Written Test, Drawing Test, 2x Interview
Interview 1: philosophical/social science, Interview 2: Portfolio walk through and questions about personal statement
Dictionary of architectural language, talking to friends about interesting questions.
If you're nervous the will allow for it. Ask for clarifications.
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.
After assembling in the waiting room, where current students calmed our nerves and offered us tea and biscuits, we were led to a room for our written test, where we were expected to write a short essay based on the provided thesis statement. Following this, we were led to third court and asked to do the drawing test, the theme being 'representing' the scenery - not necessarily in conventional perspective. The general interview followed and a subject specific interview with two fellows.
The general interview is where you can show them the extent of reading you did and this is the stage where you will face the more difficult, often philosophical questions such as the relationship between architecture and music, engineering and society. This is the stage where you can show your strength in social sciences - an important and unique aspect of Cambridge's course.
The subject specific interview is where you're asked to show them - or better yet, walk them through - your portfolio (
As an international student, architectural terminology is not something they teach you at school, so I got a Dictionary of Architecture and tried to learn as many definitions as possible - came in very handy when describing buildings. I also looked up 'tricky' interview questions and had my friends ask me about them - while you will probably have different questions at the interview, it helps to put you brain into analysis mode.
If you're nervous, tell them and they'll allow you a few moments to collect yourself - it's better to 'waste' 30 seconds of the interview and the continue well, than to under-perform in your rush. If you don't understand a question or get lost in the middle of your answer just stop and ask for clarification, repetition or re-phrasing of the question. They are there to be impressed by you, they want everyone to do their best.