T RINITY C OLLEGE Academic Interviews Ellie Rendle, Trinity College

T RINITY C OLLEGE Interviews Why... ? “Interviews tell us important things about a candidate which are not captured by grades or test scores. We can see how candidates think, rather than merely parrot information.” “I interview to find what we call ‘potential’ and disentangle it from either poor schooling or coaching.” “Interviews give us the chance to see whether an applicant has the intellectual capacity to learn and be stretched by our teaching system”

T RINITY C OLLEGE Short-Listing... and how? GCSE grades AS-level grades Predicted A- level/IB results Personal Statement Teacher Reference Written work Written test results SAQ Academic Ability and Potential ExaminationsUCAS FormOxbridge Specific

T RINITY C OLLEGE The Interview What to Expect Interviews are an academic, subject-focused discussion in which tutors hope to see applicants thinking problems through for themselves. Tutors have no hidden agenda, and do not ask ‘trick’ questions or erect ‘hurdles’ for applicants to jump over. Focused and challenging questions, typical of how you might be taught at university A variety of starting points and directions. Expect questions to become steadily more challenging. New approaches to existing knowledge and problem-solving questions. There won’t always be a right answer, and there will be a stage when you simply don’t know!

T RINITY C OLLEGE The Interview What makes a good interview? Good Ideas Answer the question you are asked, not the one you want to be asked. Explain your thinking. It’s fine to admit you don’t know - you aren’t expected to know everything. Bad Ideas Staying silent. Refusing to change your mind when the evidence is overwhelming/being contrarian for the sake of it. Making it up/lying!

T RINITY C OLLEGE How to Prepare (Re-)Reading your Personal Statement “I have chosen to study French and Spanish as a joint course firstly due to a love of these two cultures gained through visits to the countries. I have studied in a French language school in Bordeaux and have also taken a language and culture course in Barcelona, as well as taking part in an exchange with a school in Pamplona. My choice of subject is especially due to a very keen interest in the literature of these cultures, and I really relish the prospect of broadening and deepening my knowledge of them through further study and time abroad. I have read widely in both languages and have particularly enjoyed Molière and Voltaire (French), and Márquez and Borges (Spanish). I have worked hard to acquire a thorough knowledge of the grammar of both languages, and I strive to speak and write them as accurately as possible. A friend and I were instrumental in re-founding the School’s Modern Languages Society: we invite visiting speakers and show foreign language films. I am a very keen sportsman and have represented the school at Rugby (1st XV), Football (2nd XI) and Cricket (2nd XI). I also play both rugby and cricket for local teams, and am a keen golfer. I play the violin to a high level, and play a strong role in the school orchestra. In my spare time, I volunteer at a local charity shop on some weekday evenings and the weekend. I am also a House monitor at school.”

T RINITY C OLLEGE How to Prepare Talking about your subject Ask a teacher you don’t know to give you a mock interview Find a “buddy” and interview each other Talk to your parents and siblings, and friends! Remember it’s an interview, not just a conversation.

T RINITY C OLLEGE How to Prepare Talking about your subject Why do you enjoy your subject? What interests you about your subject? How have your studies at school inspired you to further study? Do you have a favourite topic/module? How have you encountered your subject outside of your academic studies? What are the underlying ideas/themes in what you are studying?

T RINITY C OLLEGE On the day Practical things to remember Check the information carefully Wear something you feel comfortable in Bring a book or magazine Remember a snack and a drink Talk to other candidates

T RINITY C OLLEGE Remember… Tutors are human too!

T RINITY C OLLEGE Any questions?