Oxbridge Interviews - What to Expect and Tips

Much ink and sweat have been spilt about the infamous, intimidating Oxbridge interview process, with some dependable advice mixed up in a morass of myth and legend, caricature and conjecture. It used to be said that, at one Oxbridge college, a student entering an interview room would be thrown a rugby ball: if he caught it, he would be offered a place to plug the shortage of sportsmen; if he dropped it, he would be offered a scholarship because academics are mal-coordinated.

Aside from the myth and legend, Oxbridge interviews are integral to the Oxford and Cambridge application process. Learn more about them below, and if you would like to study at an Oxbridge university, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.

Oxbridge Interviews - What to Expect

Oxbridge universities have gone to enormous lengths to ensure that the admissions process is as meritocratic and unthreatening as possible. They want to demystify the Oxbridge interview but maintain its academic difficulty. You will not be thrown any balls or be asked to perform any pyrotechnic displays – but you will be asked some technically complex questions that test your intellectual mettle and your suitability as a student. This is not to torment you for anyone’s amusement but to see how you think on the spot about the subject matter of your prospective programme.

Many students can learn, revise, and regurgitate and so pass exams, but only some eighteen-year-olds think very originally or interestingly. The interview aims to tell sheep from goats, that is, to sift those with genuine potential from those who were only well-taught. There are also many talented people at schools whose real potential can be assessed through a rigorous interview, and the universities are striving to find these latter rough diamonds – as opposed to their better-heeled competitors. That includes international students who might not speak spotless English but have academic talent that a discerning interviewer can discover.

Don't worry if you don't know the answer

Suppose you are applying for PPE and are asked to give an example of neoclassical endogenous growth theory. In that case, it is not the end of the world if you have no idea about an answer: the interviewer was giving you a chance to showcase your ability and will give you another chance, and another, via a change of conversation, to tease out the best of you, as opposed to exposing your worst.

Suppose an applicant for a science subject is asked how many grains of sand there are in the world. In that case, such a hard-pressed interviewee should see this as an opportunity to show logical, lateral thought and imaginative capacity. A wrong but interesting answer might advance your case better than a boring, right response. You might leave the interview thinking it was a disaster, only to get an unexpected offer because the interviewer was impressed by your dexterity, even when you thought you were being tied up in knots. You might get on famously with an interviewer who sees more politeness than insight. Bear in mind that interviewers, however scrupulous, are humans: dress well and mind your manners.

Oxbridge Interview Tips

Attending an Oxbridge interview is an exciting opportunity to showcase your abilities and increase your chances of studying at Cambridge or Oxford. Here are some pieces of advice to help you prepare:

• Research your chosen course: Understand the structure, content, and objectives of the course you are applying for. Be aware of recent developments or controversies in the field.
• Practice answering typical interview questions: Oxbridge interviews often involve thought-provoking and challenging questions. Practice answering questions about your subject area, critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethics.
• Think critically and express your thoughts clearly: The interviewers are interested in your ability to think critically and articulate your ideas. Practice structuring your responses and supporting your arguments with evidence or examples.
• Stay up-to-date with current affairs and academic debates: Read widely and stay informed about your subject area's latest research, discoveries, and debates.
• Prepare for subject-specific questions and problem-solving tasks: Depending on your course, you may be asked subject-specific questions or given problems to solve.
• Be confident but humble: Show enthusiasm for your subject and demonstrate your intellectual abilities, but also be willing to acknowledge limitations and ask for clarification if needed.

Apply to Cambridge or Oxford

If you want to study at one of the best universities in the world, we can help you apply. Begin your journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK today.