Cracking the Interview Code at Top Universities
A Blog Series (Blog #2)
Navigating the university admissions process can be daunting, especially when it comes to the interview stage. LANNA has a robust and detailed College and Careers programme to help prepare students for applications and interviews at top universities worldwide, including Oxbridge, Ivy League schools, medical programmes and more. Here’s a look into the advice and insights shared at a recent Parent Workshop, to help students excel in these high-stakes interviews.
Understanding University Interviews and What’s Assessed
University interviews assess more than academic knowledge; they explore a student’s capacity for critical thinking, independent learning, and how they apply knowledge in unfamiliar situations. This is especially true for institutions like Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge), which design their interviews to resemble undergraduate tutorials. Interviewers aren’t looking at appearances or manners but focusing on applicants’ potential to think independently and engage with complex ideas. Other schools–especially in Asia–also use interviews as a chance to confirm a student’s English language proficiency. With the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content and fraudulent test reports, schools will use in-person/online interviews and impromptu video-response questionnaires to further assess students’ language and interpersonal skills.
Oxbridge Interviews
The process for Oxbridge applicants typically involves two interviews, each lasting around 20-30 minutes. Expect discussions on recent academic work, super-curricular activities, and new challenges that require applying existing knowledge. The timeline is precise: Applications close in mid-October, online interviews are held in December, and outcomes are announced in January. This structure ensures that only the top 30-40% of applicants make it to the interview stage.
The Medical School Interview: Panel vs. MMI
For aspiring medical students, the interview format can vary significantly. Many UK medical schools use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), which consist of 6-10 stations, each designed to evaluate different qualities like empathy, ethics, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These stations are short, timed, and can either be virtual or in-person. Other schools prefer traditional panel interviews, allowing students to elaborate on their motivations, ethical perspectives, and awareness of current healthcare issues.
Ivy League Interviews: Showcasing Personality and Fit
The Ivy League interview differs from Oxbridge and medical interviews, focusing less on academic rigour and more on how students will fit within the university community. Conducted by alumni, these interviews explore applicants’ passions, life experiences, and potential contributions to the university. Questions might cover topics like personal challenges, favourite films, or community involvement. The Ivy League interview is an opportunity for students to show their unique personality and values, helping the university see them beyond the application.
Preparing for Success
Top-tier university interviews require students to be well-prepared, adaptable, and comfortable with thinking on their feet. Engaging in discussions on current events related to their chosen field, practising data interpretation, and honing communication skills can give students an edge. These interviews aren’t just a test of knowledge; they’re a stage for students to demonstrate their ability to handle complex, open-ended questions with confidence.
At LANNA, we’re dedicated to equipping our students with the skills needed to excel in the interview process and beyond, fostering not only academic success but also the confidence and adaptability they’ll carry with them to university and beyond.
