Applying to Oxford

What makes Oxford special? The tutorial system Colleges Challenging and stimulating courses World-class reputation for research and academic excellence Experienced, renowned tutors Extensive resources Supportive environment

Academic Life Small-group teaching – tutorials/supervisions Lectures, classes, practicals Assessment – end of year examinations

College life As a student you are a member of the University, a Department AND a College 30 undergraduate colleges; Mini campus Facilities include: Common Room

Social Life Sports Drama Music Hundreds of clubs and societies! Night life

Careers Huge range of employment opportunities % employment rate straight from graduation General employment skills Connections with quality graduate employers OU Careers Service In most subjects, Oxford graduates are in the top 5%- 20% of earnings compared with graduates from that same subject from other universities

UCAS application (Cambridge Extenuating Circumstances Form)) 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 Choose course and College

Applying: Choosing a course Oxford and Cambridge both offer a range of academic arts, science and social science subjects Some courses vary: Oxford PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) Classical Archaeology and Ancient History Earth Sciences Fine Art Czech, Polish, Turkish Joint Honours degrees Cambridge Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic Architecture Education Land Economy Human, Social, and Political Sciences Veterinary Medicine Courses divided into Parts You cannot apply to both in the same year

Applying: Entrance requirements A Levels: AAA-A*A*A depending on subject in the IB (6s / 7s in Higher level) Specific subjects may be required for some courses Purely academic criteria

Applying: Choosing a college Open applications Does it offer your course? Better or Easier? More similarities than differences You may like to consider… …location …age …size …accommodation …kitchen/dining provision Each college has a website and an individual page in the university prospectus.

Applying: Tests and Written Work Around 85% of Oxford applicants are now required to sit a pre-interview test Check for your course at Tests at interview for some subjects Written work required for some subjects Remember to register

Applying: Interview Applicants invited to Oxford for 2 or 3 days Often more than one interview Normally with 2 academic tutors for minutes Cambridge pool candidates

Interviews (cont.) Mock Tutorial Material Intelligence and Interest Potential Benefit from this type of teaching- Dont freeze Check website for guidance on preparing

Applying : What is considered? Prior academic achievement Predicted grades Personal Statement Teachers reference Pre-Interview tests (where applicable) Written work (where applicable) Written tests at interview (where applicable) Interview(s)

Financial Help Fee Reductions Bursaries Scholarships Other discounts: College scholarships and prizes, availability of course materials, cheap transport, travel grants 6

How to make the best application? Read more and read it more critically Engage with your subject outside of the classroom Subject specific work experience Look at the online test papers Dont fib in your personal statement Have a discussion (or practice interview) with your teacher/parents/friends Ensure your academic profile matches the entry requirements Academic language Research the course more thoroughly, so you know the approach Oxford has

Come along to an Open Day June 2013

Further Information UNIQ summer schools – Target Schools Prospectus and Alternative Prospectus Ask questions now!