Test taken: 30-minute writing skills test and 30-minute graphic and spatial ability test)
Number of interviews: 2
Time between interviews: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Length of interviews: 15-30 minutes
Online interview: No

The general interview: This was more personal statement focused, allowing me to relax into the discussion. It was really just a conversation and I felt the interviewer was never out to get me with any of the questions but just wanted to hear my thought process. I talked about my personal experiences and potential contribution to the university/college as well as my weaknesses.

Architecture interview: I led the interview with my answers allowing me to relax into the interview and feel more in control. A majority of it was going through my portfolio and the interviewers asked me questions along the way. I tried to show that I did not know everything but was ready to learn so when I didn't answer a question correctly, I felt nervous at first but also supported by the interviewers. I had a discussion about what I could read further with the interviewer. I also asked a question at the end to show that I had processed what was explained to me. Overall, I had a pleasant interview experience, I had no way of knowing how well it went but I was so grateful to speak to knowledgeable tutors, despite all my nerves!

I placed more focus on interview preparation, however what I had researched and explored also supported my test preparation! I looked through 2 books on the reading list and made notes on them. In addition, I used printed out sections of JSTOR articles and journals to study my specific areas of interest in architecture. I also found projects and articles online on the Dezeen website and AJ, annotating and making notes on the sources. I always made my own reflections in a notebook and discussed them out loud to practice articulating my thoughts. I also watched a lot of Dezeen YouTube videos that peaked my interest. After working through the resources, I talked them through and consolidated on what I had explored before, building up my knowledge and interest in the field over time. I then dissected my personal statement and made notes, noting down any questions I could come up with after reading the statement (I printed out 3 copies to highlight and scribble over!).

From the personal statement, I explored further into what I talked about through online research and my own experiences, to create a developed pattern of thought and cohesiveness. I always made sure to practise talking about it to myself. For my general interview, I noted down reflections on what I covered in the non-academic part of my statement and my weak areas to show that I am open to growth and change. For my architecture interview, after creating a portfolio with support from art teachers, I practiced talking about my portfolio in 10 minutes, covering my journey (why something worked, outcome of learning, what I enjoy etc) threading my overall theme into my reflection. Each explanation made critical reference to concepts in architecture. (really important! don't just say 'I did this', discuss WHY).

In addition, I looked up my interviewers to get an idea of who they were and their own areas of interest. I practised my general interview with my form tutor at school and my architecture//portfolio interview with my art teachers after school at an arranged time.

The BEST THING I DID was research and explore things that actually interested ME, not what thought I needed to know. Narrowing it down allows you to bounce off different resources, articles and videos and makes the preparation really fun, especially when I was still studying for my A-levels! Have fun, let your preparation allow you to fall into love with the course even more!

I first went to the recommended reading list and picked two books that sounded interesting to explore further. I made notes on unfamiliar words that came up and created a short glossary for different concepts/ words. I then bounced off these concepts to explore architectural eras and key figures of the time in the field. I read Dezeen, RIBA Stirling Award and 'The Architects' Journal' articles (that caught my eye and were relatively recent) and watched a lot of Dezeen YouTube clips and TED talks about architecture (making a note of the contemporary architects themselves too!). I also researched into my specific area of interest in architecture: sustainability. I found journals and projects online, printed out articles etc. and annotated fascinating sections, always noting down my reflections. I also read journals on JSTOR (a digital library where you can find academic journals on anything and everything!).

After watching and reading the content (making notes along the way), I made sure to personally note down my own opinions. This preparation helped me for both my test and interview as I could articulate what I had learnt in writing and discuss what made my brain tick too! I then practiced writing in a 30 minute time frame, answering the sample question from the department website and made up my own. If I was short of time, I would write essays plans for 5 minutes. I kept writing essays to get in the flow in a notebook. For the drawing section of the test, I had already been putting together a sketchbook from the summer before the interview so I had plenty of practice drawing from observation, as well as material to present in my interview!

My advice would be not to panic because no answer is the wrong answer. Articulate what you're thinking and explain as clear as possible. You do not need to know everything or present yourself in such a way, bring you personality into the interview with a mind open to learn more. Try to enjoy the process!