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History and Politics at Cambridge

Hi, I've just had an interview at Cambridge for History and Politics and I'm slightly perplexed about my experience.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
Original post by JW194051
Hi, I've just had an interview at Cambridge for History and Politics and I'm slightly perplexed about my experience.

I found the experience very underwhelming and felt as though I the questions were quite straightforward and didn't allow me to show my full potential.

Also, I only had one interview, despite the college's website saying that applicants can expect two interviews for this course. My written work wasn't discussed whatsoever. I also felt like the interviewers were lacking in energy.

Please could anyone help me make sense of this?

Hey! I was also interviewed for History and Politics and one of my interviews was a little bit like this. I wouldn't say that the interviewers were lacking in energy (they actually seemed interested), but the questions themselves were very general. I actually found it hard to answer sometimes, because the questions didn't allow me to give any meaningful or thoughtful answers, and everything I did say felt rehearsed. In addition, the interviewers also barely asked any follow-up questions.
I definitely don't think of it as a bad experience (still enjoyed it and the interviewers were very patient/friendly), but I thought my first interview was way better as it was more challenging, interesting and conversational. I honestly have no idea what it means for your application, but just wanted to say this to let you know you're not the only one who had this experience.
Which colleges did you guys apply to? I did Newnham and the politics one was quite different to the history one
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous #1
Which colleges did you guys apply to? I did Newnham and the politics one was quite different to the history one

I applied to Homerton, but my interviews were both a combination of history and politics
Reply 4
Original post by Labda18
I applied to Homerton, but my interviews were both a combination of history and politics

also Homerton this year!
Reply 5
Original post by Hsiao
also Homerton this year!

Good luck! I don't know who's interviewing this year but all of the fellows I've met are lovely, I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience! Don't stress out too much, just see it as a great opportunity to talk about something you're passionate about, and a chance to see whether the supervision system would suit you (my interviews were very much like the supervisions I have today, so it's genuinely a good representation!). Good luck again and I hope to see you @ Homerton next year!
Reply 6
Original post by Labda18
Good luck! I don't know who's interviewing this year but all of the fellows I've met are lovely, I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience! Don't stress out too much, just see it as a great opportunity to talk about something you're passionate about, and a chance to see whether the supervision system would suit you (my interviews were very much like the supervisions I have today, so it's genuinely a good representation!). Good luck again and I hope to see you @ Homerton next year!

thanks!!🥰 actually one of my interviewer is the director of studies lol
Original post by JW194051
Hi, I've just had an interview at Cambridge for History and Politics and I'm slightly perplexed about my experience.

this is literally how I feel with my history and politics interview too, I honestly felt underwhelmed with the questions as well and I feel like I didn't get to show my knowledge as well as I could've

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