created by Cloud’s Library ©
Format:
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🦁
Cambridge:
- Either one longer interview or two shorter interviews, which will add up to 40-50 minutes in total
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🐂
Oxford:
- Usually 2 interviews at your chosen college (roughly 30 minutes each), with a potential 3rd interview at a second college
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Content:
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🦁
Cambridge:
- Pre-reading is usually included at most colleges (extract from a case, a journal, a news article, etc.)
- May involve questions concerning a topical or controversial legal, political or ethical issue.
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🐂
Oxford:
- May include legally related questions as well as more general intellectual puzzles which require logical analysis of a similar type of legal analysis.
- Legal issues may be discussed, although legal knowledge is not required
- Potential extract analysis (Extract from a legal case, legislation, or a factual situation)
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Be aware: Although many tutoring websites claim that you will be asked questions such as “why Oxford/Cambridge?” or “why X college?”, these questions almost never come up. this is not a job interview.
How to prepare?
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✏️
- Stay on top of current affairs
- Read legally-related material in relation to your interests
- Don’t be a passive reader, engage with your reading and read material that you may find challenging
- Know your personal statement inside and out (including the books you’ve mentioned) → they may pick up something niche and ask you about it
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Advice from current students:
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🐉
- How was your interview experience like?
I had two interviews, mostly based on cases they had sent out immediately before the interview and a little bit about my personal statement, but not much. It was a bit daunting, but the interviewers guide you throughout and push you towards finding the answer they're looking for. It starts off a bit intimidating but eventually the nervousness wears off and you settle into a really intellectually stimulating conversation!
- Any advice for interviewees?
Show your line of thinking very clearly! The interview is basically a trial tutorial of sorts to see if you are able to fit in with the tutorial system, where you are expected to reason through your thoughts and argue your point while integrating alternate points of view.
- What’s something you wish you knew before you were interviewed?
I wish I knew how quickly it would pass by and that there are no "dumb ideas"! Even though the point may seem trivial, it is likely still helpful in forming your argument around the topic.
(from Angie, Jesus College, 3rd year)
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What are admissions tutors looking for?
- Reasoning and analytical ability
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely
- Ability to form and defend a logical argument, recognise counter arguments, and to explain any changes in your view in light of new information or circumstances
- Good attention to detail
Resources: