1. New for 2017 entry Archaeology (including ANE and BioAnth) History and Politics History and Modern Languages Full information in the new prospectus and on the website (March 2016)

2. What are we looking for?

3. The application process

4. What information do we use to assess applications? We consider every application individually, taking all aspects into account: Academic record Personal statement Teacher’s reference Performance in any admission test / assessment (where required) Written work (where required) Contextual data Interview (if interviewed) No part of an application is considered in isolation – all available information is looked at together before decisions are made.

5. Wider exploration

6. Interviews: An overview Normally two or more interviews, each usually lasting 20−30 minutes Conducted by academics and predominantly academic and subject-focused Discussion-based and intellectually challenging Check the websites for videos and further information The last piece in the jigsaw rather than the ‘final hurdle’

7. Interviews: what to expect SUBJECT-SPECIFIC INTERVIEW Discussion based on academic interests mentioned in personal statement Assess knowledge and understanding of subject and flexibility of thought Challenging questions relating to A- level courses Sample teaching session – like a supervision Application of existing knowledge to new situations Sciences: problems to work through Arts: perhaps a text to discuss Discussion of any submitted essays Sciences: a specimen to discuss

8. Interviews: W hat are Admissions Tutors looking for? Academic ability and potential to be successful Self-motivation, commitment and serious interest in the chosen course Ability to think independently and critically Use of existing knowledge to assess new problems No trick questions!

9. Preparing to apply Programme of study Course choice is the most important decision – research thoroughly, personal interest(s)Results Work hard to do as well as you can in your current studies Engage and explore Be proactive in your learning – current studies and interests relevant to your intended degreePractise Discussing your academic interest(s) Past/example admission test/assessment papers Time management – generally and for exams

10. University of Oxford www.ox.ac.uk/study study@ox.ac.uk University of Cambridge www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk admissions@cam.ac.uk For the most up-to-date information and advice about anything covered in the presentation, please refer to our websites.