Can you tell me about a book or article that influenced your approach to your chosen field?

"As a student of comparative mythology and theology, I was very taken by Oxford Professor E.O. James' novel, Cults of The Mother Goddess. He wrote many novels, and his works opened the floodgates for me. Another is Joseph Campbell's book, The Hero With A Thousand Faces. The incredible mythology built by Oxford Professor J. R. R. Tolkien, especially in the Silmarillion, probably started me on this path long ago."

This question aims to reveal what inspired or compelled you to pursue your academic field. How you answer could indicate whether you will follow through on your goals and how it is specific to Oxford, if at all. So, consider the long history of professors or alumni who have attended Oxford, from JRR Tolkien, who was a professor at Oxford, to Oxford Alumni Malala Yousafzai, and how many of those unique and accomplished individuals wrote books. If you have read any of those books that align with your aspirations, it might be worth sharing for extra points when answering this question.

Are you prepared for the cost of living at Oxford?

"In addition to the generous bursary I have received, my grandparents left me a sum for college in trust. That, in addition to being well practiced at living a frugal and resourceful lifestyle and support from my family, I believe I am off to a good start."

There are charts on one of Oxford's websites that break down the daily expenses and cost of living in Oxford, from food to accommodation to personal activities. Form a plan for sustaining yourself while earning your degree. Your admissions interviewer has a vested interest in ensuring the students they admit into their school can sustain themselves through the experience and follow through on their commitments. But they also need to determine whether you are fully aware of all the financial assistance options available and have planned accordingly for any unforeseen financial difficulties or hardships.

Oxford advertises online that they offer "one of the most generous financial support packages available for UK students, providing over 8.5 million of financial support to undergraduates from lower-income households. Around 1 in 4 UK students currently receives an annual, non-repayable bursary from Oxford. Our ambition is to ensure that no one with outstanding academic potential is deterred from studying here because of their background, personal circumstances, or finances." So make sure you explore all of your options before your interview. Doing your homework for the interview will help advertise you are dedicated and have a strong study ethic.

What are your long-term career goals?

"To continue learning, reading, and becoming a leading expert in my field. To write many books and to visit many cultures and world libraries. I want to learn how to read Sanskrit, speak several ancient languages, and read the original ancient texts. And to hopefully one day teach at Oxford."

Before your interview, plan out your five to ten-year career plan. Make several versions, one of which is tailored to what Oxford has to offer your future. Mapping this out will advertise how dedicated you are to your chosen field and how seriously you take what this Oxford opportunity has to offer your long-term career goals. Also put some effort into exploring the many benefits Oxford offers beyond your studies and degree, such as Oxford's Career Service, which extends for a lifetime for free.

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with everything Oxford has to offer your education and beyond. "Studying at Oxford opens up a lifetime of opportunity, both personal and professional. Whilst studying, you will have opportunities to build your skills, get work experience or develop entrepreneurial ideas. Our Careers Service offer tailored support with your goals, from applying for internships while at university to applying for graduate jobs. Career support does not end when you graduate. You can use the Careers Service for the rest of your life! If you would like to stay on in the UK to start work after your studies, for example through the Graduate Route visa scheme, the University's Student Immigration team can provide guidance."

What motivates you to pursue academic excellence?

"As a student of comparative mythology, psychology, and theology, I would say that my pursuit of learning more about the mysteries of our minds and the world, and the historical and figurative past excites me and fills me with wonder. The more I learn about these mysteries, the more I am in wonder, and the more it defines me. My passion for learning more about this subject is part of me; the more I learn about it, the more I learn about myself. This motivates my pursuits of academic excellence in my field."

This question aims to reveal to what degree you are motivated by your drive to succeed and how your passion fuels your educational pursuits. They advertise that they are looking for these traits in their students. "At the end of the day, Oxford is looking for students that are overtly passionate and dedicated to their subject. It's that simple! Once you've made the decision, you can find an immense amount of resources provided by the University and individual colleges to help you through the application process step by step." By showcasing that you are self-aware, self-managed, and dedicated, you can inch yourself one step closer to setting yourself up as an ideal candidate for their University.

How did you decide on the degree you are planning to pursue?

"It started in middle school. I was reading the books of C. S. Lewis, and my older brother told me he taught at Oxford, as did J. R. R. Tolkien, and he then introduced me to those books. I was obsessed with the Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit. That's when my mother introduced me to Joseph Campbell's, The Power Of Myth. This blasted my world open. From there, I grew interested in what professors of mythology taught at Oxford, aside from Lewis and Tolkien, and I then discovered the works of E. O. James. At this point, I decided my course was laid out for me."

The interviewer asks this question to determine whether you are truly passionate about the degree you are pursuing. Your answer could indicate whether you are pursuing this degree for the right reasons - because it is a favourite subject of yours that motivates and fuels your ambition - or whether these expectations were placed upon you by familial or societal pressures. If you are passionate about your degree, you are more likely to succeed and follow through with your pursuits. If your pursuits were placed upon you out of a sense of obligation or duty, then there is a higher likelihood you'll burn out sooner rather than later and not reach the success you initially set out for. These are common considerations admissions need to weigh when interviewing potential students.

Make sure you are fully versed in what they have to offer you as a student and what your future research and success can contribute to the prestige of their university. "We generally recommend that students take those school subjects which they enjoy the most, and where they are most likely to achieve top grades. Choosing the right course is crucial to enjoying your time at university so make sure you really explore your options. Your degree course will run for three or more years and your workload will feel much lighter if you genuinely love your course. Some courses, particularly those lasting four years, offer the chance to produce your own research and to work alongside other researchers at the University. These projects can lead to exciting career or further study opportunities.Oxford offers a wide range of joint courses which give students the chance to explore different subjects and examine the connections between them. This will often reveal insights not necessarily found by studying them individually. Having a clear favourite might make this decision seem easy, but do still check out the structure and content of the course and consider how these might differ from other universities you are applying to. Subjects at degree-level can be quite different from studying them at school. Don't forget to check out our courses not normally available at school, for example Archaeology and Anthropology, Biochemistry, Human Sciences and Materials Science. For some, they are the perfect opportunity to explore aspects of favourite subjects in an exciting and new way. For others, they are the chance to study something else which fascinates them."

Why do you want to study at Oxford?

"In truth, it is my dream to attend Oxford and one day teach here. Some of my greatest heroes taught here, and the reputation is legendary. Although I know this may seem highly ambitious, perhaps even presumptuous, it is something I have always been passionate about. I learned early on that one must pursue their passions with all of their heart. So, that is what I am doing."

So many of the questions they'll ask you in your interview you should consider as a test. Many of the answers to the questions they'll pose in this interview can be found on their websites. For example, among many of the most prestigious rankings, Oxford ranks as the best university in the world for several years. From their website: "Why study at Oxford? The University of Oxford has an outstanding global reputation for its teaching, research, and contributions to society. We combine rich history and tradition with the innovative and forward-thinking approach of a modern university. Our academic departments look for students with the ability, enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment needed to pursue higher-level study here. We have high expectations of our graduate students, and we aim to provide a supportive and stimulating environment in which you can reach your full potential. This includes cutting-edge research facilities and unrivalled resources across the disciplines, as well as personal and welfare support, academic guidance and a sense of community throughout your time here."

Advertise your esteem for Oxford as a historic education institution beyond its architecture, livable city, and long history of "world-leading academics tackling the most important questions we face today." Spend time researching how they define their culture, identity, and what they promote as a university. Go beyond sharing what you imagine your experience there would look like, extending to what being an alumnus of Oxford could lend to your life and career beyond.

What do you hope to gain from studying at Oxford?

"Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. I know there is so much I can learn here, and an education at a school like Oxford can do amazing things for my personal and professional growth. I would say what I hope to gain most is to say I went to Oxford. Saying I went anywhere else would feel a bit like a failure. Pursue your dreams."

This question tests your knowledge of the university and how well you've prepared for this admissions interview and assesses how invested you are in attending their university over another. Your answer could also reveal your motive for choosing Oxford over another university. The interviewer wants to know if you applied to Oxford for the right reasons and what this opportunity stands to contribute to your future and your success as a professional.

Consider the value propositions Oxford advertises on its websites. "Why come to Oxford? Well, if you are going to university, why not go to one of the best? There are some good reasons we have been voted the best university in the world for the past four years. Learn from the people at the centre of ground-breaking research, changing the future of the world. Lifelong and expert advice on job opportunities and guidance on further studying. Over 100 libraries, 4 world-class museums and around 1,500 laboratories. Our students have some of the best learning facilities in the world on their doorstep. Personalised teaching from experts. Generous financial support to those who need it most. Made up of over 30 colleges, means students benefit from belonging to both a large, world-class university and a small, friendly community. Hundreds of opportunities to have fun, socialise and develop useful skills. Oxford is not only beautiful, but it's a young city, full of students. It's a great place to live."

How do you feel about Oxford's academic year structure?

"I think it makes a lot of sense. Breaking it up into three eight-week segments, and allowing generous breaks to return home to your family and recharge, seems brilliant. Also, to be given a chance to geek out on my field of study, when you look at comparative mythology and the role numbers play in all religions, the numbers 8 and 3 are sacred, so I'm a fan of that aspect of it as well."

It is important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the customs and culture that make Oxford unique - from their three 8-week terms, Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity, to the three holidays between each term, Christmas vacation, Easter vacation and the long summer vacation. Research how new students are called Freshers, how they are expected to leave campus during the holidays for balance and sustainability, and other relevant aspects of their culture that relate to the structure of their terms and campus life. This isn't solely to showcase you came to this interview prepared and know what to expect. You want to convey that you are adaptable and look forward to all that a life attending Oxford offers.

Why are you a good fit for Oxford?

"I would say I am a great fit for Oxford because my intellectual curiosity and academic ability fuel my passion for learning. Sometimes I find myself frustrated when I am not learning or unsure where to turn next. I feel more comfortable in the rabbit hole than out of it. So I feel like the makeup of who I am makes me the perfect fit for Oxford."

As Oxford puts it, "The only things that Oxford students have in common are academic ability and intellectual curiosity." Our students come from all over the world and bring with them an amazing range of backgrounds and interests. This helps make our University one of the most exciting learning environments anywhere."When describing what makes you a good fit for their university, go beyond your academic ability. Showcase your desire to be in a culturally diverse environment where you will learn from and side by side with people from widely varying cultures and backgrounds. Think of all the manners in which life at Oxford would satisfy and fuel your intellectual curiosity.

Do you have your family's support in joining Oxford?

"Yes, and no. My mother and father are divorced. My mother supports my pursuit of this degree and is doing everything she can to support me emotionally and financially in this endeavour. My father, on the other hand, works as a network engineer and has pushed hard for me to get into computers and IT, even though that's the last thing I want to do. Since I haven't followed in his footsteps, he has cut me off and won't speak to me right now, and that's been hard."

Many colleges are concerned about the reasons a student might pursue a particular college or degree. Many students enroll and follow a career path that was put upon them through familial pressure, which can decrease the likelihood of their overall success. Additionally, there are many instances where a student pursues their own interests, going against their family's wishes. And without familial support, has a decreased likelihood of overall success.

The University of Oxford prioritizes the students they admit based on their passion for their studies and degree pursuits. Therefore, they offer many services to support those studies who join their university without familial support, hoping to contribute to their success. So spend time exploring the Oxford Students Targeted Support webpages for more details on funding and support for estranged students. "University of Oxford is committed to supporting students who are studying without the support and approval of their families. The University of Oxford has signed the StandAlone Pledge to support students who are studying without the support or approval of a family network. The University and its colleges aim to offer a supportive and caring environment to all our students, in which they are able to excel at their studies while participating fully in university life. We recognise the particular emotional, financial and practical barriers faced by students who are studying without the support or approval of a family network, and are committed to doing all we can to provide an environment that enables them to thrive at Oxford."

What are your opinions on Oxford's architecture?

"I think you can learn so much about the history of architecture simply by strolling throughout Oxford and taking it all in. I think it's fantastic, stunning, and bewildering how the imagination and artistry of humankind have crafted such a seemingly sacred place. And it is something of a sacred place, isn't it?"

Oxford's unique architecture spans centuries and ranges from Gothic to neo-classical to post-modern. As a destination, it draws visitors worldwide and serves as a draw for many of its students. As Oxford puts it, "Oxford is famous for its historic buildings, which attract millions of tourists every year, and perhaps less well known for the cutting-edge design of our most recent buildings. Conservation and excellence in design are central to our work, in order to preserve and develop the University's estate and ensure that we provide world-leading teaching and research facilities for our staff and students. The University's buildings and estate are not only necessary for our academic work; they also contribute to Oxford's reputation as a city of learning, heritage and culture. They form a vital part of the rich architecture of the city and provide a beautiful environment for visitors and Oxford residents, as well as University staff and students."

Spend some time learning what you can about some of your favourite buildings. Share your enthusiasm for some fun facts you learned about them. Doing so may stir up a conversation, making you a more memorable candidate.

Have you explored the Oxford nightlife?

"I haven't explored it that much, though I know it is a must. I have read the one-stop guide of things to do and would be very interested in checking out some of the jazz or more performative entertainment. But I am admittedly shy and have trouble getting out there socially. I know I have to branch out and step outside of my comfort zone to fully experience what the nightlife has to offer, but too often, I'd rather retreat in a book. There's no doubt that this is a growth opportunity of mine."

Your admissions interviewer knows their students must strike a balance between their studies and their social life. It is important that they not burn out on their academic pursuits and strike a positive mental balance. However, they need to know that the social life and party atmosphere won't take precedence over your studies or drain your finances, as it could impact your cost of living, being as expensive a city as it is to live in.

Show the interviewer that you have explored their "one-stop guide to staying, living and working in the historic city of Oxford." In it, you can "find things to see and do, check what's on at theatres and museums, find jobs and accommodation, search for restaurants, essential sightseeing and attractions recommended by the people who live here. A comprehensive locally run resource for the townsfolk, students, visitors and tourists, packed with events, reviews, articles, cartoons, and much more." Share with them some of the fun activities you are interested in exploring, but moderate your enthusiasm and don't get carried away.

What are your thoughts on the Oxford traditions?

"I think they are fantastic and so uniquely define the Oxford experience. As a student of comparative mythology and religion, I hold ritual and tradition in high esteem. I believe practising such traditions plays a huge role in one's development and a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself. A necessary humbling experience. I would consider myself lucky and grateful to participate in every one of these traditions."

As the highest-ranked university in the world and one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford's history and unique traditions shape a large percentage of its identity. The university carries a great deal of pride for even its most idiosyncratic customs and traditions. This question aims to determine how well-suited you are to their culture and environment and if you, like them, would also enthusiastically embrace this identity.

Some of the unique traditions that Oxford lists on its website include Wearing White Tie to Exams, Colour-Coded Carnations, a College Family, which is assigned to you, May Bumps, and Oxford Time. Spend time learning more about each of these and "Discover an authentic Oxford student experience. As one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Oxford has developed some rather unique traditions over its 800-year+ history. From wearing white tie with carnations pinned to your lapels for exams, to celebrating the end of Finals with a good old 'trashing,' there are some unusual rituals which have stood the test of time."

How have you demonstrated intellectual curiosity and creativity in your academic pursuits?

"I can give you a recent example. A librarian once told me I was trying to check out too many books. It started when I buried my nose in one book, and the footnotes and citations in this book excited me so much that I kept getting up from that book and pulling the cited books off the shelves. Soon my stacks of books filled the whole table, and the librarian reprimanded me because there was no place for other people to sit. A week later, they posted a job for someone to sort and shelve the checked-out books, and I applied for the job. Then, they let me stay late and take up as much table space as I needed."

Oxford prides itself on how diverse its students and staff are, having come from all over the world from all kinds of backgrounds, attributing this in part to making Oxford such an exciting learning environment. "Oxford students have academic ability and intellectual curiosity in common - but that's pretty much it!" So spend time exploring how they define academic ability and intellectual curiosity according to their culture. This will help you seem like you will fit into their culture and thrive in the environment they take pride in having built. "With around 23,000 students from across the globe at Oxford, each with an amazing range of interests, you will meet people like you and not like you. This is likely to be one of the most enjoyable and liberating aspects of your student life here."

What is your approach to problem-solving?

"I keep asking questions, out loud or in an internal dialogue. I don't believe in dead ends. The answer is always out there, waiting to be found. And if time doesn't allow, do your best and keep moving forward. But I don't believe in failure or defeat. Every problem has a solution, and I love a good mystery."

This question is designed to evaluate your critical thinking skills and creative thinking skills. How you answer will tell them how resourceful you are and whether you are self-managed in your studies. "Having good, strong problem-solving skills can make a huge difference to your career. Problems are at the centre of what many people do at work every day. Creative thinking is a way of looking at problems or situations from a fresh perspective and can be stimulated both by an unstructured process such as brainstorming and by a structured process such as lateral thinking."

How do you prioritize your time and manage your workload effectively?

"I do so by starting right away and without delay. I have never been a procrastinator. My friends and family have always teased me for diving in without hesitation. And they can make fun of all they want. But when I finish early, it gives me more time to keep going, to discover more, and to overachieve."

Your interviewer is curious about how effectively you manage your time while allowing yourself downtime and enjoying your studies. Time management skills are difficult for many to master, and your answer to this question will help inform them of how well you can sustain yourself while meeting all your deadlines and goals.

Arrive at your interview prepared, having spent some time beforehand familiarizing yourself with some of Oxford's suggested approaches. "Make tasks more manageable by breaking them down into mini-goals. Set yourself small, short-term goals so that you are able to have lots of small successes. In time, these add up to greater achievements. Find someone who encourages you and makes you feel good about yourself. Talk to this person about your work and the goals and ambitions you have. Set targets that are easy to meet - increase your chances of success. When you achieve a short-term goal (i.e. 2 hours of reading), reward yourself (i.e. half-hour TV break and some chocolate). Give yourself bigger rewards for completing whole tasks, to encourage yourself next time. Get other people involved too, giving you the rewards when you show them or can explain to them what you have done."

How do you stay motivated and focused when working on long-term projects?

"I am a perfectionist, which is as much of a weakness as a strength. But, as a result, I am motivated by doing my best, living up to my standard of work, and accomplishing the goals I set out to achieve. This is a massively motivating force for me."

Oxford takes pride in the graduation and retention rate of its students. But that figure is significantly impacted by ensuring they admit students who are more likely to follow through on their academic commitments. So this question aims to reveal what fuels your motivation, passion, and intellectual curiosity to keep moving forward. Oxford acknowledges on its site that they know you'll face difficult patches. "Your level of motivation will affect your success, especially in slow or difficult patches. It's likely that there will be times when you get bored, frustrated, or anxious. You may feel you can't be bothered with a piece of work, or that you're struggling with to keep on top of your revision. You may even feel like giving up altogether." Your aim here is to showcase how you have navigated those patches in the patch while assuring them you have what it takes to keep going.

How prepared are you for Oxford's course load and the academic pressure that comes with it?

"Well, I am bracing myself for it and looking forward to learning more about it and learning from others on how to navigate this. But I am prepared to work hard and dedicate myself wholly. But until I am in it without a common point of reference, I suppose there is no way I can wholly prepare myself. But I am prepared to take full advantage of the services offered, tutoring among them, and am as ready as I'll ever be, I think."

Too often, students are enamoured with the look and feel of the campus or the town's nightlife, fantasizing about the college life experience without considering the work that lies ahead. Your admissions interviewer is looking for assurances that you will follow through on your commitments, plan for your success accordingly, and take this opportunity seriously. They also want to make sure you are proactive in your approach and won't end up governed by the stress of falling behind. As they state on their site, "Stress can be a perfectly normal reaction to have when things like exams are worrying you: but it's important to learn to deal with this normal stress and put things into perspective. You should always remind yourself that it's temporary and things will get better."

This question aims to determine whether you have fully explored what life at Oxford looks like and whether you are up to the hard work ahead of you if you are accepted. Examine the following statement and question from their website. "As you would expect from somewhere offering a world-class education, the academic standards are very high and the workload more demanding than at some other universities. Is Oxford right for you? Asking yourself the questions below might help you decide. Do you love one of our courses? Are you on target to meet our admission requirements? Do you like the idea of personalised and interactive tutorial teaching? Do you recognise the following in yourself: enthusiasm - for your subject and life generally, positivity, curiosity, hard-working, determination, and self-motivation?"

What do you feel sets you apart from other applicants?

"I very much embrace the traditions and culture of Oxford and that intellectual curiosity, ambition, and passion for my studies are integral to who I am. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and collaborating with anyone interested, and I pride myself on my academic ability. As I said, I dream of one day teaching at Oxford, and if that dream were to come true, Oxford would be a part of my identity."

Out of the nearly 24,000 people who applied for undergraduate study in 2021, only around 3,300 undergraduates were admitted; out of the over 40,000 people who applied for graduate study, about 5,500 graduates were admitted. So as you can see, admittance into Oxford is highly competitive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put your all in to compete for the opportunity. "Oxford is committed to recruiting the best candidates from all backgrounds and all identities."

The trick to answering this question has less to do with identifying what your competition looks like and more to do with what you feel makes you unique. Oxford repeatedly emphasizes that they want students with intellectual curiosity, ambition, passion for their studies, and academic ability. They are interested in admitting those with a shared passion for their culture, history, community, architecture, and everything that makes Oxford unique. Consider this when sharing with self-awareness and pride what makes you unique, what makes you the best, and what makes you an ideal choice for Oxford.

What are some of your favourite classes or subjects you have studied?

"I took a summer course on the Vedas in cosmology and comparative astronomy, which blew my mind. Incredible stuff."

This discovery question is designed to get to know you better and what inspires you or fuels your passion so that they may better identify how they might guide you toward success. If one of your favourite subjects doesn't necessarily align with your degree, that's okay too. Oxford prides itself on offering its students "something new. Don't forget to check out our courses not normally available at school, for example, Archaeology and Anthropology, Biochemistry, Human Sciences and Materials Science. For some, they are the perfect opportunity to explore aspects of favourite subjects in an exciting and new way. For others, they are the chance to study something else which fascinates them."

Have you visited any of Oxford's museums yet?

"I visited several of them, but I was most impressed with the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. Incredible collection! I was only able to spend about four hours there, which didn't feel like enough time."

The University of Oxford has over a dozen museums and parks, each unique from the others. Among them are, The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The History of Science Museum, The Pitt Rivers Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, The world-famous Bodleian Library, Christ Church Picture Gallery, Christ Church Meadow, The Botanic Garden, The Harcourt Arboretum, University Park, The Sheldonian Theatre, and The University's church has a long and varied history and offers excellent panoramic views of the city.

If you have the chance to visit their campus in person before your interview, spend ample time exploring everything. The more you can take in, the more you can showcase your passion for everything Oxford has to offer. However, if you won't be afforded the opportunity to visit before your interview, learn everything you can about all things 'Oxford', and share your enthusiasm and what you most look forward to visiting.

How do you handle failure or setbacks in your academic pursuits?

"I suppose I don't look at them as failures. I am somewhat tenacious and was told by my mother when I was a kid, 'If at first, you don't succeed, try and try again.' So any setback I face, I look at as a learning opportunity, and learning always shores you up for future success."

Here are some words of wisdom that Oxford offers on its website: "No matter what other people may say, exams are not the most important thing you will ever do in your life. Remember these points and hopefully they will help you to remain stress free. Pass or fail, you are more than just a grade on a piece of paper. If you do fail an exam, you can usually take it again. It's not the end of the world if you don't get the highest grade. Tell yourself it is only a test, nothing more. Not everyone who is successful was great in exams!"

Everyone experiences failures and setbacks in life, whether personally, professionally, or academically. The context doesn't matter. What matters is the emotional maturity of how you navigated and recovered from those setbacks. There is nothing wrong with admitting to your failures. It doesn't expose your weakness but rather showcases your strength. The trick is in owning it. No one can hold over you what you already own. It is all about the lessons learned from those experiences and taking what you learned to ensure you don't make the same mistakes again, and thereby are more likely to succeed where you failed before.

How do you balance your academic pursuits with your personal life and interests?

"Well, as I said, I am shy and have trouble getting out to meet new people. But, my studies and academic interests are what I am interested in my personal life. I have trouble separating them. But I also enjoy a good movie, listening to music, or geeking out in a museum."

On its website, Oxford offers quite a few simple tips and techniques to relieve exam and revision stress. Some are as simple as going for a walk or sharing your anxieties with friends or family. Others are managing their time and not waiting till the last minute and cramming. "Good preparation prevents poor performance!" Confidence can go a long way, and they also suggest you balance your priorities well and take the time to decompress and listen to music or watch a movie. So review their tips and techniques to familiarize yourself with what they suggest, and align your answer with their suggestions. This can go a long way in assuring them you have what it takes to make it.

Can you tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision and how you decided on your course of action?

"I had a difficult time defending my academic pursuits to my father. He was disappointed. He can't relate to my passion for comparative mythology. He doesn't feel like I will make any money at it and expects me to play it safe like he did, and his father before him. I knew the situation would turn into conflict, and it did, but I had to face it, and now it's done."

This question is designed to assess your emotional maturity. How you answer this question and interpret it could offer insights into whether you make informed and objective decisions rather than responding out of stress or a state of emotional confusion. It could also inform them of how well you work under pressure, how resourceful you are, and how capable you are of outside-of-the-box thinking.

Keep your example academically related, as opposed to volunteering something along the lines of not following through on your commitments as a result of other pressures in your life. Doing so will only warn them that the same might apply here.

Oxford advertises that a common denominator for their students is "the ability to think deeply, the ability to look at anything, whether a newspaper article, a piece of research or an object, and instinctively start considering the theory behind it, the potential impacts on a wider level, your own position and thoughts about it, what other people might think. It's the ability to absolutely refuse to take things at face value." Consider this when coming up with an appropriate example for this question.

What is the longest period of time you have been far from home?

"This will be the first time away from home. I'm sure it will be challenging, but I am prepared to take some of my creature comforts with me, chat with my mom when need be, and hopefully make some new friends."

Many who travel off to college for the first time, whether in the same country or abroad, may experience homesickness. For many, this can manifest viscerally, be overwhelming, and factor into one's success. So your interviewer is interested in assessing how well you may adjust to life away from home, but also determine whether you are aware of the tips they offer on their website and the services they offer to support you through this transition. Familiarize yourself with the advice they give for navigating homesickness on your website. Showing them that you have read through this and prepared for your interview will also relay that you are prepared for this experience and are more likely to succeed.

Here is a small passage from their webpage on homesickness: "For lots of people, university is the first time they are away from home and their family for a significant period of time. That can be exciting; you can experience all sorts of freedoms that might not have been available to you before now. It can also bring some difficult feeling with it too. Some people experience difficulty in adjusting regardless of the actual physical distance involved. Lots of people experience both the positive and the negative sides to varying degrees. Like all types of change, there are upsides and downsides, and people respond to these in a range of ways. Your body and your mind are getting used to a new way of getting along and it's natural to not always find that process easy."

How do you think your previous academic experiences have prepared you for studying at Oxford?

"I would say that all the academic experiences I have set out to accomplish were with the pursuit of attending Oxford. So, they will have contributed, for sure. How much, only fate and time can tell."

Spend time visiting their website and Oxford's course pages, and explore the details about each course, including the admission requirements and how to apply. Then examine your academic history, and determine the criteria you've met and what you've yet to accomplish to answer this question effectively. Do your homework and come prepared for every question they throw your way.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your field today?

"I think the development of AI will probably end up being a detriment to mythology, ritual, and learning. Already we are seeing gross simplifications of incredibly complex fields of study. Just because an AI chatbot can explain something complex to you in simple terms doesn't mean you've got it. Just because it has the potential to translate a language you don't speak into English doesn't mean you now understand what is truly being said. I feel like AI is, in this regard, a detriment to humanity."

This question is designed to evaluate what you perceive as the obstacles your field may face and how you might approach navigating that terrain through your brand of innovation. How you answer could reveal how informed you are and how actively you keep up to date on what is happening in your field. Your response will offer insights into your passion and likelihood of success.

Can you discuss a topic or concept that you find of particular interest or importance in your field?

"I think it is essential to understand the history of religion when engaging in any kind of foreign affair. When you look at how so many militaries have botched their foreign affairs in Afghanistan, for example, none of those countries navigated it well; whether it was France, Russia, The USA, or NATO, they went into that country without a comprehensive understanding of their cultures, customs, and religious traditions. I think this type of training should be mandatory and an institution to the foreign affairs of every government."

Your interviewer is curious about how eloquently you can speak on topics related to your pursuits and how passionately you speak about them. Consider this Oxford culture statement from their website, "At the University of Oxford, we're passionate about the creation and impact of our knowledge and how, in partnership with business, charities, NGOs, policymakers and communities, we can create and apply innovative solutions on a local to global scale." Consider discussing the big challenges facing our world today or simply sharing something that fuels your passion for your pursuits.

Describe a time you faced a particularly difficult challenge. How did you overcome it?

"I felt that my application and my letter were particularly challenging to write. I went over them again and again, as invested in this opportunity as I am. But in the end, here we are, sitting together. So I feel grateful that I kept at it."

This question may seem similar to a previous question about making a difficult decision, but it is an entirely different question. Often interviewers will ask similarly phrased questions that seem alike yet are distinct and, in some ways, are a test of your attention to detail and how quickly you can think on your feet.Think of a time you faced an obstacle that required you to be resourceful and how you overcame that challenge. The aim here is to showcase how well-equipped you are to face similar challenges in your academic pursuits at Oxford, with confidence in your abilities to succeed here.

Do you have any disciplinary infractions I should know about?

"I am happy to say my record is clean. My older brother got in trouble quite a lot. So, growing up, I watched his example of what not to do. As a result, I play it pretty safe."

Many students have faced disciplinary actions somewhere along their early educational journey. Any university you apply to can request them, and if they are seriously considering admitting you, count on them finding out about them. Be honest about it and offer context. Take responsibility for your actions and share what you learned from the experience and how you have grown since. As they say on Oxford's website, "Attitude is very important when it comes to learning."

Oxford Interview Questions

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1. Can you tell me about a book or article that influenced your approach to your chosen field?
2. Are you prepared for the cost of living at Oxford?
3. What are your long-term career goals?
4. What motivates you to pursue academic excellence?
5. How did you decide on the degree you are planning to pursue?
6. Why do you want to study at Oxford?
7. What do you hope to gain from studying at Oxford?
8. How do you feel about Oxford's academic year structure?
9. Why are you a good fit for Oxford?
10. Do you have your family's support in joining Oxford?
11. What are your opinions on Oxford's architecture?
12. Have you explored the Oxford nightlife?
13. What are your thoughts on the Oxford traditions?
14. How have you demonstrated intellectual curiosity and creativity in your academic pursuits?
15. What is your approach to problem-solving?
16. How do you prioritize your time and manage your workload effectively?
17. How do you stay motivated and focused when working on long-term projects?
18. How prepared are you for Oxford's course load and the academic pressure that comes with it?
19. What do you feel sets you apart from other applicants?
20. What are some of your favourite classes or subjects you have studied?
21. Have you visited any of Oxford's museums yet?
22. How do you handle failure or setbacks in your academic pursuits?
23. How do you balance your academic pursuits with your personal life and interests?
24. Can you tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision and how you decided on your course of action?
25. What is the longest period of time you have been far from home?
26. How do you think your previous academic experiences have prepared you for studying at Oxford?
27. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your field today?
28. Can you discuss a topic or concept that you find of particular interest or importance in your field?
29. Describe a time you faced a particularly difficult challenge. How did you overcome it?
30. Do you have any disciplinary infractions I should know about?

Oxford Interview Questions

1. Can you tell me about a book or article that influenced your approach to your chosen field?

2. Are you prepared for the cost of living at Oxford?

3. What are your long-term career goals?

4. What motivates you to pursue academic excellence?

5. How did you decide on the degree you are planning to pursue?

6. Why do you want to study at Oxford?

7. What do you hope to gain from studying at Oxford?

8. How do you feel about Oxford's academic year structure?

9. Why are you a good fit for Oxford?

10. Do you have your family's support in joining Oxford?

11. What are your opinions on Oxford's architecture?

12. Have you explored the Oxford nightlife?

13. What are your thoughts on the Oxford traditions?

14. How have you demonstrated intellectual curiosity and creativity in your academic pursuits?

15. What is your approach to problem-solving?

16. How do you prioritize your time and manage your workload effectively?

17. How do you stay motivated and focused when working on long-term projects?

18. How prepared are you for Oxford's course load and the academic pressure that comes with it?

19. What do you feel sets you apart from other applicants?

20. What are some of your favourite classes or subjects you have studied?

21. Have you visited any of Oxford's museums yet?

22. How do you handle failure or setbacks in your academic pursuits?

23. How do you balance your academic pursuits with your personal life and interests?

24. Can you tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision and how you decided on your course of action?

25. What is the longest period of time you have been far from home?

26. How do you think your previous academic experiences have prepared you for studying at Oxford?

27. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your field today?

28. Can you discuss a topic or concept that you find of particular interest or importance in your field?

29. Describe a time you faced a particularly difficult challenge. How did you overcome it?

30. Do you have any disciplinary infractions I should know about?