Test taken: PAT

Number of interviews: 3

Skype interview: No

Time between each interview: 1 day

Length of interviews: 30 minutes each

1st interview: Maths based interview. After introductions, I was asked an opening maths questions about complex numbers. After completing it there were follow up questions on the same theme of complex numbers but developing in different directions. Most of the questions I was asked were on 1st year problem sheets. I felt generally relaxed in this interview as the two interviewers were friendly and not intimidating.

2nd interview: Physics based interview. I was asked a general qualitative question about the expansion of solids and gave an A-level standard answer. I was then queried on the flaws in my answer to which I didn't know how to respond (I wasn't expected to) - the rest of the interview was basically the interviewers explaining the answer to the opening question but at a more accurate University-level. There were intermittent questions throughout the explanation to allow me to discover the ideas for myself, rather than just being told the concept. Overall the mood was more conversational and relaxed compared to my first interview. In this interview there were fewer black and white questions, and more conversational back and forth. I felt the most relaxed in this interview and the time flew by, probably because of the more informal style.

3rd interview: General interview, mixture of maths/physics: I interviewed at a different college for my 3rd interview. I was first asked a mechanics questions which would be familiar to those doing M3 (old A-level Further Maths mechanics module). Then I was asked questions on basic circuit physics. The atmosphere in this interview was a bit more tense than the others and I felt slightly less relaxed than the others, probably because I was getting stuff wrong more often than in the previous two.

I did past PAT papers, revised all A-Level content, and did UKMT papers.

I used "https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/" for several physics and maths resources - both A-level content and some resources going beyond the syllabus. I used The Student Room for advice on personal statements and inside tips for the application process. I also had contact with a physics graduate who did a mock interview with me - I'd definitely recommend this if you have access to someone like this. If not, a mock interview with anyone will help you get used to the interview situation and make you more relaxed for the real thing.

I think my preparation helped with the PAT, but for the interview it helped only to an extent - it's important to realise than it's impossible to predict what will come up in interview and it's a waste to spend all your time trying to guess. It's more important trying to learn how to stay calm when confronted with unseen questions/content - that's where the mock interview is valuable!

I understand now what the interviews are looking for:
Firstly, they're not looking for people who know a lot about their subject, but rather people who have the capacity to learn quickly and eventually know a lot about their subject. The interviews test this by giving you potentially unfamiliar ideas and seeing how you are able to take them on and apply them. So knowing content is less important (obviously you should know at least your A-level syllabus), but being able to take on information is more important.
Secondly, in interviews you should demonstrate a passion and genuine interest for your subject. You need passion to stay motivated during 3/4 years at Oxford with a big workload, and you should make it clear than you have a sufficient interest in the work.