How does one best prepare for an Oxbridge interview?

Preparing for an Oxbridge interview is notoriously difficult because it is almost impossible to know what to expect. In an interview, an Oxbridge tutor wants to see that a student is able to think on his or her feet, that they are willing to step out of their comfort zone, and develop their opinions proficiently. Oxbridge tutors are not looking for the finished article. Therefore, it is not necessary to know absolutely everything about your subject before the interview. It is not about knowldge, but how you use the knowledge you do have. You will often be presented with an unseen stimulus, be it a poem for literarature or modern languages applicants or a high level equation for maths applicants.

Therefore, in order to prepare for an Oxbridge interview, I would recommend a few things. First of all, practise questioning yourself. Start off with a sample Oxbridge interview question for your subject. And consider it from all possible angles. Once you have come up with an initial answer, question it and actively try to prove it wrong. Riddles are particularly effectve for exercising one's brain. Second of all, read around your subject. The GCSE and A-level courses are quite limited compared to undergraduate studies. Oxbridge tutors like to see that you have taken an interest in your subject and can discuss what you have found.