Test taken: BMAT

Number of interviews: 4

Skype interview: No

Interview spread: 2 one day at Trinity, a few hours apart; 2 the next day at Brasenose, a few hours apart

Length of interviews: 30 minutes each

In my first interview (at Trinity) we talked about why I wanted to be a doctor, the ethics of a doctor's moral standpoint (e.g. on abortion), and a bit about my personal statement. I can't remember too much because I was really nervous (and the room itself was quite intimidating!) but once you've done one interview the rest are a lot less scary!

In my second Trinity interview I was given a research paper and asked to work through the data I was given (a "thinking out loud" exercise) which was hard but I tried. I was also asked about the course structure and intercalation options. I felt a little unsettled in this interview, and I struggled with the task but I did my best at thinking out loud.

In my first Brasenose interview, I felt really comfortable. I was given a graph without a title and asked to discuss it and try and work out what it was. I was also asked to discuss anything that I'd learnt from my A-levels (so I talked about HIV because it was my favourite sub-topic). I left that interview feeling really positive and relaxed.

My final interview was again at Brasenose. I had to describe a cyclic fluctuation graph and talk through that. And then I was asked a few scenario questions about how I would approach some clinical situations.

I did a lot of practice papers, and used the official guide, YouTube videos, and the ISC BMAT book.

For interview preparation, there are loads of videos on YouTube which might be useful. Make sure to check the news leading up to your interviews (just so you have a good idea of what's going on, nothing too in depth). If you can organise a "mock interview" with your school, (it doesn't have to be an Oxbridge interview, but just something to get you used to taking to people in that situation) that might help but isn't essential! I would also recommend Google image searching random graphs, printing them out, and annotating them as much as you can with any analysis or knowledge.

If you can, try reading the GMC good medical practice. You don't have to, but it gives you a good idea of what they want in a doctor and in a medical student. Also, the university website will have a list of qualities. Try brainstorming different ways you meet those qualities.

Finally, make sure you've read everything on that personal statement!

Try not to overprepare (I.e. don't rehearse answers). Feel free to come with a few points you could cover and prepare general answers, but don't learn lines. Just try to speak your mind in the interview and be completely honest if you're struggling or don't understand something - ask for help! The interviewer wants to challenge you and push you, but they don't want to make it impossible, so make sure you think out loud!

The rooms might be big and scary and the interviewers may seem intimidating but they're just people who clearly liked your application and are testing to see if there is a teaching compatibility between you, them, and the environment of a tutorial.

If possible, visit the university before your interview (so you feel more settled and confident!) and to decide if Oxbridge is what you want!

Between interviews, try to spend your time in the JCR, rather than up in your room. You'll meet people, and be more relaxed - I spent all my time in Trinity watching Blackadder.

Good luck!