OXBRIDGE INTERVIEW FEARS

Interview coming up? Wow! This means your talents and efforts have already impressed Oxbridge. Here’s some (near) final interview advice.

Let’s deal with social fears in this post: in a week or two, you will be going off to meet some subject experts in search of students suitable for the course they teach. Most will try hard to make you feel welcome, but don’t be put off by an interviewer who seems unfriendly or just glum. It does not mean that black-gowned figure hates your accent, school or cutting-edge haircut.

What you need to understand is that the poor thing may simply be exhausted after interviewing a dozen students in one morning. Other great minds, however well-meaning, just lack the social skills to put a stranger at ease. In either case, they will still be taking in everything you say and discuss it with fellow interviewers later.

So, keep relating to what you are being asked,  instead of fretting about the feel of the event.  And, if you really want to be liked, practise speaking up: whispering, mumbling students are the bane of a don’s life.

For further reassurance, you can watch mock interviews for a variety of Oxford courses. Cambridge interviewees may want to check out a history mock interview or the mock interviews produced by one of its top colleges, Emmanuel. While real-life Oxbridge interviews can  be different (and sometimes tougher), these are a good way in.

 

You’ll find lots more advice in the six interview chapters of OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES. The guide also has new, detailed sections on English, Medicine, PPE and Economics.