How much do Oxford interviews matter?
Hi, I'm in year 12 and thinking about applying for PPE at Oxford next year. I got 10 x 9s at GCSE at am on track for 3 A*s and an A at A Level. I've also done a few TSA past papers and got pretty high on them. I think I stand a decent chance at getting an interview but this is the problem. I'm awful at speaking in front of people (e.g. I struggle to answer the register at school). I can't make eye contact, can't stop fidgeting, face blushes, etc. (I've got ASD). Because of this, I'm wondering if it is still worth applying because people say that once you get to interview the interview is the only thing that matters for admission. Any ideas?
Reply 1
11
The interview matters a lot. After they shortlist you, the interview is pretty much what determines if you get in.
This is the same for Oxford and Cambridge, but, anything is possible with enough practice.
This is the same for Oxford and Cambridge, but, anything is possible with enough practice.
Reply 2
Mention your shyness in your personal statement. The tutors should take that into consideration should you be offered an interview. You have plenty of time to start practising thinking and speaking out loud. Try explaining why you like PPE to a teacher or friends or someone you feel comfortable talking with. Your school may be able to offer further advice and support. Worth noting that a core part of Oxford's teaching methods is the tutorial where you would be expected to contribute to the discussions. Tutorials are small group teaching with 1 or 2 students and a tutor for at least an hour each week during term time.
Reply 3
As you have ASD, your teacher should mention this in their reference and you should also declare it as a disability. This means they will be aware of it at interview and can take it into account.
The interview is not the only thing that matters - it is a holistic decision. But the interview is very important. But they are looking for academic potential, not how outgoing or socially charming you are, and they don’t care if you struggle with eye contact or appear shy.
Also bear in mind it is an academic interview not a social test. It is likely to go “hello, let’s present you with this problem”, not “tell us about you as a person”. Many ND candidates find this easier than an “job” type interview or other types of presentation task.
The interview is not the only thing that matters - it is a holistic decision. But the interview is very important. But they are looking for academic potential, not how outgoing or socially charming you are, and they don’t care if you struggle with eye contact or appear shy.
Also bear in mind it is an academic interview not a social test. It is likely to go “hello, let’s present you with this problem”, not “tell us about you as a person”. Many ND candidates find this easier than an “job” type interview or other types of presentation task.
Reply 4
Original post
by xyz1234567As you have ASD, your teacher should mention this in their reference and you should also declare it as a disability. This means they will be aware of it at interview and can take it into account.
The interview is not the only thing that matters - it is a holistic decision. But the interview is very important. But they are looking for academic potential, not how outgoing or socially charming you are, and they don’t care if you struggle with eye contact or appear shy.
Also bear in mind it is an academic interview not a social test. It is likely to go “hello, let’s present you with this problem”, not “tell us about you as a person”. Many ND candidates find this easier than an “job” type interview or other types of presentation task.
The interview is not the only thing that matters - it is a holistic decision. But the interview is very important. But they are looking for academic potential, not how outgoing or socially charming you are, and they don’t care if you struggle with eye contact or appear shy.
Also bear in mind it is an academic interview not a social test. It is likely to go “hello, let’s present you with this problem”, not “tell us about you as a person”. Many ND candidates find this easier than an “job” type interview or other types of presentation task.
Thank you, that's really helpful
Reply 5
hi this is very relatable except that I am not diagnosed with ASD(i think I have it) . Wishing you all the best!!!
Reply 6
Oxford interviews are online so you can get away without the eye contact! That might help. Good luck you sound very able
Reply 7
Original post
by Anonymoushi this is very relatable except that I am not diagnosed with ASD(i think I have it) . Wishing you all the best!!!
I am in a similar situation, except that I was diagnosed at age 3 and I am in Year 13. My school discouraged me from applying to Oxford. I guess they did not think I stood a chance. I applied anyway, and was interviewed about two weeks ago. I do not pick up on social cues, so I have no idea how it went. I did not find their questions difficult or tricky, though. The interviewers were very nice too. I will give you an update on what happens next after Oxford releases decisions on 15 January 2026. Regardless of the result, I actually enjoyed the process. At least I gave it a try, and there is no regret.
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