Higher Education Guide

OXBRIDGE Competition for places at Oxbridge is fierce, so only students with a very strong academic record should apply. 15 October is the deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge. This is significantly earlier than the January deadline for all other UCAS applications. Consequently, Oxbridge applicants must prepare their applications well in advance of other students and, therefore, good organization and planning are essential.

In order to make a realistic application, students should meet the following criteria: • A very strong GCSE profile: seven or more grades at 9-7 (A*/A) grades • A passionate commitment to their chosen subject. Additional and broad reading around the subject will be assumed and tested. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that Oxbridge applicants undertake an Extended Project, which will ideally be completed before they go (if called) to interview; indeed, it is our expectation that such candidates will have undertaken this.

The vast majority of A Level students who are accepted by Oxbridge (97.4%) achieve A*AA or better. The offers from Oxbridge will range from AAA to A*A*A*, so you have to be realistically on track to achieve these grades.

There are no GCSE requirements outlined by either university. It is more important that a potential applicant has a GCSE profile which is strong overall (i.e. contains a majority of grades at 9 and 8 (A* equivalent).

Please remember that the Oxbridge teaching process is distinct and different from other universities in the UK. The system is based on tutorials (often with just one or two students) with the academic tutors. Your contact time might be quite limited and the system relies heavily on your own self-discipline, commitment and tenacious willingness to read, analyse and discuss.

There will be nowhere to hide and you must enjoy this very focussed and intense study. The terms might be relatively short (usually 8 weeks) but they are relentless and demanding. If you think that this level of intensity is daunting and frightening, think carefully before pursuing an application.

You must be prepared to undertake the extra work and preparation provided by the relevant department and use your summer holiday to strengthen your application. You will also need to attend the relevant Open Days. Participation in the fortnightly Oxbridge Preparation meetings is also strongly encouraged.

You could also defer your application until after you have completed your A Levels – this is sometimes known as a 7th term application. This option is becoming increasingly popular as the competition for places based on predicted grades is intensifying and you will have an advantage if you have already achieved the grades they require.

Those students who have ambitions to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge should already have identified themselves to Mr Bray Director of Studies, who coordinates the Oxbridge programme.

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