Before your interview, you will have already undertaken NSAA preparation and taken the admissions test. This test forms part of the application decision and who is invited to interview.
There are past Cambridge University natural sciences interview questions, interview tips, practice questions, and real-life stories from students who have taken the Cambridge Natural Sciences Panel Interview in this article. It will help you get ready for the interview.
Preparing for a natural sciences interview? You’ve come to the right place, Interviews are a critical part of the application process for competitive natural science programs, Acing the interview can be the deciding factor between an acceptance letter and rejection
In this comprehensive guide we provide insider tips, example questions and time-tested strategies to help you put your best foot forward. Read on to learn how to wow interviewers and show you have what it takes to thrive in a natural sciences program.
Why Natural Sciences Interviews Matter
Natural sciences interviews allow admissions committees to evaluate candidates beyond grades and test scores They assess your
- Scientific knowledge and reasoning ability
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Motivation and fit for the program
- Potential for research and future success
Interviews also give you a chance to demonstrate your passion for science. Preparation is key, as many candidates can speak knowledgeably about natural sciences. You need to stand out.
Thorough interview prep demonstrates your dedication. It also boosts confidence, which allows your personality to shine. Think of the interview as a conversation that reveals the scientist within.
Insider Tips to Ace the Interview
Here are proven strategies to master natural sciences interviews:
Research the School and Department
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Review the department website, faculty webpages, and published research. This shows interest beyond the curriculum.
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Know the specializations and facilities available. Link them to your interests and goals.
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Reading recent news highlights trends and developments to discuss.
Practice Common Questions Extensively
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Expect questions on concepts from core natural science courses. Review key topics and theories.
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Rehearse answers out loud to build explanation skills and confidence. Time yourself to stay concise.
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Practice thinking on your feet for unexpected follow-up questions.
Reflect on Your Experiences
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Review your application materials thoroughly. Be ready to expand on all details.
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Prepare stories that convey your passions, motivations, and scientific curiosity.
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Quantify research and lab experiences with details like techniques used and hours logged.
Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer
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Asking thoughtful questions shows engagement. Inquire about research, facilities, etc.
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Avoid basic questions answered on the website. Demonstrate initiative.
Dress Professionally and Arrive Early
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Business casual attire makes the right impression. Appearance reflects professionalism.
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Arriving early accounts for any unexpected delays and gives time to settle in.
7 Natural Sciences Interview Questions to Expect
Here are common natural sciences interview questions to prepare for:
1. Why are you interested in this program?
This open-ended question reveals your motivations and fit with the program. Highlight specific aspects that align with your academic interests and future goals. Show in-depth knowledge of the program. Share specific courses, research centers, professors, or opportunities you’re excited about and explain why. Convey a genuine passion.
2. Tell me about your research experience.
Use real examples to demonstrate hands-on experience with scientific inquiry. Discuss projects and responsibilities in detail. Emphasize technical skills gained, knowledge applied, key findings, and interest in pursuing research. Quantify your experience in hours if possible. Convey intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.
3. How would you explain [scientific concept] to a high school student?
This tests your ability to explain complex concepts simply and clearly. Use everyday analogies to make connections. Avoid jargon and break down principles step-by-step. Assess the interviewer’s background to determine the appropriate level. Ask clarifying questions if needed. Strong communication and critical thinking skills are key.
4. How do you stay up-to-date on developments in your field?
This demonstrates scientific curiosity and initiative for lifelong learning. Discuss reading scientific journals, attending seminars, following thought leaders, participating in student groups, and other habits that enrich your education. Share an example of a recent development that interests you.
5. Describe a time you overcame an obstacle/challenge in the lab.
Use an example that highlights problem-solving skills, perseverance, and learning from failures. Explain the challenge, how you addressed it, and the outcome. Emphasize troubleshooting, creative thinking, collaborating with others, and the satisfaction of overcoming setbacks. Characterize challenges as learning experiences.
6. Where do you see your career in 5 or 10 years?
Share your vision of your short and long-term goals. Convey how this program prepares you for success in your desired field. Discuss plans for graduate studies or other training needed to advance. Research typical career timelines and paths from this program. Your goals should align logically.
7. Do you have any questions for me?
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions that show your engagement. Inquire about the interviewer’s research, experiences in the program/field, or advice for students. Avoid basic questions answered on the website. Personalized questions make you memorable.
Mastering Biology Interview Questions
Biology interviews require demonstrating extensive knowledge of biological concepts. Expect questions probing your fundamentals across sub-disciplines like molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, and more.
Review key theories, processes, terminology, and principles. Understand important discoveries and their historical context. Expect math-based questions. Bring a calculator but also sharpen mental math skills for estimations.
Some examples of biology interview questions include:
- Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- Explain the central dogma of molecular biology.
- What role does ATP play in metabolism?
- How does genetic diversity contribute to evolution?
- Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype.
Use visual models and analogies to explain complex processes clearly. Connect concepts across fields. Identify areas of biology you need to strengthen through practice questions.
Why Biology?
Expect to explain your fascination with biology. Share an inspirational moment that sparked your passion, like seeing biodiversity while hiking. Discuss potential career paths that excite you, from medicine to genetic engineering. Convey your motivations authentically.
You may be asked ethical questions about controversial issues like genetic engineering. Consider both sides rationally. Show critical thinking, not just opinions.
Practice explaining key experiments that shaped biology, like Louis Pasteur’s fermentation experiments. Relate them to today’s knowledge. Historical context illustrates well-rounded understanding.
For organismal biology, expect identification questions. Practice labeling diagrams of anatomy and morphology. Understand adaptations and evolutionary relationships between organisms.
Fieldwork is essential in biology. Expect questions about specimen collection techniques, data analysis methods, and more from any hands-on experiences.
Stand Out in Biology Interviews
To stand out from other biology applicants:
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Demonstrate in-depth understanding of cutting-edge topics like CRISPR gene editing.
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Make interdisciplinary connections, like relating biological concepts to physics or chemistry principles.
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Exhibit strong quantitative skills. Include statistical analyses and mathematical models where possible.
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Convey your curiosity about the living world through your experiences like raising butterflies or volunteering at a zoo.
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Ask insightful questions about bioethics, recent discoveries, or the interviewer’s research.
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Portray yourself as a passionate future steward of the planet’s biodiversity.
Conquering Chemistry Interview Questions
Chemistry interviews demand a commanding grasp of fundamental concepts across general, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Review key theories, laws, formulas, and numerical problems.
Refresh your memory on topics like:
- Atomic structure, periodic trends, and molecular bonding
- Thermodynamics and chemical kinetics
- Acids/bases, equilibrium, and redox reactions
- Separation methods and spectroscopy techniques
- Biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
Use visual models to explain abstract concepts. Practice describing metabolic pathways, crystallization, chromatograms, etc. Expect quantitative problems requiring stoichiometric calculations. Show your work and explain your reasoning.
Some example chemistry interview questions:
- How does a battery work electrochemically?
- Explain the difference between an ether and an ester.
- What laboratory techniques could you use to identify a unknown compound?
- Calculate the pH of a 0.1M HCl solution.
Demonstrate Chemistry Passion
Convey enthusiasm for chemistry beyond just performing well in coursework. Discuss what fascinates you about the central science and drives your curiosity.
Share inspirational chemical principles, reactions, or discoveries that shaped your interests. From colorful firework chemistry to pharmacy innovations, make connections to real-world applications.
Ask the interviewer about current research, controversies like PFAS “forever chemicals,” or developments like microfluidics. This demonstrates engagement with the field’s frontiers.
Stand Out in Chemistry Interviews
To stand out as an exceptional chemistry candidate:
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Exhibit strong spatial reasoning skills for visualizing 3D molecular structures
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Apply chemistry knowledge to interdisciplinary contexts like biochemistry or environmental science.
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Demonstrate laboratory skills in analytical instruments and experimental techniques
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Show leadership in chemistry – from peer tutoring to competition medals
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What are the best tips for planning my trip for my Cambridge Natural Sciences interview?
I drove to the interview and back in one day. If you are driving to your in-person interview, make sure you allow extra time for traffic and parking, as Cambridge is known for having tough parking during the week. Allow enough time to get from the train station to the town center, which is a 20-minute walk or short bus ride if you’re taking the train.
You can wear whatever makes you feel good, but I wouldn’t suggest something too casual like sweats, joggers, or loungewear. Remember the College is also a working academic and professional environment.
Top Tips for the Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview
- Try to have a mock interview if you can. You can do this with a teacher, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a natural sciences interview tutor one-on-one. That interview doesn’t even have to be for school; the goal is to get you used to being rushed during interviews. It would be best if you could do one with a teacher of that subject. It was up to me to ask my physics teacher ahead of time for a practice interview.
- Get to the college or interview room early. If your interview is online, make sure you log in ahead of time. That way, you have time to get ready for the interview and calm down before it starts.
- If you’re worried or have questions, try to ask someone at the College! If your interview is in person, there will be undergraduate student reps there to help you. If they are online, they will probably give you a phone number to call if you have any questions. In my experience, everyone is happy to help.
- Don’t try to cram in last-minute studying or preparation between interviews if you have more than one, unless you were told to. This won’t help and might make you feel more tense and worried.
- Even though it’s a cliché, try to be true to who you are. The interviews are meant to push you and see how well you can do in school, but they’re also a chance for them to get to know you. They want to know if you’d be the “right fit” for the College. They want to know what drives you, what you think, and how you feel about your studies and the College in general.
