By Jill Cushen
The whirlwind of the application process is almost over and now comes the most challenging part- the waiting.
Every year the aftermath of Oxford interviews can be more of a shock and enduring the wait until early January can seem almost impossible. The logistics of travelling home and bidding farewell to your interview buddies can aid in distracting you from over thinking your interview experience but this year, after you close your computer screen, that’s it it’s all over.
Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve made it through one of the strangest application cycles in history; planning your personal statement in lockdown, sitting admissions tests with a mask on and attending an interview at Oxford (yes, at Oxford!) virtually from home. You’ve made it this far and for that you should be so proud.
It can be so hard not to replay every moment of your interview again and again, while you're lying in bed, in the shower, daydreaming in class…Most likely, it’ll only be the moments where you thought you stumbled, took too long to answer (no such thing) or gave the wrong response (again, it’s a learning curve) which you analyse over and over. All the intelligent responses and interesting arguments you made will probably not cross your thoughts and you’ll mull over all the things you ‘could’ have said. Take a deep breath. Thinking about all of these things is futile. Try to let the interview go and remember that you’ve given it your best shot.
'Easier said than done' I hear you say. First of all, nothing is ever as bad as it seems. If you think you made a mistake it may seem worse in your mind than in reality, and anyway that’s what the interviews are all about - learning and making mistakes, you’re not expected to know everything all ready! Try to put the memory of the interviews in the past and focus on something else like your school work or even putting up Christmas decorations. If you feel you’re getting overwhelmed with interview flashbacks Netflix is always a great distraction or a walk in the fresh air. Don’t compare yourself to others or their answers when chatting to friends, avoid interview related topics in general if you can as this will only amplify your negative ruminations. Find someone you can confide in and tell them all about your experience before letting go of the memory entirely.
No matter what happens in January, don’t spend the festive season dwelling over what ifs. Have a restful break and try to keep your interview anxieties to a minimum. Best of luck and remember, you’ve tried your very best and you deserve to be proud.
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