Number of interviews: 1
Length of interviews: 50 minutes
Online interview: Yes 

There were two interviewers in my interview. It started with a question on my personal statement, followed by around ten questions that were unrelated. There were no tasks and I didn't have to submit any school essays to discuss. The majority of the questions felt fair and I was able to relax into the discussion after a few questions. There were a few questions designed to negate preparation including one about the plausibility of a theory that was later revealed to not exist, and one about applying a theory from theoretical physics in the context of my subject. Overall, there was a good-natured atmosphere and I could tell that the interviewers were carefully selecting questions that would help to assess my ability and thought processes rather than maliciously trying to catch me out. The questions and the interviewers' responses did get more challenging as the interview progressed but there weren't any questions I couldn't answer at all and I was free to pose my own challenges in response. I did end up enjoying the interview, once the nerves had faded, and it helped me feel more confident in my decision to apply.

I had a mock interview in school where questions about my personal statement and surprise topics were asked, though the teacher's lack of expertise in my chosen subject resulted in the feedback being rather vague. My history teacher also hosted supervision-like sessions which helped me figure out that the system of teaching would suit me while also preparing the group for the atmosphere of interviews.

Before the interview, I revisited my personal statement and did further research on the authors I mentioned and topics I mentioned in passing but hadn't yet studied in detail. Everything I came across which I understood in theory but couldn't accurately define or discuss, I researched until I felt confident. Very little of my research was helpful in the end but the process helped me get in the right headspace and meant that the perceived gaps in my knowledge didn't contribute to my anxiety on the day. I also briefly looked into the specialisms of my interviewers to be aware of the areas they might bring up/I should avoid bringing up.

My advice to future applicants would be to use any resources to practice the skills needed to answer any question rather than to formulate and learn perfect answers to hypothetical questions you may well never be asked. It's worth knowing your personal statement like the back of your hand, but the interviewers have no interest in watching you present fully formed answers to any other questions. Even if your preparation means they don't get the opportunity to test your mental agility with their initial questions, they will inevitably find ways to make you think in front of them, such as changing the bounds of the questions, asking you to apply the concept elsewhere, or challenging you on an idea you propose. No amount of preparation can beat being ready to think on your feet and share daft answers. And if it feels like the questions keep getting trickier, it's a good sign as it means that you're making the interviewers work harder to catch you out!