Do unis check references before or after interview?

[withlust]

I just had an interview for a masters course in social work yesterday morning and it went terribly. They had sent me documents to read and social work values and a bit about professional accountability. It was a group 'discussion' and I had really prepared but rather than a discussion, they asked questions directed at each person and the question was nothing to do with the documents they sent over. I think that's what threw me off. I am cringing at how bad it went, they had to prompt me to talk and when I did I don't think anything I said made much sense, I was rambling on, I can't really remember as my adrenaline was going so much. I remember saying that just because a child is in care doesn't mean they are 'doomed' 🤦‍♀️ I actually used the word doomed. What is wrong with me? I 100 percent will not have gotten a place on the course which I am a bit gutted about, feel like I've let myself down.

I'm clutching at straws but I'm wondering if my experience, personal statement and reference are all really good, will they definitely reject me because of my performance? Does anyone know if they get references before or after interview?

Thanks

I don't know, but I'd have thought as long as you didn't say anything that showed you were unsuited to it you might be in with a chance. Eg. If you'd made judgemental comments about people in care or said something racist etc. I'm sure you didn't so you might still be in with a chance

@GlowBuzzers

I don't know, but I'd have thought as long as you didn't say anything that showed you were unsuited to it you might be in with a chance. Eg. If you'd made judgemental comments about people in care or said something racist etc. I'm sure you didn't so you might still be in with a chance

No I didn't say anything like that at all but I had to be prompted a few times to speak and everyone spoke before me, my nerves got the better of me so I really think I was the weakest person there. And they only have 12 places and more interviews so think I blew my chances but really holding on to that small, tiny, minuscule glimmer of hope 😂

Bump, is anyone sure when unis check for references?

It may be different for social work, but for most masters' programmes, the online application system automatically contacts referees to ask them to upload a reference as soon as you hit submit on your application.

Thank you

Fingers crossed that the other candidates have rubbish experience, PS and references then.

@GlowBuzzers

Fingers crossed that the other candidates have rubbish experience, PS and references then.

Here's hoping! 🤣 but then again, they wouldn't have gotten an interview if that were the case so I think I'm SOL!

Also there is only 12 spaces and there was two international students in my interview, do you know whether they have to take on a specific number of international students?

There were two of us from Scotland, and two from Africa. I almost wonder if they pick one student from Scotland and one international student per interview. If that's the case I am definitely screwed!

Sorry, I don't know anything about it. Just wishing you well.

I run a Masters programme and read the references as part of deciding whether or not to offer an interview. I'd only look at them again if the interview was borderline.
To be honest we do need to fill the spaces so it's not as competitive as it looks if you know what I mean!
Good luck!