Oxford University has released a selection of questions the various faculties like to ask candidates, and frankly, it has given us the willies. Interviews are stressful situations as it is, but an academic interview where your whole future depends on the answer coming out of your mouth? Beyond terrifying.
The university claims that it wants to demystify the process for future students as well as make it clear that it isn't a case of right or wrong. Interviewees for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics can expect questions like, "I'm having trouble with the meaning of three words: Lie, Deceive, Mislead. They seem to mean something a bit similar, but not exactly the same. Help me to sort them out from each other." While History candidates would be asked, "Which person (or sort of person) in the past would you most like to interview, and why?"
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Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions says about these preview questions, "Interviews are designed to give candidates a chance to show their real ability and potential, which means candidates will be pushed to use their knowledge and apply their thinking to new problems in ways that will both challenge them and allow them to shine. Interviews are an academic conversation in a subject area between tutors and candidate, similar to the undergraduate tutorials which current Oxford students attend every week. Like tutorials, interviews are designed to get students to think, not recite specific facts or answers."
Click through to the read the entire list of interview questions and let us know if you would be able to answer them. Frankly, this writer is a little relieved that her university days are behind her. (The Independent)
Photo: Via The Independent.
