University interviews - so nervous

[DrunkenElephant]

I have applied to 5 Universities to study social work (BA) and I’ve been offered interviews at all five universities - the first is this Friday and I feel sick with nerves.

I have massive impostor syndrome, keep thinking I will mess up the interviews and every time I try to prep my mind goes blank!

I have been working in a social care role for years, I know I can do this - I am absolutely fine working with families, professionals, group work, presentations but the thought of having to “sell myself” is crippling me.

Any tips?

Make a list of everything you have achieved- all the things you have done which made a difference.
write notes of what you want to say.
research each uni- they will have different formats
look on studentroom website for info
Good luck!

You got 5 interviews which means that you are a credible candidate. My uni interviews were a long time ago, but I would get a notebook and write one question on a page and then do mind-maps of your answers. After the first interview you will be able to add more pages and refine your mind maps.

Amazing! Well done. To get 5 interviews is fantastic. Please believe in yourself.

as you say you have experience of working in social work, go in there and sell yourself. Listen carefully to questions and use your experiences to answer your questions. .

eat a banana an hour before. I find that calms me down a bit.

Congratulations!

Five opportunities to discover exactly how each institution organises their course - and what they’re looking for in students.

Do not think of it as selling yourself. With each interview you’ll gain a wider view of what studying for this qualification might offer you.

Thank you all so much for replying.

The interview on Friday would actually be my last choice University out of the five, so I’m definitely going to treat it as good practise for the others.

The mind maps idea is great, I’ll definitely use that thank you.

Also remember they are looking to fill their course with good quality candidates, and your valuable experience is likely to mean that's what you are! They're not there to catch you out, they want you to do well, it's just a chance to see if you're right for each other. It'll definitely get easier. I had 5 interviews last year as a (very) mature student and that first one is the most nerve-wracking. Good luck!

What was your subject, @CatsLikeBoxes? (Pure nosiness. I was probably more mature than you for my last academic interview, but I had only applied to one - specialist - institution.)

Did you get to where you wanted to be?

@Edmontine I think it's very unlikely you were more mature than me! For me it was teaching, and yes I did get my places and I'm enjoying it despite advanced years 😊

Good luck with the interviews, @DrunkenElephant!

Thank you so much @Edmontine!

It went ok I think, I answered everything at least! They said I should hear either way within a week 🤞