Oxford University interviews are just around the corner, and here’s how to prepare. Even if you’re not interviewing at Oxford, these tips will help you tackle any university interview question.
Do bankers deserve the pay they receive?
Your response to this question might not slash any banker’s bonus, but it could land you a spot at one of the world’s top universities.
The Oxford interview process often feels like a trap, but that’s not the case. Instead, it’s about seeing how you approach questions in your field and how you think critically.
No matter what you’re studying, these insights could give you the edge when it counts.
Think you know the answer? Think again.
Unless it’s a practical science or medicine question, interviewers aren’t always after a straightforward answer.
Some questions—like moral or philosophical ones—don’t have clear answers. But even when there’s a “right” or “wrong,” the interviewer is usually probing deeper than you might expect.
Take this economics and management example:
Do bankers deserve the pay they receive? Should the government limit their earnings?
At first glance, it seems like an ethics question. In a philosophy interview, discussing fairness would make sense. But in economics, they’re likely looking for a debate on economic theory.
To stand out, you’d need to argue whether banking operates in a competitive labor market, whether the industry itself is competitive, and if sky-high profits (and salaries) stem from lack of competition.
Interview questions are simple on the surface but meant to challenge assumptions or draw out relevant theory. The goal isn’t to give the “right” answer—it’s to show how you think.
But don’t ignore the obvious.
Can archaeology “prove” or “disprove” the Bible?
Here, your gut is probably right: no, archaeology can’t prove or disprove the Bible because evidence, text, and religion are far more complex than the question suggests.
That might seem too obvious, but again, the focus isn’t your answer—it’s your reasoning.
Don’t overthink it. Some questions do have clear answers, so if something feels instinctive, don’t dismiss it just because it’s simple. Even if others reach the same conclusion, you’ll earn points for thoughtful, relevant discussion.
Think big.
With limited time, interviewers ask broad questions to test multiple concepts—and they expect broad answers.
In a philosophy, politics, and economics interview, you might get:
Why is income per head 50–100 times higher in the US than in countries like Burundi and Malawi?
A strong answer might cover technology, capital, productivity, education, infrastructure, trade, and law’s role in development.
Nerves can make even chatty students give short, narrow answers. But lateral thinking is key—talk at length, cover multiple angles, and tie in overarching theories.
Apply your knowledge.
Not all questions go beyond what you’ve learned. Some test how you apply school knowledge in new contexts.
In biomedical sciences, you’ve likely studied biology and chemistry basics but not clinical reasoning. So you might get:
Why is sugar in urine a sign of diabetes?
This builds on school material to assess problem-solving. You’d need to connect glucose, kidney filtration, and reabsorption via carrier proteins.
The trick is spotting which parts of your knowledge fit. Sometimes, you’ll even pull in outside learning—nothing’s off-limits.
Take the hints.
Despite myths, interviewers aren’t trying to trick you. They’ll often guide you through puzzles.
Some tests are practical, like:
Balance a 30cm ruler on two fingers. What happens when you bring them together?
Many guess it’ll tip to one side, but actually, both fingers meet in the middle, balancing the ruler.
These tests gauge how you react to surprises. If you’re stuck, remember: they want to see your thought process, not stump you. So listen for hints.
Keep going.
Math, philosophy, computer science, and psychology demand persistence. One question might take serious effort, even repeating the same method.
For example, experimental psychology might ask:
100 people each put £1 in a pot. They pick a number between 0 and 100. The prize goes to whoever picks closest to ⅔ of the average. What do you choose, and why?
The solution is recursive. You pick a number, realize others will too, adjust, and repeat until everyone logically picks zero.
Interviewers rarely want just the answer—they want to see your reasoning, how you handle new info, and your problem-solving stamina.
With complex questions (like how pirates divide treasure in computer science), it’s a grind. But don’t quit—each step proves your analytical skills.
