Philosophy @ Queens', Cambridge in 2018

Interview format

Philosophy Admissions Assessment; 1x interview

Interview content

Interview 1: source discussion, philosophical questions

Best preparation

Used example admissions tests available online

Advice in hindsight

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Final thoughts

Practise talking about your subject with teachers or family

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: Philosophy Admissions Assessment

Number of interviews: 1

Skype interview: no

Time between interviews: N/A

Length of first interview: 15 minutes

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

We didn't discuss anything from my personal statement or why I wanted to study philosophy. The focus was on discussion and exploration of a source and different philosophical questions. I was nervous at first but that quickly disappeared as the interview felt like an informal chat, rather than like I was being tested. I had two interviewers and they were both very friendly which made the atmosphere feel very laid back - I even said at the end "wow, that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be"

How did you prepare?

Before the admissions assessment, I looked at the example paper provided, and read a little about formal logic to help with the logic section. For the interview, I prepared by going over my personal statement and making sure I was familiar with everything in it, as well as the content in my sixth-form syllabus.

What advice do you have for future applicants?

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

I regret stressing out about remembering as much information as possible, because there was no compulsory information that I needed to know. Instead, I think a better approach would be to get used to articulating your ideas - just talk to people like teachers or family. Before your interview, just try to relax. Also, wear something you're comfortable in, there's no need for a formal suit - I wore ripped jeans.