Oxbridge Myths

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

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Independent School students are more likely to be encouraged to apply to Oxbridge.

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Students are selected on ability

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You will NOT impress by demonstrating privilege of education but you WILL impress by showing intellectual potential and independence.

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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 !!!