How to get into Oxbridge

I have just been accepted by Downing College, Cambridge, so while I might not have the inside scoop on what Cambridge is actually like, I can give you a pretty up-to-date idea of what to expect from an interview. First of all, I'll deal with the application. It's essentially a pain in the neck. Why is it necessary to fill out an extra application form? To write an extra statement? To send in a photo? To basically duplicate your UCAS form? The truth is I do not know. But it'll only take you an hour and to be honest it can come as a welcome excuse for not doing that essay. Next they'll send you a letter asking for written work. I've seen people ...  Read the complete review

Ok, so you've read about how stressful and scary it all is. Nobody would have guessed id have got a place. I'm not the most academically gifted person. Nor am i incredibly good at interviews. I did the following though, and it worked. For me anyway. I can relate to the cambridge application process, and some of this advice may be helpful for those applying to oxford. choice of subject Choose your subject wisely. Don't be tempted to apply for a different course at oxbridge from the ones at your other universities as most likely they'll pick up on this immediately on reading your ucas form. Check that you've taken the ...  Read the complete review

I got invited to interview for physics at jesus college oxford this year, I got 5 A's at AS level, and am predicted straight A's in A2 level. I also won the physics olympiad bronze medal. I am a well rounded individual and take part in many sports, and am on the board of a local charity, i also run a small internet based company (i.e. i am not just a physics bookworm). However i was still rejected?hmmm (enough bitterness already!) Why you may ask? 1)Maybe im underqualified? - well alright i know that oxbridge recieves far too many qualified applications for the amount of places. 2) is it because i am from a comprehensive school (and ...  Read the complete review

My adventures began one Thursday afternoon in a singing lesson, when my singing teacher, having finished prodding and poking me (something to do with breathing) mentioned that I should consider trying for a choral scholarship to Oxbridge. A week later my organ teached mentioned the same thing about an organ scholarship (without the prodding and poking). I thought this sounded pretty groovy, and began to get applying to these two great establishments of education. Not the usual start for most people I'm sure, but mine nonetheless. *NOTE* For those who don't know what Oxbridge is, its Oxford and Cambridge University. Cunning really, and sounds better than ...  Read the complete review

Want to get into Oxbridge? Well, the application process can be quite daunting, and I certainly can’t promise you a place, but I’m here (currently in my second year of PPE at Oxford), so there’s hope for everyone! Right, I’ll say a bit about my experience, then take you through stages bit by bit... (I’ll provide a quick summary at the end too) Me Thankfully I went to a good Grammar School with a tradition of sending around eight people a year to Oxbridge. They were quite prepared to guide us in the applications process, offer us a trip to Oxford to see the colleges and some training at interviews. I decided in the end to ...  Read the complete review