My interview took place in December. I came through the Storey's Way porter's lodge and the porters explained how to get to the interview rooms. When I got there I had to wait in a room with a lot of other interviewees. There were students playing board games whilst we waited. I was first given an extract and had time to read through it and make notes. I then had two interviews. Each Probably lasted between 30-45 mins.

So the first interview we talked a lot about the extract that I'd had time to read over - mainly about the practice of history. They also just asked me questions about my personal statement generally - they didn't quiz me on the books that I said I had read (which was the biggest fear) but asked me about my work experience.

Then the second interview was much more focused on the two essays that I had submitted with the application. One of the essays was on Mary I and we spoke a lot about her. I actually really enjoyed both interviews and came out of it really pleased - they were really chilled and it wasn't like an interview but more a discussion and it didn't matter what you were saying they just wanted to see what I brought to the discussion I think.

My school did run mock interviews - I had three - that was the scariest part of the whole process because it was a lot more intimidating to be interviewed by your history teachers but it was so helpful because by the time I got there I felt prepared (I don't think I'd ever had an actual interview before my history teachers did mock ones and without them I probably would have been a mess). Definitely the mock interviews with people that you know well are worse than the actual Cambridge interview with strangers.

The history fellows at Fitz are all so lovely and they aren't trying to catch you out - they want to know what you think so I'd say just try and relax and enjoy it. They want to have a chat with you about something you're interested in. The conversation that you have in the interview is much more important than other aspects e.g. the test.