Why do Imperial College not interview Life Science applicants?

I was looking at the courses offered by Imperial College London and I realised for the Life Sciences courses (Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology) say, "Generally, we do not hold interviews." This seemed to me to be rather bizarre particularly for such a selective and high-ranking university. Does anyone know whether there is a reason for this?

When I was flicking through the prospectus I wondered this as well as it seemed extremely odd to me. I'm not too sure if that is a good or a bad things that they don't interview.

Yeah that's how I noticed to so I went on their website to find out more. Apparently it's not as competitive but I don't really know for sure.

Are you in year 12 or 13?
I found it very strange too, I heard 75% get offers or something.

Wow that seems very high for such a competitive university. I'm in year 12.

Me too, I'm hoping to study biological sciences - how about you?

Just because they don't hold interviews for a particular course, it doesn't mean the courses isn't reputable. I got offers from Imperial and UCL without interview and both courses are reputable. Also to mention, LSE do not hold interviews (from what I heard).

I was looking at the courses offered by Imperial College London and I realised for the Life Sciences courses (Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology) say, "Generally, we do not hold interviews." This seemed to me to be rather bizarre particularly for such a selective and high-ranking university. Does anyone know whether there is a reason for this?

That's true but it seemed unusual to me how they ask for interviews for most of the other courses but not that particular one. May I ask which courses you got an offer for at Imperial and UCL?

Interviews cost money and staff resources to hold. The university has to look at how much interview performance predicts uni performance and what % of decisions will the interview change compared to if there was no interview. These will vary by course. If there isn't a large benefit of holding an interview, why bother given the cost?


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Imperial-Biotechnology BSc (J700)
UCL-Engineering (Biochemical) BEng (H811)

What type of work experience did you get / extra curriculars? As they don't interview I assume they place a lot of importance on predicated grades and personal statement.

I just mentioned a 2 week work placement at a Pharmacy. I also mentioned volunteering for a charity. That is all.

Last question, but did you have impressive grades then? I'm paranoid about my grades and work experience etc... letting me down.

Hi, I am currently in my final year of Biochemistry at Imperial College London. As far as I know, the students that got admitted usually have at least one A* and 2As for their A-level. Additionally they also have work experience. They particular pay attention to your predicted grades and your references, I think. Hope this helps!

Hi, I am currently in my final year of Biochemistry at Imperial College London. As far as I know, the students that got admitted usually have at least one A* and 2As for their A-level. Additionally they also have work experience. They particular pay attention to your predicted grades and your references, I think. Hope this helps!