Maths @ Jesus, Cambridge in 2018

Interview format

STEP; 2x interviews

Interview content

Interview 1: probability and geometry questions; Interview 2: number theory questions

Best preparation

Look up maths interview questions

Advice in hindsight

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Final thoughts

Don't worry if you realise later that you made a mistake

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: Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: no

Time betwen interviews: 45 minutes

Length of first interview: 30 minutes; Length of second interview: 30 minutes

What happened in your interview? How did you feel?

Both interviews jumped straight into questions: some on probability, some on geometry and proofs and some on number theory.

How did you prepare?

I prepared by using practice papers and the Further Maths Support Programme. I also searched for maths interview questions online and used the Student Room for advice.

What advice do you have for future applicants?

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

Make sure everything on your personal statement is true and you can expand upon whatever you have mentioned if questioned on it. In the interview, try to answer the questions as best you can and don't beat yourself up if you get something wrong or realise afterwards you made a mistake.