Interviewing in: Maths
Background on subject
Mathematics involves topics such as algebra, calculus, probability and Newtonian dynamics. It is a subject which encourages thinking outside the box to solve mathematical problems.
At Cambridge, students can choose between Mathematics with Physics, or Pure and Applied Mathematics in the first year. They then specialise in the second year. At Oxford, students study a core first year which includes pure and applied modules, and start to specialise after this.
At Oxford, A-level Mathematics is required.
At Cambridge, both A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics are subject requirements. Some colleges also require A-level Physics, for applications for Mathematics with Physics.
For Oxford, applicants are required to take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT).
For Cambridge, students have to sit the STEP.
Can I interview in this subject?
You do not have to have studied Mathematics at university to give a robust and rigorous practice interview in this subject.
Volunteers from the following subjects, or similar, will also be able to deliver Mathematics interviews:
Interview types
There are two different types of practice interviews in Mathematics, which you may be asked to deliver.
Interview on 'application material' - asking the students' questions about their personal statement, or an essay they will submit as part of their application
Interview on 'unseen material' - asking the students' questions on an article, study, or research paper they have not seen before, testing how they handle new material
SAMPLE Resources
Below you can access a folder of resources for conducting Mathematics interviews:
Interview on application material - you can see a sample personal statement, highlighted with examples of questions which could be asked
Interview on unseen material - you can see examples of articles which have previously been given to students, along with questions
These resources are intended for inspiration - to give you an idea of the level, length and themes of the material we use in our practice interviews. However, should you wish to use this material in the practice interviews you deliver, just let us know so we can make sure returning students haven't seen it before!
Meet one of our VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS: Victoria
I graduated in 2016 with a Masters in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering from Cambridge.
I actually was interviewed myself by OxFizz volunteers in my application. For the past year I now volunteer with OxFizz as a mock interviewer.
I love meeting inspiring students who share my passion for science and engineering, and I want to help them build their confidence in the run up to their interviews (just like OxFizz volunteers helped me in the past!).
