How Can I Help My Child Prepare for Their Oxford or Cambridge Interviews as a Parent or Guardian?

Understand the Oxford and Cambridge Interview Process

Familiarise yourself with the Oxford and Cambridge interview process to provide informed support. Research the structure, expectations, and significance of these interviews. Knowing what to expect will help you better assist your child.

The blogs we host here on our website are full of handy advice and explanations of the Oxford and Cambridge interview processes. Additionally, check out our subject-by-subject guide to Oxford and Cambridge interviews in our Free Resources Hub here. We also recommend checking out the website of the university to which your chid has applied for any additional information they provide there.

Encourage Independent Learning

Emphasise the importance of independent learning. Encourage your child to read widely and critically in their chosen field. Suggest books, articles, and documentaries that can expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of their subject.

Oxford and Cambridge department websites and pages often provide example reading lists or recommended starting points for wider reading. We recommend checking these out and encouraging your child to read one or two in their spare time. Additionally, ChatGPT can be a useful resource for recommending new academic resources in which your child might be interested.

Offer a Listening Ear

Be there for your child as a supportive listener. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns about the interview process. Sometimes, discussing their anxieties or doubts can help alleviate their stress. Provided you have researched the interview process yourself, you can position yourself as an encouraging and advising presence in their moments of anxiety.

Mock Interview Practice

Help your child by offering them your time and ears for practicing their interview technique. This may sound like a challenging task, but you need not be an expert in the subject to which your child is applying in order to help them out with mock interviews. Past questions in your child's chosen subject are easy to come across online (as well as in our free interview guides here), and are a great place to begin. Additionally, we recommend asking them to explain what they have learned from the resources they mentioned in their personal statement; explaining things to the uninitiated is a great way for them to ensure they know what they are talking about! If using past questions, we recommend using them as a starting point and then asking several follow-up questions based on their answers (rather than moving straight onto another question), since this is more akin to the real interviews.

For those who may not have the time to practice interviews with their child; do not worry! There are plenty of mock interview resources or alternative methods you can guide your child towards. For example, why not encourage them to pair up with a friend and practice with one another after school? Alternatively, professional services (such as Oxbridge Application Mock Interview Packages) are a great way to get mock interviews alongside impartial, expert feedback on your child's development.

Foster Critical Thinking

Engage in and encourage intellectual discussions with your child wherever possible. Encourage them to think critically, form opinions, and defend their ideas coherently. These discussions can happen during family dinners, in the car or on the train between locations, or while watching television together (perhaps documentaries or the news to really foster academic conversation!). Whilst we don't want to encourage arguments, we recommend perhaps gently questioning or asking for clarification on opinions or academic stances your child has, since this will make up a big portion of interview questions. We caution parents and guardians here, however: make sure not to sew seeds of doubt in your child's mind regarding their ability to formulate opinions, but rather encourage them to explain their thought process and evaluate all points of view when coming to conclusions.

Stay Informed

Keep up with current events and trends in your child's chosen field. This will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations and provide valuable insights when discussing potential interview topics. Perhaps consider subscribing to industry or academic newsletters (for example, to the Scientific American or the British Association for Japanese Studies, should your child be applying to Physics or Japanese Studies). Alternatively, you could set news updates and reminders for any stories related to their chosen field or region.

Respect their Independence

While the guidance and encouragement of a parent or guardian can be an incredible aid to an applicant, it's also important to respect their independence and to ensure you don't 'kill them with kindness', so to speak. Avoid overwhelming them with pressure or excessive advice; the tips in this article are intended to be used only if and when your child asks for or needs them. At this stage in their education, it's important that you allow them to take ownership of their own preparation process so they can do what works best for them.

Manage Stress

Be aware of the stress and pressure that your child may be experiencing. Encourage healthy stress management techniques like exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises. Assure them that you believe in their abilities, and that it is entirely normal and reasonable for them to be feeling anxiety.

Whilst preparation is important, be sure to take note if your child is over-preparing or causing themselves stress through constant, unrelenting revision. For some applicants, all the motivation they need to get work done is within them, and what they require from the outside is the reminder to take breaks and relax! Offer them a safe space in which they can unwind without thinking about their interviews as and when they need it.

Be their Biggest Cheerleader

In the lead up to and during the interviews themselves, be a source of gentle encouragement and support without adding additional pressure. Ensure they have everything they need, from appropriate clothing to a well-prepared mindset. Offer words of encouragement and remind them that you're proud of their hard work, regardless of the outcome.

As a parent or guardian, your role in helping your child prepare for their Oxford or Cambridge interviews can be invaluable. Your support, understanding, and encouragement can make a significant difference in their confidence and performance. By fostering their independence, promoting critical thinking, and offering a listening ear, you can help your child navigate the challenging interview process with resilience and determination. Remember, your unwavering belief in their abilities is a vital source of motivation on their journey to Oxford or Cambridge.