Physics interview at Manchester

Oh nice whens your date, and what course you applied for?

It's hard to say what sort of physics you'll get asked (if any - some do, some don't!) but it'll probably be vaguely related to something you've mentioned that you're interested in on your personal statement (although mine was only loosely connected to Astrophysics - was more historical than anything - not that youre expected to know stuff like that!) - you might also get asked to do a little bit of maths - nothing too strenuous though!

Fred (the admissions guy) will probably tell you all of this when you come up anyway, but the fact that you've been invited to interview means that you're in (conditionally, at least if you're still doing your A-levels), and the interview is there to determine the most appropriate offer (which will very probably be AAA, with a smattering of a few AABs floating about).

The day is pretty relaxed and informal for the most part (you'll be in Manchester for a few hours, only 30 minutes of that will be interview time!) - when you arrive you'll meet other applicants and current students (such as myself, I'll probably be there at some point - though I won't actually know for certain until the day before) - we're basically there so you can get an 'inside view' of what Manchester uni is like and what physics is like at uni etc. - so you can ask us the stuff you want to know that isnt in the prospectus or whatever - then after that Fred (the admissions tutor) does his bit, then you go off for tours and interviews and such.

There's no real need to prepare overly thoroughly - the interivew isnt meant to catch you out or be a test of any sort, when I came for inteview he referred to it as a 'friendly chat' - which may or may not involve you doing a bit of physics. Just enjoy the day.

15th November, and Combined Physics and Maths, you?

Hey! I got one for 1st Nov! Physics and astronomy and I am super nervous, have they made their mind up if its technical or not? Cos half seem to say it it and the other half say it isnt?

I'm a little scared about mine (this Thursday), but maybe I could post how it goes...

Yeah, I have twenty days to prepare my interview. I still don't know if I am comfortable to speak about Physics in an another language. My greatest concern is if I don't understand the question or the vocabulary that the man is using.
This is part of the big game, so....let's go to Manchester!!!


Do you think that with the two Nobel Prizes the Department has become more prestigious?

Snap! how you getting there?

I believe by car, don't really know at the moment.

All i know is train prices are ridiculous so thats not happening.

You? Where bouts you coming from to get there?

It was absolutely fine; if you get an interview you've got an offer we were told and the interview was just there for insurance reasons, nothing to be scared of

Yeah i know im flying from heathrow. Believe it or not, it was the cheapest way for me. As i cant be driven. Were abouts you from?
Btw good luck, have you determined what sort of interview youre preparing for yet?