Introduction
Oxford vs Cambridge
These are the two oldest universities in the UK, both with extremely high reputations domestically and internationally, and each year they receive thousands of applications for a limited number of places.
To reduce the number of applications, students are only allowed to apply for either Oxford or Cambridge. So, how do you decide which one to apply to?
Look at the Courses
The most important thing to consider is the subject you’re looking to study and the courses offered within that specific field. Even where the same subject is offered at both universities, there will most likely be different module options available, so think about which ones best fit your personal interests.
For instance, Cambridge offers Economics and Land Economy, but Oxford only offers Economics and Management(E&M), or Politics, Philosophy, Economics (PPE). While most subject areas are covered at multiple colleges, course content will differ depending on teaching staff and their specialisations. Look at the courses offered by each college in terms of module options and see if they suit your personal interests.
Location
The location of both universities is spectacular, and they’re both only a short commute from London’s city centre. Cambridge is considered quieter and more rural, whereas Oxford is a little livelier. This may significantly impact your student experience.
You’ll be studying at your chosen university for a minimum of three years, so it’s important to choose a region that will enrich your student experience and make you happy. The best way to decide is to attend an open day.
The College System
Oxford and Cambridge are both collegiate establishments, but what does this actually mean? Think of them as lots of little ‘micro-universities’ grouped under the ‘Oxford’ and ‘Cambridge’ banners – each with its own student halls and a team of academic staff.
These ‘micro-universities’ are known as colleges, each housing between 300-500 students, studying a cross-section of subjects. This set-up provides a small, ready-made community, perfect for settling into university life and allowing lecturers to give you plenty of academic support throughout your studies.
Entry Requirements
Some colleges, such as St Hilda’s at Cambridge, only accept women, whereas other colleges like Wolfson accept applications from mature students. Make sure you are applying to a college you can actually get into.
The Teaching Staff
Oxford and Cambridge attract world-leading teaching staff, who are experts in their fields. If you have a passion for a specific field or a strong indication of your career path, investigate who will be teaching you. If your interests align with your tutors, it’ll be an advantage as they can help nurture your academic growth and may provide networking opportunities later.
Reputation
Both Oxford and Cambridge have phenomenal reputations, but some colleges have a history of producing graduates in specific fields. If you’re looking to pursue a career in politics, for instance, consider King’s College (Cambridge) or Balliol College (Oxford). Both are well-known for being politically active and have produced many graduates with outstanding achievements in parliament.
Your Chances of Getting In
Some colleges are oversubscribed, others less so. Applying to a college with fewer applications might increase your chances of securing a place.
Starting Your Application
If you’re worried that the application process is complicated or confusing, don’t be. Students apply to Oxford and Cambridge through UCAS like any other university.
The first stage involves filling in your UCAS form. Along with your personal details and university choices, you’ll need to provide academic references, evidence of your predicted grades (if you haven’t already passed your exams), and a personal statement.
IMPORTANT: Given the competitive nature of the course and the lengthier application process, the deadline for Oxbridge applications is earlier than for most universities (mid-October as opposed to mid-January). For 2024 entry, your application should be submitted by 15 October 2023.
Oxbridge Application—Personal Statement
Your Oxbridge personal statement should have a strong academic focus. This is your chance to showcase your academic interests, ambitions, and wider reading around your subject. Highlight your academic potential and demonstrate your understanding and preparation for your chosen subject. Start planning your personal statement early, ideally in Year 12.
Subject-Specific Testing
With an Oxbridge university, it isn’t as simple as filling in your UCAS form and waiting for a response. Along with meeting the entry criteria and writing a winning personal statement, you’ll likely have to sit tests as part of your application.
These tests are subject-specific and give admissions tutors an indication of your natural aptitude for the subject and whether you can cope with the course content. For instance, Oxford administers the History Admissions Test(HAT) and Mathematics Admissions test (MAT). You may also need to submit essays or other work to demonstrate your skills.
Oxbridge Admissions Tests
Admissions tests like Oxford’s Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) assess skills such as comprehension, critical thinking, and relevant subject knowledge. These tests are not meant to catch you out but to evaluate your ability to solve problems and think creatively. Practice with as many past papers as possible to familiarise yourself with the format. Remember to register for your admissions test—registration is separate from UCAS and can easily be overlooked.
The Interview Stage
If you’ve managed to make it to the interview stage, congratulations – your university/college of choice sees your potential! Before you get your conditional offer, you’ll have to navigate the interview process. All Oxbridge applicants will be predicted high grades (As and As at A-level), so the interview aims to find out more about you and establish if you’ll benefit from the course.
Strong Analytical and Reasoning Skills
Oxbridge universities look for applicants who can engage with texts and information critically. Some questions may seem unusual, but they aim to see how you engage with questions logically and apply independent reasoning from first-order principles.
Passion for the Subject
The interview allows you to demonstrate your passion for the subject and show your potential to be an asset to your chosen college. Investigate the course content thoroughly to understand why you want to pursue this area of study and what you can bring to the course.
Ability to Engage in Discussion
Show tutors that you not only have the required knowledge but can also engage in debate and discussion. Some colleges may ask you to submit a school/college essay in advance, which they will discuss in further detail during the interview.
Interview Tips from an Oxford Graduate
The Oxbridge interview process is unique. Tutors will explore your potential and see if you suit their teaching style. Each interview is a discussion rather than a formal question-and-answer session, exploring problems logically without necessarily having specific knowledge.
The best preparation is to be inquisitive and engaged with your studies. Avoid memorising facts and focus on thinking logically during the interview. Listen to the question, pause, think logically, and explain your thought process out loud.
What can students expect from the interview process?
There’s no standard format for an Oxford interview; it depends on the subject, tutor, and college. Generally, you’ll have multiple 20-minute interviews aimed at giving you the best chance to show your potential. You may have interviews at the college you applied to and another randomly allocated college.
Interviews are interactive, and tutors will guide you in the right direction. Science subjects may involve solving problems with graphs or equations, while arts interviews may involve discussing a text or working through a social or political concept. The goal is to see how you think, not just what you know.
What happened after your interview?
After the interview, you’ll be informed of the outcome within a few weeks. Some colleges send letters, while others may call successful applicants. The process is personal, as tutors hand-pick their students.
Then What?
After the interview, you’ll hear back from the university by January. If you receive a conditional offer, it means your place is conditional on achieving certain grades. If you already have your A-level results, your offer will likely be unconditional.
After that, focus on achieving the necessary grades and preparing for your exciting journey at Oxbridge.
Key Oxbridge Dates for 2024 Entry
– September 4: UCAS for 2024 opens
– October 15: Deadline for students applying to Oxford and Cambridge, and for courses in Medicine
– October 15: Deadline for Oxbridge candidates to register for admission tests
– October 30: Oxbridge admissions tests take place
– Early December: Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview
– January: Applicants are informed whether or not they have been successful
– March: If you are successful, you may be invited to attend an open day at your chosen college.
– August: A-level results are released. If you have received a conditional offer, this is when you find out if you have met the required grades.
– September/October: The academic year begins. Time to start your Oxbridge adventure!
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?
A: No, you must choose one. Due to the intense competition and the similarities in the application processes, students can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge in the same application cycle.
Q: What if I don’t meet the required grades?
A: If you narrowly miss the grades, some colleges may still consider your application based on other strengths. It’s worth contacting the admissions office to discuss your situation. However, meeting the entry requirements is crucial for a competitive application.
Q: Can I reapply if I don’t get in the first time?
A: Yes, many students reapply after gaining further qualifications or taking a gap year. Reflect on your first application to identify areas for improvement.
Q: Do I have to take an admissions test for every course?
A: Most courses at Oxford and Cambridge require an admissions test, but there are a few exceptions. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen course on the university websites.
Q: How important is my personal statement?
A: Extremely important. It’s your opportunity to showcase your passion for the subject, your academic achievements, and your suitability for the course. Make sure it is well-written and reflective of your true interests.
Final Thoughts
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge is a rigorous but rewarding process. By following this comprehensive guide, preparing thoroughly, and staying true to your academic passions, you can maximise your chances of success. Remember, whether you get in or not, the skills and experiences gained during this process will benefit you in your future academic and professional endeavours. Good luck!
