Are you wondering when to start when planning for Oxbridge at entry-level? Lucy Holland, Oxbridge Co-ordinator for Carfax Education, explains the importance of starting the process today, as the route to an undergraduate career at Oxford or Cambridge University is by no means straightforward, yet if you start preparing early with expert advisers, you can stand a much greater chance of success of acceptance

As two of the most prestigious and highly sought universities globally, it is not surprising that the applications to both institutions number in the thousands.

In 2021, 24,338 prospective students applied for undergraduate study at Oxford for 3,300 placements and 22,795 applications to study at Cambridge for 3,660 places. There is no denying it is a very competitive field – you will be competing with some of the brightest students across the globe. However, if you have what they are looking for, you will have as good a chance of everyone else at getting placed.

Aside from top academic results, both universities are interested in how intellectually curious you are and how passionate you are about your subject. The Universities want to know if you can think outside the box and your thought process towards challenges and problem solving.

Are you thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge? Contact our education consultancy team at enquiries.uae@carfax-education.com to discover how we support students to make competitive Oxbridge applications.

Whilst, the application process is via UCAS, as is other UK universities, with Oxbridge and Camridge entry requirements, there are some significant differences. Firstly, there is a tighter deadline as all Oxbridge applications have a submission date of 15th October, and several more steps involved, with additional tests to take, questionnaires to complete and supplementary work to submit.

Lastly, your Personal Statement is of a different calibre and needs to have a particular focus as it should highlight the kind of commitment to your subject, revealed by the depth and breadth of your reading and interests.

Once all of this information has undergone evaulation, the next stage is where you may get invited for an interview. On average, Oxford interviews are approximately 30% of its applicants and Cambridge interviews are closer to 60%. The interview process itself is not only designed to see how passionate you are about your subject but to see if you are ‘teachable’ in the unique one to one teaching style at Oxbridge.

Here at Carfax Education, you are guided by Oxbridge graduates, now experts in Education, who have also been through the process themselves and mentor as you draft your Statement and help make an informed decision on college choice. You will have a personalised programme to prepare you for pre-interview tests and a series of one to one Master Classes with subject specialist tutors. Our classes will take you beyond the confines of the school curriculum, with an in-depth introduction to specific areas of the course and a supervised independent research project, which you will present in an Oxbridge style tutorial.

Our consultants take a holistic approach that will develop the fundamental academic skills of independent research, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity: essential for any potential Oxbridge student. Additionally, you will have one to one interview preparation and then join our Oxbridge interview prep day, where you will put these skills into practice. Our Oxbridge Preparation programme is supervised and closely monitored by a senior Oxbridge co-ordinator, who will identify extension opportunities, additional courses and resources to help you develop and build a competitive profile.

Our team of Consultants are here to demystify the process and help you confidently make your application with the knowledge you are putting your best self forward!

To find out more about our University Preparation Services, please contact Shelly at enquiries.uae@carfax-education.com

About the Author

Lucy Holland read Classics at Oxford before studying law at the College of Law in London. Lucy has worked as a solicitor in private practice and government, and holds a Masters in Philosophy. Lucy is the Oxbridge Co-ordinator for Carfax Education and serves as Schools Liaison on the Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Society UAE committee.

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