Classics (4 Years) @ Selwyn, Cambridge in 2022

Interview format

2x interviews

Interview content

Describing pottery, broader questions about interest in subject, then taught some Latin

Best preparation

Looking at sample questions, interview practice with teachers

Final thoughts

Show your passion!

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

Test taken: None
Number of interviews: 2
Time between interviews: One day
Length of interviews: 30-45 mins
Online interview: Yes

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

I was shown a piece of pottery and asked to describe what it depicts and why. I was asked why I wanted to go to that college specifically. I was also asked where my interest in my subject came from and was taught/walked through some Latin to see how quickly I could learn. 

How did you prepare for your interviews?

I found past questions they asked on the uni website, asked teachers for advice, had mock interviews.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Show your passion! They want to see that you love your subject. And ask questions: they want to know that you can pick things up quickly, and asking questions will help with that!