Support for Applicants
Oxford interviews can be a scary prospect, but with the right mindset and preparation you can set yourself up to perform really well, and maybe even enjoy the experience!
On this page you will find answers to some of the questions you might have about online interviews this year.
It's natural to want to prepare before your interview, but the most important thing really is to be yourself.
The tutors will be trying to find out what you think, and how you think, and these things are easier to discover if you're able to relax a bit and talk about yourself.
What will happen before my online interview?
If you are invited to interview you receive an email with a Teams link to join at a certain time and date. Teams is the online system we use to host our interviews. You can find out more about the interview timetable here.
What can I do to prepare?
There are lots of things you can do to prepare for your interview:
Reread your personal statement and written work (if submitted). We recommend that you take a look over your personal statement to remind yourself of any books, concepts or ideas which you write about, as you might be asked about this at interview.
Practice talking about your subject with a friend, teacher or family member to help build your confidence.
Relax and be yourself! The people interviewing you want you to do your best and are not trying to catch you out!
Read the relevant information on the University website to find out more about the interview process. You may also find helpful information on the University Department or Pembroke websites relating to your chosen course.
Where should I plan to do my interview?
You should plan to do your interview in a place where you feel able to perform at your best.
This should be somewhere you have reliable access to the required technology and wifi connection, and a quiet space which is free from distraction. We hope that this will be either in your school or college, or your home or similar environment. You might want to speak to your teachers at school or someone at home to help you make these arrangements. More information about the technology requirements can be found here.
What will happen during my online interview?
You will join the online interview using the meeting link you have been sent by Pembroke. The tutors will introduce themselves, and then explain the format of the interview, for example who will be asking you questions, and anything else you might need to know about the process.
What should I wear?
Tutors won’t be looking at what you wear, you should wear what you feel comfortable in. If you are at school, you might choose to wear your school uniform or what you would normally wear to school, for example.
What if I don’t know the answer?
Don’t panic! Tutors don’t expect you to know all the answers, in fact, showing you can change your thinking and be creative when you don’t know the answer is important to showing tutors how you think. You could let your tutors know that you have not covered the topic yet, or suggest a way you might answer the question. Tutors are not looking to catch you out, so you should be yourself and no second guess what is being asked.
What if I have a technical problem which means my interview doesn’t work?
In the event that you or your interviewers experience serious technical difficulties, please contact the Admissions Team who will advise on what to do next. Don’t worry, if you cannot take part in your interview and it was outside of your control your interview will be rescheduled.
Do I have to ask a question at the end?
At the end of the interview, you might be asked if you have any questions. You don’t have to ask a question, but please feel free if you have any!
First of all, don’t worry! Our interviews are designed to really stretch and challenge you, and many candidates who feel things went badly have in fact done very well. If you have more interviews coming up, remember that you will have a fresh set of interviewers each time and a new opportunity to show your aptitude for your course.
If something has happened that we should know about (such as personal disruption around the time of your interview), please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@pmb.ox.ac.uk.
If you would find it easier you can also ask a teacher to contact us on your behalf.
When will I find out the outcome of my interview?
Decisions will be updated on UCAS as well as emailed to you on 10th January 2023.