Cambridge Interview Guide 2026: Complete Guide for 2027 Entry
Updated: Sep 4
A Cambridge interview invitation is a significant achievement.
It means that a College has reviewed your application and wants to learn more about your academic ability, subject interest and potential to succeed on the course.
However, an invitation does not mean that you now need to deliver a flawless performance.
Cambridge interviews are not designed to be:
Corporate job interviews
Tests of social confidence
Competitions to speak first
General-knowledge quizzes
Memory tests covering the entire syllabus
Opportunities to give perfectly rehearsed speeches
They are academic conversations.
The interviewers want to understand:
How you think
How you use your existing knowledge
How you approach unfamiliar material
How you explain your reasoning
How you respond to questions and guidance
Why you want to study the subject
Most Cambridge applicants will have one or two interviews lasting a total of approximately 35 minutes to one hour. Some applicants may have three or four interviews, depending on the course and College. Interviews can be online or in person, and the format is determined by the College and course rather than chosen freely by the applicant.
For 2027 entry, the main Cambridge interview period runs from:
7 December to 18 December 2026
Most invitations are sent in November, although some may arrive in early December.
This Cambridge interview guide explains:
When Cambridge interviews take place
How interview invitations are sent
The difference between online and in-person interviews
How many interviews you might have
What questions you could be asked
What Cambridge is assessing
How to prepare by subject
What College admissions assessments involve
What happens in the Winter Pool
How to request reasonable adjustments
What to do if you are ill
Cambridge’s confidentiality rules
What happens after the interview
For a wider explanation of undergraduate interviews, read University Interviews Explained.
Cambridge Interview Quick Facts
Question | Answer |
Main interview period | 7 to 18 December 2026 |
Most invitations sent | November, with some in early December |
Typical number of interviews | One or two |
Typical total interview time | Approximately 35 minutes to one hour |
Possible additional interviews | Some applicants have three or four |
Interview format | Online or in person, depending on College and course |
Winter Pool interviews | Around mid to late January 2027 |
Mature January-round interviews | Mid-March to early April 2027 |
Main decision date | 27 January 2027 |
What Is a Cambridge Interview?
A Cambridge interview is an academic discussion used to assess your potential for the course.
It helps the College explore:
Your understanding of the subject
Your readiness for demanding academic study
Your ability to think critically
Your independence
Your curiosity
Your openness to new ideas
Your motivation for the course
Whether you are likely to thrive in Cambridge’s learning environment
Cambridge describes interviews as academic conversations about the subject you are interested in studying. They are one part of the wider admissions process rather than a separate performance judged in isolation.
Is a Cambridge Interview Like a Supervision?
Cambridge’s small-group teaching sessions are known as supervisions.
A supervision normally involves discussing academic work, answering questions, testing ideas and receiving feedback from an academic specialist. Students are expected to participate actively and explain their thinking.
An admissions interview is not the same as becoming a Cambridge student for an hour, but it may involve similar skills:
Academic discussion
Problem-solving
Applying knowledge
Responding to questions
Explaining an argument
Reconsidering an answer
Learning from guidance
The interviewers are not expecting you to arrive with the knowledge of a current Cambridge undergraduate.
They are assessing whether you show the potential to benefit from this style of teaching.
Does Everyone Who Applies to Cambridge Get an Interview?
No.
Cambridge invites many applicants to interview, but not every applicant is shortlisted.
Everyone who receives an offer will have been interviewed, but not everyone interviewed will receive an offer.
The decision to invite you may take account of information including:
Academic results
Predicted or achieved grades
School or college reference
Personal statement
Submitted written work
Admissions-test results
College admissions assessments
Contextual information
Extenuating circumstances
Cambridge considers the different parts of the application together. No single part of the application, including the interview, automatically determines the outcome.
Cambridge Interview Dates for 2027 Entry
Main Interview Period
The main interview period is:
Monday 7 December to Friday 18 December 2026
You should keep this period free where possible.
Cambridge states that interviews cannot normally be rearranged except in exceptional circumstances, such as:
Illness
Hospital appointments
Religious observance
Examinations
Other unavoidable commitments
Applicants who do not attend will not be considered for a place.
Winter Pool Interviews
A small number of applicants may be invited to an additional interview by another College during:
Mid to late January 2027
Additional Winter Pool interviews are relatively unusual.
For context, only 20 applicants were invited to a second interview during the January 2026 Winter Pool. Many pooled applicants are considered and offered places without another interview.
Mature Applicants Using the January Round
Mature applicants using Cambridge’s January application round are normally interviewed between:
Mid-March and early April 2027
Follow the instructions from the mature College assessing your application because the timeline differs from the standard October application cycle.
When Will You Receive Your Cambridge Interview Invitation?
Most invitations are sent during November.
Some invitations may arrive in early December, shortly before the interview period begins.
Cambridge states that the timing of the invitation does not indicate how strong the College considers your application. Receiving an invitation later than another applicant is not evidence that you were a weaker candidate or placed on a reserve list.
Where Will the Invitation Arrive?
The College may contact you through:
Email
The email address used in your application
A College applicant portal
Information provided through My Cambridge Application
Check:
Your inbox
Spam or junk
College emails
Any application portal
Messages sent to your school or college
What Will the Invitation Include?
Your invitation should explain:
Interview date
Interview time
Online or in-person format
Location or video platform
What you need on the day
Whether pre-interview reading is required
Whether you will complete a task
Whether you need to share written workings
Who to contact about adjustments
Who to contact if something goes wrong
Cambridge advises applicants to follow the individual College’s instructions because interview arrangements vary.
Are Cambridge Interviews Online or In Person?
Cambridge interviews may be:
Online
In person
A combination of arrangements across different Colleges
The format depends on:
The College assessing your application
The course
The College’s published 2027 interview policy
Cambridge publishes a College-by-College format table. Some Colleges conduct all interviews online, some conduct all interviews in person, and others use different formats for different courses.
Can You Choose Online or In Person?
Usually not.
Applicants cannot normally request a preferred format.
A College may consider an alternative format in exceptional circumstances, such as:
A disability-related need
A serious travel issue
A visa application being declined
Another significant barrier
Any alternative arrangement is at the discretion of the College assessing the application.
Do not assume that choosing a particular College guarantees an online or in-person interview without checking the current table.
How Many Cambridge Interviews Will You Have?
Most applicants have:
One interview
or:
Two interviews
These normally last a combined total of around:
35 minutes to one hour
Some applicants may have:
Three interviews
Four interviews
An interview plus an additional assessment
A general academic interview alongside subject interviews
The number of interviews does not indicate whether your application is considered strong or weak.
Why Might You Have More Than One Interview?
You might have separate discussions covering:
Different parts of the course
Different academic skills
Two subjects within a joint course
A subject interview and general academic interview
A theoretical and practical area
Different assessors within the College
Follow the timetable issued by the College.
Who Conducts Cambridge Interviews?
A subject-specific interview is likely to involve two or three interviewers.
These may include:
College Fellows
Directors of Studies
Subject specialists
University lecturers
Researchers
Academics involved in undergraduate teaching
You may also have a general academic interview conducted by academics outside your exact subject area.
General academic interviews may explore:
Other academic interests
Your future plans
Your suitability for the course
Your motivation
Your readiness for Cambridge study
What Happens During a Cambridge Interview?
Every interview is different.
Your discussion may begin with:
Your personal statement
Submitted written work
A recent school topic
A book or article
Why you applied for the course
Why you want to study at Cambridge
It is then likely to move into more demanding subject-focused discussion.
Cambridge states that applicants may be asked to apply their knowledge to new:
Situations
Materials
Problems
Arguments
Scenarios
Applicants to Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and similar courses may also be asked about the vocational aspects of the course.
A Typical Cambridge Interview Discussion
A subject interview might develop like this:
The interviewer gives you a question or piece of material.
You explain your initial observations.
The interviewer asks you to justify your reasoning.
You apply relevant school knowledge.
The interviewer introduces new information.
You adapt your approach.
The conversation develops towards a more difficult idea.
The interviewer may be more interested in the development of your thinking than in your first answer.
Subject-Specific Interviews
Most applicants have at least one subject-specific interview.
You may be asked to:
Solve a problem
Analyse a source
Interpret data
Explain a process
Discuss an argument
Compare interpretations
Apply a concept
Comment on unfamiliar material
Defend or revise a conclusion
You could also be asked about:
Current topics in your subject
Recent schoolwork
A supercurricular activity
Something from your personal statement
Why you chose the course
Why you applied to Cambridge
General Academic Interviews
Some applicants may have a broader academic interview.
This might explore:
Your wider academic interests
Your reasons for applying
Your ability to communicate
Future plans
Suitability for the course
How you approach independent study
The interviewer may not teach your exact subject.
This is still an academic assessment rather than a casual conversation about hobbies.
Pre-Interview Reading and Tasks
A College may send you material to read shortly before the interview.
This could include:
An article
Extract
Poem
Historical source
Data
Diagram
Case study
Problem
Argument
Your invitation should explain:
When you receive it
How much preparation time is allowed
Whether you may make notes
Whether internet research is permitted
How it will be discussed
Cambridge’s confidentiality rules prohibit sharing assigned pre-reading or interview questions with other applicants or commercial organisations.
Do not search online for help unless the College has explicitly said that you may.
Sharing Mathematical or Scientific Working
Applicants to Mathematics and Science courses may be asked to show their working.
The College will tell you how to do this.
Possible arrangements include:
Holding paper up to the camera
Using a document camera
Writing on a shared online whiteboard
Using a tablet and stylus
Explaining working verbally
Completing a problem in person
Cambridge advises online applicants to practise using any required tablet, stylus or shared whiteboard in advance. A College may arrange a separate technology check.
College Admissions Assessments
Some courses involve an additional assessment after applicants have been shortlisted for interview.
These are arranged by the College, and you do not normally register independently in advance.
The assessment may be:
Written
Verbal
Completed before the interview
Incorporated into an interview
Course-specific
College-specific
For 2027 entry, examples include assessments for certain applicants to courses such as:
Architecture
Design
Classics
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
English
Geography
History
Linguistics
Modern and Medieval Languages
The exact requirements vary between Colleges.
Do Not Confuse College Assessments With Pre-Registration Tests
Some Cambridge courses use pre-registration tests such as:
ESAT
TMUA
LNAT
UCAT
Other courses may use College assessments after shortlisting.
Check Complete Guide to University Admissions Tests to understand the difference.
Submitted Written Work
Some applicants, particularly those applying for arts, humanities or social science courses, submit written work before interview.
Cambridge advises choosing work that:
Meets the course requirements
Represents your normal schoolwork
Has been marked where required
Is something you are comfortable discussing at interview
How to Review Your Written Work
Before the interview, identify:
Your main argument
Your strongest evidence
The weakest part
Assumptions you made
Alternative interpretations
What you would change now
What further evidence would help
Possible questions include:
Why did you choose this argument?
Which source was most useful?
What is the strongest counterargument?
What would you change?
Do you still agree with your conclusion?
What does your evidence not show?
Do not memorise the essay.
Prepare to discuss it critically.
What Is Cambridge Assessing?
Cambridge may assess:
Understanding of the subject
Readiness for high-level academic study
Critical thinking
Independent thought
Curiosity
Openness to ideas
Academic motivation
Ability to explain reasoning
Academic Knowledge
You should have secure knowledge of relevant school topics.
However, Cambridge understands that applicants:
Follow different exam boards
Study topics in different orders
Have different school resources
May not have studied the subject formally
Come from different qualification systems
Tell the interviewer when you have not studied something.
You may still be able to reason from the information provided.
Critical Thinking
The interviewer may look for whether you can:
Identify assumptions
Evaluate evidence
Consider alternatives
Distinguish correlation from causation
Recognise limitations
Test an argument
Construct a counterexample
Independence
You may be asked for your own view.
This does not mean inventing an opinion quickly.
It means developing a reasoned response rather than trying to guess what the interviewer believes.
Curiosity
Strong applicants often show interest in:
Why something happens
How evidence was obtained
What the limitations are
Whether another explanation exists
What would happen under different conditions
Openness to New Ideas
Cambridge explicitly looks for curiosity and openness.
If the interviewer introduces evidence that challenges your first answer, engage with it rather than treating it as an attempt to catch you out.
What If You Do Not Know an Answer?
You are not expected to answer every question immediately.
Cambridge interviews may deliberately move beyond familiar school material.
If you are unsure, try saying:
I have not studied this directly, but I would begin by considering…
My initial thought is…, although I would need to test that by…
I am not certain, but the information appears to suggest…
Could I check whether we are assuming…?
That changes my answer because…
Cambridge advises applicants to ask interviewers to explain something they do not understand. You can answer in your own way and do not need to say what you imagine the interviewers want to hear.
Avoid
Inventing facts
Refusing to attempt the question
Giving an unsupported guess
Remaining silent for the rest of the discussion
Pretending to understand a term
Repeating the same answer after receiving new evidence
Should You Think Aloud?
Yes, particularly for:
Mathematics
Sciences
Computer Science
Economics
Logic
Source analysis
Unfamiliar problems
Explain:
What you notice
Which information seems useful
What method you might try
What assumptions you are making
Why an approach may not work
How a hint changes your thinking
Cambridge advises Mathematics and Science applicants to practise problem-solving and explaining how they reached an answer.
Useful Thinking-Aloud Phrases
The first thing I notice is…
This relationship suggests…
I would begin by testing…
I think the key assumption is…
That cannot be correct in every case because…
This new information means I need to reconsider…
I am going to try a simpler example first…
Thinking aloud does not mean narrating every tiny calculation.
Explain the important decisions.
How to Respond to Hints
An interviewer may give you:
A clue
A simpler example
A correction
A definition
New evidence
A question that redirects your thinking
This is not necessarily evidence that the interview is going badly.
A hint gives the interviewer an opportunity to see whether you can:
Listen
Identify what matters
Apply guidance
Adapt
Make progress
A useful response is:
Pause.
Restate what the hint changes.
Apply it.
Explain your revised reasoning.
Do not stubbornly defend an answer that the evidence no longer supports.
Cambridge Interview Questions
There is no list of questions used for every applicant.
The discussion depends on:
The course
College
Interviewer
Your application
Your answers
Material introduced during the interview
You may be asked questions about:
Motivation
Personal statement content
Submitted written work
Subject knowledge
Supercurricular activities
New academic material
Your reasoning
Your future plans
Read Common University Interview Questions for a broader practice bank.
Personal Statement Questions
From 2026 entry onwards, UCAS personal statements are divided into three responses.
Cambridge may ask about academic content from any part of your application.
Possible questions include:
Why did this area interest you?
What did you learn from the book?
Did you agree with the author?
How did the project change your thinking?
What did you explore next?
Which idea was most difficult?
How does this activity relate to the course?
Cambridge’s official preparation guidance advises rereading your personal statement before interview.
Why Cambridge?
You may be asked why you want to study:
The subject
The Cambridge course
At Cambridge
A strong answer should focus on:
Academic interests
Course structure
Teaching
Opportunities within the subject
Why the course suits how you want to learn
Avoid making the answer entirely about:
Reputation
Prestige
League tables
Famous alumni
Architecture
Career earnings
Cambridge Interview Questions by Subject
The following are examples of question styles, not predicted live questions.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
You may be asked to:
Analyse an unseen text
Evaluate an argument
Compare interpretations
Discuss submitted written work
Identify assumptions
Consider a counterargument
Explain how evidence supports a conclusion
Cambridge recommends that applicants to arts, humanities and social science courses read beyond school texts and think critically about what they read.
How to Prepare
Read beyond the syllabus.
Summarise arguments.
Identify evidence.
Consider other interpretations.
Practise discussing ideas aloud.
Review submitted work.
English
You might discuss:
A poem
Prose extract
Submitted essay
Literary interpretation
Form
Language
Tone
Ambiguity
Avoid searching for one hidden correct meaning.
Use evidence from the text.
Possible questions include:
What do you notice first?
Why might the writer use this word?
Is there another interpretation?
How does the form affect the meaning?
What changes if we read the passage differently?
History
You might be asked to:
Analyse a source
Discuss your written work
Compare historians
Identify the limits of evidence
Explain causation
Consider how interpretations are constructed
Useful questions to ask yourself include:
Who produced the source?
For what purpose?
What can it show?
What can it not show?
Which voices are missing?
Is another explanation possible?
Law
Cambridge Law applicants take the LNAT before the interview stage.
At interview, you may be given:
A hypothetical case
An argument
A rule
A factual scenario
A question about fairness or reasoning
The aim is not normally to test whether you already know detailed law.
Focus on:
Precise wording
Applying a rule consistently
Recognising competing interpretations
Explaining your conclusion
Responding when the facts change
Read LNAT Guide.
Economics
Economics applicants might be asked to:
Interpret a graph
Explain an economic relationship
Apply theory to a new case
Discuss assumptions
Analyse incentives
Consider unintended consequences
Use Mathematics
Do not turn the interview into a speech about current politics.
Use the information provided and explain the economic reasoning.
Human, Social and Political Sciences
You may discuss:
A political idea
Social evidence
Competing explanations
Definitions
Assumptions
Methodology
A current issue
Avoid assuming that the interviewer wants one ideological position.
Develop a reasoned argument and acknowledge limitations.
Mathematics
Mathematics interviews are likely to involve problem-solving.
You may need to:
Work through an unfamiliar problem
Explain each step
Test examples
Sketch a graph
Develop a proof
Use a hint
Revise an approach
Cambridge recommends that Mathematics applicants practise problem-solving and explaining how they worked out an answer.
How to Prepare
Practise unfamiliar problems.
Work without immediately reading solutions.
Explain methods aloud.
Check assumptions.
Try simple cases.
Practise showing working online where required.
Computer Science
Questions may involve:
Mathematical reasoning
Logic
Algorithms
Patterns
Problem-solving
Efficiency
Applying definitions
You are not necessarily expected to know every programming language or advanced Computer Science topic.
Explain how you break the problem down.
Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences applicants may be asked to:
Explain a scientific process
Interpret data
Suggest a hypothesis
Predict what happens when a variable changes
Link different areas of science
Evaluate an experiment
Check:
Units
Scales
Assumptions
Mechanisms
Alternative explanations
Whether the data support causation
Engineering
Engineering questions may involve:
Mechanics
Mathematics
Physical principles
Estimation
Diagrams
Design constraints
Applying knowledge to practical situations
Explain:
The model you are using
Forces or variables
Relevant assumptions
Whether the result is physically reasonable
Medicine
Cambridge Medicine interviews are academic and vocational.
You could be asked about:
Scientific concepts
Data
Experimental evidence
Motivation
The realities of Medicine
Communication
Professional responsibility
Cambridge states that Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants may be asked about the vocational aspects of the course.
Do not assume the format will resemble the MMI circuit used by another medical school.
Veterinary Medicine
You may need to demonstrate:
Scientific reasoning
Understanding of animal health
Awareness of the profession
Ethical judgement
Communication
Realistic motivation
Prepare to discuss:
What veterinary professionals do
What you learned from experience
Animal welfare
Working with owners
Emotional and practical demands
Public health and food production where relevant
Architecture and Design
Architecture and Design applicants may complete an admissions assessment after shortlisting.
For 2027 entry, Cambridge lists a graphic and spatial ability assessment for these courses, scheduled for 18 November 2026.
The interview may explore:
Portfolio work
Visual reasoning
Creative process
Design decisions
Buildings or spaces
Experimentation
Response to feedback
Prepare to discuss how your work developed rather than only presenting finished outcomes.
Languages and Linguistics
You may be asked to:
Discuss a text
Analyse language
Consider translation choices
Identify patterns
Demonstrate language aptitude
Respond in another language where appropriate
Some language applicants also complete College admissions assessments. Requirements depend on the language, course and College.
How to Prepare for a Cambridge Interview
Cambridge’s official guidance recommends:
Rereading your personal statement
Reviewing submitted written work
Exploring the subject beyond school
Thinking about topics that interest you
Practising academic conversations
Completing a practice interview
Asking someone less familiar to interview you where possible
Step 1: Read the Invitation Carefully
Record:
Detail | Your interview |
College | |
Course | |
Date | |
Time | |
Format | |
Platform or location | |
Number of interviews | |
Pre-reading | |
Assessment | |
Materials required | |
Contact details |
Step 2: Review the Course
Read the official course page.
Understand:
First-year content
Teaching structure
Assessment
Subject combinations
Practical work
Professional elements
Why the Cambridge course suits you
Do not memorise the website.
Identify two or three features that genuinely matter to you.
Step 3: Review Your Personal Statement
For every significant academic activity, ask:
What did I do?
What interested me?
What did I learn?
What did I question?
What happened next?
Do I still agree with what I wrote?
Step 4: Review Submitted Work
Reread any essay, portfolio or project sent to the College.
Prepare to discuss:
Argument
Evidence
Method
Limitations
Improvements
Alternative interpretations
Step 5: Refresh Subject Foundations
Review relevant school content.
Do not attempt to teach yourself the entire first-year degree.
Focus on:
Core principles
Connections
Reasoning
Application
Explaining concepts
Step 6: Explore Beyond the Syllabus
Use:
Books
Articles
Lectures
Podcasts
Academic videos
Problems
Museum resources
Public lectures
Cambridge recommends exploring your subject beyond school, but commercial tutoring is not required. The University states that paid interview-preparation companies are not endorsed and do not have exclusive information.
Step 7: Practise Academic Conversation
Ask a teacher or another suitable adult to:
Give you an unfamiliar question
Ask why
Challenge your conclusion
Offer a hint
Introduce new evidence
Ask you to revise the answer
Cambridge recommends practising with someone who does not know you particularly well, where possible, because this helps you explain ideas rather than relying on shared context.
Step 8: Practise Thinking Aloud
Use:
Graphs
Short sources
Mathematical problems
Scientific data
Arguments
Images
Hypothetical scenarios
Explain your reasoning clearly.
Step 9: Prepare the Practical Arrangements
For online interviews:
Test the device.
Check the platform.
Test the camera and microphone.
Practise any whiteboard.
Prepare paper and pens.
Save the College’s contact details.
For in-person interviews:
Plan travel.
Check the building.
Allow time for delays.
Prepare identification.
Follow the College’s arrival instructions.
A Two-Week Cambridge Interview Preparation Plan
Day 14: Understand the Interview
Read the invitation.
Confirm the format.
Record dates and times.
Check for assessments.
Request adjustments.
Day 13: Review the Course
Read the course page.
Identify first-year content.
Prepare course-specific reasons for applying.
Day 12: Review Your UCAS Application
Read all three responses.
Highlight books, projects and activities.
Prepare likely follow-up questions.
Day 11: Review Written Work
Identify the main argument.
Find limitations.
Consider what you would change.
Day 10: Refresh Subject Knowledge
Review relevant topics.
Explain key concepts aloud.
Focus on understanding.
Day 9: Analyse Unfamiliar Material
Use a:
Graph
Text
Source
Scientific result
Mathematical problem
Practise making careful observations.
Day 8: Practise Thinking Aloud
Explain your starting point.
State assumptions.
Test possible methods.
Respond to a hint.
Day 7: Complete a Mock Interview
Ask the interviewer to use:
Follow-up questions
Challenges
New information
One unfamiliar task
Day 6: Review the Mock
Identify:
Where you communicated clearly
Where you went silent
Where your reasoning was unsupported
How you used hints
Day 5: Practise Weak Areas
Focus on two or three improvements.
Do not repeat the entire mock word for word.
Day 4: Test the Technology or Journey
Online:
Test the platform.
Check camera and microphone.
Practise sharing working.
In person:
Plan travel.
Check the map.
Prepare required materials.
Day 3: Complete a Second Academic Discussion
Use a different topic.
Practise adapting rather than repeating prepared answers.
Day 2: Light Review
Review application evidence.
Refresh important concepts.
Prepare practical items.
Avoid intensive new study.
Day 1: Prepare Calmly
Charge devices.
Save links.
Prepare clothing.
Check travel.
Eat normally.
Sleep.
Interview Day
Join or arrive early.
Listen.
Pause.
Explain your thinking.
Respond to guidance.
Ask for clarification.
Begin each interview afresh.
Preparing for an Online Cambridge Interview
Cambridge advises online applicants to:
Choose a quiet place
Charge the device
Test the camera and microphone
Test the internet
Prepare pen and paper
Practise any required stylus or tablet
Keep the College’s phone number and email available
Your Online Setup
Use:
Computer or approved device
Stable internet
Webcam
Microphone
Charger
Plain paper
Pens
Required written work
Interview instructions
Room Setup
Choose a space that is:
Quiet
Private
Well lit
Free from interruptions
Suitable for the whole interview
Turn off:
Phone notifications
Computer alerts
Smart speakers
Automatic transcription
Unnecessary browser tabs
AI tools
What If Technology Fails?
Contact the College immediately.
Do not pretend that you can hear or see the interviewers when the connection is not working.
Follow the instructions supplied in the invitation.
Preparing for an In-Person Cambridge Interview
Cambridge advises applicants to:
Check the interview location
Plan travel
Allow enough time
Arrive punctually
Silence phones
Travel Support
For in-person interviews, travel support is available to UK students eligible for Free School Meals.
Accommodation and meals may also be provided in some circumstances. Some Colleges offer additional support to applicants facing financial difficulty. Contact the College for its arrangements.
What to Take
Follow the invitation, but you may need:
Interview confirmation
Identification
Submitted work
Portfolio
Pens
Notebook
Water
Travel information
College contact details
Reasonable Adjustments
Disabled applicants can request interview adjustments.
The College interviewing you will provide an Adjustment at Interview form.
Complete it fully and return it as soon as possible so the College has time to put suitable arrangements in place.
Possible adjustments may include:
Additional processing time
Rest breaks
Accessible materials
Enlarged text
Captioning
Adapted technology
Communication support
Adjusted room arrangements
Contact the College when you receive the invitation if you have any questions.
Requesting an adjustment does not make your application weaker.
What If You Are Ill?
Tell the College admissions office before the interview if:
You become ill
You are injured
A personal circumstance could significantly affect performance
A serious technical or travel problem occurs
Cambridge states that if you do not notify the College, it will assume that you are fit and ready to be interviewed. Illness, injury or personal circumstances reported only after the interview will not usually be considered when assessing the performance.
Do not struggle through a serious problem without communicating.
What Should You Wear?
Wear something comfortable.
Cambridge’s guidance says that you can be yourself and wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
You do not normally need:
A suit
Formal business clothing
Expensive shoes
School uniform
Choose clothing that allows you to concentrate on the academic conversation.
Cambridge Interview Confidentiality
Cambridge requires applicants to keep admissions material confidential.
You must not disclose details of:
Admissions assessments
Assigned pre-reading
Interview questions
to:
Other applicants
Commercial organisations
This restriction applies to communication through email, websites, chat rooms, messaging and other direct or indirect forms.
Can You Record the Interview?
No.
Cambridge prohibits:
Audio recording
Video recording
Photography
An unauthorised third party being present
The University states that an application will be cancelled where an applicant records or photographs an interview or assessment, or has an unauthorised third party present.
Can You Discuss the Interview With a Teacher?
You may discuss the general experience with a school or college adviser.
Cambridge asks applicants not to share full details of specific questions.
Can You Use AI During a Cambridge Interview?
No.
Cambridge’s admissions policy permits action where an applicant has been impersonated or assisted by another human or machine during an interview or admissions test.
Do not use:
Live AI answers
AI-generated prompts
Online searches
Hidden scripts
Automatic transcription
Another person in the room
AI can be used before the interview to generate practice questions, but the answers and reasoning during the real assessment must be your own.
How to Behave During the Interview
Listen to the Full Question
Avoid beginning a rehearsed answer before understanding what has been asked.
Pause
A short pause is completely acceptable.
Use it to organise your thoughts.
Explain Your Reasoning
Do not give only the final answer.
Ask for Clarification
Cambridge explicitly advises applicants to ask interviewers to explain something they do not understand.
Respond to Guidance
Use hints as part of the conversation.
Be Willing to Revise
Changing your mind after considering new information can demonstrate academic maturity.
Remain Honest
Say when something is unfamiliar.
Do not invent knowledge.
What Happens After the Cambridge Interview?
Cambridge considers the interview alongside:
Academic record
Reference
Personal statement
Written work
Admissions assessments
Contextual information
Extenuating circumstances
Your application may result in:
An offer from the College you applied to
An offer from another College
Placement in the Winter Pool
An additional January interview
An unsuccessful decision
The Cambridge Winter Pool Explained
The Winter Pool allows Colleges to consider strong applicants who cannot be offered a place by the College that initially assessed them.
You will not normally be told in advance that you have entered the Pool.
You may discover this because:
Another College offers you a place
Another College invites you to a January interview
You receive an unsuccessful decision after Pool consideration
Does Being Pooled Mean Your Interview Was Good?
It generally means your original College considered your application strong enough for further consideration.
However, you cannot predict the eventual outcome.
Do All Pooled Applicants Have Another Interview?
No.
Additional January interviews are unusual.
Most decisions are made using the existing application and interview information.
Can Another College Make You an Offer?
Yes.
In the January 2026 cycle, 1,060 pooled applicants were offered a place by a College other than the one to which they originally applied.
The College making the offer may differ from:
Your original choice
The College that interviewed you
A College you had previously considered
When Are Cambridge Decisions Released?
Applicants who applied by the October 2026 deadline and were selected for interview will receive their decision on:
27 January 2027
Colleges will send decisions by email in the morning, and outcomes are expected to appear in UCAS later that day.
Possible outcomes include:
Conditional offer
Unconditional offer
Offer from another College
Unsuccessful application
Do not contact the College repeatedly before the published decision date.
Can You Request Feedback?
Feedback arrangements vary between Colleges.
A College may:
Provide general feedback
Respond to a written request
Communicate through your school
Provide limited explanation
Refer you to published admissions information
A complaint or appeal normally needs to concern the admissions process rather than disagreement with academic judgement. Cambridge publishes a formal undergraduate admissions complaints and appeals procedure.
Common Cambridge Interview Mistakes
Memorising Scripts
Follow-up questions will quickly move beyond the prepared answer.
Preparing Only Motivation Questions
Most of the interview is likely to be subject-focused.
Ignoring the Personal Statement
You should be able to discuss every academic activity you included.
Ignoring Written Work
Tutors may ask you to challenge or improve your own argument.
Trying to Learn the Whole Degree
Secure understanding and flexible application are more valuable.
Giving an Answer Without Reasoning
The interviewers need to understand how you reached it.
Refusing to Change Your Mind
Respond to new evidence.
Treating Hints as Failure
Hints allow interviewers to see how you learn.
Pretending to Know Something
State what is unfamiliar and reason from the available information.
Remaining Silent
Try a possible approach and explain it.
Dominating the Conversation
Listen to the interviewer’s follow-up questions.
Over-Analysing the Number of Interviews
More interviews do not automatically mean your application is stronger or weaker.
Assuming Online and In-Person Interviews Are Identical
Follow the College’s practical instructions.
Neglecting College Assessments
Some applicants have an additional assessment after shortlisting.
Using Commercial “Inside Information”
Cambridge does not endorse paid interview-preparation providers, and they do not have access to exclusive information.
Sharing Confidential Questions
This breaches Cambridge’s rules.
Using AI or Live Assistance
The interview must represent your own work and reasoning.
Cambridge Interview Preparation Checklist
Interview Details
I have read the invitation.
I know the date and time.
I know whether the interview is online or in person.
I know how many interviews are scheduled.
I have checked for pre-reading.
I have checked for a College assessment.
I have saved the College’s contact details.
I have requested reasonable adjustments.
Application Review
I have read all three UCAS responses.
I can discuss every academic activity.
I remember the books and articles I mentioned.
I have reviewed submitted written work.
I understand why I chose the course.
I can explain why Cambridge suits me academically.
Academic Preparation
I have refreshed relevant school topics.
I have explored the subject beyond school.
I practise unfamiliar problems.
I practise analysing new material.
I explain my reasoning aloud.
I respond to hints.
I can revise an answer.
I admit uncertainty honestly.
Online Interview
My device works.
My camera works.
My microphone works.
My internet is reliable.
I have tested the platform.
I can share working where required.
I have a charger.
I have paper and pens.
I have disabled unauthorised tools.
I have a quiet space.
In-Person Interview
I know the College and building.
I have planned travel.
I know the arrival time.
I have checked financial support.
I have the required identification.
I have prepared requested documents.
I have the College telephone number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge Interviews
When Are Cambridge Interviews for 2027 Entry?
The main interview period is 7 to 18 December 2026.
When Are Invitations Sent?
Most invitations are sent in November, although some may arrive in early December.
Does a Late Invitation Mean You Are a Weaker Applicant?
No.
Cambridge states that the timing of an invitation does not reflect the perceived strength of the application.
Are Cambridge Interviews Online?
Some are online and some are in person.
The format depends on the College and course.
Can You Choose the Interview Format?
Not normally.
An alternative may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
How Many Cambridge Interviews Will You Have?
Most applicants have one or two.
Some have three or four, depending on the course and College.
How Long Do Cambridge Interviews Last?
Most applicants have interviews lasting a combined total of approximately 35 minutes to one hour.
Does Everyone Get a Cambridge Interview?
No.
Cambridge invites many applicants, but not every applicant is shortlisted.
Does an Interview Guarantee an Offer?
No.
Everyone receiving an offer has been interviewed, but not everyone interviewed receives an offer.
How Many Interviewers Will There Be?
A subject-specific interview may involve two or three interviewers.
Will They Ask About Your Personal Statement?
They may.
Cambridge advises you to reread it before the interview.
Will They Ask About Submitted Written Work?
They may, particularly for arts, humanities and social science courses.
Choose work you are comfortable discussing and review it carefully.
Will You Be Given Pre-Reading?
Possibly.
The College will explain this in your invitation.
Will You Need to Complete Another Test?
Some applicants complete a College admissions assessment after being shortlisted.
Requirements depend on the course and College.
Are Cambridge Interview Questions Impossible?
They can be challenging and unfamiliar.
The purpose is to explore how you reason and respond, not simply whether you already know the answer.
Can You Ask for Clarification?
Yes.
Cambridge explicitly advises applicants to ask interviewers to explain something they do not understand.
Should You Think Aloud?
Yes, particularly for Mathematics, Science and problem-solving questions.
Explain how you approach the problem.
Can You Change Your Answer?
Yes.
Changing your answer in response to evidence can show flexibility.
What Should You Wear?
Wear something comfortable.
Cambridge does not require special formal clothing.
Can You Have Notes?
Follow the College’s instructions.
For an online interview, Cambridge recommends having a pen and paper available.
Can You Record the Interview?
No.
Cambridge prohibits recording or photographing interviews and assessments.
Can a Parent, Teacher or Tutor Be Present?
Not unless Cambridge has approved a particular arrangement.
An unauthorised third party must not be present.
Can You Use AI?
No.
The interview must be completed independently and without assistance from another human or machine.
Can You Share Questions Afterwards?
No.
Specific interview questions, assigned reading and assessment details are confidential.
Can You Rearrange the Interview?
Only in exceptional circumstances.
Contact the College immediately.
What If You Are Ill?
Tell the College before the interview.
Circumstances reported only afterwards will not usually be taken into account.
Can You Receive Reasonable Adjustments?
Yes.
Complete the Adjustment at Interview form supplied by the College and return it promptly.
Is Travel Support Available?
For in-person interviews, support is available to eligible UK students who receive Free School Meals.
Other financial support may be available through individual Colleges.
What Is the Winter Pool?
The Winter Pool allows other Colleges to consider strong applicants who cannot be offered a place by the original College.
You may receive an offer from another College without another interview.
Does Being Pooled Mean You Will Have Another Interview?
No.
Only a small number of pooled applicants are invited to another interview.
When Will Cambridge Decisions Be Released?
Decisions for standard 2027-entry applicants will be released on 27 January 2027.
Can Another College Offer You a Place?
Yes.
The offering College may be different from the College to which you originally applied.
Do You Need Paid Interview Coaching?
No.
Cambridge provides free official guidance and does not endorse commercial interview-preparation companies.
Final Thoughts on Cambridge Interviews
A Cambridge interview is not a test of whether you can appear confident for an hour.
It is an opportunity to demonstrate that you can:
Engage seriously with your subject.
Apply your knowledge.
Analyse unfamiliar material.
Explain your reasoning.
Ask sensible questions.
Respond to hints.
Recognise limitations.
Revise your ideas.
Remain curious when a problem becomes difficult.
Learn through academic discussion.
Prepare carefully, but do not manufacture a polished interview personality.
Review your application. Revisit submitted work. Refresh your subject foundations. Practise explaining unfamiliar problems and responding to follow-up questions.
During the interview:
Listen to the complete question.
Take time to think.
Explain your starting point.
Make assumptions clear.
Try the difficult problem.
Use the guidance provided.
Change direction when necessary.
Ask for clarification.
Report practical problems promptly.
Treat every interview as a fresh conversation.
An invitation means that Cambridge considers your application worth exploring further.
You are not expected to arrive as a finished Cambridge academic.
You are expected to show that you have the academic potential, curiosity and willingness to develop into one.
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