Applying to Oxbridge The Basics You an apply

Applying to Oxbridge

The Basics You an apply to either Oxford or Cambridge but not both Some courses are only offered by one of them e. g. PPE Both are collegiate universities You will live, socialise and do most of your studying within your college You need to apply earlier- 15 October 2021, not January 2022 You will need to do extra work and preparation

What makes them different College system which acts as a small community Between 300 -500 students per college Support services and social hub Contains accommodation, common rooms, computer facilities, library, cafes, offices Normally live in college for first year at least Ready made community with social events based round college Small number of students studying the same course in each year group at any given college Post grad colleges

What makes them different Teaching Very small group teaching delivered in college with two or three other students, and/or one to one Called tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge These require a lot of preparation The university organises lectures, seminars, practicals held in faculty buildings Your tutor is based in your college normally

What makes them different Traditions Ceremonies e. g. enrolment ceremonies, not just graduation Formal dinners. Vary at different colleges – every night, once a week, a few times a term Wearing of gowns at some dinners Use of Latin at some ceremonies

Applying You can apply to a particular college (make sure they offer the course you want to do) Or you can make an ‘open’ application where a computer programmes allocates your application to a college with relatively fewer applications for your course that year Open applications are becoming more popular

Choosing a college 40+ at Oxford, 30+ at Cambridge Location Size, age, buildings Facilities Accommodation Special features/traditions Cost of accommodation Any grants or other funding

Requirements Excellent GCSEs. Most students will have 8 s/9 s Strong A level predictions. Generally at least AAA but check your chosen course requirements Super curricular reading over and above curriculum requirements Love your subject Strong personal statement focussing on academic strengths, skills and knowledge

Process Cambridge asks all UK applicants to complete the Cambridge SAQ (Supplementary Application Questionnaire) to ensure consistent information about all applicants Generally need to sit an admissions test May have to submit additional written work/written assessment Interview

Interview Might be a piece of text or a picture for humanities and social sciences Might be a problem to work through or a specimen to discuss for sciences Challenging questions relating to current study Discussion of submitted essays Discussion of academic interests mentioned in personal statement Apply existing knowledge and skills to unfamiliar problems You might not be offered a place by the college you applied to but may be put into “the pool” when the college you applied to does not offer you a place but it pools your application for other colleges to consider

How are decisions made? Tests/assessments Personal statement Reference Interview Academic achievements Written work Not interested in extra curricular activities

What’s required Meet entry requirements – generally A/A* required Intellectual interest and initiative Be able to cope with the demands Evidence of forethought and research Enthusiasm for your subject Knowledge of your subject Able to manage an intense workload Do well in formal assessments (exams)

How to prepare (some of this applies not just for Oxbridge but university in general) The University of Oxford’s “Home of the Big Question” tackles complex ideas on a range of subjects https: //oxplore. org/ Watch interview videos on line Read sample questions on websites Practice talking about yourself and your interests Lots of companies which say they offer expert guidance and assistance on preparing and getting in. We wouldn’t recommend any and neither do the universities Keep an eye on their websites, particularly open day news Oxford & Cambridge Student Conferences 15 -26 March 2021 https: //www. undergraduate. study. cam. ac. uk/events/student-conferences

How to prepare (this applies not just for Oxbridge but university in general) You need to start your preparation now Focus on enhancing your super curricular knowledge- MOOCs, wider reading around your chosen subject, TED talks Staircase 12 –online resources for students considering top universities Resource hub which you can narrow down by subject area and then specific subject – links to websites, film archives, competitions, articles, videos, resources Reading bank with suggested reading and book reviews Talk to your subject teachers, Helen (Head of College) and Harriet (Careers) Immerse yourself in your subject area

Find out more Lots of information on Oxford and Cambridge websites including webinars etc Unifrog, especially the Geek out sections UCAS Oxford & Cambridge Student Conferences March 2021 Attend virtual fairs