Mathematics @ Brasenose, Oxford in 2018

Interview format

3x 30 min interviews, each a day apart

Interview content

Both interviews: series of maths problems - graph sketching, equation solving, some proof

Best preparation

Past papers, 'Dr Frost Maths'

Advice in hindsight

-

Final thoughts

Past papers are the best resource; preparation is useful.

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: MAT

Number of interviews: 3

Skype interview: No

Time between each interview: 1 day

Length of interviews: 30 minutes each

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

The questions were mostly about graph sketching and equation solving. There were some small bits of proof too.

The personal statement was not talked about much (but still make sure you've done everything you've said you've done in the statement).

Each interview was just a series of maths problems.

The atmosphere was quite relaxed. But it was hard to feel relaxed.

How did you prepare?

I did all the past papers. I also used 'Dr Frost Maths'.

What advice do you have for future applicants?

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

The past MAT papers really are the best resources. Make sure you are very used to the format and the types of questions asked. Some STEP can help too.

Preparation was essential because all the practice made me quite a bit better at maths and so I was more likely to do well in the interview.

If I was to do it again, I would have spent more time hammering out some of my weak areas, so that if they came up I would do better. I might have read a few more books about the subject too, but probably not.