On the last day before half term, the group of Beauchamp pupils who had applied to Oxford & Cambridge universities were fortunate enough to be invited to Uppingham School for mock interviews with Uppingham teachers. It was an remarkably beneficial opportunity to prepare for the daunting experience of an Oxbridge interview. The College provided us with a gorgeous lunch with tablecloths and everything, which was a substantial contrast to Beauchamp’s sixth form. Although we naturally felt a little out of place in the castle-like buildings all of the Uppingham pupils we spoke to were particularly friendly & welcoming, albeit they say Beauchamp with French pronunciation! They seemed much better geared up for the interviews and more widely read than us. A History lecturer from Cambridge spoke to us about admissions at Oxford & Cambridge, which demystified the application & interview process and dismissed some scary rumours. Understanding the quantities which tutors choose in applicants honestly made me feel even more comfy with my application. It is also advantageous to know how a large number of interviews there will be and what format they will take. She gave us lots of beneficial advice and helped us to focus on distinct items we can do to prepare.
As I am applying for a joint course, I had two interviews, 1 for French and one for English. Both teachers made me feel welcome & settled me in with uncomplicated questions, and seemed thinking about my individual opinions on the matters we talked about. My French interview began with more general questions about my interest in the subject. It was a tricky experience as the 1st half was conducted in French and I was asked about quite a few precise interests I had mentioned in my individual statement though was not extremely confident speaking about. I realised it is critical to be in a position to increase on everything you have written in your private statement, which will enable me to focus my planning for the interview. We then mentioned several extracts of French literature he had given me to read, stretching my analytical skill-sets. I was introduced to a large number of new guidelines through the discussion & my interviewer prompted me extensively as a way to push me further. I felt I learned a remarkable deal about my subject and the tactics tutors will use to test our capabilities.
My English interview took a tremendously distinct format in that I was more in a position to control the direction it would take, towards the aspects of English which particularly interest me. This meant that I felt even more at ease could articulate my guidelines more clearly. My gain in confidence from the 1st interview to the 2nd shows how the experience helped me turn out to be more assured of my concepts. I learnt from my French interview not to rush into an answer before I was ready, so with the English I took the time to look into my responses. The English teacher also encouraged me to create unfamiliar suggestions & back up my responses with examples. She was so welcoming that the interview went on for more or less double the allotted time, however nonetheless seemed too brief. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience.
I am rather grateful to Uppingham School for hosting us, the Uppingham teachers who gave up their time to interview me, the Cambridge lecturer for her informative talk & to be sure Mr Cutting for organising the trip.