How difficult is the Oxford interview?
Oxford interviews are notoriously difficult. In reality, the interviews aren’t like that and the university isn’t looking to trick anyone either. The questions are perceived to be tough as they won’t always have a right or wrong answer.
How do I pass an Oxford interview?
The University of Oxford released sample interview questions across a range of subjects, with advice on what would impress them in students’ answers.
- Think you know the answer? Think again.
- But don’t ignore the obvious.
- Think big.
- Apply your knowledge.
- Take the hints.
- Keep going.
Is Oxford difficult to get into?
While only 7\% of pupils in England and Wales are from the independent sector, they make up around 46\% of Oxford’s undergraduates. Getting in is hard, but perhaps not as hard as people think, says Mike Nicholson, the university’s head of undergraduate admissions, with on average five applications for every place.
What makes a good Oxford interview?
Make sure you are comfortable with what you have written in your personal statement too – especially any books that you have mentioned. Above all, take the interview as an opportunity to delve deep into a subject that you love, and to spend time with knowledgeable tutors who are leaders in their fields.
How long do Oxford interviews last?
Students are encouraged to regard the interview as a short conversation tutorial about their subject. On average, it takes around 20 minutes; shortlisted students will have at least two interviews, with two different sets of interviewers, often in more than one college.
Where do Oxbridge rejects go?
There are 20,000 UK applicants who are rejected by Oxford and Cambridge. The large majority of them have AAA or better at A level, and 5,500 of them have A*A*A or better. Unsurprisingly, given their qualifications, they get places at Imperial, Edinburgh, Kings, Warwick, Durham, Bristol, LSE, St Andrews, and so on.
What percentage of people get accepted to Oxford?
Overall applications to Oxford, offers made and students admitted by area of domicile, 2016–2020
| EU Students | Applications | Proportion of total applicants |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2,773 | 12.0\% |
| 2018 | 2,687 | 12.5\% |
| 2017 | 2,431 | 12.2\% |
| 2016 | 2,417 | 12.6\% |
How can I prepare for an Oxford University interview?
Her advice is to find an Oxford student or alum who has the experience to stage a practice interview. She says, “Being asked questions you don’t know the answer to and practising working them out for yourself will help you feel more confident and capable. If that calms your nerves, you’ll be better at answering the questions.”
Why are Oxford interviews so difficult?
It’s no surprise that the interviews cause a lot of anxiety for prospective Oxford students – your performance is one of the key factors in determining whether you receive an offer. This, and the fact that Oxford interviews are likened to a verbal academic test – they’re notoriously tough, unpredictable, and difficult to prepare for.
How many people apply to oxoxford each year?
Oxford receives around 21,500 applications for around 3,300 places every year and carries out around 10,000 interviews. With so many more applications than places it just isn’t possible to interview everyone. Tutors shortlist the candidates they feel have the strongest potential and meet their selection criteria best.
What is it like to study at Oxford University?
A good deal of the teaching at Oxford takes place in small classes or tutorials, and your interviewers – who may be your future tutors – are assessing your ability to study, think and learn in this way.