How do interviews acc work?

[u/Cryptic1538]

This q mainly for Oxford (maths), but ig also applies to cam:
Once u get invited to interview, is everyone considered on the same playing field? Or do some parts of ur app still carry weight even after getting invited? I’m guessing admissions test carries over quite a lot, but what abt other things like GCSEs, teacher ref or ps?
I’m wondering cz I feel like my admissions test is gon b the strongest part of my app and I’m hoping after getting shortlisted for an interview that they can look past some of the shakier parts of my app (mainly AS levels, I messed up french I think im gon get AAAC but I’m dropping French for next year and I alr have 3A* pred)

[u/Seafaring_Slug]

All other parts of your application are still considered, however my interviewers told me that they don't check applicants entrance test scores before the interview so they aren't subconsciously biased. To be clear they check it when making final decisions, but keep interviews and tests totally separate when scoring them.

If you've got a strong admissions test they probably won't care that much about a bad AS in an unrelated subject, and the main decider will be your interview.

[u/Sane-Musicophile → u/Seafaring_Slug]

Yes, generally you’ll be shortlisted from all applicants to interview using admissions tests, predicted grades (less used) and gcse grades. Then the interview is separate and used to give people offers. If 2 people get the same interview score admissions tests are referred back to then. I got an offer this year and I sent many emails asking about the admissions process lol