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Cambridge University Interview Questions
About Cambridge University

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world.
As one of the most prestigious in the UK and notable alumni, teaching places a heavy emphasis on biomedical research with the hope that graduates will become world-leaders and embrace scientific advancement throughout their careers.
Studying at Cambridge is a unique experience based on tradition and the traditional experiences. Patient-centred learning remains at the heart of modern medical education.
INTERVIEW
MMI or Panel?
Panel
Interview format
The University of Cambridge Medicine interviews consist of two panel interviews, each lasts 20-45 minutes and usually have two interviewers; a medical practitioner and an admissions tutor.
Cambridge medicine interviews are, in general, designed to mimic the structure of a ‘supervision’.
Interview months
Interviews usually take place during the first three weeks of December, though some may be in early January. A small number of candidates may be invited to a further interview in January after the main interview period.
Examiner review
In a typical interview, the interviewer will introduce a scientific problem and will expect you to talk them through your thought process as you attempt to establish the answer. All examiners are usually really friendly. The Cambridge interviewers asked lots of follow-up questions based on the answers that you gave them in order to get a more in-depth answer from you. There was no generic, predetermined list.
What to expect after the interview?
Cambridge usually advise you of their decision before the end of January
Interview tips
The interviewers do not care about difficult scientific concepts; they are far more interested in the basic concepts that you learn at GCSE, and how you can apply them. Know the basics.
Unlike other medical schools, the Cambridge interview will focus almost entirely on your scientific aptitude, rather than your personal qualities, extracurricular activities or work experience. Interviewers can ask you anything related to the modules you have completed for A-level; generally, this is one Biology-based question, a Chemistry-based question and a Statistics-based question.
In addition to scientific aptitude, the Cambridge will have a few questions regarding your personal statement, BMAT essay and work experience, ensure that you are comfortable talking about these at length and can demonstrate that you have reflected adequately on these.
A peculiarity of the Cambridge interview experience is that it varies greatly between colleges, so make sure you research the interview format at your particular college.
The interviewer is there to guide you back to the right path, but they can only do this if you let them know what you are thinking so say something even if it’s wrong or sounds silly.

Example interview questions
Motivation
What is something you dislike about the Cambridge Medicine course?
Why do you want to study medicine/be a doctor?
Why Cambridge?
What do you think you could contribute to college life?
Medical ethics
What are some of the ethical issues surrounding gene editing?
If you have the money to do either 1 heart transplant or 100 hip replacements? Which would you do and why?
Are there too many people in the world?
Discuss the ethical dilemma of Huntingdon’s disease when one family member knows they have it and don’t want anyone else to know.
You are with a nurse who takes blood and makes a labelling mistake on a patient who has needle phobia. What do you do? What do you say to the patient and what do you say to the nurse?
How could you justify the legalisation of ecstasy?
If a psychologically ill person commits a crime, are they a criminal?
If you had to give human rights to one of either chimpanzees, dogs or elephants, which would you choose?
If you have the money to do either 1 heart transplant or 100 hip replacements? Which would you do and why?
If you had a billion pounds to spend on a specific area of research, what would it be and why?
If you were in charge of the nation’s health at the time of an outbreak of an unknown virus, what would you do?
In your opinion, what has been most significant medical breakthrough in the last 10 years?
Should patients always have complete autonomy?
Values and skills
Is it more important to be competent or compassionate?
What makes a good doctor?
Do you think that all doctors should have a disability in order to empathise with their patients?
How good were your teachers at school?
What have you found most difficult at A Level and how did you overcome this?
Tell us everything about you in 60 seconds.
What are your top three skills?
Do you think that all doctors should have a disability in order to empathise with their patients?
Is humour a useful skill for a doctor?
Work experience
Tell me about something you saw during work experience that confirmed that you wanted to study medicine?
Can you tell me about a patient from your work experience?
NHS