Architecture @ Christ's, Cambridge in 2017

Interview format

2x interviews; 1x test (30 minutes)

Interview content

Personal statement; arguing your case at ideas thrown at you; structures around the world.

Best preparation

Personal statement; YouTube clips about architects mentioned in it; buying a book on buildings I visited; 'cities' section from the Guardian website; talking to art teachers for advice for portfolio interviews.

Final thoughts

Don't take it too seriously; explore Cambridge and chat to current students!

Remember this advice isn't official. There is no guarantee it will reflect your experience because university applications can change between years. Check the official Cambridge and Oxford websites for more accurate information on this year's application format and the required tests.

Also, someone else's experience may not reflect your own. Most interviews are more like conversations than tests and like, any conversation, they are quite interactive.

Interview Format

I had one 30 minute written task (short essay), one 30 minute drawing task (this varies between colleges, mine was outside in the snow but they did make sure we had proper outerwear!), one interview with admissions (this was more general but they asked me more challenging questions), and finally one interview with the Architecture Director of Studies (this was a portfolio interview and questions about my experiences). My interview experience involved lots of waiting time between tasks in the morning and interviews in the afternoon, so you can either chat with other applicants/current students or explore Cambridge.

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

We spoke a lot about things I wrote in my personal statement, and about my academic journey, as well as work experience. Although you don't need to know much about architecture, you do need to be able to form critical opinions on quotes or ideas thrown at you and 'argue' your case. At one point, we discussed images of structures around the world.

How did you prepare?

I went over my personal statement and made sure to do more in-depth research on the architects mentioned (watching YouTube clips about their other works and buying a book on some of the buildings I visited). I looked over recent news on the 'cities' section from the Guardian website. Talked to various art teachers in local schools for advice for portfolio interviews.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your past self?

To be honest the atmosphere is pretty awful in the waiting room with the other applicants. Don't take it TOO seriously, have a wander around Cambridge instead of staying in the waiting room the whole time, get some nice fresh air. Chat with the students taking care of you, and make sure that if you choose a college to apply to that you actually like the vibe.