General Information

1. Looking to see that your language skills are adequate for courses and exams taught at Oxbridge.
2. Probably about 20-45 minutes.
3. Academic and subject based (Specialists in the field)
4. Problem-solving skills, assimilation of new ideas and information, intellectual flexibility and analytical
reasoning.
5. • Academic ability • Attitude and personality • Capacity for critical and creative thinking
6. Questions relevant to the course you've applied for
7. Questions about the information you provided in your written application
Generally, they are looking for students who have informed enthusiasm and the ability to think independently
about your subject. They want to see you think for your and develop logical arguments and solutions to
problems. It is absolutely okay if you don’t immediately answer a question, but you HAVE to show your
thinking process.

When answering all questions

1. They want to know your thought processes and how you apply your knowledge.
2. They want to see how well you can use your existing knowledge to solve unfamiliar problems rather
than how much you know.
3. If you don’t understand something, just let them know. Ask for clarification!
4. Answer the questions in an honest and genuine way. The interviewers will know if you are just giving
them an answer that has been memorized.

General academic interview

You may also have a general academic interview, where you may be asked:

 to expand on the information you gave in your personal statement so keep a record of what you wrote
 why you want to come to Cambridge, and why you're interested in your subject
 about your wider academic work/interests and what you hope to do in the future as a career. However, don't
worry if you haven't got any definite plans at this stage

Subject-specific academic interview

The purpose of this interview is to assess your understanding of your subject and your potential for studying it
at Cambridge. You should expect:

 a challenging discussion relating to your chosen course, which may include topics covered in your recent
academic work and raised in your written application (eg wider reading and work experience)
 to be asked to apply your existing knowledge to new situations by discussing problems that you've not
previously encountered

For some courses, some Colleges may ask you to read an article/piece of text/prose which will be discussed in
the interview. If this is required and it’s something they want you to read and think about at home/before you
come to Cambridge, the College will provide all the details in the letter inviting you to interview.
Types of Questions

The ‘university’ questions:

Cambridge interview questions are often more of a test of how aware a candidate is of what they have applied
for and what this means for their application. These questions are usually:
 Why did you choose Cambridge?
 Why this college?

Based your answers around the subject, the course, the college, and the subject the tutors at that college
specialize in. You must show an interest, passion, and knowledge of the University.

The ‘moral’ common Cambridge interview questions and ‘looking ahead’:

 How do you think that you studying this subject can affect society or add to it?
 How important do you think this subject is in terms of humanity?
 What do you want to be after university, and why?
 What do you expect to gain from going to university?

You must show how you can benefit society and why. They need to see that you have looked at your subject
from a larger perspective. They do not want to see students applying to Cambridge just to receive a good degree
for their next step in life.

The ‘personal statement’ questions:

 What is your favourite thing about your subject?
 What do you not like about this subject?

Avoid regurgitating the personal statement or the work you have handed in. In addition, it is a bad idea to be too
specific and talk about one very small area of study. It is important to remember that it is okay not to like
certain aspects of your subject, but keep it within reason. Furthermore, if areas of dislike within the subject are
mentioned, it should be backed with good reasons.