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Gates Cambridge Scholarships – at the University of Cambridge

Interview Process

All candidates shortlisted for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship attend a 20 minute interview. Depending on the location of the candidate, interviews are held in person, by Skype or by telephone.

There are four broadly subject-based interview panels:

  • Arts
  • Biological Sciences
  • Physical Sciences, Mathematics & Computing
  • Social Sciences

Each panel usually consists of a representative of the Trust, two academics and a Gates Cambridge alum. Each interview has four main sections:

  • Welcome and introduction - the Chair will introduce the panel and set out the format of the interview.
  • Gates Cambridge- candidates are assessed on their knowledge of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, asked about their motivation for applying and in what ways they see themselves as being a good fit with the Scholarship. They will also be expected to have an understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities that a prestigious, full-cost scholarship at one of the world's leading universities brings.
  • Academics and career plans - candidates will be asked about their academic work to date (why it excites them, what they know about the broader field of which it is part, why it is important, can they convincingly communicate their passion for, and importance of, their chosen subject); their proposed degree at Cambridge (what is the rationale for doing it, is there evidence of a good fit between their aspirations and what Cambridge offers in the proposed course); and their career plans (candidates will be expected to convincingly link their application for both a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and their proposed course at Cambridge to their future career plans). Candidates may also be asked questions of a probing intellectual or ethical dimension, to which there are no 'right' answers
  • Final thoughts and questions - candidates will have an opportunity to add any final thoughts and ask the panel questions

Timing

USA - interviews for US citizens normally residing in the USA are held in the USA at the beginning of February for entry in the following October. Interviews have been held in Annapolis, MD and in New York City in the past; in early February 2012 the interviews will be held in San Francisco, CA. Shortlisted candidates are contacted before the Christmas break.

International - interviews for citizens of all countries other than the USA (except the United Kingdom) and US citizens normally residing outside of the USA are held in Cambridge in late March. Shortlisted candidates are contacted in early March.

All candidates are informed of the results of their interview within a week.

 

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