Engineering Interview - Wish I'd Known (Expert Cambridge Application Advice)
For Engineering, you will typically have two interviews. Broadly speaking, these will be split into a technical interview and a more general interview. In the technical interview, you will be confronted with problems based on your mathematics and physics syllabi. This is for the admissions team to gain an understanding of your mastery of the content matter and your ability to adapt to new information and challenges. The general interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your enthusiasm for the subject, your wider reading and any experience you might have. This will likely involve questions about your personal statement, so re-read any books or journals you claim to have read before the interview to save embarrassment!
Types of Problems
It would be unfair of the interviewers to expect you to have a detailed mathematical knowledge of any topics/methods not covered in your syllabus, so do not fret about learning the extra material. Instead, make sure that you are quick and confident with any of the essential materials for an Engineering degree. Likely material for interview questions will be electrical circuits, calculus, simple mechanics, graph drawing and kinematics. Being familiar with the different ideas and derivations for these areas will come in extremely when simplifying an unfamiliar problem into something you can solve.
When working through these questions it is crucial to explain the approach you are taking; speak slowly, break the problem down into stages and draw clear diagrams. This will make the question easier for you and allow the interviewers to put you on the right track if you go astray.
Part of the technical interview is for the assessors to see how well you respond to new ideas and methods, so expect to be shown something new! Work through it as best you can with what you know, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unclear about the problem and listen carefully to their guidance or suggestions. Don’t worry if the assessment team give you lots of pointers or hints, this usually means that you are on the right track and are nearing the answer.
Showing your interest
An Engineering degree at Cambridge or Oxford is a gruelling undertaking and the assessment team will only accept students who they believe have the drive to get through it. The general interview is your chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the subject and for the university. By reading widely and keeping an eye on current developments this is easily achievable. If given an engineering question with a wide scope e.g “where do you see the future of energy in the UK”, mention articles or books you’ve read on renewables, nuclear, fracking etc. Other in-vogue engineering topics that may be brought up include Machine Learning, AI, Blockchain, Driverless Vehicles or Nanotechnology; make sure you have some basic insights and understanding of their potential and how they work.
It is also helpful to have a clear idea of why you are picking Cambridge or Oxford and the resources available to you at the university. The Engineering department is full of exciting student-run projects such as space flight, eco racing and robotics – all with their own websites. Having an idea of what you want to achieve with your four years is important, don’t be afraid to reach out to current students or academics to find out more before your interview.
This article was written by Alfie (Cambridge - Engineering).
If you find this content useful, please visit Alfie's profile for further information on applying to Oxbridge. Alternatively, book support now with Alfi, using the form below.
Author: Alfie - Cambridge
MEEng Engineering
I recently graduated with a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering. Studying at has given me the ability to draw links between a vast range of subjects and their real-world applications; I aim to provide a similar service for my students, instilling in them a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge
