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Downing College Medicine Interview

Medicine at University of Cambridge is interviewed at college level, but the selection criteria are common to every college and a central shortlist is used — so this page covers the shared format and what is genuinely specific to Downing College.

How your college affects the interview

  • You attend at least two college interviews of about 20–45 minutes — one leaning on scientific reasoning, the other on motivation, ethics and broader thinking.
  • Whether an interview is online or in person is decided by the college, not you: UK applicants are usually invited in person to Cambridge, applicants outside the UK online. Your college tells you which.
  • One interview is normally at your preference college and one at another college (allocated, or via the pool).
  • Some colleges send material to read beforehand that you then discuss in the interview — the college advises you if this applies.
  • The winter pool reallocates strong applicants a college cannot offer to other colleges in January, so your outcome may not come from the college you applied to.

The University of Cambridge interview format

  • At least two interviews — normally at your chosen or allocated college plus one other
  • About 20–45 minutes each, with two or three interviewers
  • Questions draw on A-level Biology, Chemistry and Maths/Statistics content
  • Some colleges set short pre-reading or a data task on the day
  • Delivery (online or in person) is decided by each college

Assessed

  • Understanding of your subject and readiness to study it at a high level
  • Critical thinking and scientific reasoning under pressure
  • Openness to new ideas and willingness to be corrected
  • Enthusiasm for and motivation towards medicine
  • Ethical awareness

Full timeline, offer model, preparation guidance and FAQ on the University of Cambridge interview guide.

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Sources

Compiled from University of Cambridge’s central Medicine admissions pages and Downing College’s own admissions information, reviewed September 2026 for the 2027 entry cycle. College-level details change — confirm with Downing College directly before your interview.

Other Cambridge colleges

University of Cambridge interview guide · All medical school interview guides