Interviews at Oxford and Cambridge

Just want to clear something up which I've heard from multiple sources.


So I've read and heard that Oxford and Cambridge treat the interview differently. Apparently, Cambridge sees the interview as only one part of the whole application and places greater emphasis on grades & UMS marks and potentially admissions test. In other words, a poor interview performance will not matter so much if you have great UMS marks (high 90% average).


On the other hand, I've heard Oxford interview fewer candidates and mainly use the UCAS application to shortlist interview invitations. And that, once you have been invited to interview, it is a 'level playing field'. Thus the interview is essentially the main determinant of who gets an offer and who doesn't (assuming Oxford only shortlists candidates for interview who show capability of getting an offer).


So yeah, to what extent is this true? Given how hefty and poorly worded this post has turned out to be, any replies will be greatly appreciated.

On the other hand, I've heard Oxford interview fewer candidates and mainly use the UCAS application to shortlist interview invitations. And that, once you have been invited to interview, it is a 'level playing field'. Thus the interview is essentially the main determinant of who gets an offer and who doesn't (assuming Oxford only shortlists candidates for interview who show capability of getting an offer).

Both Universities use the interviews as part of the entire process. Your grades, test results, application and interview are all considered before places are given out and a bad interview doesn't mean you wont get a place (as told by the countless of students currently studying at Oxford that felt there interviews were bad!)

Generally it all comes down to having good grades/UMS, good test score and showing enthusiasm and a good thinking mind in the interviews....

Just want to clear something up which I've heard from multiple sources.


So I've read and heard that Oxford and Cambridge treat the interview differently. Apparently, Cambridge sees the interview as only one part of the whole application and places greater emphasis on grades & UMS marks and potentially admissions test. In other words, a poor interview performance will not matter so much if you have great UMS marks (high 90% average).


On the other hand, I've heard Oxford interview fewer candidates and mainly use the UCAS application to shortlist interview invitations. And that, once you have been invited to interview, it is a 'level playing field'. Thus the interview is essentially the main determinant of who gets an offer and who doesn't (assuming Oxford only shortlists candidates for interview who show capability of getting an offer).


So yeah, to what extent is this true? Given how hefty and poorly worded this post has turned out to be, any replies will be greatly appreciated.