Maths @ Christ's, Cambridge in 2018

Interview format

STEP; 2x interviews

Interview content

Interview 1: remaining questions from pre-interview assessment, personal statement; Interview 2: maths problem solving questions

Best preparation

Mock interviews at school

Advice in hindsight

-

Final thoughts

Try to explain your thought processes

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: STEP

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: no

Time between interviews: 1 hour

Length of first interview: 20 minutes; Length of second interview: 40 minutes

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

I had a pre-interview assessment which involved mainly logical thinking and gradually increased in difficulty. In my first interview, I was interviewed by two mathematicians. They asked me a few easy questions about my personal statement and maths I have done in the past. Then we went through the pre-interview assessment and, with their help, I finished the remaining questions. The atmosphere was really relaxed. After the interview, I was able to ask any questions about the university, course or college - feel free to ask anything. They do not judge you on it.

After a break, I had an interview with an academic in mathematics and another mathematician. They asked questions unrelated to the pre-interview assessment or my personal statement. These were mostly expanding the knowledge I already had - unusual mechanics questions or integrals that I have not done up until then. Both interviewers were really nice, willing to help and at this point I did not feel any stress - maybe just some adrenaline, doing maths can make you quite emotional sometimes!

How did you prepare?

I prepared by using past papers that are available on the internet - you can find also hints, solutions and marking schemes. I received a lot of help from my maths teachers and my school, who arranged me a few mock interviews. My friend also organised a group of maths students who gathered some resources to help myself and other Maths students with our applications. If your school cannot offer you this much help, don’t worry! You could sign up for a mathematical summer school/camp (they often give scholarships, so do not worry about the money!). Besides learning some awesome maths (it gives you some insight into what you are going to do in the university) you are likely to meet other people (participants and organisers) who can give you some personal advice.

What advice do you have for future applicants?

Looking back, what advice would you give to your past self?

I think that the best thing I have done was not being too emotionally engaged into the application - I am an international student, so my approach was, if I didn’t get in, then at least I will be closer to home. It is difficult to achieve, but if you are able to see positives in both outcomes, it is easier to fight stress. It’s important to remember that the interviewers want to see how you think. Therefore, learn to explain your thought processes - try to practise with teachers, parents and other students.