I find poetry very difficult - what if I don't understand the poem in the interview?

Firstly, do not panic! During my interview I had no idea that the poem they gave me was an allegory for the process of writing poetry, but I was able to work with what I could deduce from the poem. Try and use all the skills you have learned from A-level to help you. In an English interview you should make notes on language, structure and form so that you can comment on them. Quite often tutors will ask you an open question to warm you up - for example, "talk me through the poem". In this case make some observations thinking about poetic voice, structure, tone etc. If you cannot think of concrete conclusions, make some speculative comments or say what questions arose as you were reading. Tutors also love it when you make links between other things you have read. In your preparation time think about whether the poem reminds you of anything you have already read or a poetic voice that you're familiar with. English interviews are not about coming up with the right answers, but thinking creatively and being brave to come up with ideas.