Oxford Earth Sciences Interview Prep

you will have two interviews, one of which will be on maths and physics type questions. In the past these have been things like draw the shape of the graph for y=1/x². Physics type questions have been about density and temperature profiles in the earth, that leads onto reasons for mantle convection. They're not v. complicated but it's about applying existing knowledge to unfamiliar settings. A favourite question is what happens to the air temperature in a closed room with a fridge in it and the door to the fridge is left open. It's interpreted as a closed system, although a small amount of external energy enters from the outside via the wall socket where the fridge is plugged into. It does require you to be familiar with how a fridge works. It is unlikely you will be asked questions involving thorough differentiation or calculus.
If I may ask, what are you looking for in an Earth Sciences degree?

I’ve received an interview invitation for earth sciences and I honestly feel a bit stuck on how to prepare. I know I need to go over interpreting graphs, have confidence in certain concepts in physics and maths etc but I’m not sure how far I should go with this. Like should I be prepared to answer problems that involve thorough differentiation and integration or mechanics for example, or do I (like mentioned) just need to be able to grasp concepts within these topics? Also how likely are they to delve into A2 content for physics? I’ve already done a lot of prep related to my personal statement but again I’m unsure how much they’ll focus on it during the interview.
If anyone has any advice or is in a similar situation that would be a great help <3

I’ve received an interview invitation for earth sciences and I honestly feel a bit stuck on how to prepare. I know I need to go over interpreting graphs, have confidence in certain concepts in physics and maths etc but I’m not sure how far I should go with this. Like should I be prepared to answer problems that involve thorough differentiation and integration or mechanics for example, or do I (like mentioned) just need to be able to grasp concepts within these topics? Also how likely are they to delve into A2 content for physics? I’ve already done a lot of prep related to my personal statement but again I’m unsure how much they’ll focus on it during the interview.
If anyone has any advice or is in a similar situation that would be a great help <3

Heyy I have an interview for earth sciences this year and was wondering if this advice was true? How difficult was it and how did you find the experience 😊? Also did you end up going there or to a different uni?

Heyy I have an interview for earth sciences this year and was wondering if this advice was true? How difficult was it and how did you find the experience 😊? Also did you end up going there or to a different uni?

how was the interview? what questions did you get asked!

🤭 I don't think we are allowed to discuss the content of the interviews. I did not even tell my parents. Mine were OK (two at St. Edmand Hall, on 8 & 9 Dec). The interviewers were very nice. But I can tell that they are not very excited about me. So, my fingers are crossed.

no worries! I hope all went well yesterday!

Thanks! I received an offer from Teddy Hall, which is the college that I applied to. So, I am pleased. Hope that yours went well too!