How to Prepare for a Quantum and Laser Technology Interview?

[jimmy p]

Arrrrrghhhh!

ARGH! I have an interview with a university tomorrow! I don't know anything about the subject i have applied for - Physics with Quantum and Laser Technology.

Do they ask you about why you chose the subject?? Can anyone suggest some links i can read up on?

 

[firefly]

Originally posted by jimmy p
Do they ask you about why you chose the subject??

Very likely...

Can anyone suggest some links i can read up on?

No, but I'd start here: why did you choose this? What are your honest reasons?

 

[jimmy p]

... the name looked fancy! i was drawn in by that. Also i do like quantum physics a lot, and this has quite a bit to do with quantum tunneling and quantum cascade lasers...but reading up on it more, I am not sure if it is the course for me..

 

[Evo]

Originally posted by jimmy p
... the name looked fancy! i was drawn in by that. Also I do like quantum physics a lot, and this has quite a bit to do with quantum tunneling and quantum cascade lasers...but reading up on it more, I am not sure if it is the course for me..

Chopnik - you have an interest in Quantum Cascade Lasers too?? You "are" my son!

But I can't help you with this problem. Good luck though!

 

[firefly]

Originally posted by jimmy p
... the name looked fancy! i was drawn in by that.

ok. obviously in the interview you don't tell them this!

Also i do like quantum physics a lot, and this has quite a bit to do with quantum tunneling and quantum cascade lasers...

Ok, this is a great place to start.

but reading up on it more, I am not sure if it is the course for me..

Personally, I think it would be fine for you to be straight with them. Your researching the subject speaks very well for you. View your research as an experiment, and, as my chem teacher used to say, "there is no such thing as a failed experiment, only one which did not give the results you hypothesized."

It sort of begs the question... what would you rather do, and that leaves an "I don't know"... or do you have some other ideas you might be able to follow up with? Still, I think even an I don't know - due to your change in perspective - should be just fine.

The initial interview is usually just a basic screen for basic "seriousness", general intellectual ability, and right-mindedness as far as getting through a university curriculum. Based on what you've said, I think you can show them that.

my two cents.

 

[LURCH]

OK, it's "tomorrow"; how did it go, Jimmy?

 

[jimmy p]

how'd it go?? Oh, not too bad i suppose... I'm not sure. They have offered me a place if i can get a B and a C in maths and physics. But the head professor called me an anomaly cos my GCSE's showed that i did better in creative subjects like English, German and Music than in sciences, so he says he isn't sure about me. But i did impress him with my knowledge!

 

[BLUE_CHIP]

What uni?

 

[jimmy p]

Exeter University.

 

[firefly]

Hi Jimmy,

sounds like it went quite well... I wish you success. Is Exeter your first choice? (Are you applying to other places too?)

 

[jimmy p]

The university selection process has changed in UK now, because they found that universities that weren't 'first or second' choice were more likely to reject applications, so they don't really do that any more, or they keep the order secret from the universities, to make it fair.

I have applied to Surrey, Kent, York, Bristol and Reading as well. York said no, Surrey wants me to have an interview, Reading have conditionally offered me a place without an interview, Bristol are taking the piss and Kent haven't bothered to reply yet!

 

[jimmy p]

Originally posted by firefly
Hi Jimmy,

sounds like it went quite well... I wish you success. Is Exeter your first choice? (Are you applying to other places too?)

oh yeah, thank you!

 

[motai]

Originally posted by jimmy p

I have applied to Surrey, Kent, York, Bristol and Reading as well. York said no, Surrey wants me to have an interview, Reading have conditionally offered me a place without an interview, Bristol are taking the piss and Kent haven't bothered to reply yet!

I guess some success is better than none.

 

[firefly]

Jimmy,

you're quite welcome. I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty on BritSpeak... what is taking the piss? Some places do take their sweet time.


edit: removed superfluous q.

 

[jimmy p]

Taking the piss = messing someone around. Basically the said i need AAC to get into their uni but if i go up there and do a physics/maths test then if i pass they will consider my application again... whatever bristol...

 

[firefly]

Ahhhhh... all is clear now. buggers.

well, good luck on your exams (A levels I suppose unless they changed that system too) and for the interview with Surrey.

 

[Andy]

Bastard! You never told me about no damn interview! lol, glad it all went ok no doubt i will speak to you soon about it though.