Interview questions

To help you prepare for your university interviews, we're compiling a list of common university interview questions which may be asked by admissions tutors at any interviews you attend.

The questions we have cover a broad range of subjects and situations, so not all of them will be relevant to you. You should make sure you review your personal statement and information about the courses and universities you're applying for as many questions will be specific to these areas.

Also remember to check out our interview frequently asked questions to answer any common queries you have about the interview and our interview tips to ensure you're properly prepared for your interview.

If you have any comments, or wish to add questions you've been asked making a comment or emailing us at interviews@studential.com

Sample university interview questions

Tell me about yourself?

How would you describe yourself?

Tell us about your current course?

What are you best at?

What are your main interests?

Why do you want to study for a degree?

What do you think university can offer you?

What else, apart from study, interests you about university?

Why do you want to study?

What do you know about the course?

What attracts you to this course?

Why did you select the subjects you studied for A Level?

What do you like about the subjects you studied for A Level?

How rewarding did you find the subjects you studied for A Level?

What courses have you taken, other than A levels, either at school or outside?

What have you gained from any courses you've taken other than A levels, either at school or outside?

Why did you apply to this university?

Why have you chosen this subject?

Why have you chosen this department?

What features of this course do you find attractive?

Why should we offer you a place?

How would you define your subject?

Why is your subject important?

What are the most important current developments in your subject?

What work experience have you had?

What did you learn from any work experiance you've done

What practical skills have you acquired?

What are your career plans, if any?

What qualities do you possess to follow your chosen career?

Why are you taking a gap year?

What are you planning to do on your gap year?

Why are you taking a gap year?

How did you arrange your gap year?

How does your gap year fit in with your career plans?

What do you hope to achieve on your gap year?

Why have you decided not to take a GAP year?

Does not taking a gap year put you at a disadvantage in any way?

What really interests you?

What are you interested in reading?

What was the last book you read?

How did you choose the last book you read?

What is your favourite newspaper or periodical?

Do you follow a particular columnist in a newspaper or periodical?

Describe your most interesting experience abroad.

Have you been abroad?

What do you believe to be the functions of a good university?

What are your views on the funding of universities?

How do you think universities should achieve a good social mix in their intake?

Can you describe the interested listed on your personal statement in more detail?

What positions of responsibility have you held?

What have learned from any positions of responsibilty you hold?

What have you most enjoyed at school?

What do you dislike about school?

What do you think you can offer this university?

Are you good at working on your own?

What opportunities have you had for exercising leadership?

Describe a situation where you were put under pressure?

How did you react to a situation where you were put under pressure?

What was the outcome of a situation where you were put under pressure?

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Tell me an achievement of which you are proud.

How do you think you will benefit from a university education?