Oxford
Getting jittery as your Oxbridge interview approaches? A little
more preparation may just calm you down. Start by googling your prospective
interviewers. Not only will they seem less like strangers when you
meet, but a special interest mentioned can suggest topics that might come
up.
Don’t, though, try to plough through an interviewer’s book at this
stage. It may still be well above your head anyway. Focus on practical things
instead. If your Oxbridge interviews involve an overnight stay, pack something
that will take your mind off the challenges ahead. For some people, that will
be a thriller, for others Rescue Remedy or their favourite chocs.
Once up, get to know some of the other candidates (who may become fellow students), rather than just viewing them as potential rivals. Some will have read books or explored subject areas you never even heard off, but don’t worry now. Interview questions can usually be handled by drawing on a variety of sources.
If a term or author mentioned really baffles you, have a quick look online, but don’t spend hours trying to catch up. You want to stay fresh enough to display your own knowledge and engage with new ideas.
Still worried you might embarrass yourself in front of those super-clever interviewers? Remember that this is actually not what they’re trying to achieve. They’re just experts looking for yet more good learners keen on the much loved 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 glum. It does not mean that black-gowned figure hates your accent, school or cutting-edge haircut. The poor soul may simply be exhausted after interviewing a dozen students in one day. Other great minds, however well-meaning, merely lack the social skills to put a stranger at ease. Either way, 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.
While doing so, remember the two key interview skills: giving yourself time to think before you reply to a question is one. Answering the question actually asked (rather than the one you would like it to have been) is the other. Also, interview questions are meant to be hard, so don’t despair if you got the odd answer wrong.
Once up, get to know some of the other candidates (who may become fellow students), rather than just viewing them as potential rivals. Some will have read books or explored subject areas you never even heard off, but don’t worry now. Interview questions can usually be handled by drawing on a variety of sources.
If a term or author mentioned really baffles you, have a quick look online, but don’t spend hours trying to catch up. You want to stay fresh enough to display your own knowledge and engage with new ideas.
Still worried you might embarrass yourself in front of those super-clever interviewers? Remember that this is actually not what they’re trying to achieve. They’re just experts looking for yet more good learners keen on the much loved 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 glum. It does not mean that black-gowned figure hates your accent, school or cutting-edge haircut. The poor soul may simply be exhausted after interviewing a dozen students in one day. Other great minds, however well-meaning, merely lack the social skills to put a stranger at ease. Either way, 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.
While doing so, remember the two key interview skills: giving yourself time to think before you reply to a question is one. Answering the question actually asked (rather than the one you would like it to have been) is the other. Also, interview questions are meant to be hard, so don’t despair if you got the odd answer wrong.
Lastly, wise students are aware that interviewers expect fairly detailed answers, so try to cover "what, why and how" if possible. Can you explain events, analyse texts or calculate outcomes? Show a knack for logical thinking?
For yet more advice, check out OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES, still available by one-day delivery from Amazon.
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