Applicant Information 2021

Please ensure that you have read the 'Application Process' page thoroughly. It sets out the application process from beginning to end. It is also essential for all King's candidates to read the pre-interview notes carefully (you may be at a disadvantage if you do not read this page).

Please ensure that you are reading your emails at the email address that you wrote on your UCAS form. In particular, we sent you a very important email shortly after the 15 October deadline: King's College, Cambridge: important information for applicants. If you have not read that email carefully as we requested, you may be at a disadvantage.

(Information for period from 22 October 2021 - mid-November 2021)

It is essential for all King's candidates to read the pre-interview notes for candidates page very carefully indeed and take whatever action is required. You may be at a disadvantage if you do not read these notes.

The pre-interview notes contain information about written work that you may have to send in to arrive by 4 November 2021, as well as details of admissions assessments, interviews, and any additional things you need to do for your subject.

Deadlines:

(Information for Nov - 15 Dec)

Your invitation to interview states the date, time(s) and location(s) of all interviews and tests or admissions assessments (if relevant), and directs you to particular details you need. If you have been sent a zoom link, please DO NOT click this before the actual date and time of the interview. 

We will not provide hard copies of the information below during interview week. If you would find it useful to have any of the information with you on the day of your interview, please ensure that you bring it with you.

Many of the documents in this section will be added nearer the time.

How will interviews work this year?

All interviews for 2022 entry (or deferred entry in 2023) will take place online; in most cases this will be via Zoom. Your invitation to interview will confirm which platform you’ll be using, what you’ll need for your interview, and details of how to access your interview on the day. We’ve also put together two short video guides (links below) to help you set-up and prepare for your interview.

The content of your interview will be the same as if it was in person. You can find out more about Cambridge interviews on the What do interviews involve? and How should I prepare? pages linked below.

At-interview assessments will also be conducted remotely in 2021. If you’ve applied to a course that requires you to take an at-interview assessment, please check the information about arrangements on our At-interview Assessments page. Further guidance will be provided in your invitation to interview and on our website. If you have any queries about your At-interview assessment, please contact us by email.

What will I need?

For your online interview, you’ll need access to certain technology and resources (this will vary depending on the course that you’ve applied for).

All applicants will need the following:

• a quiet location, free from distractions
• a device with a webcam and microphone (make sure your device is fully charged/plugged in and you've tested the webcam/microphone in advance)
• a good internet connection (close down any unused applications and ask others to avoid using the internet so that your connection is as strong as possible)
• pen and paper

In addition to the above, some applicants (usually those who have applied to a Science/Mathematics course) will ideally have a tablet and stylus available. We will confirm what equipment you will need in your invitation to interview. Applicants who would normally be entitled to Free School Meals can speak to us about the purchase of an inexpensive tablet to use in their interview.

The tablet and stylus will be used for interactive whiteboard tasks during your interview. If you don’t have access to a tablet and stylus, we will let you know what to use instead. In some cases it may be possible to use a pen and paper as an alternative.

What if I don’t have access to the required technology?

If you don’t have access to a device with a webcam and microphone, please contact the admissions office by email. 

What if the technology goes wrong or the internet connection is lost during my interview?

Don’t panic! If you lose your connection or encounter technical issues, try to reconnect to the interview. If you can’t get back into the interview, please contact the admissions office. It’s useful to have a phone and admissions office contact details to hand, in case you need to do this.

What should I do to prepare and set-up?

You should ensure that you will have access to the equipment you’ll need for your interview (see above). It’s important to do this in advance so that you can notify us if you won’t have access to the required resources.

You should also test the video conferencing platform that you’ll be using for your interview (your invitation to interview will confirm which platform you’ll be expected to use). Your friends, family or supporters may be able to help you with this. We’ve put together two videos that run through the process for Zoom and Whereby respectively (see links below), which will help you to prepare and set up your test run.

Will I be able to speak with current students before my interview? 

Yes! Every year we run an interview helpdesk with current undergraduate students and this year is no different. Whilst this will be run online rather than in person, you can still expect the same great support from our students. Whether it to be to confirm interview times, check your IT is working correctly or, just for a chat before or after your interview, there will be someone there to speak with you. You can find full information about how to access this on the 'Interview helpdesk 2021' page linked below. 

What if there are technical problems during the interview?

If, during the interview, technical problems arise (for example, the screen freezes, or your connection disconnects), in the first instance you should follow instructions from your interviewer/s if you can hear them. If you lose all connectivity, please disconnect and reconnect using the weblink/passcodes provided to you. Try this twice more, and if you are again unable to re-connect, please contact the Admissions Office on the telephone number/s provided, or follow any additional instructions given to you by the Admissions Office. The interviewer/s will note disruptions to your interview/s and you will not be disadvantaged by these. Please also see the below note.

Note: in the event that your interview/s are subject to substantial technical problems that mean that your interviewer/s do not feel they have enough information to make a judgement on the interview/s, the College Admissions Office will arrange to re-schedule your interview/s. You will be advised of this if it is the case.