Frequently Asked Questions

Oxbridge interviews are academic conversations, not interrogations. You'll typically sit with one or two tutors who will ask you questions about your subject. The questions often start simply and become progressively more challenging. The goal is not to catch you out, but to see how you think when pushed beyond your comfort zone.

Expect questions you've never seen before — that's the point! Interviewers want to see your thinking process, not memorised answers.

Most interviews last between 20-30 minutes, though this can vary by college and subject. You may have multiple interviews — typically 2-4 over one or two days. Some colleges also interview for related subjects (e.g., a Physics applicant might have a Maths interview too).

Wear something comfortable and smart-casual. You don't need a suit, but avoid anything too casual like ripped jeans or beachwear. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can focus on the academic discussion.

This varies by college and year. Check your interview invitation carefully for details. If online, make sure you have:

- A stable internet connection

- A quiet space with good lighting

- Paper and pen nearby (in case the whiteboard fails)

- The video platform installed and tested beforehand

This is expected! The whole point is to push you to the edge of your knowledge. When you don't know:

1. Don't panic — take a breath

2. Think out loud — share your reasoning process

3. Make a hypothesis — suggest what you think might be true and why

4. Ask for clarification if the question is ambiguous

5. Build on hints — the interviewer will guide you

Saying 'I don't know, but I think it might be X because...' is infinitely better than silence.

1. Know your Personal Statement — Be ready to discuss anything you mentioned, especially any books or topics.

2. Master the fundamentals — Don't memorise obscure facts. Deeply understand the core concepts of your subject.

3. Practice thinking out loud — Get someone to ask you challenging questions and talk through your reasoning.

4. Read beyond the syllabus — Show genuine curiosity. Read articles, watch lectures, explore ideas.

5. Do practice problems — Especially for STEM subjects. Our mocks are designed for exactly this.

6. Stay current — For some subjects, be aware of recent developments or news.

For each question:

1. Read carefully — Make sure you understand what's being asked

2. Attempt it yourself first — Spend at least 5-10 minutes thinking before revealing the answer

3. Write or speak your answer — Don't just think it; articulate it

4. Then reveal the model answer — Compare your approach to the suggested answer

5. Focus on the reasoning — The exact answer matters less than the process

6. Identify gaps — Note concepts you need to review

Yes, but wisely. Don't try to learn entire university courses — that's not the point. Instead:

- Explore topics that genuinely interest you — Enthusiasm is contagious

- **Understand why things work**, not just what happens

- Read popular science/humanities books in your subject area

- Watch university lectures on YouTube (many are free)

Be prepared to be asked about anything you claim to know. It's better to deeply understand a few extra topics than superficially know many.

Great — use that knowledge! But you must still explain your reasoning. Interviewers can tell the difference between someone who understands and someone who has memorised.

If you've genuinely learned the concept, walk the interviewer through your understanding. If they sense you truly grasp it, they'll move on to something new. If you can only recite an answer without understanding, they'll probe deeper and you'll struggle.

Interviewers know that applicants come from vastly different educational backgrounds. They're not comparing you to students from famous schools — they're assessing your potential and how you respond to new ideas.

What matters is:

- Your ability to think and reason

- Your enthusiasm for your subject

- How you handle being challenged

Many successful Oxbridge students come from state schools and non-traditional backgrounds. The interview is specifically designed to look beyond what you've been taught.

Interviewers are assessing your academic thinking, not your English fluency. If you can communicate your ideas — even imperfectly — that's what matters.

Some tips:

- Use diagrams — Science transcends language

- Ask for repetition if needed — This is completely acceptable

- Take your time — It's okay to pause and think

- Focus on content — A great idea expressed simply beats a weak idea expressed eloquently

First, know that this happens to many people and interviewers are used to it.

If you feel yourself freezing:

1. Take a deep breath — Literally. It helps.

2. Ask for the question again — Buying time is fine

3. Start talking — Even if you're not sure where you're going. 'Let me think about this...' or 'My first instinct is...'

4. Break it down — 'What do I know that's relevant here?'

The interviewer wants you to succeed. If you're struggling, they'll help guide you.

Getting the 'right answer' matters much less than showing good thinking. Interviewers expect you to struggle — if you didn't, the questions weren't challenging enough.

What they want to see:

- Logical reasoning

- Willingness to try different approaches

- Ability to build on hints

- Intellectual curiosity

- Resilience when stuck

A candidate who makes thoughtful mistakes while showing clear reasoning often impresses more than one who gets answers right but can't explain why.

Open Oxbridge was created by experienced Oxbridge tutors who want to make interview preparation accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability to pay for private tutoring. See our About page for more information about the team.

Yes, completely free. We believe that access to quality interview preparation shouldn't depend on your financial situation. The site is supported by minimal advertising.

We're always looking for subject experts to contribute questions. If you're an Oxbridge tutor or graduate who'd like to help, please contact us via the email on our About page.

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