1. Sizing them Up – Open Days and Interviews

2. Why to universities invite you to Open Days?

3. So you can check you are making the right choice and are less likely to leave if you start a course there Ask questions Meet tutors/ see course facilities See accommodation/ sports/ spare time facilities Try out the journey etc Can you see yourself studying there next year? So they can impress you – all universities want to be oversubscribed

4. Why have interviews? Some universities have interviews for all the same reasons as open days – but nationally, students are more likely to attend interviews that open days. It’s not so much about selecting you, but you won’t get an offer if you don’t go. For some universities and courses, it is a key part of the selection procedure and a definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision is made based on how well a candidate does at interview.

5. Different kinds of interviews 1 person or a small panel asks candidate a series of questions 1 person asks a number of candidates a series of questions in turn – this can be very strange as all candidates are answering the same question and hearing one another’s answers and is sometimes used as a way of interviewing lots of people in a short time A group of candidates are given a task and observed in completing it - to see how you work with other people ‘Speed dating style’ interviews. A large number of candidates work their way around several ‘ stations’ answering questions or completing tasks – many medicine interviews now work in this way A combination of these

6. How to prepare for Interviews or Open Days?

7. Read any information you are sent carefully so you know what to expect of the day Plan -Bring anything they ask for eg GCSE certificates or ID and plan journey in advance and do blue absence form for college For interviews- Re read your application Stay up to date on current issues relating to your application Practice typical interview questions Check out additional information on the website etc about what they are looking for at interview and how they use it for selection Book a mock interview with careers Check out possible questions in ‘ Brian Heap’ and other books in careers

8. Good Luck! Tips for interviews… http://youtu.be/l9XjHWYVVY8