They are looking for evidence that you are willing to engage with new ideas, and that you can be flexible in your thinking. Often your answers will lead to a discussion and students sometimes feel they learn a lot in interviews – despite their nerves.
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.
How hard is it to get an Oxford interview?
Oxford Interviews Statistics
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.
What percentage of Oxford applicants get an interview?
At Oxford just over half of all applicants will be interviewed, compared with 75% at Cambridge. Students are encouraged to regard the interview as a short conversation tutorial about their subject.
What should you not do in an Oxford interview?
3 things you should avoid during your Oxbridge interview
- One mistake in your interview won’t dramatically damage your chances of being offered a place on your chosen course.
- Absolutism.
- Dismissiveness.
- Suffering in silence.
How do I know if Oxford interview went well?
They will send you a letter or an email which will give you the answer to this question. However, if you’ve just had your interview, then the best thing to do, if you really want to know, is to talk to someone who has a lot of experience of Oxford and tell them how it went.
How many 9s do you need to get into Oxford?
Get good grades
GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt.
Can you get into Oxford with B’s?
Do you mean ALL Bs and Cs for GCSE, or a few? I currently have an offer for Oxford despite having two Bs at GCSE, so it’s certainly possible to get in with a few Bs. For my course they actually only looked at your top 8 GCSEs I think, so a few Bs wouldn’t even hold you back never mind kill your application.
Do you need straight 9s to get into Oxford?
While there is no minimum requirement, a high proportion of successful applicants have grades of 7, 8 or 9. This is usually an indication of work ethic, and how hard you have worked up to that point and is usually looked at in context with other things.
Do you need 3 A * to get into Oxford?
Entry requirements
Range from A*A*A-AAA, depending on the course. Total score of 38-40 points (depending on the course) including core points, with 6s and 7s in subjects taken at the higher level. An average of 85% or above, with scores of between 8 and 9 in subjects specified at A level or equivalent.
What is the easiest subject to get into Oxford?
Oxford
- Best chance of getting an interview (%) Chemistry 96.2. Classics 95.9. Human Sciences 92.8. Modern Languages & Linguistics 92.5.
- Highest Success Rate (%) Classics 40.1. Chemistry 33.6. Theology & Oriental Studies 33.3.
- Highest Success Rate (%) Classics 50.3. Music 48.3. Archaeology & Anthropology 45.1.
What does it mean if you only get one Oxford interview?
It simply means if you do have an Interview at a second college, there is a chance you will be accepted by that college rather than your original choice. Sometimes, even after a second Interview at a different college, you may just hear from your original one only.
Which Oxford college is hardest to get into?
It’s true there are different Oxford college acceptance rates – Christ Church and Brasenose are among the most oversubscribed Oxford colleges, while St. Hilda’s, for instance, is one of the most undersubscribed.
What can ruin an interview?
10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview
- Arriving Late.
- Jumping Into The Discussion Of Pay And Benefits.
- Answering Your Phone.
- Talking Badly About Your Previous Or Current Employer.
- Being Brief, Hiding From Questions, Or Talking Too Much.
- Not Asking Questions.
- Dressing Inappropriately.
- Being Unprepared.
What are 5 things you should never do interview?
15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
- Not Doing Your Research.
- Turning Up Late.
- Dressing Inappropriately.
- Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props.
- Poor Body Language.
- Unclear Answering and Rambling.
- Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer.
- Not Asking Questions.
What are 3 things you should avoid in an interview?
15 things you should avoid in a job interview
- Arriving late. Poor time management decreases your ability to be punctual due to unpredictable delays.
- Unexcused absence.
- Too casual at greeting.
- A lack of interest in the employer.
- Questionable documents?
- Overtired appearance.
- Lack of care.
- Inappropriate clothing.
How many candidates are usually shortlisted for interview?
10 to 20 candidates
The shortlist for an interview usually includes 10 to 20 candidates, but this can vary depending on the type of position you are hiring for. Companies with more resources may have much larger shortlists because they can afford to spend more time interviewing people in-person.
What percentage of Oxford applicants get an offer?
Overall applications to Oxford, offers made and students admitted by area of domicile, 2017–2021
| EU Students | Applications | Proportion of total applicants |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,746 | 11.7% |
| 2019 | 2,773 | 12.0% |
| 2018 | 2,687 | 12.5% |
| 2017 | 2,431 | 12.2% |
What are a few of the signs that the interview went well?
11 Signs your interview went well
- You were in the interview for longer than expected.
- The interview felt conversational.
- You are told what you would be doing in this role.
- The interviewer seemed engaged.
- You feel sold on the company and the role.
- Your questions are answered in full.
Is 7 GCSEs enough for Oxbridge?
Most applicants have attained at least 4-5 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, but Cambridge accept that post-16 performance is a superior measure and hence will consider applicants with excellent predicted grades in spite of a less excellent GCSE performance.
Can you go to Oxford with AAA?
Offers for Oxford places are between A*A*A and AAA at A-level, depending on the course. (See course pages.) See a list of Oxford courses with conditional offers including at least one A*.