Invitation onlyGCSE results and potential to do well applying
It is important to note that the premium placed on an Oxbridge degree by many is misplaced. There are a wide range of academic disciplines that cannot be studied at undergraduate level at Oxbridge Many engineers might argue that a degree from Imperial is preferable; an economist from Warwick or LSE might suggest that the degree course from these institutions is more rigorous than a degree in the discipline from Cambridge. A brilliant practical musician, for example, might prefer to go to the Royal College of Music; an aspiring professional sportsman might prefer to go to Loughborough, where many of the training opportunities coupled with academic studies are unparalleled. Optimisticbut realistic
Their relatively unique college system ensures that you receive the best of the personal interactions with like-minded academic peers, as well as the tutors (Oxford) or supervisors (Cambridge) who conduct small group sessions with you. You must expect your work to be criticised and challenged; and be able to stand up for yourself and justify what you have done. You must be willing to be flexible and responsive in your thinking; and you must be able to engage on an academic level with experts, whose professional life has been defined by research in the discipline. If such an approach to education sounds daunting, or too intense, then Oxbridge may not be the place for you. But, if it sounds enlivening – and for academically ambitious individuals, it should sound exciting – then Oxbridge may be the place for you. Both Universities not only offer great teaching within your college, but you are also expected to attend lectures, where often the lectuer is a world renowned expert on the topic that you are learning about. In Science subjects, this is often the person who has discovered the phenomenon that you are studying! Within your college, which is between 250 and 450 students, you will have a Director of Studies. This Director of Studies will keep a very close eye on the progress of each undergraduate, calling them up if they fall behind. The level of personal support enjoyed by an Oxbridge undergraduate is second to none. An Oxbridge degree is hard work. If that immediately sounds like something you would not enjoy, then Oxbridge isn’t for you, although a laidback attitude at any university will result in a poor degree, and weaker job prospects at the end of the day. It is, however, harder to be lazy at Oxbridge, and a laidback attitude will be found out more quickly. The academic diet will be purposefully challenging, and you will be expected to work out how to flourish in that environment. You will develop a true love of your subject. The requirement to prepare for two or three tutorials/supervisions per week constitutes a workload that is undoubtedly more intense than on most other undergraduate programmes. Oxford and Cambridge are elitist: they are only looking for the very best. If you get in, then you will have worked hard and deserve your place. The environment in which you live, work and play will therefore be great fun, and hugely rewarding. Oxbridge boasts some of the best sporting, musical and dramatic opportunities of any undergraduate universities in the world.
External deadline is an absolute last minute for all of form to be completedInternal is when we want you to do it by – good impression, time to give excellent referenceMore guidance on PS coming later in the yearEntrance tests – in the booklet – TSA, PAT, MAT etc. – Oxford rather than Cambridge
