Applying to study at Oxbridge

Oxford or Cambridge, are universities of world-class reputation, committed to taking the most able students irrespective of background. It should be remembered, however, that Oxford and Cambridge are not necessarily the best universities for the study of every subject. Both universities have a distinctive style of teaching, which involves a more intensive form of tuition, often individual or in small groups. The universities are looking for students with an inherent interest in and enthusiasm for their chosen course, with the ability to think critically and independently, and with a willingness to argue logically whilst keeping an open mind to new ideas. Self-discipline, motivation and commitment are the hallmarks of a student who will thrive in this environment. It is important that potential candidates realise that academic success in public examinations is not, in itself, sufficient reason to apply for Oxbridge, nor will it ensure acceptance. Nationally, about 20% of applications result in the offer of a place and almost all of those who are unsuccessful have top grades at GCSE and A- level or their equivalent. Application requires very careful thought, therefore, and a focused effort for a sustained period of time. It is one of the most rewarding and exciting intellectual experiences, even if it does not result in an offer, but it can bring a degree of disappointment – and, statistically, many will be disappointed. A sense of perspective is needed; Oxford and Cambridge by no means hold a monopoly on future success and happiness. Making an application to either Cambridge or Oxford is an exciting but extremely demanding process

Choosing which course to study is the most important decision that you have to make. You should choose your course before you choose your university. When assessing applicants, Oxford and Cambridge will consider not only the individual subjects offered but also the combination of these. You should check very carefully which A Level subjects are ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’ for the course you wish to study; there is obviously very little point in proceeding with an application if you do not meet the basic entry requirements. Many courses at both Cambridge and Oxford encompass several subjects and thus may offer more flexibility than is first apparent. Others are more tightly focused on a particular discipline, with less flexibility. Courses with similar names at different universities can vary greatly in terms of entrance requirements, content, structure, options, teaching and assessment methods.

Both Cambridge and Oxford are collegiate universities. They are formed of Faculties and Departments of different academic subjects, which determine course content, organise lectures, seminars, and practicals and set and mark examinations. Both universities have Colleges which admit undergraduate students, organise small-group teaching (called ‘supervisions’ in Cambridge and ‘tutorials’ in Oxford), oversee academic and pastoral care of students, and provide accommodation, places to eat and recreational facilities.

You can apply to Oxford or Cambridge, not both, and this forms one of your five UCAS university choices. The external deadline for submission of the UCAS form for applicants to Cambridge and Oxford is 16 October 2023. In order to make a valid application to the University of Cambridge, applicants are asked to complete My Cambridge Application shortly after submitting their UCAS application. The purpose of My Cambridge Application is to ensure that they have complete and consistent information about all applicants.

For Cambridge the standard conditional offer for entry is A* A A for arts and A*A*A for most science subjects, and you may be asked to achieve the A*(s) in particular subjects. Breadth and depth of understanding of the most relevant subjects are more important than accruing additional A Levels. For Oxford the standard conditional offer ranges between A* A* A and A A A, depending on the subject. Applicants for some subjects, mostly the arts and social sciences, will need to submit written work to certain colleges as part of their application, and this work will then be discussed at the interview. For Oxford the deadline for submission of this work is 10th November (note, fine art portfolios have earlier deadlines: 2nd November for Oxford), but for Cambridge it varies and you should wait to be advised by your college when it needs to be submitted.

Both institutions make use of aptitude tests in October or other written tests either in November or at the interview in December. This may be a short subject-based test, organised by the college, or a general test such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA; designed to test critical thinking and problem-solving skills for a variety of subjects), the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT; mostly for medicine or veterinary science), or subject-specific aptitude tests. These tests are very important in representing your academic ability, and studies have shown that the aptitude tests are a strong predictor of success at university. You should treat them seriously and prepare for them carefully. Those that are taken before the interview period are scheduled in the middle of a busy term when you will need to keep up with the demands of your A Level subjects. You should make sure you manage your homework efficiently and set aside specific time slots to prepare for the aptitude test in consultation with your academic mentor. There is a lot of variation in what is required from subject to subject and from college to college.

Oxbridge applicants are supported through the process by an academic mentor This is a member of a department most closely associated with the degree course you wish to study. Your mentor will be able to give you subject-specific feedback about your personal statement. The academic mentor will also meet with you on a regular basis during the Autumn term for Oxbridge sessions, which will include preparation for any aptitude tests you may have to sit. The Director of HE has oversight of the whole Higher Education applications process and can offer advice including how to select the other institutions you wish to apply to. The Oxbridge Programme Coordinator will be able to offer guidance and will meet regularly in the Autumn term with applicants to cover specific aspects of the Oxbridge applications process and to distribute relevant information about courses. Applicants will also prepare and run sessions in the Academic Forum in Term 1 of Year 13, in which Oxbridge applicants from local schools are invited to Channing to talk about a range of challenging, contemporary topics. This is designed to help students prepare for interviews.

The interview allows the tutors to gauge how you would respond to the teaching methods used at Cambridge and Oxford, while giving you an opportunity to experience this style of teaching. The interviewers will not try to catch you out, but will challenge you to think for yourself and apply your existing knowledge and skills to less familiar problems. Remember that excellent grades are not enough to secure a place at Oxford or Cambridge, so the interviewers will be looking for evidence of the intellectual curiosity and independence of thought that can indicate a candidate likely to excel in the interactive, one-to-one tutorial style of teaching. The exact format and length varies from subject to subject among the different colleges. In 2022, all interviews, with the exception of one college, were carried out online. Offers are made in January in the fortnight following the standard UCAS application deadline.

Applying to study for Medicine

With approximately a 30% acceptance rate, entry into medicine is undoubtedly one of the most competitive admissions processes. Students can apply to four different universities for medicine, meanwhile, their fifth choice can be used for an alternate subject of their interest, often biomedical sciences. Before even entering the rigorous selection process, commitment to study medicine requires extensive out of school dedication from students.

Specifically, students should aim to complete a small but sufficient amount of work experience in a medical environment, for instance in a GP or a hospital, to provide them with an accurate insight into the role of a doctor and associated health care professionals. As well as this, it is vital students consider here whether this is the right profession for them- medicine is a lifestyle as opposed to merely a job thus, considering other healthcare roles, from pharmacy to physiotherapy, may prove more fitting. Voluntary work is also integral to any successful application. Typically, students choose to complete this within a care home however, other options include working with younger students or individuals with additional needs. Completion of such voluntary work is essential in displaying you have the attributes required to be a successful doctor and therefore, should be a large component of the personal statement.

With entry requirements ranging from AAA to A*A*A*, entry into medicine requires strong academic credentials. In addition to securing top A-Levels, students must present their interest in the profession through further reading, attendance to lectures, and research projects. Despite this long list of student requirements, it is also pivotal you still make time for you throughout this selection process! Completing hobbies and extracurricular activities is crucial in maintaining a work life balance and displaying how you can de-stresssomething also highly important for any successful doctor.

There are two aptitude tests currently used for medicine; UCAT and BMAT. Both are challenging tests and therefore, it is advised students practise and prepare extensively to gain the best results possible. Online resources, including past papers, and webinars provide highly effective for this.

The UCAT is used by the vast majority of UK universities and consists of 5 multiple choice subtests; verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement UCAT testing opens from 16th July to 28th September, 2023.

BMAT is used by only 6 universities and contains 3 sections; multi-choice thinking skills, multi-choice scientific knowledge, and a short essay. BMAT tests occur on one day only, 18th October (at school). Decisions on which test to take will be made based on preferred university choices of students combined with test performance Frequently, students who have completed their UCAT first and are not satisfied with their results will subsequently take the BMAT exam. Note, the testing date for BMAT is after the UCAS deadline thus, students cannot use their specific result to inform university choices. Furthermore, results from the aforementioned aptitude tests will significantly influence student’s university application choices Each university typically sets a threshold aptitude test score determining who will be given the opportunity to gain an interview. Often this is not pre-determined therefore, analysis of previous admissions data is crucial to create the best odds of success. In addition to the aptitude tests, students must consider other factors such as university teaching styles, placement structures, opportunities for intercalation and location. There is extensive variation between universities and their approach to the degree therefore, it is advisable to book open days and commence research into this at an early stage. Those successful in the initial round of the admissions process will be invited to interview. Interviews are often multiple mini interviews (MMIs), consisting of several short stations, each focusing on your personal attributes and knowledge translating to a medical environment. For instance, previous stations have included role plays, prescription calculations, questions on intent to study, and ethical scenarios. Whilst the majority of universities do this in person, following Covid some institutions have chosen to complete this process online. In order to determine whether you have got a place, universities will often combine interview scores with aptitude tests scores. Furthermore, it may take extensive time after the interview to hear of the result so patience throughout this process is key.

Throughout the entirety of this process, students will be supported by the Medical Applications Coordinator at Channing. Regular meetings will include personal statement feedback, individualised advice to best inform university choices and mock interview practice sessions. As well as this, the weekly medical discussion group will aid students in broadening their academic knowledge on medical practice and current affairs- vital to exhibit throughout the application process. Guest speakers, including doctors and physiotherapists, will frequently attend these groups, delivering alternative perspectives on the multidisciplinary team and the realities of medical practice. Despite the challenging nature of this difficult application process, students should aim to enjoy it and take advantage of the vast range of interesting opportunities available to them throughout.