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ApplyingInterviews
Why do we interview?Most of our applicants look very strong on paper. They will have done well at GCSE and AS level (or in other examination systems) and will have glowing references from their teachers. Interviews give us the chance to get to know our applicants individually and to distinguish between them. They are your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of your subject and your capacity for self-motivation and independent thought.
However, it is important to remember that interviews are only one selection tool. When we assess an application, we look at everything: previous exam performance, predicted grades, personal statement, reference, written work, tests, and any special circumstances (e.g. problems with teaching or health, etc.) So it is important to keep the interviews in perspective.
How do we do it?The vast majority of our applicants are invited to Newnham for at least two interviews, although we reserve the right not to call applicants who, on the basis of their application, will have little chance of success. We may sometimes, but not always, arrange telephone or Skype interviews for students from overseas who are unable to travel to Cambridge.
Most of our interviews take place in early December, although in recent years interviews for Medicine have been in November, as our Director of Studies often goes abroad for research as soon as our term ends. We may exceptionally be able to schedule early interviews for applicants on gap years who may no longer be in the country by December. All your interviews will usually be on one day, but you are welcome to free overnight accommodation at Newnham if that helps with your travel arrangements. On interview days, we have lots of student volunteers in the Porters Lodge who will welcome you and show you to your interview rooms. Our student helpers are also always happy to give college tours and to answer any questions about Newnham.
Interviews vary slightly from subject to subject. Most interviews are approximately 30 mins long. You will normally have at least two interviews. Everyone will have at least one subject interview with an expert in their field. Subject interviews are normally conducted by Directors of Studies and/or other specialist academics. In some subjects applicants are also given a general interview with the Admissions Tutor or another Tutor. General interviews may focus on some of your other interests, but do not expect them to be mere chats about your hobbies. It is much more likely that you will be asked serious questions about your subject, but they may be a little less technical than the ones you have to deal with in your subject interview.
We will write to you with more detailed information about the interview procedure in your subject. In some subjects we need examples of your written work (we may use them as a basis for discussion in your interviews). In other subjects, we will ask you to read a short passage, work on a problem, or take a short written test before your interview starts.
What questions do we ask?We do not ask trick questions. We see interviews as model teaching sessions, and your interviewers will be keen to help you do your best, so do not worry about being caught out. There are some awful myths around about Cambridge interviews, but they are just that: myths. All our interviewers are trained in delivering fair and structured interviews.
Our questions will be challenging, and we will not pretend otherwise. Often there will be no easy answers. However, the problems we invite you to attempt will not be impossible. They will be designed to make you think on your feet, to consider new material and to put forward solutions step by step, sometimes with the help of your interviewers.
Your interviewers do not expect a perfectly polished performance – it is fine to stop and think and to change your mind. We know that you will be nervous and we will be able to take this into account. What we are interested in is your potential to learn – you as an individual – and so we want you to express your own ideas and to think for yourself.
What are we looking for?The Senior Members at Newnham are very passionate about their subjects. We would like to see a similar passion and enthusiasm in you, but we obviously do not expect you to have the same level of subject knowledge. We are very interested in how you think. We would like you to be critical, independent, analytical and flexible. This means that we assess how you apply your existing knowledge to new situations and how quickly you pick up new ideas. We would like you to be committed to your studies; the Cambridge course has to be right for you. We also look for motivation and organisation. Teaching terms at Cambridge are only ever eight weeks long, so students have to be able to manage their time. Finally, applicants for vocational courses such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine have to be especially dedicated to their future profession.
“Do”s and “Don’t”sHere are some useful tips regarding what you should and should not do when it comes to your interview:
ResourcesThe Cambridge University website has many useful resources for interviewees. You can:
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