OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE: CONFRONTING THE MYTHS AND STEREOTYPES
Do students from independent schools get an unfair advantage?
Roughly 55% of students at Oxford and 50% at Cambridge come from private schools. 7% of students are educated at private schools in the UK
Independent School students are more likely to be encouraged to apply to Oxbridge.
Students are selected on ability
You will NOT impress by demonstrating privilege of education but you WILL impress by showing intellectual potential and independence.
How independent are you? Have you discovered this presentation through your own independent research and exploration of resources?
If I get at least As in my A levels will this be enough to get me in? AAA Oxford and AAA* Cambridge are necessary but not sufficient in their own right Other qualities needed Laura Spence 5 As controversy in 2000 At Cambridge around 3000 students who got 3 As were rejected
If I get a place will I fit in ? Low drop out rate ‘If you get there you are meant to be there’ Social background differences not obvious once there Atmosphere is intense but support mechanisms
Can college life be claustrophobic? You live in a small community whilst having benefits of the facilities of a major university You can participate in sport, clubs and societies at a college or university level College allows you to mix with students doing other subjects Consult RMG and NDC about your college choice
It’s not always as you might Think !!!