Interviews and decisions
Interviews for Oxford happen in November, while Cambridge hold them in December. If they’re interested, they will almost certainly ask you along. Very few people get offers from Oxbridge without interviews. In fact, expect to have to go to at least two: one with an admissions tutor, broadly responsible for checking you out personally, and one with a departmental tutor, who’ll probably focus more on your brains and commitment to your chosen course, or even pit you against other applicants in a fight to the death, (otherwise known as a mock-tutorial).
Be prepared to answer questions about your subject. At Oxford, there’s often a written test as part of the interview, and, depending on your chosen course and the Oxbridge college, you may have to supply a portfolio of your schoolwork. Some schools often have a selection of sample interview questions to help you.
Some colleges at Cambridge may set an exam paper after the A Levels (known as STEP papers). Just what you need - more exams. You’re most likely to get stung with these for maths and science courses, but each college has a different policy. Check the prospectus.
If they’re going to, Oxford will offer you a place by Christmas and Cambridge by January and they'll both write to you directly. You’ll also hear their decision through UCAS.
Last updated on: 28 August 2008