Pre-CAS Interview: Ace the Interview with Meridean Overseas

The UK is one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations. The curriculum and practical approach to teaching is the core reasons international students choose to study in the UK. Apart from the high education standards, students get great cultural exposure. Generally, UK Universities offer three intakes to international students, i.e., January, May, and September. International students must make an initial deposit and appear for pre-CAS interviews.

The university conducts a Pre-CAS interview after international students make an initial deposit and before giving students CAS (Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies) letters. As soon as the student sends a request for a CAS letter to the university, a date is given for an interview, known as the Pre-CAS interview. CAS interview is also known as a credibility interview. After giving an interview, students have to upload their documents online on the CAS shield provided by the university. The university grants a CAS letter if the student cracks the interview and uploads his full document. The interview takes about 30 mins to complete.

Through a Pre-CAS interview, the university aims to check whether the student is genuine and if he is able to justify his SOP and other academic documents. Moreover, the university can also identify students' true intention to study in that university and the UK. Generally, most UK universities take the Pre-CAS interviews. Still, some top-ranked universities like Russell Group universities do not take Pre-CAS interviews since they already have highly profiled applicants. The pre-CAS interview also prepares international students for UK visa interviews, reducing the chance of visa refusal.

Various questions are asked in the Pre-CAS interview; some are related to your course or studies, while others are related to personal details. Some of the frequently asked questions at the time of the interview are mentioned below.

Question1: Give your self-introduction

In self-introduction, students have to mention their details like their name and current occupation. Sometimes the administrators may also ask about your previous qualification.

Question 2: Why do you want to study in UK?

The answer to this question must include a difference in the education system of your home country and the UK. Students must tell how the quality of education in the UK is better for their future. Additionally, you can include points like:

• The UK is home to some of the top universities in the world.

• The Universities offer a high standard of education to international students.

• International students get a great diverse cultural experience.

• University's practical approach to teaching and other research opportunities.

• UK degrees are highly recognised worldwide.

Question 3: Why did you choose this university?

To answer this question, students must know the key features of the university. They can include the following points of the university:

• University ranking (both UK and world rankings)

• Employability rate

• The student-friendly environment

• Research Opportunity

• Infrastructure and other facilities

Question 4: Why did you choose this course?

To answer this question, students must know about all the course details, like course modules, future scope, skills they can gain through that course, etc. Also, mention how your previous education has relevant to the course you are applying for. Moreover, you can also compare similar universities according to chosen course modules.

Question 5: What are your future career plans?

For this question, students have to tell about their plans, like how the chosen course will help them to fulfil their future goals. Additionally, you can add your targeted companies and the job profile you wish to apply for. Also, you can mention the scope of that career and the average income you'll earn through that job after returning to your home country.

To successfully get admission to a UK university, students must prepare well for the Pre-CAS interview. They must be aware that a Pre-CAS interview can make or break their chances of admission into the university of their choice. Here are some tips and tricks to crack the Pre-CAS interview.

• Students must be dressed formally. The dress must be neat and clean.

• Give answers to the point. Avoid going out of the topic.

• Ensure that you provide accurate, honest answers that resemble your documents.

• Students must speak confidently and fluently.

• If you don't understand any question, ask the interviewer politely to repeat the question.

• Students must carry their passports. Also, they must ensure that their passport is valid till the date of their course duration in the UK.

• Make sure you have a stable internet connection; the internet speed should not fluctuate, and neither should it be slow.

• Do not forget to charge your laptop or phone.

• Make sure that you have a noise-free background.

Q: Why is the CAS interview conducted?

A: A CAS interview is conducted to check whether the student's profile is genuine. It also prepares students for UK visa interviews.

Q: How long is the Pre-CAS interview?

A: The CAS interview is taken online, and it takes about 30 mins to complete.

Q: Is a CAS interview compulsory?

A: Generally, most UK universities ask for CAS interviews, while universities with a competitive or strict admission process may skip the CAS interview for international students.

Q: Is credibility interview and CAS interview are same?

A: Yes, the CAS interview and credibility interviews are the same.

Q: What is the next process of a Pre-CAS interview?

A: After giving a CAS interview, students have to fill out the CAS shield provided by the university.

Moreover, the students who wish to fulfil their dream of studying in UK may contact our expert counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best guidance and support at every step of taking admission and visa process. You can also take free online counselling through our website. For more information or any queries, you can mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at our toll-free no. 1800-1230-00011.