Transition Year Interview

SweetCaliber

Hey guys,

I'm getting an interview tomorrow because of my application into TY.

There are loads going for it and the places are limited that's why we have to be interviewed.

Any tips and suggestions? I'm a nervous guy and TY would be a massive help/boost for my self confidence.

Thanks!

kattz4

Hi I also have my interview what kind of questions do they ask

Smiley Laura

Hi guys, first of all let me say that I really hope you get it! I'm in fifth year now, and TY was literally the best year of my life! I know it's not brilliant in all schools, but if you're in a school that does it well then it is a truly fantastic year.

These interviews are generally not too hard. Usually they'll ask you some easy questions to get you relaxed, such as 'what sort of hobbies do you have?' etc. Write down a lost of your interests, and do a little brainstorm on each of them. Just make sure you have something to say.
If you don't have many hobbies, just be honest and say that. Talk about what does interest you, be it sport/music/school/reading. Say you are hoping to start some new hobbies in TY.
The teachers that run TY will appreciate a range of different types of students with different interests and skills, so tell them everything, even if you think it's weird. For example, I just blatantly said I loved computers, and they were pleased with this as the ECDL (this computer certificate course thingy) was a module for TY.
Throw in how you 'don't feel read to start the senior cycle' and how you 'want to learn more about yourself, and explore your interests and discover your skills'. Talk about specific things to do with TY, like 'I think I'd really get a lot out of work experience/mini company/YSI/BT Young Scientist'.
If you've any interest in business or innovation, then say you plan to enter the Young Social Innovator competition ( I didn't actually do this, but google it, I hear it's brilliant!).
If you like science, (or even if you don't), say you want to work on a project for the BT Young Scientist.
Just make it clear that you can offer something to the year, be it musical talent, acting, debating skills, your enthusiastic personality, sports skills.
If you thinks you're someone that appears shy, then say you feel really really need TY to learn how to express yourself, get to know more people, try new things etc.
Just be yourself, don't sound too rehearsed, and smile throughout the whole interview. Look up some basic interview skills, such as good eye contact and hand shaking.

Good luck to both you, do let us know how you get on! Fingers crossed!