<p>In this section, you’ll hear from an Oxford alumnus about his interview for History and how it went.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Briefly tell us about your interview</strong></p><p><br>My interview experience was incredible. The interviews were fast paced. I found myself struggling to keep up with the questions and problems being thrown my way. I left the room feeling mentally exhausted, but it was also quite enjoyable discussing History in such a rigorous setting.&nbsp;<br><br>I was given a text an hour before the interview on wife beatings in 19th century Russia. This was the basis of the interview, during which I was asked various questions based on the text: What do they tell us about gender roles? How does this suggest 'violence' was defined in this period? Is there an inherent bias in the source? How can we overcome it?&nbsp;<br><br>The majority of the interview revolved around discussions of the set text, with a minor portion being based on my Personal Statement.<br><br><strong>What would you say you did best on during your interview?</strong><br><br>Overall, I had the feeling that the interviewers were looking out for two main attributes. One, the ability to be analytical and creative with History. Two, a passion and desire to study the subject.&nbsp;<br><br>I think I was able to show the tutors I possessed both these qualities. The second aspect, passion, really must be emphasised. There are a lot of clever applicants who are analytical and creative, but I think I did well because I truly wanted to study History and I was able to demonstrate my passion for the subject.<br>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://oxbridge-blogs.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/sV0ngwsyP9nOsrNV4JX5.png"></figure><p><br><strong>Any other advice for History applicants?</strong><br><br>Read widely and think deeply about History. My tutor told me that a certain amount of 'nerdiness' is welcome in candidates. The best way to start thinking about History in complex ways, and preparing yourself for the interview, is to go through the works of academics. Don’t just read them; think about the concepts and ideas that they propose. If an applicant keeps this up for a year, I think he or she would be extremely well placed to shine in the interview.</p>