Test taken: MAT

Number of interviews: 4

Skype interview: No

Interview spread: 4 interviews in 5 days, with no two on the same day

Length of interviews: about 20 minutes each

My 3 interviews in my main college were all quite similar. Most of them got straight in to the maths, or maybe asked one question from my personal statement or why I applied, just to help me settle in. They then set me Maths problems and watched me try to do them. They didn't ask standard A-levels questions testing my knowledge. Instead they asked questions that didn't require much knowledge (I certainly didn't have to memorise any formulas for it). But they were questions that really made me think critically and logically. They were very difficult, but they helped me whenever I got stuck, by giving me a hint, so I got through them slowly. There were two interviewers and they each took about half the time to set me questions, while the other one just listened.

I mostly felt quite relaxed. They were all really nice and friendly, and they do want you to do well! There was one point when I was stuck on something quite basic for about 5 minutes in one of them and I got a bit flustered. But they were nice about it and kept pointing me to the answer until I eventually got it!

I did a few practice papers. We had a few extra classes from a teacher who went over a couple of past papers, which helped a bit. I think the main thing is just getting a bit of practice under your belt, so you know the structure of the test and how to approach it. On top of that, make sure you know your A-level stuff, as, when I took it at least, it was all based on the Maths A-level core modules.

I did a few practice interviews with teachers in my school. Some of them were quite similar to what the real thing would be like. Some of the practice interviews were more focused on A-level content and less on thinking about how to approach a new problem, which is what they do in the real thing. I also practised solving Maths problems out loud to my Dad (who couldn't understand a word). It's really important to be able to say what you're thinking in the interview. The interviewers want to see your thought process, so practising speaking Maths beforehand is really helpful.

They want to see you at your best, and understand how you approach difficult problems. Doing practice interviews is helpful, because it helps you feel more comfortable in the situation. The more confident you are in the room, the clearer you'll think and the better you'll do. So if there's one piece of advice I'd give, it's be confident! They want you to do well!