated client?

Social workers often have a huge caseload. How would you manage your time effectively?

How would you distance your own feelings from an emotional situation?

Describe an example of when you have worked in a team

Ethical social work university interview questions

Social work can be a minefield of ethical issues, and you will not be expected to deal with them all on your own. However, your approach to these issues will be an important part of your interview. Consider how you would answer questions like:

When is it right to take a child from its parents?

Should we waste resources on people who don't want to be helped?

Is the welfare state a trap for the poorer members of society?

Is the so-called 'bedroom tax' fair?

Isn't positive discrimination as bad as the problem it is trying to solve?

Would you be able to help a person who you did not personally like?

If people bring problems on themselves, shouldn't they have to find their own solutions?

Shouldn't families be left alone to sort out their own problems?

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Social Work University Interview Questions

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Social work is a hugely challenging area, which places great demands on individuals and teams almost every day of their working lives. For this reason, universities have to be especially careful in their selection processes, to make sure that they choose the right calibre of students for their courses.

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There are lots of myths about interviews at Oxford, but really they're just conversations about your chosen subject - like a short tutorial - with someone who knows a lot about it. ">Video of Oxford Pathways: Admissions Interviews This video was produced as part of the Oxford Pathways Programme.

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If you're invited for interview, the College that is interviewing you will arrange for you to take the relevant College admission assessment. They will let you know when and how you should take your assessment.

Some courses involve an admissions assessment that is taken after we shortlist for interview. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will take the relevant assessment. The College that interviews you will let you know when and how you should take your assessment.

Find out if you need to take a College admissions assessment

If your course isn't listed below, check the Admissions Assessments page for information on your course.

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When you apply for some courses at Cambridge, you'll take a test after we shortlist you for interview. Find out if you'll need to take one for your subject.

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Hello all fellow aspiring nurses,

First of all, I hope you are well and enjoying the university application experience so far.

As I have noticed whilst looking at the UCAS bloggers website there aren't many blog posts relating to nursing and as this is a true PASSION of mine, I thought why not write a blog post about attending a nursing selection day/interview!

Before I go on about preparing for your nursing selection/interview day,I would just like to CONGRATULATE you on being selected to attend a selection day/interview! YOU are halfway to achieving your dream of getting your place to study nursing!

So, let's start considering the various ways in which you can plan ahead for your selection day/interview. Below I will put the things in order,as to what I believe are the most important things to consider first.
1. Do you know how you're going to get there?
If not then you need to talk to parents, friends, or relatives to see if they can help you to attend your selection day. If no one can take you and you don't drive, then I would highly recommend you book your bus/train tickets in advanced as these can be slightly cheaper-saving you extra money!
2. Need somewhere to stay the night before or after the interview?
I would highly recommend booking at a travel lodge or somewhere similar as it won't cost you a lot of money, especially if you book in advance!
3. What do you want to wear?
I know some unis state on their interview offer letters what they would like students to wear to their interview and MOST of the time they will ask candidates to dress in smart-casual clothing! In my interview experiences I have always worn a blazer,blouse and black trousers to my interview,as this gives the right impression to the university that you're taking things very seriously. Of course,if you don't feel comfortable in wearing a suit you can always wear something more casual. Don't forget to wear smart black shoes too!
How do I prepare for the actual selection day/interview?
Depending on what your interview letter states,you may be asked to sit a maths and English test. You will be required to sit any tests stated in the interview letter,even if you have already got your maths and English qualifications!

To prepare yourself for the tests I would highly recommend that you go onto google and type in 'university nursing selection day tests' and a whole list of various sample tests will come up on various university websites. Print or save these onto a word document and try and work through each unis sample selection test for around 20-30mins everyday. This is to familiarise yourself with what kind of questions you could be asked during your test phase of your university interview!

At some universities, you will be asked to wait after completing the test papers,so they can be marked on the same day! Other universities will mark the papers in due course and you will be notified via email/track whether or not you successfully passed the tests and will be invited to the second phase (interview) of the selection process!

I know the word interview can scare us,but honestly the majority of interviews are just a little chat, so to speak, about why you want to be on that course,why that uni etc.

Every uni is different,some will have a group interview to access how your team working skills are and others will have a 1-1 interview or mini interviews. Below I will explain each interview and how you can prepare for whichever one you will be taking part in:

In all the times I have applied to university I have only ever had ONE group interview & it honestly isn't as scary as it may seem.

You will be put into a small group of around 6 people and be asked a question for you to discuss .
Tips for a group interview
1. Make sure you talk,but not too much

2. Listen to what other people are saying

3. Make sure you don't talk over one another (although this can be difficult, I know.)

4. Work as part of a team

During this interview you will be asked a number of questions. A good tip is to research what kind of questions you could be asked and think about how you would answer them in the interview. Be confident and passionate about why YOU deserve the place at that university!

These interviews are very similar to the 1-1 interviews but are mini 2-3 minute interviews with various people,which could include: Professionals,service users and lecturers from the university.

1. Do your research on the university and course you're hoping to study.

2. Complete research on NHS issues in the news I.e sepsis

Enjoy this experience of applying to study nursing,as your ONE step away from securing your place at University!

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Hello all fellow aspiring nurses, First of all, I hope you are well and enjoying the university application experience so far. As I have noticed whilst looking at the UCAS bloggers website there aren't many blog posts relating to nursing and as this is a true PASSION of mine, I thought why not write a blog post about attending a nursing selection day/interview!

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Interviews aren't everyone's favourite thing, but with a bit of preparation you can do well.

They'll be looking for enthusiastic students with lots to offer - someone who can work independently and consider new ideas, someone who will thrive, enjoying a varied academic life alongside outside interests.

1. Plan ahead

Check where and when - sort out any travel and accommodation you need - check their website for maps and directions.

Be ready for questions - some about your application, as well as your chance to ask about the course and the uni/college.

Know your stuff - show you know the latest in your subject area, and keep up to date with the news - they might ask to hear your views.

Practice - have mock interviews with a teacher or adviser - cover why you chose that course and what you enjoy most about your current studies.

Sleep well!

2. The interview

Dress smartly - you might not need a suit, but smart trousers/skirt and a shirt/blouse will show you're taking it seriously.

Get there early - have their phone number handy so you can let them know just in case you're delayed.

Watch your body language - don't slouch, yawn or fold your arms - stay calm and alert, sit up straight and make eye contact.

Don't worry if you don't understand - ask them to repeat or rephrase the question, make a good guess, or relate it to something you know better.

Expect the unexpected - they might do a surprise test to see how you react under pressure - just do your best.

Ask them questions too - this shows enthusiasm and gives you chance to get answers you haven't found yet.

3. Afterwards

Make notes - if you have more interviews coming up, it might be handy preparation to write down the questions and answers you've already had.

Reflect on how you did - decide what worked well and think of new answers for areas you want to improve in.

Then sit back and wait - once we've heard from the university or college, we'll let you know in Track if they're making you an offer.

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Interviews aren't everyone's favourite thing, but with a bit of preparation you can do well. They'll be looking for enthusiastic students with lots to offer - someone who can work independently and consider new ideas, someone who will thrive, enjoying a varied academic life alongside outside interests. 1.

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Written by Daniel Higginbotham, EditorProspects · May 2023

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Preparing for a university interview | Prospects.ac.uk

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Discover how best to go about preparing for your university interview and secure a place on your ideal course for 2023/24.

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Been invited to an interview by a uni and juggling feelings of satisfaction, panic and terror all at once? Get ready with these university interview tips...

While it's natural to be nervous, having an idea of what to expect can help you to shine on the day. Remember that receiving an interview invite means that admissions tutors are impressed with your application so far and you're in the running for receiving an offer. This is good news!

Here are some university interview tips to get you ready, including what you should wear, questions to prep for and how to perfect your interviewing technique.

What are university interviews actually like?

Interviews can range from an 'exam out loud' (it's safe to expect this from an Oxbridge interview) to an informal chat designed to encourage you to choose that course. They can last anything from ten minutes to an hour and are usually, though not always, conducted by one interviewer.

They can also vary depending on the subject you're applying to study - for example, English students may have to discuss a poem with their interviewer, while maths applicants might be asked to solve an equation.

Our uni interview subject guide offers some subject-specific tips, from chemistry to classics.

Some top university interview tips

Above all, tutors want to see that you're genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Your application has done enough to persuade them so far, so try to just be yourself.

Tutors may ask you to expand on any claims you made in your personal statement which demonstrate your particular interest in the subject - any extra research or work experience you've done, for example - so make sure your statement stands up to scrutiny.

Here are some tips from universities on what else interviewers want to see:

University of Bristol: 'Among other things, they will ask you about your reasons for wanting to study that particular subject and make sure you are aware of what the course involves and what the career options are. They will also assess your ability to communicate and to cope with stress.'

University of Kent: 'Interviewers will expect you to show some knowledge of the course and university, and have the ability to present your ideas and arguments well.'

University of Oxford: 'They are looking for evidence that you are thinking independently, that you are willing to engage with new ideas beyond the scope of your school or college syllabus, and that you are committed to your subject.'

Questions you might be asked in a university interview

These are hard to predict, so here are some pointers on what questions you may face in a uni interview:

Revisit the university prospectus and course details, thinking about how you'd answer questions such as 'why this course?' and 'why this university?'.

Re-familiarise yourself with your personal statement and be prepared to elaborate on anything you've said.

Get someone (who hopefully knows a bit about your subject) to give you a mock interview. Having some interview practice beforehand will help to boost your confidence and expose areas you need to work on.

Make sure you're aware of the latest issues in current affairs relevant to your subject - tutors may bring these into the discussion.

Prepare some questions to ask tutors - just make sure that they haven't already been answered in information you've been sent by the university.

To help you prepare we've also asked students to share their stories on what a uni interview is really like, as well as some of the more unusual interview questions you may be asked.

What questions should you ask in a university interview?

Asking good question will impress your interviewer just as much as good answers. Careers coaching experts Eyes Wide Opened explain more in this short video, which gives you two easy ideas to stand out - with the help of a former Scotland Yard hostage negotiator...

Watch now: University interview questions to ask

University interview tips and preparation - including what to wear

Look carefully through any material that is sent to you before the interview, so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Choose something suitable to wear. The university may offer dress code recommendations, but if not, dress in something you feel comfortable in that won't distract the interviewer from the points you want to make. Think smart!

Plan your journey. If an overnight stay is involved, plan for this as well. To avoid extra stress, give yourself plenty of time on the day. Plan to get there 15 minutes early and have contact details available in case you need to phone.

Take a look at what other tips students shared with us about how best to prepare for a university interview.
Interview techniques for on the day

It's not just what you say that's important - body language is key to the impression you'll make. Sit up straight, make eye contact and look (and sound!) interested. It's important to engage with the interviewer right from the start.

Let your interviewer take the lead when it comes to handshakes, sitting down, starting to talk, and so on.

Listen carefully to the question and don't be afraid to take some time to think about your answer or ask them to repeat it - you won't be penalised!

Remember, an interview is a two-way process. Make the most of it by finding out as much as you can about the course (including teaching methods) and getting a feel for whether the course and the university are right for you.

Whatever the format of your interview, try to contribute to the discussion as well as responding to what your interviewer asks you.

​​​​There is no such thing as the perfect interview, or the perfect answer to a question an interviewer might throw at you. As much as possible, just try to relax and see it as an opportunity to discuss a subject you and your interviewer share an interest in.
Good luck!

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How to prepare for a university interview

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Been invited to an interview by a uni and juggling feelings of satisfaction, panic and terror all at once? Get ready with these university interview tips... While it's natural to be nervous, having an idea of what to expect can help you to shine on the day.