Before Your Interview
'Prepare something to say about anything you mention in your personal statement. If you refer to a book make sure you have actually read it, for instance!'
Kirstie Morris, Academic Support Officer
'Speak with recent applicants about their experiences if you know some. And if you don’t, check out our admissions forum to speak to current Pembroke students. Pembroke’s first college candidates will receive an invitation to join via email'
Dr Rob Salguero-Gómez, Biology
'Make sure you will have everything you might need during your interviews to hand. Some subjects will require candidates to have access to a tablet- check the technical requirements for your subject here. You should also have a paper and pen in case you need to work through any questions, and a copy of your personal statement and written work (if you submitted any)'
Kirsty Simpson, Admissions and Access Officer.
'Don't memorize your answers to questions that you might perceive as “likely” to be asked. We are pretty good at differentiating regurgitation from truthful, engaging answers'
Dr Rob Salguero-Gómez, Biology
'Don't worry about cramming lots of material which goes beyond your high school syllabus: we will not be testing the depth of your knowledge, but rather how you think through problems related to your subject'
Dr James Read, Philosophy
Don’t fall for Imposter Syndrome. Remember that you have been selected for interview because you have made a great application and are a strong candidate for your course.
Kirsty Simpson, Admissions and Access Officer.
During Your Interview
'Think out loud to let the interviewers know what your thoughts are while working on the answer.’
Professor Alfons Weber, Physics
'Take the time in the interview to explain how you're thinking through a problem, and where and why you've got stuck. Being honest about where you've got stuck is a good thing: that way, your interviewer can help you out so that you can make further progress’
Dr James Read, Philosophy
Don't feel that you can’t ask us to repeat or rephrase our questions. We are always happy to clarify. Far from making you look like you did not understand a key point, it shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
Dr Rob Salguero-Gómez, Biology
‘Don't panic. If you are given something to read, read it carefully, even if the interviewers are waiting, and give yourself time to think.’
Professor Henrietta Harrison, Chinese
Don't worry if you don’t know the answer to an interview question. The interview is not intended to test your knowledge as much as to evaluate how you think and your aptitude for the subject, and how you deal with new information and help from the tutors.’ Professor Alfons Weber, Physics
Don't worry about the things you can’t control: if the wifi stops working, it won’t affect in any way the outcome of your interview. We will call you back or reschedule your interview.’
Dr Rob Salguero-Gómez, Biology
Don't think that because the interview was hard, you did badly. They are meant to challenge you, so you are not expected to answer everything perfectly or right away.’
Kirstie Morris, Academic Support Officer
Enjoy the conversation with us. It is not every day that you’ve got full-time researchers and academics fully devoted to engaging intellectually in your interests and future.’
Dr Rob Salguero-Gómez, Biology