Interview guidelines
The Interview Experience
This information is provided as a guide for you to ensure you
make the most out of your interview day experience.
We advise you to get further information from
UCAS/GTTR and to carry out your own research and preparation.
The interview process is designed to give
York St John academic staff an opportunity to meet with prospective
students to find out why they have applied for the course and/or to
discuss in more detail the information provided on the UCAS/GTTR
form. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about yourself
and to demonstrate your practical and academic skills relevant to
the degree programme.
How can I prepare?
- Ensure you read the information sent prior to
the day.
- Be aware of the type of interview and programme
for the day.
- Plan your journey and accommodation (if
applicable) in advance.
- Re-read your UCAS/GTTR application form
including your personal statement and be prepared to answer
questions on the information that you provided.
- Read around the subject that you have applied
for and show some background knowledge of the subject if it is one
that you have not studied before.
- Prepare any activities or personal profiles that
you need for the day.
- Make a list of questions you would like to
ask.
- Practise talking about yourself, your interests,
work experience(s) and any career plans.
- You may want to ask someone, such as a teacher,
to give you a practice interview to help you to get used to talking
about yourself and your chosen subject.
How can I make the most out of the experience?
- Try to relax and enjoy the experience.
- Be motivated, enthusiastic and demonstrate a
good knowledge of your chosen subject.
- Listen carefully to all the information provided
and any instructions that are given.
- Remember that the admissions tutors want to hear
about you, so make sure you answer any questions clearly.
- Ask questions relevant to your degree subject
area and student life.
- If you are unfamiliar with York, make sure you
allow enough time to explore the city and its attractions.
The staff and students are here to make you feel
welcome and want you to find out if the degree is right for you, as
well as finding out if you are right for the degree.
What should I do after the interview?
- Keep a record of all the information you gained
on the day.
- Evaluate how the day went and what you learnt
from the experience.
- Check your applications progress via Track on
the UCAS/GTTR website. Check the conditions of any offer that may
follow (i.e. is there anything else you need to
do).
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Can I bring friends and family along?
You are more than welcome to bring guests on the
day and they will be welcome to accompany you on all of the general
sessions. However during your actual interview they will be
requested to wait for you. There are catering facilities on
site and the city centre is only a five minute walk away so there
will be plenty to keep them busy whilst you are attending your
interview.
Please note that we do not allow PGCE Secondary
RE applicants to bring family and friends to the
interview. This is because part of the interview
is held in one of our partnership schools.
Can I park my car on campus?
Unfortunately as we are a city centre campus
there is restricted parking on the site. However there are a number
of public car parks nearby and Park and Ride services operate seven
days a week.
For more information please see the How to find us page.
Please note: if you have particular access
requirements please do not hesitate to contact us on 01904 876970
or e-mail interviews@yorksj.ac.uk
How far away is the station?
The station is an approximate 15-20 minute walk
away from the campus.
Alternatively you can hop in a taxi and this will
cost approximately £5.50 for the fare (July 2008). For further
details, directions and maps please see the How to find us page.
What sort of catering/refreshment facilities are
there?
York St John University has plenty of catering
outlets across the campus offering you hot and cold refreshments
throughout the day. In addition, there is complimentary tea
and coffee on arrival.
Am I responsible for my interview expenses?
Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse anyone
for their interview expenses. However if you book your travel
and accommodation (if applicable) in advance you will get much
better deals than leaving it to the last
minute.
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What should I wear on the day?
We would encourage you to dress smartly but
comfortably. Applicants for the Dance programme should
remember to bring clothing suitable for a practical technique class
and a bottle of water. Applicants for the PGCE
Secondary RE programme are expected to wear professional
attire, for example a shirt and tie or equivalent.
What should I do if I have any special requirements?
If you have any special requirements that need to
be taken into consideration on the day of your interview, for
example, extra time when sittings exams, please contact
Admissions as soon as you receive an invite to inform them of any
adjustments that may need to be made.
Do I get to look around the facilities?
Yes, on the day we offer you the opportunity of a
campus tour. These are led by our student ambassadors who
will try and give you all the information you need on the
facilities on offer at York St John University. Although you
will be unable to view accommodation on an interview day, our
Open Days give you a chance to see all
types of accommodation.
Do I get to speak to current students?
The student ambassadors who will be leading the
tours on the day will all be current York St John students and you
will be able to speak to them informally and ask them lots of
questions. In addition some of the degree programmes will
invite current students along to the interviews.
What time will I be finished?
Each subject will have their own timetable for
the day and so your finish times do vary. The latest time you
will finish will be 5.00pm.
Will I find out on the day if I have a place?
Unfortunately we are unable to tell you on the
day if you have been successful. You can check your application’s
progress via Track on the UCAS/GTTR website.
For further information please contact Admissions
on T: 01904 876598 or E:admissions@yorksj.ac.uk
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