Ah, the Oxford University interview process—still the stuff of legends, but now with a 21st-century twist!

Since Covid turned the world upside down, the interviews have moved online. Gone are the days of nervously pacing the ancient wooden staircases of Oxford’s Colleges.

Instead, you’ll be facing your interviewers from the comfort (or chaos) of your own home.

But fear not! We’re here to guide you through this brave new world with a smile and a bit of humour.

1. The Invitation: The Start of the (Virtual) Journey

First things first: you’ve been invited for an Oxford interview! Kudos to you!

You’ve already conquered the Herculean tasks of submitting a strong application, possibly acing an admissions test, and catching the attention of Oxford’s esteemed tutors.

Now, the interview email lands in your inbox, and you realize it’s all happening… virtually!

Cue the rollercoaster of emotions:

• Stage 1: Elation – You’ve made it! Your Zoom skills will finally pay off.
• Stage 2: Panic – Is your WiFi stable enough? Does your room look suitably intellectual?
• Stage 3: Acceptance – You’ve got this. Time to clear the clutter, find the perfect backdrop, and show them the best version of yourself… on camera.

2. The Preparation: Welcome to the Zoom Zone

(Actually Oxford uses Microsoft Teams)

Preparing for an online interview means more than just brushing up on your subject knowledge.

You need to master the art of Zoom, Teams, or whatever virtual platform Oxford decides to use.

This includes finding a quiet spot, ensuring good lighting (no one wants to look like a silhouette), and checking your internet connection.

Remember, tutors are looking for keen minds, not a Hitchcockian shadow performance.

Beyond technical prep, there’s also the matter of making your environment reflect your academic prowess.

That means strategically placing a few intellectual-looking books within camera view.

Maybe toss in a plant to suggest you’re nurturing both ideas and greenery. But keep it real—don’t go overboard.

A casual stack of War and Peace and The Complete Works of Shakespeare might just make them wonder if you’re trying a bit too hard.

A good tip is to rehearse with a friend or family member.

Get used to speaking to a screen, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and nodding thoughtfully—even when you have no idea what’s happening.

And remember, everyone else is just as nervous about their WiFi cutting out mid-interview.

3. The Virtual Interview: Lights, Camera, Action!

The big day arrives, and it’s showtime.

The online interview is a bit like appearing on a live talk show—except your audience consists of Oxford dons, and instead of discussing your latest book or movie, you’re diving into the depths of philosophy, science, or literature.

Interviews are typically conducted by a couple of tutors who will probe your understanding of your chosen subject.

But don’t be surprised if they throw in some curveballs to see how you think on your feet (or, rather, in your chair).

Questions could range from the practical to the downright peculiar, designed to test your reasoning and creativity.

Here’s where the magic happens. Your goal is to transform this seemingly ordinary Zoom call into a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Remember, they’re not looking for perfection. They’re more interested in how you approach a problem, articulate your thoughts, and engage in intellectual dialogue.

So, take a deep breath, keep calm, and channel your inner professor!

4. The Virtual Curveballs: When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Memorable Moment

Oxford interviews are famous for their unexpected, and sometimes bizarre, questions. This hasn’t changed just because they’re online!

The screen might feel like a barrier, but tutors are still keen to see you think outside the box—or screen.

Expect to be asked questions that make you tilt your head like a confused puppy.

• “If you could choose between saving a historical figure or a famous piece of art, who or what would you save?”
• “Why do humans have two eyes?”
• “How would you explain gravity to a five-year-old?”

Stay calm, keep smiling, and remember: they’re not looking for the right answer. They’re looking for your answer—how you reason, how you defend your choices, and how you deal with intellectual challenges.

5. The Aftermath: Did That Just Happen on Camera?

When it’s all over, you might feel a mix of relief and bewilderment.

Did you really just spend an hour discussing the philosophical implications of a tuna sandwich?

Did your cat walk across the keyboard mid-answer?

Did your WiFi drop just as you were delivering the most brilliant insight of your life?

Don’t worry! Tutors understand the challenges of online interviews, and they’re prepared for minor technical hiccups.

They’re not judging you on your internet speed but on your intellectual potential.

In the meantime, reward yourself for making it through!

You’ve faced down the Oxford interview (virtually, no less) and lived to tell the tale.

Now’s the time to treat yourself—whether that’s with a nice cup of tea, a long walk, or a celebratory Netflix binge.

And remember, getting to this stage is a massive achievement. Whatever happens next, you’re already a star!

Typical Oxford Interview Questions: A Peek into the Academic Wonderland (Online Edition)

Let’s explore some real-life Oxford interview questions and break down what makes them so delightfully quirky.

These questions are meant to challenge not just your knowledge but also your creativity and critical thinking—whether in person or online.

1. “Would you prefer to be a zombie or a vampire, and why?”

Commentary: Ah, the age-old dilemma of the undead.

This question is less about your personal preference for nocturnal activity or dietary habits and more about exploring ethical, philosophical, and perhaps even psychological reasoning.

Would you choose the slow, relentless existence of a zombie, driven by an insatiable hunger?

Or the more glamorous, albeit morally complicated, life of a vampire?

Your answer could reveal your views on free will, the value of intellect versus instinct, and the moral dilemmas associated with survival.

It’s an opportunity to think outside the box and even bring in cultural references to literature, film, or folklore. Just remember, Twilight fans, to keep it scholarly!

2. “Should poetry be difficult?”

Commentary: A deceptively simple question with a multitude of answers. The beauty of this query lies in its subjectivity.

Does the difficulty of a poem enhance its value by challenging the reader to engage more deeply, or does it alienate those who might otherwise find joy in its rhythms and images?

This is a question that can spark a lively debate about accessibility versus elitism in art, the purpose of poetry, and the nature of communication.

You might explore the balance between form and content, how poetry has evolved over time, and the different schools of thought on what makes a poem “good” or “bad.”

It’s a chance to show off your ability to consider multiple perspectives and articulate a nuanced argument.

3. “If you could save either a historical figure or a famous piece of art, which would it be?”

Commentary: This question is a classic example of Oxford’s love for the abstract and philosophical.

It’s not about knowing a right or wrong answer but exploring how you justify your choice.

Do you save Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa for its artistic value, or would you prefer to preserve Shakespeare’s genius?

In the virtual setting, it’s your chance to engage in a lively discussion from your very own “study hall” (aka, your bedroom or kitchen table).

4. “Why do humans have two eyes?”

Commentary: A deceptively simple question that opens the door to a variety of answers.

Is it about depth perception, evolutionary biology, or perhaps even aesthetics?

The interviewers want to see if you can explore different angles (pun intended) and offer a thoughtful explanation.

Don’t be afraid to go beyond the obvious and delve into the quirky side of science.

5. “How would you explain a scientific concept like gravity to a five-year-old?”

Commentary: Here’s your moment to shine as a future science communicator!

The ability to distill complex ideas into simple, relatable concepts is a valuable skill.

In the online interview, this might also be a good time to demonstrate your creativity—maybe even grab a prop if you’re feeling bold!

Just don’t overdo it and start a full-blown science show.

6. “Would it matter if tigers became extinct?”

Commentary: A question that dives into ethics, ecology, and the impact of human activity on nature.

The interviewers want to see if you can consider the broader implications of such an event, beyond the immediate ecological impact.

This question is a test of your ability to think critically about conservation, biodiversity, and the moral responsibilities of humans.

7. “Is it easier for organisms to live in the sea or on land?”

Commentary: Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of this question.

It’s an opportunity to discuss a range of factors, from environmental conditions to evolutionary adaptations.

The virtual setting means you might not have a whiteboard to sketch out your thoughts, but that’s okay!

Use your words to paint a vivid picture of the challenges and advantages of life in different environments.

The Oxford interviews process has gone digital, but its essence remains the same: it’s a test of thought, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

The key to success is to remain calm, think critically, and engage with the questions in a way that showcases your unique perspective.

Remember, whether online or in person, there’s no right or wrong answer in an Oxford interview—only the brilliance of your thought process.

So set up your laptop, make sure your camera is on, and get ready to shine.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the one conducting these interviews from your very own home office!

Until then, keep calm, think deeply, and enjoy the virtual ride.