Interviews

Interview Format

While each college has its own nuances, there are typically shared characteristics.

Interviewers dive straight into mathematical questions. Expect little discussion about general questions such as "what makes you a better applicant than others?".
Most applicants will have two interviews. Scheduled either on the same day or across multiple within a short period depending on the college. Some colleges, however, may only hold one interview.
Gonville & Caius offers flexibility by allowing interviewees to choose one of the interview topics.
Selwyn often asks questions related to your personal statement, be prepared!
Interviews often feature multi-part questions, where the answer from one part naturally leads to another. Try to recognise this and draw insights.

Pre-interview assessments

For Oxford, applicants are required to sit the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) before the interview. Your performance determines whether or not you are invited for an interview.
For Cambridge, colleges such as Trinity require an additional pre-interview assessment.

General advice

Before interview

Skip generic interview prep. Questions such as "Why do you want to study mathematics?" are rarely asked, so focus on mathematics instead.
Work through interview-style maths problems and narrate your thought process. This will help you become more comfortable explaining your reasoning in real time (some resources for this are attached at the bottom).
Since covid-19, interviews are often held online. Consider getting a graphics tablet early and practise writing maths on it clearly.
Unless you are applying to colleges such as Gonville & Caius, it's unlikely you will face any material beyond AS-level mathematics. Time spent on more advanced content is usually wasted.
Arrange mock interviews with friends, teachers, or tutors. They can reduce nerves and make the format feel more familiar.

During interview

Interviewers are assessing your potential. If you get stuck, it is better to ask for a hint and keep on progressing than not moving at all.
Explain what you are doing, even if you're unsure. Interviewers want to see how you think and the reasoning process is just as important as the final result.
It's normal to pause and think before speaking. Interviewers understand that nerves are part of the process.

After interview!

The hard part is over! Give yourself permission to relax.
Once it is done, dwelling on your performance won't help. Distract yourself with other activities
If applying to Cambridge, you may wish to start preparing for STEP early

Perspective matters

Whether or not you get into Oxbridge, your worth and future are not defined by a single university. Many applicants go on to thrive at other top universities, both academically and personally. For example, I personally fell short on STEP and ended up at Durham, which I am now happy with. Disappointment is natural, but sometimes it is worth reflecting on why you're applying and what you want from your degree.