First ever college interview, mature student

Trisha XxX

Hi I applied to DCU as a mature student to study psychology I got an interview so happy and excited but really nervous as I dont know what to expect its my first college interview ever any advice on what kind of questions will be asked and what do I wear? Any advice would be great. Thanks

SebBerkovich

I'd suggest learning some stuff about the university. I remember being asked about what i thought of the place, if i'd been to an open day - that sort of thing.
I did an interview for a course yonks ago, but i remember it being relatively laid back and they where friendly..

Nordie Durdle

Is wearing a suit overkill? Would rather be overdressed than under.

H2G2

Biggest issue they will try and assess during the interview is motivation and ability. Motivation is hugely important and a predictor of success. Ability is judged by several things in including what you have done in the past and how that helps with this course. Just relax, this isn't like a job interview.

Wearing a suit is ok, but not necessary. Just dress neat not scruffy. bear in mind the lecturers deal with students every day, many of whom have questionable dress sense

Good luck.

Trisha XxX

Thanks so much guys need all the advice I can get, lol.

Shiny

None of the lecturers in my department wear suits or expect anyone else to do so.

Shirt (no tie) and slacks at most.

Trisha XxX

Men when wearing suits become so sexy or sexier As a woman I was going to wear a black skirt a blouse and flats. I want to look somewhere in between formal and casual not too dressed up or too dressed down lol. Going to research stuff on my course so I know what Im talking about whatever they ask. Thanks all. Best of luck to everyone else

Shiny

Trisha XxX wrote: »

Men when wearing suits become so sexy or sexier As a woman I was going to wear a black skirt a blouse and flats. I want to look somewhere in between formal and casual not too dressed up or too dressed down lol. Going to research stuff on my course so I know what Im talking about whatever they ask. Thanks all. Best of luck to everyone else

The same is true for women . What you are suggesting seems fine btw.

To be honest, the fact that you are putting this much effort about looking the part and getting everything right will come across in your interview and really demonstrate that you want the place.

Best of luck in the interview and let us know how you do!

Trisha XxX

Shiny wrote: »

The same is true for women . What you are suggesting seems fine btw.

To be honest, the fact that you are putting this much effort about looking the part and getting everything right will come across in your interview and really demonstrate that you want the place.

Best of luck in the interview and let us know how you do!

Well thanks for all the advice and I hope it works out, Its in about 2 weeks so I'll see how it goes and shall let youz know. Thanks to all!!!

Trisha XxX

Me again not sure if I should start a new thread but I was thinking of taking a trip up to DCU some time next week just so I know where Im going and how long it will take me and stuff like that I'll be coming from Navan. Would anyone know if its ok if I just show up and have a wonder around?

SebBerkovich

Trisha XxX wrote: »

Me again not sure if I should start a new thread but I was thinking of taking a trip up to DCU some time next week just so I know where Im going and how long it will take me and stuff like that I'll be coming from Navan. Would anyone know if its ok if I just show up and have a wonder around?

I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem at all, It's a very open place.

Trisha XxX

SebBerkovich wrote: »

I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem at all, It's a very open place.

Ok great thanks a million, just wasnt sure.

SebBerkovich

Enjoy your wandering and give the Computer Applications building a wave for me... actually.. maybe don't, people might think you're a little nuts.

Trisha XxX

SebBerkovich wrote: »

Enjoy your wandering and give the Computer Applications building a wave for me... actually.. maybe don't, people might think you're a little nuts.

Exactly dont want people thinking im crazy before I even go to college, lol

dougiex06

I have an interview as well for physical education with biology. Im so nervous. Im currently in NUI at the moment studying science and I had to complete an interview to get into there. It was quite informal but they were basically trying to suss out if i was cut out of the course or not. Asked me if i knew much about the course and where i wanted to go with it and where i seen myself in 5 years stuff like that. It was hard for me to answer last time because the only reason i took that course in NUIM was because i didnt receive an offer for this physical education course and I felt that a year in college would help my application for DCU this year.

Hopefully they ask similar questions to the ones i was asked in NUI. Just make sure you know the course and more importantly why you are doing the course. Best of luck though, Its daunting but they've called you for an interview so youre more than half way there.

Adam

Trisha XxX

dougiex06 wrote: »

I have an interview as well for physical education with biology. Im so nervous. Im currently in NUI at the moment studying science and I had to complete an interview to get into there. It was quite informal but they were basically trying to suss out if i was cut out of the course or not. Asked me if i knew much about the course and where i wanted to go with it and where i seen myself in 5 years stuff like that. It was hard for me to answer last time because the only reason i took that course in NUIM was because i didnt receive an offer for this physical education course and I felt that a year in college would help my application for DCU this year.

Hopefully they ask similar questions to the ones i was asked in NUI. Just make sure you know the course and more importantly why you are doing the course. Best of luck though, Its daunting but they've called you for an interview so youre more than half way there.

Adam

Oh wow well thank you so much for all the advice. It is daunting im very nervous but I do know what I want out of the course so hopefully I do ok in the interview, thanks a million Adam big help and best of luck with your interview,

miss molly

I'm a mature student in DCU at the moment. From what I remember the interview was quite informal (but then I am studying CS). They were asking basically if I was prepared to study again. Just make sure you know all about the course and maybe have a question prepared to ask about. Also they asked about my other options if I didn't get the course I applied for, as it was the only one I had chosen. Be sure to push the fact that DCU is your preference (if it is, of course).

DCU are all about the getting involved in campus life so maybe think about a few of the clubs and societies that might interest you. I just wore a dress and pair of boots (Smart casual).

Just think its not like a job interview its more of a discussion of your hopes for the future.
I should be around campus this week, if you need a tour guide send me a message. Best of Luck.

Trisha XxX

Wow thanks for the advice sounds good.

Gott

I did a couple last year and DCU basically offered me a place when I walked in the door so I can't speak for them :P

However Maynooth did an interview with me (applied for European Studies) and they basically asked why I wanted to do the course, what kind of background had I relating to it (an interest in European history or whatever), why did I choose Maynooth, were there any other qualities I felt would help me when I went back to college (was 23 at the time so I cited a small age gap).

But as others have said it's not like a job interview. It's informal and they want to see if you're interested and how motivated to succeed you will be. If you have an interest in psychology and can prove it that's half the battle.

I wore a suit with no tie, smart casual seemed to be acceptable.

Trisha XxX

Well I hope its that easy for me lol :-P thanks for your comment big help :-)

Meg21

Hi guys....I applied for one of the Engineering courses as a mature student and haven't received details of an interview yet :-( Does this mean haven't got a place??