university interviews

It can be a scary idea, especially if English is not your first language but hopefully if we can explain to you what is likely to happen it will make the process easier and less stressful. 

The most important point to understand is why you are being interviewed. Law courses are usually oversubscribed. Law has been the most popular course for many years. The university interview is used as a way to make sure the university can choose the most appropriate students.

Oversubscribed: the number of people that want to do the course is higher than the number of places available

The university interview is used as a way to find out more about you. The only information the university has about you is in writing. At a university interview the university hopes to discover what type of person you are and what interests you have. The answers you give and the way you speak and appear will all influence their decision. They want to find out if you are better than the other people that would also like to do that course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

I can’t go to the interview because I live abroad, what can I do?

It is likely that universities will allow you to have a telephone interview.

How long will a university interview last?

A university interview will usually last for between 15 minutes and an hour.

What should I do to prepare?

It would be a good idea to find out as much information as you can about the university and the course before you attend. Most of the information should be on the university website. Make sure you know what you wrote in your application before as it is common for university interviews to consider this during the interview. It might also be a good idea to read the news in the days leading up to the interview, especially sections that focus on law. It is possible to find these publications on the internet. Here are some useful websites:

The BBC – www.bbc.co.uk/news

The Times Online - Law Section -http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/

The News section of AllAboutLaw.

What should I wear?

It is a university interview so use common sense, wear trousers and a shirt or blouse.

Common sense: an internal feeling of good judgment, an ordinary understanding.

What happens if I underperform?

There isn’t really much you can do if it goes badly. The most useful thing you can do is to learn from the experience. If you are unsuccessful the best thing to do is to ask for some feedback, ask why you were unsuccessful and then learn from this.

What will they ask me?

They will ask you several standard questions plus maybe the odd wild card. i.e.

Why do you want to study this course?

Why do you think you are better than other candidates?

What do you think you can offer to this university?

Tell us about yourself.

Why do you want to come to this university?

What If I can’t understand what they are saying?

If English isn’t your first language you might be worried about understanding the question let alone being able to answer it! If you can’t understand ask them to repeat it or rephrase the question. Imagine you were speaking in your own language it is perfectly fine to ask for a question to be repeated.

One good technique to make sure you understand the question is to repeat to the interviewer your understanding of the question. For example, if somebody at the university interview asks you,

“How do you think the recession has changed international business?”

 You might answer, “Do you mean will the recession lead to a reduction international business transactions?”

Will my English be good enough?

I can almost guarantee your English will be good enough. It is very unlikely that would be asked to come to an interview if your English was not to a good enough level. If you are able to understand this article you will have no trouble.  Your written English may be better than your spoken, but don’t worry and take your time and although it is obvious try to relax.

So in conclusion, be prepared, be yourself and yes your English is definitely good enough. Good Luck!

The best advice is to be yourself and let them get to know you. Answer questions honestly. If you are suited to that course then you will be chosen. There is no bad outcome from an interview just two options.

The first option is that they offer you a place because you are suitable, in their opinion.

The second option is that they do not offer you a place because they do not think you are as good as the other people.

You may attend several interviews and only get accepted at one. If after several interview you have still not been accepted then you may be doing something wrong. It is a good idea to ask why they did not think you were suitable.  It may be a something simple which can be easily be corrected or it may be that law is not the best match for you.