Frequently asked questions in interviews at Oxford and Cambridge universities

There are many rumors and terrible stories about interviews in Oxford and Cambridge. Although many of them are exaggerated, the interview process is very thorough in order to narrow down the scope of applicants. Please read on. I am very interested in the interview legends related to these two universities.

What is Oxford and Cambridge?

If you have ever been interviewed by Oxford University or Cambridge University, you will hopefully know the answer to this question. For those who don't know, "Oxford" itself is a compound word of "Oxford" and "Oxbridge". These two universities are called "Oxford and Cambridge" because of their outstanding academic achievements, which is also the difference between them and other universities in Britain. How do these two universities rank in QS World University? Ranked well in 2020, Oxford University ranked fourth in the world (the first in the UK) and Cambridge University ranked seventh in the world (the second in the UK).

When can I know if I am invited to the interview?

The official website of Oxford University reads: "Whether you are invited to attend an interview with 165438+ from the middle of October to the end of October, you will receive a letter or an email."

"65438 For the course interviewed in early February, the invitation letter 5438+0 1 will be sent in mid-June, and for the course interviewed at the end of February, the invitation letter 5438+0 1 will be sent at the end of June."

The website of Cambridge University reads: "Most interviews in Cambridge are held in the first three weeks of June 5438+February (some may be earlier)."

How many people can attend the interview?

According to the website of Oxford University, the school receives an average of 20,000 applications every year, with about 1000 interviews, but there are only 3,250 places. Even if you are not a master of mathematics, you can realize that this means that the rejection rate of students at Oxford University is high. However, don't stop applying because you may be an ideal Oxford University applicant.

In Cambridge, according to the data given by their website, "everyone who has a chance to be admitted will be invited to attend an interview", which is equivalent to almost 75% of all applicants, they said.

What kind of people are Oxford and Cambridge looking for?

These universities claim that all the potential students they are looking for have strong learning minds and enthusiasm. Oxford University wrote: "The only thing that Oxford students have in common is academic ability and curiosity. Our students come from all over the world and have different backgrounds and interests. "

Cambridge University wrote that they are looking for people with "strong problem-solving ability, strong ability to absorb new ideas and information, flexible thinking and strong analytical ability".

Who will conduct the interview?

At Oxford University, academic tutors are most likely to interview you. "They teach and do research in universities and have a deep understanding of this subject."

Similarly, Cambridge University also said that the interviewer will be "an expert in the subject you are applying for, one of whom is usually the research director of the college, who will supervise your academic research and progress in Cambridge."

Laura Brown, a doctoral student, said, "I had a preliminary interview on Skype, and I had an interview with my tutor about the project/fund/laboratory. On the day of my real interview, my tutor interviewed me, and I also had the opportunity to visit the laboratory and meet the current students. "

Do I need to take a written test?

In Cambridge, all courses except math and music require you to complete a written evaluation.

In Oxford, depending on the course you apply for, you may receive a text, a poem or an object and be asked to answer questions related to it.

How should I prepare? Review your knowledge of world affairs and any latest news related to the subject you applied for. You should also have a solid knowledge of your major and do some extra reading.

If you haven't taken this course before, Oxford suggests that you consider the reasons why you want to take this course, and then do some general reading about this course. However, you don't need to have a deep understanding of this field. The interviewer will evaluate your skills and talents, not specific knowledge.

Interviewer John from Oxford and Cambridge? John barton told TopUniversities: "Before the interview, I made sure to do a lot of preparatory work, such as interview practice, reading related books and preparing some translations."

Will the admissions officer ask me strange questions?

Respondents from Oxford University and Cambridge University said that they were asked all kinds of crazy questions, including "Is it moral to connect a mentally ill person (whose only pleasure is killing people) with a machine that simulates reality and convince him that he can kill as many people as he wants in the real world?" Why are Twilight Series Useful for British Students? And "Are you cool?" Economics prize.

During the interview, you may be asked questions about your personal statement, paper (if you submit it) and the subjects you want to study. Occasionally, the interviewer will ask a deliberately tricky question to see your reaction to solving the problem. When asked these questions, the interviewer wants the interviewee to calmly carry out their thinking process.

When asked about the interview questions, Brown told us: "These are all questions about preparing materials, but some questions are not ready yet. She added: "I was honest and made a rational guess at the right time. They just want to evaluate my knowledge and understanding of this field and see if I am a feasible candidate. "

What should I wear for the interview?

Wear clothes that look good but make you feel comfortable during the interview.

Barton suggested, "I'm wearing a suit, but basically I'm wearing beautiful clothes."

Brown told us, "I am wearing a shirt, a pullover, a sports jacket, a long trench coat, navy blue pants and Oxford shoes (how ironic! )"

What happens after the interview?

1, almost all the results will be announced. A few applicants may be asked to attend further interviews.

"Most of the applicants interviewed in June 5438+February last year should know whether they were admitted conditionally or unconditionally or lost before the end of June 5438+ 10."

"I received a reply soon," Brown said. "About two days after the interview, but I think I was one of the last people to be interviewed."