Preparing for a University Interview

Recently, I made a post stating I was applying for University. I sent my application off on the 13th of January, got an email on the 20th stating I needed an interview, went for my interview on the 1st of Feb. Got an offer there and then, and got an email through an hour after I left, confirming my offer.

Yaaaaaaaas.

I read every single post there was on university interviews, what they would ask, what I would wear, how to prepare. Basically, you name it, I read it. But I figured I would answer it all in my one post, and give realistic tips on prepping for an interview! 

1. Read about the University

One of the main things they want to know is, "Why us?" and honestly, that's an easy one to answer. For example, One of my universities, was in Cheltenham. So I explained, that I'd had friends that studied there that enjoyed it and that it was close to home. They like it aswell when you mention what sort of things you're looking forward to doing there, extracurricular things they love!

2. Why do you want to do it?

Simple, easy but one of the hardest questions to get a correct answer I think. For this, I would just think of one valid point and just expand. Don't list a million reasons, list one point, explain and bam, nailed it.

3. Work Experience

My course didn't really expect you to have work experience, but if you have any experience, or situations that applies to the course. Throw it in, it may earn you some extra brownie points!

4. Try and be the first to answer

A part of my interview process was a question and answer sort of thing in a group, it was very informal yet formal at the same time. He asked if we had any questions, and because I didn't, we had a brief beforehand about the course and I understood it well enough, I answered his questions first.

So it was a 'okay you don't have any questions, but how do your answers go?' basically, show you're keen!

5. Be nice to the other interviewees.

In our interview, we were all together for majority of it. The interviewers said to not see eachother as competition, because there was no need to be. Regardless of that, you still think you are in a bit of competition. But be nice! They want someone that is going to nice for their university, so making conversation, holding doors open and just being generally nice can make your interview experience that bit less stressful! Also, this goes without question, be reaaaally nice to the interviewer, I helped mine pack his things away and he was very appreciative! 

6. Research what sort of questions you may be asked.

The Student Room is essentially loads of wanna be, current and past students all giving advice and discussing universities. I found a discussion on what sort of questions you could be asked, I was only asked one of them but they are especially helpful to prepare you for those tricky questions!

7. Keep calm. 

I know, easier said than done. You should've seen me before my interview, I was a wreck, shaking, moody, couldn't eat or drink. Although I did have a big breakfast so please do that. My University said it was more an interview for them, to see if they were right for us, rather than the other way around. Treat it like that, they need to be right for you! Drink lots of water, and just remain calm. 

So there's a few tips for you, please feel free to leave any questions below on the interviews, I'd be more than happy to help you out. :) 

It's Okay Not To Have A Plan

This year I have already made big decisions. I've made the decision to apply for University and leave my full time job. I haven't left it yet, I'm waiting to hear back from the places I've applied and then I will be leaving in September to go. But the main post of this post is,

IT'S OKAY NOT TO HAVE A PLAN.

I'm a 20 year old girl, I like things that normal 20 year olds like, partying, sleeping, going out for food. But when I was in my final year of sixth form, and it was the time that everyone went on our own little journeys. I was the 'deviant' one, shall we say. In my school, everyone went to university. They'd enforce it, most likely for the reputation of the school. But only about three of us, left school to go to jobs. In my friendship group, all went to University, all studying different things. Bar me and a close friend. She went to college instead. I was the only one not applying for university.

At the time, I panicked. I just didn't know what I wanted to do, I was living in the moment and not thinking about the future when I should've been. I went to work full time, where I before worked part time. I'm a lifeguard and swimming teacher, so it's not a bad job. There were a lot of shifts to be covered, it just worked.

I don't regret not going to University at the time, because I didn't know what I truly wanted. But, I wish I did a bit of forward thinking. My parents said they were never worried because they knew I'd go eventually.

It's not essential to go, unless you want to go into Medical. (Hint Hint, I'm applying for a Healthcare profession) So please, don't panic if you're like 18 year old Katie. My friends are much older than me and they are now wondering what to do with their lives. We find out what we want to do when it comes to us, regardless of our ages. Heck, I know 40+ year olds changing profession.

I've had a good two years out of education, I did a lot. I grew a lot. The pictures I've included are all from my school days, I do miss them a lot, but it's time to embrace the next chapter!

A Levels

Hello! This is a bit of a different post today, and I realise that it isn't the typical makeup post. But as it is approaching results day and many people are starting back to school I thought this may help a few of you.

A little background before I start, I have just finished my seventh year at school, completing GCSEs and A Levels. I studied Psychology, Sociology, ICT and Welsh at AS Level and decided to drop Welsh at the end of my first year.

Choosing A Levels
Now I had an idea of what I wanted to do before I started A Levels, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field of some sort and I looked into A Level requirements before choosing them. If you know 1000% what you want to do in the future, then I highly suggest finding out what you need. I knew I need a sociology and psychology a level so that's where that decision came from. I took French and Welsh at GCSE and knew I wanted to carry on with either one at A Level, as I enjoyed it. This is incredibly important when choosing also, you need to enjoy them. If you don't, you wont want to study for them. I got a higher GCSE grade in Welsh so I chose Welsh. Which later I regretted as the course was extremely challenging for me and I didn't enjoy it in the slightest. ICT was down to enjoyment and the fact a lot of jobs nowadays are based around technology, so I thought that would come in handy. You can choose 3-5 a levels, although I know the majority choose 4, like myself. If you chose 4, then you choose to drop a subject at the end of the year. This is because A2 (The second year) is harder than the first and it's a lot more work. If you chose 5, you can drop 2. You don't have to drop a subject, my two friends decided to keep going with four. But another friend chose five subjects, and dropped two.

Start as You Mean to Go On.
I CAN NOT PREACH THIS ENOUGH. Seriously, the jump from GCSE to A Levels is immense and I don't think anyone can really prepare you for it. In my school, you get a lot more freedom and I suppose that's when I started lacking the studying aspect. If you are starting A Levels in September, start organised and you're set for the rest of the year!

Balance
Another key aspect of A Levels is to balance your time wisely. I know when it comes to exam period everyone goes to freak out mode and revises crazily and doesn't want to go out or any of that sort. I would say start revising early, and keep it balanced. Do it a little a day and build it up as you get closer to exam periods. My friend was the worst at this, she started early like I said previously, but didn't give herself breaks. She would go to bed at 1am and wake up at 6am, and that time in between was spent revising. I kid you not. Please don't do this, I had gotten her to get more sleep and to take breaks but please realise your health is way more important than grades.

Results Day
Okay, so like I said the jump from GCSE to A Levels is immense. You need to realise that on the first results day, you may get the results you were not looking for. This is what happened to all of my year on the first results day, everyone was shocked as to how we could've all done shockingly bad. But that also gave us the realisation to know what we needed to do and the next results day was a lot more positive. My results day is actually in 10 days and right now I'm panicking. But there's nothing I can do and what'll be will be.

Please remember that A Levels do not define you. There are other options if you don't do as well as you pleased and there is support around you.

I hope this helped a few of you and don't you worry I have a lot more makeup posts up and coming. Let me know if you want more lifestyle posts!

-K x