Interviews - what to bring and what to expect

Now that all the interview invitations have been sent I just thought I'd clear up a few things.

Please let me know whether or not you are accepting the meals/accommodation (if offered) by email and return the interview confirmation sheet as soon as possible. We are receiving a lot of emails asking for confirmation of receipt but I'm afraid it is impossible to reply to them all so please assume everything is in place unless you hear otherwise.

What to expect at interview

Below are the details of what to expect for each subject.

ASNC: one general interview, one subject interview at the ASNC Faculty (5 mins prep)

Arch and Anth: one subject interview

Architecture: one subject interview (discussion of portfolio)

AMES: generally, one general interview and one subject interview but depends on language choices

Chemical Engineering: same as NatSci/Engi (depending on route) plus one chem eng interview

Classics: one subject interview (30 mins prep), interview by another College

Comp Sci: one subject interview (60 mins prep)

Economics: one subject interview

Engineering: two subject interviews (one with 45 mins prep), a maths test

English: two subject interviews (one with 15 mins prep), test

History: two subject interviews (one with 30 mins prep), test

History of Art: one subject interview

Law: two subject interviews (one with 15 mins prep), Cambridge Law Test (likely to be essay based question)

Linguistics: one subject interview

Maths: two subject interviews


Maths with Physics: two Maths interviews, one Physics interview

MML: generally, one interview per language (each with 15 mins prep) and a test but can vary

Medicine: two subject interviews

Music: one general interview, one subject interview (30 mins prep) and test at Robinson College

Nat Sci (Bio): two subject interviews

Nat Sci (Phys): two subject interviews (one with 30 mins prep)

Philosophy: one general interview, one subject interview, test

Theology: one general interview, one subject interview, interview by another college

The general interview is a shorter interview with one of the Admissions Tutors to discuss why you are applying for your subject. He may also discuss things you've mentioned in your personal statement. Subject interviews will be (as the name suggests!) more subject focussed, perhaps discussing written work you've submitted.

'Interview preparation' normally means that you will be given a passage to read or problem sheet to look at prior to interview so that it can be discussed during the interview. This is supposed to be something you have not come across before so no preparation is necessary. This is to help guide the interview so that it is more like an actual Cambridge supervision. You can find out more here: http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/interviews/.

You will not receive any more information than that I'm afraid but I hope that is useful!

What to bring to interview

- Warm clothes: Cambridge is cold (and often wet!) in December. There is no specific dress code so it is important you wear whatever you feel comfortable (and clever!) in.

- Sensible shoes: you may need to walk around a lot so make sure you are comfortable.

- A magazine/book/school work: you may spend some time sitting around waiting so make sure you bring something to keep you entertained. You can also work in Peterhouse library or relax in the common room if you have a lot of time between appointments.

- A mobile phone (where possible): if you have provided us with your mobile phone number then please bring it with you as we do sometimes need to make last minute changes to interview times if people are held up in traffic etc. But remember you cannot take it into any interviews or test rooms.

- Your interview invitation: you will need this so that you know where you are going and when. Remember to go to the Porters Lodge at least 10 minutes before each appointment for all Peterhouse interviews. If you are being interviewed at another College or at a faculty then please make sure you know how to get there.

- A pen: the Porter's will have some spare for those sitting tests but bring your own if you're worried about them running out.


- Photo ID (passport or driving license ideally): we may need to confirm your identity at the interview.


- Evidence of UMS marks: interviewers will be doing spot checks so make sure you bring them with you if you have declared UMS marks on your application.

- An alarm clock (if you are staying over): you do not want to miss your interview!

How to get to Peterhouse

I thought it'd be useful to show you some maps.

Here is a map of the city centre including Peterhouse:



Here is how to get from Drummer Street bus station to Peterhouse:


View Larger Map

Here is how to get from the railway station to Peterhouse:


View Larger Map

Here is a link for a map of Peterhouse:

http://www.pet.cam.ac.uk/welcome-peterhouse/map-college

I am afraid that things will be too hectic for us to arrange tours during interviews - feel free to wander around by yourselves but please don't wander off to your interviews by yourselves. It is important that the Porters can tick you off before EACH interview and show you to the right interview room and explain what you need to do.

Please post any questions by commenting here. It saves me replying to hundreds of the same question by email. I will not post every comment (especially if I receive the same comment more than once or if I think it is only relevant to an individual) but I will try to answer all questions.

Thanks.