What are interviewers looking for?

I thought this question was worth answering in a proper post.

Interviewers are looking for the following:

Teachability - can you deal with new information and build it into your thinking? Are you flexible in your thinking or overly dogmatic? Will you change your mind if evidence suggests it? There is a balance though. You don't want to be a complete push over or have no opinion of your own but don't be afriad to change your mind if it seems new information makes it advisable.

Enthusiasm - is there a sparkle in your eye when you get onto a topic you like? Do you seem engrossed with solving problems or discussing new topics? Can you show from your application that you've pursued your subject beyond the school curriculum in some way (yep, that mostly means reading but could be things like work experience for medics) or have you just done the minimum to get by at AS and A2?

Intelligence - can you think fast enough (lightening speed not required, but a certain mental agility). Can you think abstractly? Can you apply old techniques and information to new situations? Are you intuitive?

A convincing school record - straight A*s are not crucial but an indication that you have worked consitently hard at school, especially in relevant subjects is a good indication to us that you will work hard here.

What they're NOT looking for is....a polished performance, super-confidence, perfect answers all the way through, an old school tie. You won't have ruby balls thrown at you, you won't be ignored by a strange chap reading a newspaper, you won't be asked to stand on your head...any of those old chestnuts. Our main concern is that interviews are comparable so that they're fair to everyone and that we discover your potential.

The final thing to remember is that, sadly, we can't take everyone who is good enough for Cambridge. You may be bright enough, you might have thrived on the course and you may still get turned down simply because there were people even better than you who applied. I don't want to panic you but if you walk into an interview with the attitude that you must get into Cambridge or your life is over and your self-esteem completely shot to smithereens, the pressure on you will be so much higher. It is good to want a place at Cambridge and to want it quite a lot. It's a good motivation. However, we have only chosen people to come to interview who we believe are in with a chance and we will agonise later this month over who to take. You will all have competed "with honour" for places. Don't let your self-esteem depend on getting a place and think positively about your other University choices. Even we think there are other great courses out there where any Cambridge applicant would thrive and be happy. I think you get the point.

Hope that helps!