2 interviews - one was a macroeconomics interview, which was more general and about my personal statement, one was about microeconomics which was more specific. I was as given texts to read for 20 minutes before and taken to a “reading room” with a few other people who were reading.

I had to sign in at the main desk, and then waited in the library with other pupils. I was then taken to reading room and then onto the interview room. Afterward the first interview, I was taken back to waiting room to wait for next interview and same process.

Interview 1 (macroeconomics): I answered questions about the text they'd given me (I had the question before in the 20 mins reading time), and talking about my personal statement. I was asked about my motivations and areas of interest to me. The personal statement part was probably the hardest, as they made me justify myself fully and tried to argue against the view I'd supported.

Interview 2 (microeconomics): I was asked some maths questions, and some further questions about the text I'd been given. I found the questions quite easy - much easier than I had expected and I definitely didn’t think I’d got in because I was told if you find it easy then you won’t get in.

I spoke with my economics teacher before school for a few days, did practice interviews with a friend who was also applying. I went over the books I had read, stayed up to date on the news, looked into more depth on things that I had written in my personal statement. My school organised a day at grammar school to have a practice interview and speak to other applicants.

I’m not from a private/grammar school and so it was a very daunting process. I didnt start preparation until I’d found out I got an interview. I was pretty much told I wouldn’t get in by the grammar school teachers because I’m not the best at getting my points across in a sophisticated way - I think that just takes practice.