The recent Oxbridge and Medics Schools’ Interview Exchange, hosted at Downe House in partnership with four local schools, offered an invaluable opportunity for students to prepare for the next stage of their university applications.

As an Experimental Psychology applicant, taking part in a formal academic interview with an external specialist was a hugely confidence-boosting experience. The session mirrored the style of an Oxford tutorial, focusing not on prior knowledge, but on the ability to think critically, respond to new information, and work through unfamiliar problems.

One of the most memorable moments was being asked to design a psychological experiment to investigate whether watching violent films influences aggressive behaviour. This challenge required me to consider both quantitative and qualitative methods of measuring aggression and to explain my reasoning clearly under pressure.

The event was thought-provoking, supportive, and extremely beneficial. It transformed the idea of an interview from something daunting and unknown into a stimulating academic conversation—one that I now feel far more prepared to tackle.