Oxford University Interview Tips

Interviews for Oxford university differ from the usual standard format students may or may not be used to, as they are designed to be more similar to the type of discussion to be expected once studying there. This can make them seem intimidating but their unique nature can allow students to challenge themselves and demonstrate key skills. The aim of the interviews are to assess how you think, and are not necessarily about getting to the correct answer. Most of the questions will be unfamiliar, and invite students to think logically and discuss possible answers.

Each individual subject will be structured slightly differently, with Scientific and Maths based subjects utilising more problem-solving challenges and Humanities and Social Sciences requiring more discussion of philosophical questions, analysing texts or historical sources, or debating ethical dilemmas. With students needing to think of interpretations on the spot.

What Makes Oxford Interviews Different?

Example questions include:

Biology: “Why do lions have manes?”

Mathematics: “Can you estimate how many piano tuners there are in the UK?”

English Literature: “Is war a necessary theme in literature, or can great literature be written about peace?”

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE): “If you could change one aspect of modern society, what would it be and why?”

Physics: “How would you measure the height of a skyscraper with a barometer?”

To prepare for an interview, bear in mind the following tips on strategy:

Articulate Your Thought Process – Focus on explaining your reasoning aloud during the interview. This is not just about the correct answer but demonstrating your approach to problem-solving. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly as you work through complex questions.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Personal Statement – Be prepared to discuss your personal statement in detail. Interviewers will likely ask questions about the topics, books, or ideas you mentioned. Review your statement thoroughly and be ready to elaborate on any point.
Expand Your Knowledge of Your Subject – Showcase genuine interest by engaging with extra resources like books, podcasts, and lectures. Keep informed about current events and advancements in your field, particularly relevant for subjects such as politics, economics, and science.
Conduct Mock Interviews – Practice with multiple mock interviews to simulate the real Oxford interview experience. Tailored mock interviews with varying interviewers will prepare you for different questioning styles and build confidence.
Research Interviewers’ Academic Work – If feasible, learn about the research of your interviewers or the faculty in your college. This knowledge can help you steer the conversation towards topics that are of genuine interest to both parties.

Key preparation steps

Know Your Personal Statement: The personal statement often serves as a launching pad for interview questions. Interviewers may ask students to explain or expand upon the books or ideas they’ve mentioned. Ensure you’ve thoroughly reviewed your statement and are ready to discuss any topics you’ve referenced in depth.
Read Around Your Subject: Oxford looks for students with genuine intellectual curiosity, so demonstrate that by engaging with extra reading, podcasts, and lectures. Stay updated on recent developments in your field, especially for subjects like politics, economics, or science.
Practice Thinking Aloud: The interview is not just about arriving at the right answer but demonstrating your reasoning. Practice explaining your thought process out loud when tackling challenging questions. This shows the interviewers how you think and approach complex problems.
Mock Interviews: Multiple mock interviews are key to success. At Enjoy Education, we tailor mock interviews to mimic the actual Oxford interview format. Practising with different interviewers prepares students for varied questioning styles and helps them stay calm under pressure.
Understand the Tutors’ Research: If possible, research your interviewers or the faculty in your chosen college. Knowing about their academic work can help you guide the conversation towards topics that genuinely interest you.

Example Oxford Interview Questions by Subject

Biology: “Why do lions have manes?”
Mathematics: “Can you estimate how many piano tuners there are in the UK?”
English Literature: “Is war a necessary theme in literature, or can great literature be written about peace?”
Medicine: “Why don’t humans have tails?”

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