The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
7 curious questions Cambridge University asks candidates during interviews
Those among the 16,000 applying to the exclusive university this year may want to start revising these questions
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.It’s university application season again, with the 21 October deadline to applying to the prestigious Cambridge University fast approaching.
But if you were to get an interview at Cambridge, which last year saw 16,000 applications, how would you handle the interview process? Much like Oxford, interviewers will be looking out for ways to test your wits, so here are a few example questions to get your brain ticking.
1. Instead of politicians, why don't we let the managers of Ikea run the country?
You may have to answer this if you’re interested in studying Social and Political Science.
2. If a wife had expressed distaste for it previously, would her husband's habit of putting marmalade in his egg at breakfast be grounds for divorce?
Potential Law students may have to tackle this conundrum if they want a place on the course.
3. At what point is a person “dead”?
Those wanting to study Medicine better have an insight into this question.
4. Put a monetary value on this teapot.
Not so much a question, but an answer will be expected from Economics candidates.
5. What would you do if I were a magpie?
Budding Natural Scientists will have to get their head around this question.
6. If my friend locks me in a room, and says I am free to come out whenever I like so long as I pay £5, is this a deprivation of liberty?
If you want to study Law, you’ll have to come up with an answer to this.
7. How would you poison someone without the police finding out?
This is a question for Medicine applicants – not budding serial killers.
Sources: Questions are from former Cambridge professor John Fardon's Do You Think You’re Clever?, Oxbridge Applications,
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments