How To Answer Common University Interview Questions

Updated: 16.01.2025

Read time: 10 min read

Are you starting to panic about how to answer common university interview questions?

You don’t have to! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular questions asked in interviews and some tips on answering them.

This way, you’ll have greater chances of acing your interview!

What is a University interview?

What is a university interview? A typical university interview consists of university interview questions designed to assess the candidate’s suitability for the job.

These can range from behavioural to situational and technical questions. Preparation is critical during an interview, so it’s important to research beforehand what types of questions you may be asked. Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly what will come up. However, to some extent, it’s possible to prepare by figuring out how to answer the common university interview questions that pop up time and time again.

The admissions staff usually arrange university interviews after the university application process. Not all universities or courses will conduct interviews. If you’re applying for arts or music, you may need to bring your portfolio showcasing your best work.

How do you know if the admissions department is asking you for an interview? In the UK, there are two ways: either through the UCAS or direct contact through the personal information you’ve provided. Make sure to stay updated with both of these channels so you won’t miss golden opportunities to enter the university of your dreams.

Once you receive the invitation for an interview, make sure you confirm your attendance. You can also opt to reschedule if you cannot make it on the initial time and date of the invitation. That said, since universities are busy with interviews during this time, it’s best to make the necessary adjustments and attend at the original time if at all possible.

Common University Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Question 1: Why do you want to study this subject?

It would be best if you had a solid answer to this university interview question at this point. After all, you spent your time writing your personal statement! So, a great first step would be to look back at what you wrote there and reflect on your motivations.

Think about why you’re attracted to the subject and why you think you have the necessary qualifications to nail it. You can also reference a career path that you’re truly passionate about, and make sure you can explain how this degree subject will help you in your journey. Another idea to to talk about particular subtopics, books, documentaries, experiments and lessons that you have enjoyed within this subject. Being fascinated by an academic area is more than enough reason to justify wanting to study it at university level. Plus, there’s no doubt your interviewer will greatly enjoy discussing the ins-and-outs of their subject with you!

Take care on keeping your answers consistent with your personal statement and application. Answer with as much detail and enthusiasm as your personal statement suggests.

Also, avoid discussing the potential monetary gain. Choosing the subject mainly because you’ll have the possibility of earning a high salary may not convince your interviewer that you’re in it for the long run.

Question 2: Why did you choose this university?

This is one of the most common university interview questions that will likely come up in your interview. In asking this question, the interview wants to test your knowledge of the university.

Do you want to enter the university because you’re stoked about their state-of-the-art facilities and excellent teaching?
Or did you end up applying for the university just because you didn’t have many options left?

The university is looking for passionate and grateful students who relish the opportunity to study with them. Graduate students carry the name of their alma mater, so the schools want to make sure they accept students who are proud to have their name.

The best way to answer this question is to display how much you know and appreciate the university. Give a detailed reason why you admire the school’s teaching strategies in your course. Are you looking forward to the professional placements? Is their course a cut above the rest? Are you desperate to get involved in campus life? Maybe you’re attracted by the benefits of studying abroad with one of their partners? Just make sure you don’t answer like you haven’t given much thought to your decision.

Question 3: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses demonstrates the level of self-awareness necessary to make the right decisions. You wouldn’t be able to make the best decision on what subject to pursue if you didn’t know you had the strengths needed to succeed at it.

When answering this university interview question, it’s not enough to list your strengths down like reading your grocery list. You have to explain why your strengths are relevant to your course. And if it connects with the values of the university, much better! Don’t forget to give examples to back up your claim.

When discussing your weaknesses, mention how you’re doing something to improve it. Don’t be shy about your flaws – every human being has their respective chinks in their armours. Express humility and a determination to work out your weaknesses, and you’ll surely impress your interviewee with your self-awareness.

Question 4: What achievement are you most proud of?

This university interview question allows you to show that you’ve got some depth beyond simple keywords like “hard-working” and “responsible”. The interviewer wants to see how your values translate into your achievements.

Think about the particular accomplishments that demonstrate what kind of person you are. An example could be working hard to help your family out financially who have been affected by an economic crisis—or saving lives as a volunteer firefighter. You can even mention the project you did for school that required teamwork, or maybe something you’ve done to make your community a better place.

Each of these examples shows determination – a trait universities look for in their students.

Question 5: What are your main interests?

Your main interests speak volumes about your personality. When the admissions interviewer asks you this university interview question, they want to know if you are a suitable fit for the school. To answer this question, discuss what you love to do in your spare time.

Maybe you love to volunteer at a local charity or play football in your local team. Then explain what skills you gained from your main interests that will help you succeed in the university – perhaps volunteering made you proactive in serving your community. Or maybe playing football may have ingrained in you a deep sense of teamwork.

Try to avoid mentioning hobbies that aren’t teaching you any hard or soft skills – like online shopping, for example!

Question 6: What are your career plans?

Your career plans are a reflection of your long-term goals. Giving a direct and detailed answer about your career plans shows planning and foresight on your part. It means you have real intention in choosing your course and university.

When answering this common university interview question, it’s best to explain why you chose your career path. What particular event in your life sparked your interest? What does the university offer, and why do you think it can guide you to achieving your career goals?

It’s also essential to make a compelling case for your choice. It would be best if you talked about why the program is perfect for you.

Question 7: What Can You Bring To The University?

By asking this university interview question, the interviewer wants to assess that you’re willing to contribute to the betterment of the school. It’s not enough that a student wants to learn more about a subject – they should ideally be eager to participate in the community. So, this question focuses on your potential to get involved in, and maybe even lead, extracurricular activities, including societies and programs.

Share what society or club you’re thinking of joining. Is it the debate club? Sports? Or music? Each of these societies represents the school. The success of these societies increases the university’s recognition. Your contribution may also add valuable flavour to the collective student experience. The better the experience, the more satisfied the students, and the higher ratings they give to the university. More than this, persuading the interviewer that you’re keen to be involved in club life shows that you’re a well-rounded person, AND that you’re likely to get embedded in university life and stick out the length of your course.

Question 8: Why Did You Choose Your A-Levels?

The interviewer can assess how much you think about your academic choices and how they influence your future decisions by asking the common university interview question, “Why did you choose your A-levels?” Answering this question is an excellent opportunity to show how committed you are as a student, as well as your dedication to studying that particular course at university.

When answering this question, don’t just list down all your A-Level subjects. Make sure you give detailed explanations on your thought process. Were you keen to study a particular topic, or did you spend time talking to older students to figure out which course was the most interesting? Expand further by talking about the skills and knowledge you expect to gain and how well you developed them.

One great way to answer this question is to express how you chose your A-levels to help prepare you for your course. The interviewer will probably like that you’re thinking about your future and showing commitment to the field you’ve applied for.

Question 9: What Book Impacted You The Most?

Book analysis showcases your critical thinking skills. So when you answer the university interview question, “What book impacted you the most?” try to be as specific as possible. When deciding on this book, think about what common denominators it shares with your course and why that particular book spoke volumes to you.

Expect the interviewer to ask you for details about your chosen book to test the authenticity of your account. Be prepared to give a short synopsis, favourite character, or memorable quote. What’s most important is that you stay honest. If you’re not an avid reader, say why you’re not, and perhaps explain how you’ve explored your subject through other means.

Perhaps you can suggest a documentary instead that taught you valuable knowledge about your course, or even a podcast. The interviewer will be impressed at your determination to learn according to how you learn best.

Business Management

In-person

Cultivate leadership skills in New York, where multinational...

Laptop with Google analytics dashboard on screen

Ages: 15-18

Coding

In-person

Master the language of technology in Cambridge, a...

Ages: 16-18

Wrapping Up

The questions posed in a university interview will vary depending on the type of institution and your chosen degree. However, all these discussions focus on what you can bring to the school community as a student. They want to know that you’re eager to participate and contribute at their college or university!

To answer common university interview questions effectively, you must do some research beforehand to have an idea about what may come up. Answer each question appropriately and with detail, be sure to make strong arguments as well as compelling cases for why your choice is best suited for yourself AND the school community too. If you’re still not sure about your choices, Immerse’s Academic Insights programmes allow you to live and learn on some of the world’s most prestigious campuses. These programmes can help you select a subject and university, bringing you confidence and security in your future choices.

Join the Immerse Education 2024  Essay Competition

The Immerse Essay Competition is open for 2024! Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition