Test taken: TSA

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: No

2 interviews on the same day

Length of interviews: 20 minutes each

In my first interview they asked me some basic evolution questions they knew I’d have studied at A-Level to ease me in. From there I was asked a few sociology and genetics questions, on the research topic of the interviewer. Finally, they showed me two graphs with some crucial information missing and asked me to discuss them. I never got to the right answer with the graphs but they were more interested in my ideas than the correct answer.

In my second interview, the interviewers were much more relaxed. I was asked to compare two different images of the same idea and discuss why they were different. They also asked me briefly to discuss the subject I was applying for in the context of current events. I found this interview much less stressful, and felt more confident to express more unconventional ideas.

At no point was I asked about my personal statement.

I did practice papers from online.

I found podcasts were a really good way to pick up bits and pieces that I could draw on in my interview. Books take way to long to read! Having those ideas makes you more confident in interviews as you can refer to them, and therefore have a basis to your answers.

My head of sixth form didn't give me a mock interview, but my biology teacher, who knew nothing about Oxbridge interviews, looked up some questions and asked them to me in an attempt at a mock interview. It wasn’t exactly accurate and we kept laughing, but it definitely helped me get experience thinking on my feet and explaining ideas out loud.

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