Test taken: None
Number of interviews: 2
Time between interviews: 1 hour
Length of interviews: 25 minutes
Online interview: Yes

One interview was focused on human geography. I was asked about my personal statement (but I wasn't asked to simply explain myself; I was asked to apply findings from the books I'd mentioned on my ps to new scenarios and such) and then I was asked questions about an article I'd been given 20 minutes to read prior to the interview.

The second interview was focused on physical geography. I was asked general questions about my interest in the subject and then given data to analyse, explain and discuss.

All of my 4 interviewers were friendly and so I relaxed into the interview quickly. I thought the interviewers would be really intimidating, but actually they just want to see you do your best.

The most useful thing I did to prepare for my interview was read about a specific topic of interest to me, which was an area of cultural geography. I'd advise you to go beyond the university's suggested reading list for freshers. Start with a book or two on the list, then pursue an interest that arises from that initial reading, choosing your own journal articles, magazine articles, podcasts and undergrad-level books that link to your topic of interest.

Breadth of interest is important, but so is depth: if you're really excited by the presentation of nature in 16th century English poetry, then read around that area of interest! Also, I'd recommend trying a few practice interviews if you can. Ask your teachers if they could ask you a few questions about your subject/personal statement; equally, talk to friends/family members/pets about your subject. Even talk to yourself and record it (that's what I often did) - just try to practise verbalising your ideas and thought processes!

Another important advice would be not to stress too much! I get very anxious so I practised deep breathing techniques prior to the interview which definitely helped to ground me. Remember that the interviewers want you to do your best and aren't trying to trick you!

My main piece of advice would be: give it a go. There may be times in the interview when you don't know the answer, but that's normal. In my interview, I had to ask for clarification on the axis of a graph I was meant to be analysing, because I had misinterpreted the graph. I felt bad that I had made the mistake, but the interviewer was more than happy to explain it to me. If I had sat there and not talked through my misunderstanding, I would have struggled with the question in silence, and not showed my capacity to learn.

So, you don't have to know everything, but if you don't know something, explain your confusion/thought process and ask for help :)