Interviews at Cambridge

Interviews are an important part of our selection procedure and we try to interview everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place. Every year we interview over 80 per cent of our applicants. If you have a good examination record and a favourable reference, you're likely to be invited to interview. However, due to the level of competition for places, there are applicants each year who are not interviewed.

Want to find out what Cambridge interviews are really like? Watch our short film...

Form of interviews

Most interviews take place in the first three weeks of December (though some may be earlier) so please don't make any unbreakable commitments for this period.

The exact form and length varies from College to College, and between subjects, but typically you'll have two interviews of 20-45 minutes each. Your College will send you full details and if you're asked to stay overnight, they'll provide accommodation.

Preparing for the interviews

You'll probably want to prepare for your interview but don't 'over-rehearse' - it'll be obvious to the interviewers. However, you can:

• practise talking about your work and discussing your interests and opinions with a teacher
• watch our short film Interviews in Action online
• read our Cambridge Interviews: the facts booklet, also available online

In addition, we'd encourage you to read around the subject you've applied for. We expect you to be aware of major developments in the field and to be able to explain why you want to study the discipline. If you're applying for a course that's new to you, such as Law, you should be able to demonstrate that you know what the subject entails.

During the interviews

Interviewers know you may be nervous and aren't trying to catch you out. They want to see how you work through problems and take on new ideas. Often there aren't right or wrong answers to the questions asked, and the way you arrive at an answer may be of greater interest than the answer itself. The key thing to remember is to be yourself.

Interviewers may ask about interests or experiences that you mentioned in your application. If you've expressed a particular interest - in an author, a recent article/programme, or some work you've done - be prepared to be asked about it.

Further info
If you have questions about Cambridge interviews, please email interviews@cao.cam.ac.uk.
Interviews in Action Interviews in Action is a 25-minute film following two 'applicants' through the interview process to give undergraduate applicants a better idea of what to expect.
Cambridge interviews: the facts This leaflet aims to set out the facts about Cambridge interviews.
Mock admissions interviews courtesy of Emmanuel College.