University maths interviews: what to expect and how to prepare

A maths interview is mostly maths: you work on problems you have not seen while explaining your thinking. Here is what the universities that interview say about it, how to think aloud, and what to do when you are stuck. Then practise on 12 original interview problems.

Practise 12 interview problems

Who interviews, and what happens

Oxford

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed online, on Microsoft Teams, in December 2026. For mathematical subjects you need a separate touchscreen device and a basic universal stylus to write on the online whiteboard. Oxford says nobody is expected to buy one.

Checked on the official page on 5 October 2026: University of Oxford: interviews ; Oxford Mathematical Institute: what maths interviews involve

Cambridge

Interviews are arranged by your college and are online or in person, depending on the college. The main interview period is 7 to 18 December 2026. Colleges usually also ask for at least grade 1 in STEP 2 or STEP 3 as part of an offer.

Checked on the official page on 5 October 2026: University of Cambridge: interviews ; University of Cambridge: Mathematics course page (STEP)

Imperial

Imperial does not interview for Mathematics in its regular admissions process. All applicants for 2027 entry must take the TMUA. See our TMUA preparation.

Checked on the official page on 5 October 2026: Imperial College London: Mathematics BSc

Whether a university interviews for maths differs between universities and courses, so check each course page.

Summarised in our own words. Arrangements change between years: your invitation and the university's page are the final word.

How to think aloud

Say what you are thinking. Describe what you notice and what you plan to try, briefly. Silence gives the interviewer nothing to go on.
Start small. Try a special case, a small number or a sketch before attempting the general problem.
Check as you go. Test your answer on a simple case, and say so. Spotting your own mistake is a good sign, not a bad one.
Use the hints. A hint is not a penalty. Show you can take an idea and run with it.
Be honest. If you do not know a term or a technique, say so and ask. Bluffing is easy to spot.
Keep your working tidy. Write so the interviewer can follow it, especially on a shared online whiteboard.

When you are stuck

Being stuck is normal: interview problems are chosen so that most applicants need help. Useful moves, said out loud:

"Let me try a small case": put in \(n=1,2,3\) or a simple number and look for a pattern.
"Let me draw it": a sketch often shows what algebra hides.
"What do I actually know?": write down the facts the question gives you.
"This approach isn't working because…": then try another. Explaining why an idea fails is still progress.

How to prepare

Practise out loud. Solve problems while someone listens, a teacher if possible, or record yourself. Start with our interview problems and the free NRICH problems.
Know your pure maths well. Graph sketching, differentiation and integration, sequences, inequalities and proof come up often. Our A Level notes and competition problems help.
Reread your personal statement. Be ready to explain anything you mentioned.
For an online interview, test the software, your camera and your writing device beforehand. Oxford asks applicants for mathematical subjects to have a separate touchscreen device and a basic universal stylus for the online whiteboard, and says nobody is expected to buy one (see its page above).
Admissions tests help too. Preparing for the TMUA, the MAT or STEP (free STEP Support Programme) builds exactly the skills an interview tests.

FAQ

What happens in a maths university interview?

Mostly maths. You are usually given problems you have not seen and asked to work through them while explaining your thinking; the interviewer may give hints. Some interviews also ask about your personal statement.

Do all universities interview for maths?

No. Oxford and Cambridge interview shortlisted applicants for maths, while Imperial does not interview in its regular admissions process. Practice at other universities differs, so check each course page.

How should I prepare for a maths interview?

Solve unfamiliar problems out loud, ideally with a teacher listening; revise A Level pure maths, especially graph sketching, calculus and proof; and reread your personal statement.

What if I get stuck in a maths interview?

Say what you are trying and why it is not working, try a special case or a sketch, and take hints well. Interviewers expect you to need help: they are seeing how you think, not testing whether you know the answer.

Next steps

A Level Math Revision is independent: it is not affiliated with or endorsed by UCAS or any university. Facts about UCAS and universities are summarised in our own words with links: always check the official page. We give guidance only and never write statements for students.