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 is...

• Confident
  • Get yourself confident by reading widely around your subject and practising relating different ideas to each other, so you always have something to say
• Flexible
  • However, when it's clear that you are going down the wrong path, be willing to redirect course and integrate the tutor's points into your argument
  • If you are not willing to change your mind, then tutors will worry that you will be difficult to teach

• Curious​
  • ​Show you enjoy learning new things and being challenged intellectually! You can demonstrate this by engaging with lots of different resources
• ​​Personable
  • Make sure you are being open, friendly, and collaborative in your tone and body language 
  • It is very normal for tutors to interrupt you, so do not be put of when this happens, and be sure to respond very precisely to their question or critique

Becoming 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; from the tutor's perspective, the worst thing to hear is when the student's answer ignores the main bit of their question
• Where to start?
  • ​Break down the problem
  • Start with what you know and explain every step in your thought process
  • If you are really stuck, it's okay to 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, you must acknowledge them and explain why they are reasonable
  • Point out potential flaws or objections to your answer

Developing your 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 – tend to be rejected anyway!
  • Get yourself mentally ready and relaxed: do some quick exercise, take some deep breaths; whatever helps!
• Be yourself on your best day
  • It's great to let your personality shine through; the tutors want to teach real human beings and value those who are unique!
  • The tutors are looking for enthusiastic young people who will excel at Oxbridge; they aren't 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, it's by repeatedly asking "why?"
• ​Find the way that helps you explore each and every aspect of your subject

Practise!

• The more you practise, the more your interview performance will improve
  
• You will learn to structure your answers better, learn how to lead and end with your overarching point (and integrate appropriate examples in the middle), and will become more confident in doing so
• Talk to anyone who will listen: ask a teacher to give you a practice interview; use UniReach's mentors. 
  
• Get used to the feeling when your mind is completely blank; with practice, and thinking about the core issues on a difficult topic, you will develop strategies to fix it and get ideas on the page.

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
• For some subject, tutors may ask you about a topic in relation to a recent major news event

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

Check out some questions

THE INTERVIEW QUESTION BANK

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