Pre-interview tests UEL/Salomons

[Smallblonde02]

Does anyone know when we might hear from Surrey with an invitation to sit the tests? It seems from previous years not much notice is given?

I heard from UEL today with a test invite. Haven’t heard from Surrey yet so assume they will let us know next week.

[Punkgirluk]

Salomons said they would let us know by the 8th. I am also working on assumption I will get invited as they say they invite everyone with minimum entry requirements So I have also started going over all my research notes and textbooks

[Jordan12354]

Hey guys, I received my invite for the Salomons pre-interview tests on the 16th, just wondered if anyone else here had received an invite as well?

[nicoleks]

I've received one for Surrey on the 16th

[Tabitha]

Unsure whether I can ask this, but any tips on surreys written task (not the stats MCQ or situational judgement) - they've moved it from interview phase to being pre-interview test- I never got the hang of it at last 2 interview phases. Any tips?

[Smallblonde02]

Does anyone know how the courses actually pick individuals for interview based on test scores, because i'm sure out of approx. 500-600 people sitting the test there will be a high percentage who achieve the same score? Do they use personal statements as well?

[ell]

I believe it's the top x percent that get offered an interview, rather than those who reach a certain cut off.

[hjd118]

Would anyone be up for discussing Salomons/ Surrey past papers. It looks like people have gone through past papers together in the live chat in the past and this seems beneficial.

[JB99]

Does anyone know how the courses actually pick individuals for interview based on test scores, because i'm sure out of approx. 500-600 people sitting the test there will be a high percentage who achieve the same score? Do they use personal statements as well?

This is a major problem that I've also thought of. For Universities such as UEA and Bath, they both utilise scoring criteria for selection, which have a relatively low maximum, given the use of integers. In the context of Bath, where points are awarded based on A levels, undergrad degree classification, and existence of a masters and/or PhD, the range of possible scores is quite small. For example, if 500 people apply, you will have dozens achieving the same score (i.e. a 2:1 at undergrad, a master's degree, and AAB at A level).

Now lets say there are 12 people with the same score, which spans from the 47th to 53rd percentile. Bath applicants proceed to the next round if they score above the 50th percentile for the group. How are the applicants ordered here? Alphabetical order? Unless all applicants are jointly allowed through, I cannot see this system as being fair.

This is why I think it's mostly impossible to get shortlisted for Bath. With a 2:1 at undergrad, a masters, and AAB A-levels, I automatically go below all of the people with a first, the people with a PhD, and anyone with higher A levels. This means that, at best, my score would be joint with the 50th percentile, which then means I would only get shortlisted through luck. Not worth it.

[Smallblonde02]

Unsure whether I can ask this, but any tips on surreys written task (not the stats MCQ or situational judgement) - they've moved it from interview phase to being pre-interview test- I never got the hang of it at last 2 interview phases. Any tips?

Hi Tabitha, what did the written task entail previously? Is it an abstract type task?

[hjd118]

How do people feel about the tests tomorrow?

[Smallblonde02]

How do people feel about the tests tomorrow?

Very nervous! Especially as the one last year was so hard. What about you?

[Punkgirluk]

Ugh that was not good. Consoling myself with a large glass of wine . How did everyone else find it?

[Esuma]

Ugh that was not good. Consoling myself with a large glass of wine . How did everyone else find it?

Pretty horrendous! But I guess it’s done ha! I forgot to ask when we’re likely to hear, anyone know?

[JB99]

I botched the writing task. I catastrophically misinterpreted the task and had to restart 15 mins in
Hopefully my furious attempts to make up for lost time at least amounted to something..