Number of interviews: 3

Skype interview: No

Interviews spread across 2 days

Length of interviews: about 30 minutes each, with 15-30 minutes reading time

I realized later that we mainly talked about things I had showed interest in in my personal statement (in 2 out of 3 of the interviews). So we talked about ethics, what I thought of ethical demands, what I had read on that topic, etc. I was also given a textual interpretation task, which I had time to prepare in the 20 minutes before, and we discussed that, which was very interesting. I was also asked about how I had been taught the subject in school so they could see what sort of knowledge I would come into the course with. Generally, it was a lot of asking big questions that they wanted me to take apart. Then they would question my response or ask me to explain further. Or I got a source and we talked about that.

In 2 out of the 3 interviews I felt very relaxed. The interviewers were very kind, there was water, laughs, and if I needed time to think I told them and they smiled and gave me a minute. It seemed more like an engaged discussion about a topic I was interested in with other people who are also interested in it. It felt more collaborative than inquisitive.

My third interview, though, I had at a different college and there the vibe was more inquisitive and the topics were totally not what I had put in my statement. It was very much about religion as a construct. Naturally, I wasn't as disputatious and it felt way more inquisitive and pressuring since I didn't really know what to say and didn't care too much about it, either. It was obvious, though, that this interviewer had not read my application and was not trying to see the best of me based on what I had said my interests were, but had a set of questions he asked everyone about. He also had a PhD student in the room who took notes but didn't engange, which felt a bit intimidating.

Generally though, the other interviews made me feel much better about myself and made me see how interviews can go and feel, so to have one interview where I didn't vibe with the interviewer was fine with me.

I used TOEFL practice books, as well as YouTube videos telling you how to do well strategically - those are VERY helpful!

I prepared hardly at all! I listened to some episodes of 'In Our Time' because I found them interesting, and read some of the 'Very Short Introduction' on Theology. I wasn't planning on using them actively, but I think, because I had exposed myself to theology content before, I referred to it naturally in my interview when I was saying something. I genuinely hadn't read a theological book at all, really, and that didn't make much of a difference.

I knew one girl who had gone to Oxford and she told me that the interviewers want to know how you THINK and not what you KNOW - after all, you are there to learn. Ultimately, I agree. I think practising arguing or expressing your opinions is helpful, and so is reading about things that interest you in the field (and not reading things you think you should find interesting).

The best thing I did was to be completely honest and open, e.g. if I didn't know a word in English I described it and asked what it was. My attitude might have been the best thing. By coming in relaxed and seeing the participation in the interviews as a win in the first place, I could ease myself into a debate and be honest if I disagreed or if I wasn't sure. It's alwas better to say you're not sure than to pretend to be entirely sure and then fail to follow it up when they ask (which they probably will).

Also a good tip: power poses! These can make you feel very powerful and on the same level as the interviewers. The same goes for not going in with an entirely empty stomach if possible.

I would tell my past self to not take it so seriously if an interviewer comes across as really harsh and makes you feel bad about yourself. Generally, they want to see how well you would participate in actual tutorials, how you think and assess things, and if you have opinions. So show them your opinions! Don't be shy!