Natural Sciences (Physical) @ Emmanuel, Cambridge in 2017

Interview format

2x interviews (30 mins)

Interview content

Chemistry & maths interviews - like A level extension questions, no personal statement

Best preparation

Know A-level inside out

Final thoughts

Apply!

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

I had two interviews - each with 2 fellows, each about half an hour if I remember correctly. Both were mainly spoken questions - although in each they did have a few paper figures or graphs as question prompts. Also, I had pen and paper in both. Mostly that was for quick scribbles to jog my memory, but on occasion the interviewer would ask me to draw something.

I had lunch in college, then spent the afternoon in a hall. We made a big circle of chairs and chatted for hours - periodically people would disappear for interviews, which they were taken to by students. At this point, it was far better for me to relax my nerves by socialising rather than trying to cram.

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

First interview you could pick Physics or Chemistry. I opted for Chem. The questions could have appeared on an A-level paper, but as extension questions that many would struggle with. I remember we discussed bonds lengths.

Second interview was Maths. I don't remember a lot, but I know that I forgot what a type of equation was.

We didnt talk about my personal statement in either.

How did you prepare?

Honestly just knowing the A-level course inside out. Having a foundational knowledge means you're able to notice trends or think if explanations more easily. It just gives you a lot of flexibility. And it gives you a bit of confidence in yourself.

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

APPLY!! You never know, you might get in. True, Oxbridge isn’t the be all and end all. But realistically, if you're like me and from a lower middle class background (or working class as well) don't dismiss Oxbridge as a matter of principle - it is a fantastic opportunity. Also Cambridge is really friendly and dynamic and welcoming and fun and I think its a wondeful place to live and study. So if youre tempted then PLEASE PLEASE APPLY!!