In this guide we’ll take a look at some questions that have been asked of Oxford biology applicants in the past – both those that are more expected, and those that are a little stranger.
Let’s begin by considering an overall approach to science questions at interview.
Your first step should be to contextualise the question and think about what area of your knowledge is being tested. With some of the more left-field questions, this is especially important. For example, a question on poisoning could rely on your knowledge of how substances are metabolised.
Next, apply your A Level knowledge to the question. Then, bring in additional information from outside the A Level syllabus. Show that you’ve a true passion for the subject by involving books you’ve read, projects you’ve done, or experiments you have performed.
Lastly, use logic to build out an answer that you can then debate with the tutor interviewing you, and work towards a productive discussion. Show that you can take their ideas onboard.