Part 1 - How to Prepare 

Part 2 - How to Stand Out

Purpose

In the typical Oxbridge interview, you will have two tutors (one asking questions, while another takes notes; though they may switch roles half way through). 

You will most likely be presented with problems, which you will work through with the tutor. The tutor will engage directly with your answers. For example, they may suggest additional arguments/evidence, present objections, or apply your answer to a different context. This mirrors Oxbridge's unique tutorial format. 

What are admissions tutors looking from the interview:

• Someone with a real excitement for their subject
• Someone who would perform well studying at Oxbridge 
• Someone who they would enjoy teaching. 

A good student

• Confident
  • If you don't feel confident, fake it!
  • If you don't act like belong in Oxbridge, then the tutors won't either.​
• Flexible
  • However, when it's clear that you are going down the right path, be willing to redirect course. 
  • If you're not flexible when necessary, then you are not teachable!

• Curious​
  • ​Show you enjoy being challenged intellectually and learning new things!
  • Let your enthusiasm about your subject come through.
• Personable
  • Make sure you are being open, friendly and polite in your tone and body language. 
  • It is very normal for tutors to interrupt you so be prepared for this. 

A good thinker

• Communicate clearly 
  • Take a moment to think before speaking.
  • Structure your answer in a clear and logical way. 
  • Speak slowly and clearly. 
• Listen carefully 
  • The question may include complexity, red herrings, or even hints.
  • Be responsive. 
• Where to start?!
  • ​Break down the problem.
  • Start with what you know.
  • If really stuck, explain your initial thoughts and ask for a hint. 
• Shine
  • Bring in examples (whether hypothetical or from your supra-curriculars) where relevant. 
  • Do not skip steps / do mental reasoning -- the tutors want to see your full thought process. 
  • If you are making assumptions -- point them out! And explain why they are reasonable.
  • Point out potential flaws / objections to your answer. 

A good mindset

• Focus on yourself
  • Any Oxbridge student can tell you a story about another candidate they found off-putting at interview.  Try not to worry about these characters. They tend to be rejected anyway.
  • Get yourself mentally ready. Do some quick exercise. Take some deep breaths. Powerpose. 
• Be yourself on your best day
  • It's okay to let your personality shine through. The tutors want to teach real human beings!
  • The tutors are looking for enthusiastic young people who will excel at Oxbridge. They're not looking for "a certain type".
• Try to enjoy the experience 
  • Think of the interview as a chance to experience Oxbridge's unique tutorial system. 
  • You'll perform better this way and the tutors will like you more. 

How to prepare?

• Figure out how you think.
  • For some people, it's through drawing mind-maps. For others, its by repeatedly asking "why?". Etc.
• PRACTISE!
  • The more you practise, the more your interview performance will improve -- your answers will become better structured, you will collect examples to draw from, and you will gain confidence. 
  • Talk to anyone who will listen. Ask a teacher to give you a practice interview. Use UniReach's mentors. 
  • Record your answers and listen to them back. Reflect and improve. 
  • Get used to the feeling when your mind is completely blank. With practice, you will develop strategies that fix it.
• Embrace your subject
  • Through being familiar with your subject, you will be able to connect ideas and feel more comfortable discussing new topics.
  • ​Check out our supra-curricular bank.
• Know your personal statement 
  • ​Makes notes on everything you have included in your personal statement. You may be asked to discuss any part of it. 
• Stay up to date on current/scientific affairs (as relevant) .
  • ​Tutors may ask you about a topic in relation to a recent major news event.
  • It will also help you build up a bank of examples to draw from in your answers.

Check out some questions

THE INTERVIEW QUESTION BANK

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