Applying to Oxford or Cambridge

Alice WilbySchools Liaison Officer

St Peter’s College, Oxford

Should You Apply?

Are you:

• Interested in a course we offer?

• Predicted the grades we require?

• Enthusiastic about studying your subject to a high

level?

• Willing to work hard?

Then Yes!

Entry Requirements

Academic ability + Potential = Offer?

Entry criteria are purely academic

Must be predicted AAA/ A*AA/ A*A*A

Evidence of past high academic achievement

For your chosen course

1 in 5 applicants is offered a place

The Application Process

UCAS application

Submit by 15th

October

Result of application

Choose ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’

choices

Exam results/ confirmation

Written work / tests

Start university

Interview

Choose Course and College

Choosing a College

The UCAS Form

• The main piece of information about you that tutors will see

• The same form goes to every university choice you make

• We don’t see which other universities/ courses you have applied for

What should you include?

Information on your interests, motivation to study, and suitability for

the course

Interests

-Focus on relevant academic interests

-Give examples-Provide evidence

of genuine academic interests

-Be honest!

Motivation

-Why is this subject the one for you?

-Which aspects of the subject do you find most interesting?

-What evidence do you have of academic

motivation?

Suitability

-How have you developed skills

relevant to the course?-What evidence do you have of skills relevant to academic study?

-Can you demonstrate appropriate vocational

commitment?

Exploring your interests

Why do you like the subject?

What evidence do you have that you like it?

What other achievements do you have?

Interviews

• Interviews take place in the first 3 weeks of December

• Normally at least two interviews, each lasting 20 - 30 minutes

• Interviews are discussion-based and intellectually challenging

• Check the University websites for mock interview videos and more information

Interviews: Types of Questions

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC INTERVIEWDiscussion based on academic interests

mentioned in personal

statement

Assess knowledge and understanding

of subject and flexibility of thought

“Quirky” questions: apply

existing knowledge to new situations

Arts (especially languages): expect

a text to discuss

Discussion of submitted

essays

Scientists: expect a specimen to discuss

Challenging questions

relating to A-level courses

Sciences: expect a problem sheet to

work through

Model teaching session – it’s like

having a mini tutorial

What Tutors Look For

Academic Potential

Clear, flexible, analytical thought

Informed enthusiasm for the subject

Ability to assimilate new ideas or apply existing concepts to challenging new questions

Vocational/ professional commitment (where appropriate)

Preparing your Application...

Start now!

Do your research

Focus on your subject

Practice talking about your subject

Get it checked

More Information?

www.admissions.ox.ac.uk

www.ucas.com

Ask teachers for advice

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Ask questions today – or email schools@spc.ox.ac.uk