Students applying to read experimental psychology, for example, might be asked to speculate why older siblings consistently score higher than younger siblings in IQ tests.
Meanwhile, aspiring doctors might be asked to explain why the death rate from cancer is so much higher in the UK than the Philippines.
“No matter what kind of educational background or opportunities you have had, the interview should be an opportunity to show off your interest and ability in your chosen subject, since they are not about reciting what you already know,” said Samina Khan, director of admissions and outreach at Oxford.
“Tutors want to give candidates a chance to show their real ability and potential, which means candidates will be encouraged to use their knowledge and apply their thinking to new problems – with tutors guiding the discussion to ensure students feel comfortable and confident.”
Dr Khan added that tutors often provide candidates with material to prompt discussion – such as a piece of text, an image or the results of a sample experiment to discuss.
“It is often best to start responding by making very obvious observations and build up discussion from there. Solving the problem is less important than showing how you use information and analysis to get there,” she added.
“We know there are still misunderstandings about the Oxford interview, so we put as much information as possible out there to allow students to see the reality of the process. We now have mock interviews online, video diaries made by admissions tutors during the interview process and lots of example questions.”
For more on Oxford interviews, visit www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/interviews
Sample interview questions
- What is language? (modern languages)
- What exactly do you think is involved in blaming someone? (philosophy)
- Imagine a ladder leaning against a vertical wall with its feet on the ground. The middle rung of the ladder has been painted a different colour on the side, so that we can see it when we look at the ladder from the side on.
- What shape does that middle rung trace out as the ladder falls to the floor? (mathematics)
- Why do many animals have stripes? (biological sciences)
- Do bankers deserve the pay they receive? And should government do something to limit how much they get? (economics)
- If I were to visit the area where you live, what would I be interested in? (geography)
- If you could invent a new musical instrument, what kind of sound would it make? (music)
- What is “normal” for humans? Why do human beings have two eyes? (psychology)