Dr Catherine Redford, Hertford College Oxford Explained Dr Catherine Redford, Hertford College

30+ International leaders Why Oxford? “The oldest university in the English-speaking world... a leader in learning, teaching, and research” 2nd/3rd in the world 120 Olympic medal winners Broad range of courses World-class teaching – lectures, seminars/classes, practicals Small-group teaching – tutorials Excellent facilities and resources Academic, pastoral, and financial support Wide range of extra-curricular options Excellent graduate opportunities, irrespective of degree discipline 1st/2nd in the UK 50 Nobel Laureates 26 Prime ministers 30+ International leaders

“As a student you are a member of the University, a department and a college” Oxford Explained September 2011

Colleges A College is like a mini campus, providing a base for students. Admit students Academic and pastoral care Accommodation, dining, and recreation Organise small-group teaching Facilities for academic study When considering Colleges, students should think about where they’d like to live. They can submit an open application if they don’t mind. Oxford Explained September 2011

Fees and Finance From the government: From the University: Tuition fee loan Maintenance loan Means-tested maintenance grant (up to £3731 per year) From the University: Generous University bursary of up to £4,500 per year College bursaries available Scholarships available Plus: Eight week terms mean that accommodation costs are less

Academic ability and potential Genuine subject interest What are we looking for? Academic ability and potential  Subject requirements  Student’s school  Irrelevant extra-curricular activities  Student’s background  Genuine subject interest – motivation and enthusiasm 

The application process Choose course Choose a College or open application UCAS application 15 Oct + SAQ (Cam) 22 Oct 1 in 5 applicants made an offer (on average) Admissions test? Check registration deadline Written work and/or admissions test Decision (Jan) Interviews (Dec) 7

What information do we use to assess applications? We consider every application individually, taking all aspects into account: Academic record Personal statement Teacher’s reference Admissions test results (where required) Written work (where required) Contextual data Interview (if interviewed) No part of an application is considered in isolation – all available information is looked at together before decisions are made.

P R E Preparing to apply Programme of study Results Engage and explore Course choice is the most important decision –research thoroughly, personal interest(s) Results Students should work hard to do as well as they can in their current studies Engage and explore Students should be proactive in their learning – current studies and interests relevant to their intended degree Practise Discussing their academic interest(s) Past/example admissions test papers P R E

Frequently asked questions Can students apply to both Oxford and Cambridge? Which subjects will my son/daughter need? Is there a minimum GCSE requirement? What’s the most important part of an application? Which Colleges are better for which subjects? Are some Colleges easier to get into than others? What extra-curricular activities will help my child’s chances of admission?

Why not visit us? University Open Days: 1 and 2 July 2015 and 18 September 2015 Admissions Days (run by the Admissions i) in the Easter holidays Further information: www.ox.ac.uk/study study@ox.ac.uk