How do you ace an Oxford interview?

Our top tip is to practise speaking about your subject and your thoughts about what you've seen or read - these don't have to be formal 'mock interviews' - instead they could be chats with teachers, friends, or family.

How do I succeed in an Oxford interview?

Read around the subject and spend time trying to understand why things happen, rather than just learning that they do. Quality, not quantity is most important – if you don't understand something – re-read it and spend time thinking about it. Talk it through with your family or friends.

What not to do in an Oxford interview?

What are the odds of getting an interview at Oxford?

Who Gets Invited? Each year, Oxford receives around 22,000 applications for 3,300 places. Oxford then shortlists around 10,000 candidates for Interviews, which is generally 40-45% of applicants every year. Cambridge, on the other hand, Interview a higher percentage of applicants, around 70%.

How do I study for an Oxford interview?

How to Prepare for an Oxford Interview

Is Oxford interview difficult?

Oxbridge interviews are designed to test your response to things you don't already know about, and this makes them intrinsically difficult to prepare for. Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do to help boost your confidence and feel prepared.

What to expect from an interview at Oxford?

Key Areas of Focus in an Oxford Interview:

Expect questions that challenge your ability to analyze information, think critically, and articulate your thoughts clearly. Intellectual Curiosity: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to explore beyond the standard curriculum.

Who gives more interviews Oxford or Cambridge?

While Cambridge interviews around 80% of its applicants, Oxford admissions tutors interview far fewer candidates (between 20 to 40%). That's because Oxford filters out many of its applicants when they take an admissions test like the TSA or PAT. Cambridge doesn't tend to give these tests.

How many Oxford applicants get interviews?

It's about 40–45% of all applicants each year. This is about 10,000 interviewees. Around 22,000 plus applications are made. Some fail because the applicant fails to follow instructions, doesn't sit entrance tests, etc.

Does Oxford look at Gcses?

If you are shortlisted, your performance in interviews will also be taken into account. Higher grades at GCSE can help to make your application more competitive, and successful applicants typically have a high proportion of 7,8 and 9 grades. However, we do look at GCSE grades in context.

How long do Oxford interviews last?

If you are invited to interview, you will have at least two interviews with academic tutors, lasting about 30-40 minutes.

What not to say in a university interview?

Don't ask your interviewers whether you'll be able to change to a different course if you change your mind, and don't let them know if this was actually your second-choice course or job (even if it was). You need to convince them that this is THE one and only course for you and your enthusiasm needs to come across.

What does Oxford look for in applicants?

The only things that Oxford students have in common are academic ability and intellectual curiosity. Our students come from all over the world and bring with them an amazing range of backgrounds and interests. This helps make our University one of the most exciting learning environments anywhere.

Does Oxford have 2 interviews?

Shortlisted applicants may have more than one interview with more than one college. For some courses, all interviews will be arranged in advance. In other courses, there will be an initial block of pre-organised interviews which may then be followed by additional interviews.

What should I wear to an Oxford university interview?

If in doubt, be more smart/formal rather than less. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed in advance of the day of the interview. It is a good idea to practise standing and sitting in your outfit and your shoes to make sure you feel comfortable. Breaking in new shoes is also a good idea!

Why are there two Oxford interviews?

Some subjects will automatically schedule you another interview at a second college. This is mainly the science subjects and the reason for doing this is the same principle behind guaranteeing you two interviews, more chances to be fairly assessed.

Which Oxford college is hardest to get into?

The hardest college to get into last year was Worcester College, where 11.7 per cent of applicants were admitted. The least competitive was St Hilda's College, where 30.2 per cent were admitted.

Why is Oxford acceptance rate so high?

Oxford has very high academic standards, and grade requirements vary by subject. Generally, successful applicants will have outstanding academic records, with strong grades in relevant subjects. Most subjects require from A*A*A to AAA, though this varies depending on the subject.

What is the fail rate for Oxford?

Oxford has one of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK: figures published for 2019/20 academic year of entry by the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that only 0.9% of Oxford students dropped out, compared with a UK average of 5.3%.

What is the easiest course to get into at Oxford?

Is it harder to get an interview at Oxford or Cambridge?

Unlike Oxford, Cambridge will invite the majority of its applicants to interview. In general, 80% of any given course's applicants will be invited. This is in stark contrast to somewhere between 20% and 25% only of Oxford applicants.

Is Oxford more elite than Cambridge?

The QS World University Rankings put Oxford in fifth and Cambridge in sixth overall. But on a global level, the differences between Oxford and Cambridge are very few; the two have had permanent spots in the global top 10s and have remained there for decades.

How important are interviews for Oxford?

The interviews are an important part of the admissions process because they help academics appreciate applicants' enthusiasm and aptitude for a particular subject. Interviewers have no interest in the reasons behind your choice of Oxford University as one of your five university choices.

What questions are asked at the general interview at Oxford?

What do you expect to get out of this degree? What do you know about the course structure? What do you think that you could personally contribute to college life? What have you done in the past that makes you think that you are well equipped to deal with the stresses of university life here?

How to answer Oxbridge interview questions?