Test taken: At-interview test
Number of interviews: 2
Time between interviews: Several hours
Length of interviews: 20 mins
Online interview: No

In my ab initio interview, we mainly focused on my personal statement. We talked about why I wanted to do German, what experience I'd already had with the language and culture, and also my learning style.

In my French interview, I had to read a text beforehand and then we discussed it. We didn't talk about my personal statement at all and actually the interview wasn't really based on French - it was quite philosophical. This definitely threw me but in some respects it was easier, as it was more about how I thought and formed opinions/arguments than about my knowledge.

I made sure I knew the plots of the books I had read and mentioned on my personal statement. I also brushed up on my general knowledge about France. I also prepared some flashcards with bullet points for key questions (why Cambridge, why this course, why French/German etc) so I'd feel more confident at the start. I did a mock interview which helped prepare me for the general format too. I also brushed up on current affairs the night before, in case anything like that came up.

Mine was the first year for at-interview tests so there was not a lot to go on. Basically just brushed up on my French grammar/vocab. Presumably there's more info available for them now.

My advice would be not to stress too much - before and after. I found it really hard to judge how well I'd done! I was absolutely convinced I would never get in (I fell off a chair in one of them, why would Cambridge ever accept such an idiot?!) but here I am! I would also say to try not to overthink during the interview. It's okay to have pauses, it's natural for your mind to go blank in such a stressful situation. At the end of the day they're trying to draw the best out of you, not prove you wrong, so work with them! Don't assume the worst, just do your best.