Oxford admissions from the other side of the interview

University 08 Dec 10 As students descend on Oxford's colleges for admissions interviews, for the first time Oxford University is releasing a series of video diaries showing what the interview process is like for the admissions tutors selecting students as that process unfolds. The first entry in the series has been released on the University's website. Dr Helen Swift, a tutor in Medieval French at St Hilda's College, and Dr Byron Byrne, a tutor in Engineering at St Catherine's College, will talk through their experiences as admissions tutors interviewing candidates and deciding who will get offers of admission. Around 10,000 students who have been shortlisted in their chosen subjects will be attending interviews in Oxford over the next two weeks. Over this period, Oxford University will be recording 'video diary' entries with a pair of admissions tutors, who will discuss what the admissions process is through their eyes - 'it's nerve-wracking for us as well,' says Dr Helen Swift. Director of undergraduate admissions Mike Nicholson said: 'This year has seen another record number of applicants, so the selection process will be as competitive as ever. We want to be as open and transparent about the process as possible, and show prospective applicants what it's like for those making decisions about who to admit - how hard they work, how rigorous the process is, and how all-consuming and exciting it can be for tutors as well as prospective students.' For the next week and a half, tutors will record video diaries discussing their preparation and expectations for this year's interview period, along with discussions of this year's interview and selection process - with videos going live every few days as the interview and selection process itself unfolds.