My Oxford Interview Experience

By Isabel Valovin

Knowing that my interview would be held online, I had mixed feelings. On one hand I felt a sense of relief that I could do it from my home in my study where I was comfortable. On the other hand, I felt that I’d missed out on the experience of getting to go to the colleges and meeting the tutors in person. Ultimately though, I think I was so amazed at getting an interview that I could have done it anywhere and it wouldn’t have mattered! 

In the weeks and days leading up to my interview I spent my time re-reading everything on my personal statement, looking over my notes, and had a few mock interviews. However, I knew that Oxford interviews by nature were unpredictable, so all that mattered was my performance on the day. 

On the day of the interview, as I had decided to do it at home, I woke up super early (probably the nerves) and spent the morning in almost disbelief that today was the day I was going to have my first Oxford interview. The whole thing seemed surreal to me, but I made sure that I didn’t think about it as a big deal. I told myself that all it was, was a discussion about what I found interesting and that it was an amazing opportunity to talk with tutors who knew so much. 15 minutes before my interview I was sent an unseen passage of text, quickly printed it off (I work better on paper) and started reading and highlighting. The first time I read it I was admittedly confused – it was so different from anything I thought I would get. Then, at the time my interview was scheduled, I logged on and was face to face with two tutors. As soon as they introduced themselves, I became immediately comfortable and soon the interview was underway. 

Nothing can really prepare you for an Oxford interview. You are asked about things you’d never even imagine encountering, but that’s the interesting thing. Whilst there were moments where I questioned whether I could actually answer what they’re asking me, I did really enjoy my experience. I made sure to ask for clarification where I needed it and explained step by step my reasoning. I almost forgot the stakes that were on this interview. Very quickly it was over, and I had done it. 

After it had ended, I couldn’t believe that my interview was done and that I actually enjoyed it. However, I couldn’t help but replay certain moments in my head and wondered if I could have answered it differently or whether I even had given an answer that the tutors liked. I knew that the tutors had redirected me a couple of times and I had asked a few questions, and I wondered if this would stop me getting a place (little did I know it was actually a good thing). 

Now having been at Oxford for a year what I would tell myself back then is that your interview experience does not have to be perfect or flawless. It’s not designed for you to know everything – they want to challenge how you think and introduce you to new concepts. All this interview is, is an opportunity; an opportunity to go beyond what you once thought. If you have more questions coming out than you had going in that’s probably good sign!