The University of Oxford has announced that it will be holding its 2021 interviews online, as it did for the 2020 admissions cycle. This comes as some concerns have been raised over the rate at which COVID-19 cases have begun to rise in the UK.
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak last year, interviews were held in person for all but some candidates with difficulties travelling to Oxford. Last year, the decision was made in June to hold interviews online for the 2020 admissions cycle.
A University spokesperson told Cherwell: “As part of our response to the ongoing social distancing and travel requirements introduced to control the spread of COVID-19, considerable thought and time went into adjusting our interview process last year, in order to make it as fair and accessible as possible for all our applicants.”
“The same consideration has been given to arrangements for the 2021 process, and it has been agreed that it is in everyone’s interests for all interviews to be online again this year. We hope that taking the decision early and in time for the University-wide virtual Open Days on 30 June and 1 July will reduce uncertainty and any resulting anxiety for applicants, whilst at the same time ensuring transparency and giving them maximum time to prepare.”
“Overall, the feedback from last year’s process was that the remote format worked well and we are confident that the same will be the case this year. As usual we will offer support so candidates feel as prepared as possible, including subject-specific sample questions, FAQs and top tips from tutors and current students. Information on, as well as targeted support to access the technology which will be used will also be available, just as it was last year.”
Image Credit: Billy Wilson / CC BY-NC 2.0
