Test taken: TSA

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: No

Interview spread: all in one day

Length of interviews: 20 minutes each

Economics interview - I was given a problem to look at for 15 minutes before we went in. Then the first 10/15 mins of the interview were spent with me explaining how I approached the problem. They tended to focus on discussing where I was stuck and why, and then I had to try and answer parts of the question I was not able to answer before. The last 5/10 minutes of the interview were spent discussing an economic issue relating to Brexit. I can't remember the exact topic but I know that it was initially a broad question but then our discussion became narrower as the interviewer questioned what I said and focused on my knowledge.

Management interview - I was given two articles to read beforehand about some companies and the challenges they faced breaking into the Chinese market. The interview lasted 20 minutes and my interviewer asked me questions relating to things like what challenges I thought they would face and how these business could be successful.

The atmosphere in the room was quite relaxed. I can now say after studying at Oxford that the interviews mimic a real tutorial (although interviews are perhaps slightly more intense due to the short amount of time available). The interviews felt like a blur, we moved through topics very quickly. Whilst they are interested in seeing how you act when you are stuck, they also don't leave you sat there in silence. At some points I had to ask what certain things meant or just to say that I was stuck. I tried to explain why I thought that I was stuck or what specific part of the material I didn't understand, in order to show that I was still engaging with the material.

I did the practice papers online.

I read a second hand copy of "Think You Can Think?", the TSA prep book (on eBay/Amazon)

Stay generally up-to-date with current events - I used podcasts while I walked to college or got ready in the morning for a few weeks before. It just helps to have an overview of what's going on.

I didn't have any formal preparation, I think that knowing your reading from your personal statement combined with what you know from your A-levels and a general awareness of current events is all you need. I also think it's important to think about what aspects of the subject excite and interest you.

I had no idea what to expect going in to an interview. I would say to relax and treat it as an opportunity to explore some new challenging material.