Whether you have applied to CAO as a mature student or you have applied for a restricted CAO course, the chances are that you will be have to attend an interview this month.

Common mistakes most applicants tend to make include treating the interview as informal. Under no circumstances should an interviewee treat a college admissions interview as informal. The purpose of a college interview is to help the interviewer establish whether or not their college is a good match for you. It is important, therefore, that a potential student does a bit of background work and knows a little about the college in question.

Useful questions to prepare for include:

Tell me a bit about yourself?
Why are you interested in pursuing a course at the college in question?
Why have you chosen this course?
What are your career goals?
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
What do you feel you can contribute to the college?
Why should we offer you a place?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What drives and motivates you?
What are your interests?
How do you handle stress and pressure – have examples.

Mature student questions can also include:

This is a dynamic environment, how will you fit in?
This will be a big transition, what do you see as the greatest challenge?
How do you think your previous work experience will benefit you in the educational sector?

If you have prepared all these questions, you should not have difficulty in the interview. Remember to treat the interview as you would any interview and ensure that you are dressed accordingly and that you are clear in your responses. It is your last chance of selling yourself and gaining a place at the college in question.

Best of luck!