Preparation is the difference between passing and failing your pre-CAS interview. This checklist covers every step — from the moment you're invited to the moment the interview ends. Work through it methodically and you'll walk into your interview confident and ready.
One Week Before: Research & Knowledge
- ✓ Read your entire course page — know the modules, assessment methods, and course duration
- ✓ Note 2–3 specific modules that interest you and why
- ✓ Research the university — location, ranking, facilities, notable alumni, student satisfaction scores
- ✓ Know the university's Vice-Chancellor name (a common detail-check question)
- ✓ Research the city — cost of living, transport, culture, accommodation options
- ✓ Know your tuition fees (annual and total for the full course)
- ✓ Calculate your total costs: tuition + living expenses for the full duration
- ✓ Know the current UK maintenance fund requirements (£1,529/month London, £1,171/month outside London)
- ✓ Clarify your funding source — who is paying, their occupation, and their income
- ✓ Know your IELTS score (overall and component scores)
- ✓ Prepare a specific post-graduation plan: job title, target companies, expected salary in your home country
- ✓ Review your entire application (personal statement, CV, offer letter) for consistency
- ✓ Know your visa type (Student Visa), CAS meaning, and work-hour limits (20 hrs/week term time)
Three Days Before: Practice
- ✓ Practise answering common interview questions out loud — not silently
- ✓ Do at least one full mock interview (CasApp.ai offers free AI-powered mock interviews with instant feedback)
- ✓ Record yourself answering questions and watch it back — check your pace, clarity, and body language
- ✓ Practise your 60-second "tell me about yourself" introduction
- ✓ Prepare answers for the 5 most common question categories: personal, course, university, financial, future plans
- ✓ Practise pausing for 2–3 seconds before answering (this looks thoughtful, not slow)
- ✓ Identify your nervous habits (fidgeting, saying "umm", looking away) and work on managing them
💡 Don't Memorise: Practise speaking about each topic naturally. Know your key points, but don't script word-for-word answers. Interviewers can tell the difference, and follow-up questions will derail scripted responses.
The Day Before: Logistics
- ✓ Confirm the interview time (convert to your local timezone if needed)
- ✓ Confirm the platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype) and install/test it
- ✓ Test your camera — make sure you're clearly visible and well-lit
- ✓ Test your microphone — record a short video and play it back
- ✓ Test your internet connection — use a wired connection if possible
- ✓ Prepare a backup device (phone with the video app installed and charged)
- ✓ Choose a quiet, well-lit room with a neutral background
- ✓ Inform household members not to disturb you during the interview time
- ✓ Have your documents ready: passport, offer letter, financial documents, IELTS certificate
- ✓ Have a glass of water nearby
- ✓ Lay out appropriate clothing (smart-casual — you don't need a suit, but look presentable)
- ✓ Get a good night's sleep
30 Minutes Before: Final Prep
- ✓ Log in to the video platform and test audio/video one final time
- ✓ Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
- ✓ Put your phone on silent (unless it's your backup device)
- ✓ Have your documents open on screen or printed and within reach
- ✓ Have a notepad and pen ready for any questions you want to ask
- ✓ Do 3 rounds of box breathing (inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 4s, hold 4s) to calm nerves
- ✓ Review your key points one last time — then close your notes
- ✓ Smile and remind yourself: this is a conversation about your future, and nobody knows more about that than you
During the Interview
- ✓ Look at the camera lens when speaking (not the screen) — this creates eye contact
- ✓ Sit up straight and keep your hands relaxed
- ✓ Take 2–3 seconds to think before answering each question
- ✓ Speak clearly and at a moderate pace — don't rush
- ✓ If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification
- ✓ If you go blank, say "Let me think about that for a moment" and take a breath
- ✓ Be honest — if you don't know something, say "I'm not certain, but approximately..."
- ✓ Show enthusiasm — elaborate on answers, don't give one-word responses
- ✓ At the end, thank the interviewer and ask if there's anything else they need
After the Interview
- ✓ Note down any questions you found difficult — for future practice
- ✓ Wait patiently for the decision (typically 3–5 working days)
- ✓ If you passed: follow up with the university about CAS issuance timeline
- ✓ If you didn't pass: request feedback and prepare to re-interview if allowed
- ✓ Use the experience to improve — every interview makes you better
Ready to Practice?
Try a free AI-powered mock interview with CasApp and receive instant feedback before your real interview.
Start Your Free Mock Interview →The Bottom Line
A pre-CAS interview isn't something you can wing — but it's also not something to fear. If you work through this checklist methodically, you'll be more prepared than 90% of applicants. Know your stuff, test your tech, practise speaking out loud, and walk in with confidence.