Applying to Oxford and Cambridge

What we have to offer

• Superb facilities and unparalleled levels of student support

• Top-rated teaching by top-rated lecturers

• Unique system featuring extensive small group teaching

• Challenging, stimulating courses

What are we looking for?

• Are you academically able?

• Does Oxford and/or Cambridge offer a course you are passionate about?

• Will you enjoy the challenging education Oxford and Cambridge offer?

We are looking for the brightest and the best students regardless of background.

The application process

Choose course and

College

UCAS application

(Cambridge Special Access Scheme)

Submit by 15 October

Result of application

Choose ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’

choices

Exam results/ confirmation

Written work / tests

Start university

Complete online SAQ

(Cambridge)

Interview

The Universities and the Colleges

Role of the Universities

• Decide on course content

• Organise lectures, seminars, classes, practicals

• Set and mark examinations

• Award degrees

Role of the Colleges

• Admit undergraduate students

• Organise tutorials (Oxford) / supervisions (Cambridge)

• Responsible for academic and pastoral care

• Provide accommodation and places to eat

Collegiate universities:

Choosing a College

• Differ in terms of:

• Accommodation

• Appearance

• Facilities

• Location

• Size (number of students)

• Research

• Open application route

• 30 (Oxford) / 29 (Cambridge) Undergraduate Colleges

Choosing a College

Information used in selection

We treat each applicant as an individual

• Academic record (eg GCSEs, AS and A levels)

• School or college reference

• Personal statement

• Submitted written work, where requested

• Test results, where tests form part of our assessment

• Performance at interview

Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)

(Cambridge only)

• Used to collect information not on the UCAS application

• Ensures consistent information about all our applicants

• Completed online, in multiple sessions if you want

Admissions tests

Cambridge

• Bio-Medical Admissions Test (BMAT)

• Cambridge Law Test

• Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)

• College tests

Oxford

• BMAT / UKCAT

• LNAT

• TSA

• Maths Aptitude Test (also for Computer Science)

• ELAT

• History Aptitude Test (HAT)

• Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)

• Tests at interview for some subjects

Interviews

• 1, 2 or 3 interviews, each lasting 20-45 minutes

• Conducted by lecturers and are predominantly academic and subject-focused

• Discussion based and intellectually challenging

• Interviews in Action film (Cambridge website) and various podcasts (Oxford website) available

What are the interviewers looking for?

• Your academic ability and potential to thrive in the teaching environment we provide

• Your self-motivation, commitment and passion for your chosen subject

• Your ability to think independently and critically

No trick questions!

After the interview

Several possibilities:

1. Successful application

2. Unsuccessful application

3. Application placed in the ‘pool’ (Cambridge)

Welfare and support

• Academic

• Pastoral

• Cambridge Bursary Scheme and Oxford Opportunity Bursaries

• Students supporting students

• University Counselling Services

• Disability Advisory Service (Oxford) / Disability Resource Centre (Cambridge)

Oxford and Cambridge Bursaries (UK students)

Bursary Household incomeBursary value2010-11

Cambridge Bursary

Up to £25,000 £3,400 per year

£25,001 - £50,020 £3,150 - £50 per year

Oxford Opportunity Bursary

Up to £25,000 £3,225 per year

£25,001 - £49,999 £3,225 - £200 per year

Finding out more

• Ask questions today

• Undergraduate Prospectuses

• University websites

• Contact the Oxford Admissions Information Centre, Cambridge Admissions Office or any College admissions office

www.admissions.ox.ac.uk

www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/