Preparing for the most competitive academic degree courses

‘High-level’ academic degrees: Require outstanding exam results at A, AS and GCSE level either 7s or – more often 8-9s). Include: medical courses, such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry All courses at Cambridge, Oxford, and some courses at other Russell Group universities (e.g. Mathematics at Warwick University)

Course requirements: Course Typical Offer Medicine AAA at A Level, plus A/A* in science and Maths-related GCSEs. Dentistry AAA at A Level, plus minimum of A grades in sciences at A Level Veterinary Science AAA at A Level, plus minimum of 5 As at GCSE

Course requirements: Course Typical Offer Science or Maths-related subject at Oxford or Cambridge* A*A*A at A Level; expectation of 5 or more 8-9s or 7s at GCSE Arts and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Oxford or Cambridge* A*AA at A Level; expectation of 5 or more 8-9s or 7s at GCSE Top-rated courses at other Russell Group universities Economics at Warwick: A*AA, including Maths Politics at Warwick: AAA *Cambridge has previously considered UMS marks at AS as good predictors of A Level performance; the average UMS of successful candidates was 95%

A level grades Applications Offers % Cambridge A*A*A* 3078 1642 53 A*A*A 2229 760 34 A*AA 1860 418 22 Oxford 2220 967 43 2484 720 29 2688 604

Are these courses for people like us? “There is no ‘right background’ for Cambridge – no right school to have attended, no hidden test of social and economic circumstances. Quite simply, if you have the ability, the enthusiasm and the motivation to study here, then we want to hear from you." Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge

Course requirements: academic achievement passion about chosen subject (shown not said!) have extended learning well beyond what is taught in lessons. volunteering, independent study, super-curricular courses, work-experience, etc.

What you should be doing: Research courses thoroughly! Talk to your teachers about whether application to this kind of course is a realistic option for you. Ask their advice about how best to prepare and act on it. Develop your academic CV extension work if offered by teachers extra-curricular activities online courses (MOOCs) gain experience in fields you are interested in. Take up emailed opportunities Work experience is vital for Medicine, Veterinary Sciences and Dentistry! Attend society meetings and events to develop the skills required at interview for top-ranked courses.

What are we looking for? Interest in your subject Academic ability Academic potential Independent thought Commitment to study

Some advice: Have a crack at it! Have a go! You’re just as qualified/able as the next person! Get AAA next year, no one can take that from you. Don’t undervalue non academic skills, e.g. maturity, initiative, curiosity and resilience.

What Aim High can do for you Things you could/should be taking advantage of: Emailed opportunities Extra-curricular trips Mock interviews (new event 20/21st November) Societies!

Upcoming AIM HIGH events Visit to Oxbridge Conference, Edgbaston (19th March) Oxbridge medical admissions tutor visit to MedSoc – 8th April 1pm SC1 Oxford oncology visit – 3rd April Ongoing legal competition - LawSoc Clare college visit to AGS – 18th March Masterclass events, read your emails! Targeted emailed opportunities, read your emails! Olympiads – e.g. biology 7th - 14th June, training to start sooner – read your emails! Check the Aim High board outside the staffroom

Looking ahead: UCAS process Applications to Cambridge and Oxford, and all applications for Medicine, Vet. Science and Dentistry are EARLY – 15th October (school deadline 20th September) If not applying to the above, deadline = November

The process Internal exams = predictions Inevitable arguing Personal statement Check (tutor, subject teacher, me) Review and revise statement Form completion Accepted by office Tutor references Sixth form check and creation of school reference Final tutor check Send All before the 15th of October The lesson: Get started! Don’t muck the teachers about!

The application process (Oxbridge) Choose Course and College UCAS application (Cambridge: Extenuating Circumstances) Submit by 15th October Result of application Choose ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’ choices Exam results/ confirmation Written work/tests Start university Complete online SAQ (Cambridge only) Interview

Advantages and disadvantages of Oxbridge Facilities are very good Academically stimulating Status with employers Excellent research opportunities Great atmosphere and place to study Disadvantages Would you cope with not being ‘top of the class’ anymore? Extra work for written tests and interviews Pressurised atmosphere Tradition – can be difficult to adjust

Why wouldn’t you have a go? You don’t ask you don’t get! The take home…. Yes, it’s really tough to get a place…. Yes, it requires extra work compared with other things…… No, it is not the be all and end all but….. Why wouldn’t you have a go? You don’t ask you don’t get!

Where to get information Departments Aim High coordinator – Mr Gill c.gill@alcestergs.com Your email accounts Aim high board (opposite staff room, next to reprographics)

Is Oxbridge right for you? Do we offer a course you would enjoy? Would you find our teaching style engaging? Do you meet our entry requirements?

The courses Whichever University you apply to, it’s really important to choose your course carefully. Do this FIRST. Duration: most courses last 3 years Structure: When are the exams? Is there coursework? Content: How broad is the content? Do the topics interest me? Joint courses

How are the courses taught? Lectures Seminars/classes Practicals Independent study Tutorials

“As a student you are a member of the University, a department and a college” Hugely supportive environment University– determines course content; organise lectures, seminars, practicals (where relevant) and projects; set and mark examinations; award degrees University’s Careers Services – available to students while at the University but also after graduation; range of services such as skills training, careers events, alumni networks as well as advice on career options, vacation placements and job applications. Colleges are students’ primary community – admit undergraduate students; organise small-group teaching – not always with tutors at own College, where a relevant subject specialist is based at another College, will go to them for some tutorials; responsible for academic and pastoral care; provide accommodation, places to eat, recreational facilities Can either indicate a preference College or, if don’t mind, choose an ‘open’ application and accept allocation of a computer programme – either option makes no difference to chance of being made an offer Plenty guidance on how to choose (and how not to choose) College on websites All students on same course attend lectures, classes etc together in academic departments – course/teaching not College dependent, no Colleges ‘better’ for certain subjects 30 UG Colleges Oxford Explained September 2011 7/20

Colleges There are 30 undergraduate colleges ( or ‘Mini campuses’) to choose from or you can make an Open Application. Facilities include, accommodation, Common Room, library, computing, dining Hall, sports, bar When choosing a college, think about: subjects offered, number of students, location, specific facilities, appearance Typical undergraduate numbers in colleges range between 200 – 500, representing a range of subjects.