I arrived the day before my interviews were scheduled to complete an hour-long test. When I applied testing was only used by certain Colleges; I think admissions policy has changed now though. My responses were selectively discussed in the first of my interviews (the 'academic' interview) the next day, in the morning. That was a one-on-one with the Director of Studies at Clare College.

The second interview was a 'general' interview with a (now emeritus) professor, in the late morning. As for the third, it was standard when I applied for Classics hopefuls to have second interviews arranged at another College as part of the interview process. I went to Trinity Hall, where I spoke with two Fellows there in a more wide-ranging interview.

The whole thing was wrapped up by about 2pm the day after I had arrived.

The 'academic' interview at Clare focused on my responses in the written tests and on the content of my personal statement. These were selective explorations, rather than comprehensive ones. I'd mentioned that I had read a book on Roman history, so that was a substantial part of the conversation, and I had the opportunity to revise my attempted translation of a chunk of Ovid. This first interview was very comfortable, largely because my interviewer was very easy-going: he put me at ease.

I remember distinctly in the second interview that I was asked about a current exhibition of some famous artifacts, which was happening at or around the time. Not having read the news I had little idea of what the interviewer was on about, but he clarified for me and we had some discussion about the controversies associated with those artefacts. For most of the 'general' interview I was taking in the features of the room in Clare Old Courts (Piano, antique furniture, fireplace etc. ...).

In the third at Trinity Hall I was given a Latin translation to do on the spot: that was a train wreck. I can also remember distinctly the (Italian) interviewer telling me that Ovid's Metamorphoses isn't really an epic. This was not phrased as a question and, as such, I did not feel a response from me was warranted. With the benefit of hindsight, though, I should have had made a case; some interviewers use hard-headedness to stimulate a response, so if you say something that gets challenged, be willing and prepared to back it up with arguments.

Knowing my personal statement inside out.

I should point out that I succeeded at neither of the Colleges at which I was interviewed. My offer came through the winter pool from Gonville and Caius, who chose not to bother interviewing me. You might say I am uniquely poorly qualified to give interview advice. Further, I understand that applicants to Classics are likely to have access to better advice than mine, especially in view of the schools which are most likely to teach Classical Languages. But if this proves in any way useful to someone, then great.