This is especially important if you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, who will interview all of their prospective students. Everyone that is called for interview will have achieved or predicted grades that are good enough. Your grades and statement may indeed earn you an interview, but you must then earn your offer.

This is no time to be a shrinking violet, you have to stand out to impress. The admissions tutors who interview you will work closely with successful candidates throughout their degrees, and they are looking for students who can communicate and express themselves. They will assess whether this is the right course for you, and whether you can cope with its academic demands. The tutors will ask you tricky questions that will test your ability to think laterally, and to extrapolate your knowledge to problem solve - this is our area of expertise.