Economics @ Sidney Sussex, Cambridge in 2018

Interview format

Economics Admissions Assessment (ECAA); 2x interviews

Interview content

Interview 1: maths problems, graph sketching; Interview 2: interests within the subject, explaining data patterns

Best preparation

Practice relevant admissions test questions

Advice in hindsight

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Final thoughts

Try to convey your curiosity and passion for your subject

Remember this advice isn't official. There is no guarantee it will reflect your experience because university applications can change between years. Check the official Cambridge and Oxford websites for more accurate information on this year's application format and the required tests.

Also, someone else's experience may not reflect your own. Most interviews are more like conversations than tests and like, any conversation, they are quite interactive.

Interview Format

Test taken: Economics Admissions Assessment

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: no

Time between interviews: 5 minutes

Length of first interview: 25 minutes; Length of second interview: 25 minutes

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

My first interview started with a discussion on exchange rates and macro shocks, then went on to maths questions sketching graphs and probability calculations. The second interview began with a discussion of the specific elements of economics which interested me. I was then given some graphs and asked to justify the economic reasons underpinning the data. Once I relaxed, I actually began to enjoy both interviews.

How did you prepare?

I prepared for the admissions test by practising MAT multiple choice maths questions and TSA problem solving questions. It is important to articulate ideas about your subject to develop your own subject knowledge and interest.

What advice do you have for future applicants?

Looking back, what advice would you give to your past self?

Remember the tnterviewers are looking for intellectual curiosity, a passion for the subject and whether you are teachable, so try to be yourself and convey these attributes in the interviews.