'Why do animals have stripes?', 'Why do human beings have two eyes?' - Oxford University interview questions revealed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Students hoping for a place at Oxford University may cram their minds full of knowledge to cope with intellectually searching interviews. When the questions come, though, they can be left baffled for a response.
This year has been no exception, with interview teasers including “Why do animals have stripes?”, “Why do human beings have two eyes?” and “Does poetry have to be difficult?”
Potential history undergraduates were asked: “Imagine we had no records about the past at all except everything to do with sport – how much of the past could we find out about?”
Or try: “Why are strawberries and ladybirds both red?” The point, according to Mike Nicholson, director of undergraduate admissions at Oxford, is that there are no right or wrong answers to the questions.
“The interviews are an academic conversation in a subject area between tutors and candidate, similar to an undergraduate tutorial,” he said. “And, like tutorials, the interviews are designed to push students to think, not recite specific facts or answers.” At St Anne’s College, Martin Speight, who asked science students about animal stripes, added: “I’m just interested in candidates’ speculations about the advantages of having stripes.”
Lucinda Rumsey, of Mansfield College, defended asking potential English students – in the wake of JK Rowling’s new novel for adults – what the differences were between writing for children and for adults.
“I worry that not all candidates might have the same access to a wide range of literature. If I asked that question about Shakespeare some candidates might have a view of his literary output but many wouldn’t. If I start with Harry Potter, everyone at least has a starting point of recognition.
“And I think Rowling deserves a mention as I am sure that there are many people applying to study English at university this year who became avid readers because of her books.”
Oxford’s decision to lift the lid on interview questions comes as the deadline for applying for some of its most prestigious courses in medicine and veterinary science expires this weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments