Preparing for an Interview is tough enough, but preparing for some of the hardest Oxbridge Interview questions is even more daunting.
With such high demand from Oxbridge universities, it’s understandable the pressure you feel to get your answers right. Let us help, as we tackle some of the hardest and most asked questions in the Interview process…
What are the hardest Oxbridge interview questions?
Why are you applying to Oxbridge?
Whilst this might seem like the most obvious Oxbridge Interview question, it does get asked, and it is one question you should really think about before going into the Interview!
It’s also completely understandable to find this the hardest Oxbridge Interview question to deal with. Personal and honest answers are best. Yes, unfortunately, that does mean we can’t prepare your answer for you, however, we can give you the following pointers to think about. Read on to find out what they are.
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How To Answer The Hardest Oxbridge Interview Question
What’s the best approach for answering this tricky question? Here are three steps that every applicant should take.
1. Show your academic rigour
This point ties in very well with drawing in your own skills and strengths, giving you the chance to show your personality to the interviewer. Can you think of examples that show you are:
- Hard-working?
- Diligent?
- Curious?
- Are you keen to discuss intellectual topics with top academics?
- Would you like the opportunity to be working with some of the best in the field?
This is not to say you should regurgitate all the buzzwords, but you should recognise that Oxford and Cambridge are universities that specialise in high-quality academic work. They will look for certain aspects from their applicants.
Most will look for people who are keen to learn, and who will commit very seriously to their studies. To make your answer to this Oxbridge Interview question more personal, try to think of examples that demonstrate your skills! Write these down, reduce them to bullet point form, and practise saying them to other people so that it sounds more natural when the actual Interview comes around.
2. Talk about the tutorial/supervision system
While the tutorial system can be very stressful for any Oxbridge student, there’s no doubt it can also be gratifying, and it is undoubtedly a unique feature of Oxbridge education.
- Do you like learning in a setting where you get personal feedback on a piece of work you’ve done?
- Can you work under pressure and meet deadlines?
- Are you keen to rise to the challenge of presenting your work to a top academic and one of your peers?
If you’re not super-confident about this last point, don’t worry, we understand that it’s a terrifying concept (especially if you may think you’re not Oxbridge material)! As long as you understand the value of such an exercise and how will it improve your own development, you’re sure to fly through your Interview.
The whole point is to show that you are comfortable and willing to work in the Oxbridge environment. They want to find students that will fit in! Just being yourself and giving it your best shot will really help you to face the hardest Oxbridge Interview questions!
Don’t forget, after all, that the Interview itself is designed to test how you do in this setting. So try and relax into it. Show them that you have thought about it and that you’ll be excited to get your first taste of the tutorial system Oxbridge is famous for!
Crack the Oxbridge Interview with The Big Book of Oxbridge Applications
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Don’t leave your preparation to chance. Get a head start with this free, expertly written guide. Inside, you’ll find:
- Real examples of common and subject-specific interview questions
- Insight into what admissions tutors are really looking for
- Interviews with Oxbridge students and graduates
- Practical tips and strategies for practice
3. Mention the collegiate system
The collegiate system is one of the main defining features of Oxford and Cambridge and a very big attraction for many people who want to study at either university. Again though, you should think about why the collegiate system suits you.
- Do you like the idea of your college being your academic and social base because it will give you a sense of belonging?
- Are you keen to make the most of all the facilities and support on offer by your college so that you can focus on your learning and development?
- Have you spoken to Oxbridge students, past and present, and discussed the advantages or disadvantages of the system?
How To Answer The Hardest Oxbridge Interview Question
Although this is one of the hardest questions any applicant could face in their interview, there are plenty of difficult subject-specific questions you should also be prepared for. Although it’s impossible to predict exactly what questions you will be asked, it’s good to understand the types of questions other applicants have been asked in the past.
Our selection of example interview question guides provide real questions that were asked to Oxbridge applicants, alongside the answers that helped them secure their offers:
Oxford Law Interview Questions: Examples and Answers
If you are applying to study law at Oxford, you will have to face at least one interview towards the end of the process. These interviews are tough and can involve some unexpected questions. In this guide, we will examine a series of Oxbridge Law interview questions alongside example answers to help you prepare for your own interview.
Common Oxford Medical Interview Questions
What types of Oxford Medicine Interview questions will they ask? Read on to find out what interviewers are looking for and the types of questions you may face on the day.
Cambridge Medicine: Mock Interview Practice With Example Questions
The best way to prepare for Cambridge Medicine Interviews is through mock Interviews. We explain how to use mock Interviews and some questions to practice before the big day.
Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview Questions
The interviews are one of the hardest parts of any Cambridge application, especially for a subject as broad as Natural Sciences. There are many different questions you may be asked, so this guide will explain some of the most common types and detail how to answer them.
Oxford and Cambridge Maths Interview Questions
An interview dedicated to Mathematics may seem daunting, especially when it’s being hosted by the notoriously competitive Oxford and Cambridge universities. However, these interviews aren’t designed to make you fail, so understanding what the interviewers will ask and what they are looking for will help you immensely. This guide will help you begin your preparation smoothly.
Oxford and Cambridge Computer Science Interview Questions
Computer Science is one of the most competitive courses at Oxford and Cambridge, so standing out in the interviews is essential for getting your offer. In this guide, we’ll explore the types of questions that you can expect to see in your interviews and look at some examples to practice with.
Oxford and Cambridge Engineering Interview Questions
Engineering is one of the most popular courses at Oxford and Cambridge, so you’ll need to stand out in your interview to ensure you get a place on the course. To be prepared for this, it’s important to understand what questions could come up, so this guide will explore some key examples and how to approach answering them.
Final Words
Don’t forget, you don’t have to enthuse all-positive comments about the Oxbridge system in your Interview. Being thoughtful and realistic will reflect well on you too.
If you do have particular concerns about the collegiate system, or anything else about the Oxbridge set-up, show that you have considered how you might approach your issue and it will strengthen your application and show that you are being genuine.
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