Leicester interview advice, what questions were you aked? What does leicester value?

[shahana]

Hi all, there seem to be many leicester interview threads..so im adding to the list but I have an interview coming up in February and just want to be prepared.
So if you don't mind giving up some time, could you please advise me (and other interviewees) on:
1. The best way to approach leicester interviews i.e. know your p.s inside out,

2. What sort of issues come up time and time again in leicester interviews? is there a particular emphasis on research or working in teams etc

3.I have heard people say they have been asked science questions, do leicester do this?

4. What exactly is the course structure? Its not pbl and not completely lectures, but somewhere in between?

But any advice will be much appreciated. I don't want it to seem like I haven't done much hmk on leicester, i have. But I prefer listening (reading?) what students there have to say....


Thanks guys!!!

[sicilia]

Hey shahana, I am doing my interview on the 28th January, so i am sort if in the same state as u. However, i will try to do my best to answer some of the questions. Also, i dont think ppl will answer some of the qns listed above, mainly cuz they dont want to give away their chances of getting that seat by giving u all the information about the interview. That is probs why there hasnt been a reply to the thread. I am just suggesting here, i am not sure if i am right. But, i think i know the answers to a couple of ur qns.

In reply to qn 4, to summarise, there are 2 phases in their course structure. Phase 1 has all the backgroound knowlege u need, like the theory and stuff, to help u get thro phase 2, which is lots and lots of clinical practice. U get clinical practice in phas1 too but not as much as in phase 2. Each phase is worth 2.5 yrs. they dont use pbl at all, they use lots of group works.

to qn1, the best thing u can eva do,(i know u might hav heard this a kazillion times), is to be urself in the interview. lesta ppl are said to be one of the most frienliest around when it comes to interviews. Be ur self and relax, which i find it hard at times, i always tense, and then i start picking nails and doin sumthin i shud not be doing at interviews.

To other ppl readin this thread, do correct me if i was wrong with any of my info above.

[shahana]

oh thanks, Sicilia...I was a little confused on the whole 'group work' so is 'self directed learning'?

Thanks for the info on the course structure and good luck for your interview. I hope you get in!!!

[bubblesbrentside]

Hello
I saw your post and I remember coming on here last year freaking out about my interview so I thought I would help you out a bit. I'm a first year at Leicester medical school so I just about remember my interview!

First off, big congratulations on getting an interview.

In regards to the interview, I think as long as you have researched Leicester itself and know statistics regarding the university, know your personal statement backwards, know some scientific and NHS information and are just yourself you will be fine. The person who replied to your post is absolutely dead on! Leicester is without doubt one of the friendliest interviews and they do make you feel welcome. I got offered a cup of tea when I went into my interview....but that might not happen to everyone!

To be honest, your personal statement, grades, UKCAT and reference was obviously enough to make them think you were good enough for their med school. The interview is just there to make sure you are as good in person as you obviously sound on paper! A BIG smile can go a long way and feel free to throw in a little joke (without sounding arrogant) if you can!

Best of luck and if you need any more help or suggestions, please feel free to message me!

[desperatemedic]

Hey Sicilia, i hav an interview on the 28th as well...thanks for the info...gd luck...

[elz]

mines the 29th. so if u get offered a cup of tea, the question is, do u have one? lol.

[sicilia]

Haha, I was thinking the exact same thing elz. I have heard ppl say that it is not a good idea to accept the drink they offer u in interviews. It basically shows that u are not prepared, that u havent drunk enough water before the interview. Personally, i think it is absolute crap. My throat gets dried easily and i hav to hav a drink in order to talk, and i think i need to talk alot in my interviews, so, if they offer u tea, i say, take it. Go easy on it, it just makes it seem so much friendlier. I mean, it would be kinda awkward if they are drinkin tea and u r not.
anyways, wat would u guys do?
Also, how much about the NHS do u reckon that we hav to know?

[Lizzie-Beth]

I know it's tempting to over analyse, but sometimes it's best to take things at face value - if you want a drink then have one! You future medical career is not going to hang on whether you accepted a cup of tea during your interview.

[Manic Medic]

leicester interviewed me without my ps. there were 2 ppl. 1 head of psychology n 1 5th yr student. the only thing that the interviewers know is ur name. so make sure u talk about all the great things u do etc. n they like it when u talk about TEAMWORK. they picked up on my use of the word. also do not talk about pbl. the course at leicester is integrated. you get lectures on a topic n then u hav to work in groups. i think they call it integrated problem solving.
gud luk guys hopefully ull all get in but make sure you talk about everythin uve done and SMILE (even if ur shittin urself inside lol)
leicester place you in groups of about 6 ppl. first u get a 45 minute tour of the uni. then you get given a time for the interview and have to wait
for this interview its more personal. i (and the other ppl in my group) didnt get asked anythin about medicine lyk how long the trainin is, the mmc etc.
you get asked 5/6 questions from a sheet.
i got asked how was my journey (they ask a normal question first to get u relaxed), why medicine, what qualities a doctor should have, why leicester, how important is teamwork
to be honest, this was my first interview and it was much more friendly than i expected, but i was sooo nervous i messed it up, am just waitin for the rejection letter :-(. so my advice would be just relax and be yourself. dont overprepare.
sorry for ramblin but hope this helps. GOOD LUCK. pray that by some miracle they dont reject me!!! :-)

[Kylie Reeve]

yeah, my 2 interviewers were very lovely, i cant speak for everyone, but the general consensus was that all the interviewers seem to want to put you at ease.
Most people i talked to afterwards said they were asked what they considered to be a problem/issue within the NHS, so i guess its worth having a think about prior to interview (i said NHS waiting lists seen as i have first hand experience of the pressures of waiting lists within surgery; a few people talked about MRSA/ C.Diff)
I didnt get offered tea, but there was this little coffee table in between the 2 interviewers with sachets of hot chocolate, and little packets of biscuits. I was really tempted to ask if i could have some biscuits as i was hungry (should have felt sick really!). think the outcome of the interview may not have been as positive though....
Best of luck!