Applying to Oxbridge A Quick Guide for Parents

Applying to ‘Oxbridge’ A Quick Guide for Parents, Guardians Carers & Supporters! Sue Dobson Aspire Co-Co 0 rdinator King Edward VI, Stourbridge susan. dobson@kedst. ac. uk

Hello I’m Sue Dobson. I teach English Literature and English Language and Literature at King Edwards and I am one of the two Co-ordinators for the Aspire Programme at College, along with my colleague, Nick Barley. Aspire is the programme which supports potential applicants to Oxford and Cambridge University, collectively known as Oxbridge applicants. It does this by keeping them informed about opportunities to become involved in activities which will develop their broader intellectual interests, and specialist subject knowledge and enthusiasm, beyond the taught A level curriculum. The Aspire coordinators also organise visits and taught sessions and events within college itself, and guide students through the application process, supporting them in developing their personal statements and interview skills. More importantly for the purposes of this presentation, I am also the mother of a recent graduate from Oxford and well aware of how different and daunting the Oxbridge application process and student experience can seem first time round. . . and not just to the student, but to us as parents.

In the following slides I’m going to offer a parent perspective on supporting a potential candidate through the Oxbridge application process, which is significantly different to that for all other UK universities. I’ll also provide a reminder of some key dates and procedures for 2020 applicants, including the KEDST internal deadline and system. Before looking through this presentation you might find it useful to watch the June 2020, 30 minute podcast by India Collins. Davies, the Outreach Officer at Oriel College, Oxford, ‘Oxbridge Explained For Parents’, which provides a thorough overview from the universities’ perspective.

How is an Oxbridge application different? Ø Earlier application deadline: KEDST 25 th September 2020 Ø A few more steps along the way, including submitting marked work or taking a subject specific examination in some cases. Ø Applicants who are being considered after the initial stage will be offered interviews Ø There are key differences in the experience of studying at Oxford or Cambridge itself…

Intensity! �Short terms : just 8 weeks long �Greater quantity of independent work �Face to face tutorial system �Highly able and motivated peer group �Some unique and quirky expectations & traditions

Ø Short bursts of intense lifestyle and heavy workload Ø Nowhere-to-hide style of teaching Ø Quaint, historic traditions Ø Plentiful, diverse social opportunities Ø Can be immensely exciting BUT. . . Ø Requires real intellectual curiosity and passion for learning AND Ø Exceptional stamina and resilience

Things to think about before the Application. . . As parents, our role is helping them to make the decision that is right for them. . . making sure, for example, that it is their dream, not ours. . . or anyone else’s. There are many things to talk through with them. . . Ø Why is s/he applying? Ø What are the alternatives? Ø Is it the right choice for them?

Having as much information as possible is obviously helpful in the decision making process. In addition to the podcast mentioned earlier, both Oxford and Cambridge University produce comprehensive guides specifically for Parents, Carers, Guardians & Supporters. . .

Oxford Parents and Carers Guide: https: //www. ox. ac. uk/sites/files/ox ford/field_document/1435 Parents%20%26%20 Carers%20 Gui de%20%28 UAO%29%202019_%20 web. pdf Cambridge Parents and Supporters Guide: https: //www. undergraduate. study. cam. ac. uk/files/publications/pare nts_guide. pdf

You may also find the UCAS Website and Parent, Guardian & Carer Guide useful…. . The Parent, Guardian & Carer section of the UCAS website contains videos, the option to sign up for a monthly newsletter and updates on the impact of Covid 19, as well as a link to the downloadable booklet. https: //www. ucas. com/un https: //www. ucas. com/file/325546/download? to ken=E 7 i 9 d-wu dergraduate/applyinguniversity/ucasundergraduate-adviceparents-and-guardians

Once the decision is made it’s all about. . Supporting their application. .

How will Covid 19 affect the Oxbridge Application process this year? Obviously the situation is constantly evolving, but the websites of both universities are providing updates as decisions are taken. . . Cambridge https: //www. undergraduate. study. cam. ac. uk/

https: //www. ox. ac. uk/c oronavirus/offerholders-andapplicants? wssl=1 Oxford’s admissions pages include a ‘frequently asked questions’ section. . .

This Summer. . . Encourage them to. . . Ø Attend a ‘virtual open day’ at Oxford, Cambridge or both. These took place last week and were advertised to students who had already expressed an interest; Oxford also has a September date. Both universities have material you can access if you did not attend ‘live. Ø Explore, share and revel in their subject! Ø Become involved in their subject in as many ways as possible. . . podcasting, entering competitions, writing articles or reviews, participating in forums, making (virtual) visits or participating in (virtual) workshops or festivals for example, as well as reading, researching and watching relevant broadcasts Ø Make use of the links and guidance on developing a strong application in the KEDST Aspire emails which have been sent out on a regular basis to all students who have expressed an interest in making an Oxbridge application Ø Check out and make use of the resources on the Aspire section of Moodle and on the Oxford and Cambridge university and college sites Ø Consider and decide whether to make an application to a specific college or an open application Ø Develop a substantial draft of their personal statement before they return to college in September, so they have time to edit and enhance it before the final submission deadline of 25 th September 2020

Autumn Term. . . Ø UCAS application must be completed by the college deadline of 25 SEPTEMBER 2020* (although further choices of other universities can be added later) * This is to allow time for thorough checking, editing & completion of references to meet October 15 th UCAS deadline Ø Send in written, marked work, if required by subject (Oxford submission deadline for this is 10 th November) Ø Register for, and sit, subject-specific admission test as required (Registration, via college, opens on 1 st September for the November 4 th Admission Tests, LNAT can be booked from August 1 st. See next slide) Ø Prepare for interview, if shortlisted, and complete practice interview in college

Admissions Tests https: //www. admissionstesting. org/campaigns/coronavirus/

The Interview �In every other year, following their application and the results of any admissions tests, candidates being considered for an offer would be invited to the university for an interview, staying in college overnight. �The experience of college life, contact with current students and leisure activities provided, as well as the interview itself, are usually a chance for candidates to decide if the university is for them, as well as vice versa. �In December 2020 there will be no live interviews in Oxford or Cambridge. These will be replaced by online interviews. (See university websites for further information and updates on the process this year) � https: //www. undergraduate. study. cam. ac. uk/applying/interviews � http: //www. ox. ac. uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/interviews

Helping Them to Prepare for the Interview Ø Oxford describes their interviews as ‘just conversations’ about the chosen subject. Many include a task or pre-reading given immediately beforehand, which will form part of that ‘conversation’. Ø College provides a programme of subject specific practice interviews for candidates invited for interview Ø Your input is invaluable – Ask them about their subject at home – What have they read, seen, listened to, thought about, relevant to their subject? What fascinates them about that? What unanswered questions does it raise for them? Can they explain / debate any complex or controversial aspects and ideas raised?

Both Universities Offer Guidance. . . http: //www. ox. ac. uk/admissions/undergradu ate/applying-to-oxford/guide/interviews https: //www. undergraduate. study. ca m. ac. uk/applying/interviews

January post. . . By the end of the Autumn term there is nothing left to be done, apart from to wait for that all-important outcome letter and to try to ignore the increasingly speculative online chat about the significance of different colours/sizes/thicknesses of envelope. . . Students will hear ‘by the end of January 2021’ whether or not they have been offered a place.

Not the letter they hoped for? �Disappointing but not the end. . . �There are other excellent universities out there ! �Oxford and Cambridge are not for everyone �Each student comes to feel their own university is the best! �Re-application is possible. . . an option to consider?

An Offer Arrives. . . Ø A wonderful moment, but just the first step Ø May not be at the college to which they initially applied Ø Now they need to get the grades!

Is it worth all the fuss? Ø Exceptional teaching Ø Inspiration and challenge Ø Potential peer friendships Ø Amazing experiences Ø Tremendous opportunities Ø Very generous bursaries and grants

After Results Day. . Ø Lots of information and support from the university and, in some cases, their new college parents*! Ø Reading lists / courses – back to the grindstone Ø College Accommodation Ø Preparation: mugs and sub fusc*? Ø Later start date than other universities *sub fusc: At Oxford undergraduates wear a gown, white shirt, tie and mortar board for matriculation (the initial enrolment ceremony), formal meals and examinations. They are allocated ‘parents’, students from their college and subject to befriend & support them.

�Sort out parking which can be a huge challenge in the college areas of both cities. �Drop them off! �Leave them to embark on probably the greatest adventure of their lives so far…. .

Any Questions? Don’t hesitate to email: Nick Barley : nicholas. barley@kedst. ac. uk Sue Dobson : susan. dobson@kedst. ac. uk Aspire Programme Co-ordinators King Edward VI, Stourbridge