Applying to Oxford or Cambridge Alice Wilby Schools Liaison Officer St Peter’s College, Oxford

Should You Apply? Then Yes! Are you: Interested in a course we offer? Predicted the grades we require? Enthusiastic about studying your subject to a high level? Willing to work hard? Then Yes! Obviously there are more detailed, and subject-specific requirements, but this is the basics

Academic ability + Potential = Offer? Entry Requirements Entry criteria are purely academic Must be predicted AAA/ A*AA/ A*A*A Academic ability + Potential = Offer? Evidence of past high academic achievement 1 in 5 applicants is offered a place For your chosen course

The Application Process UCAS application Submit by 15th October Result of application Choose ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’ choices Exam results/ confirmation Written work / tests Start university Interview Choose Course and College

Choosing a College Lots of eg pics from St Peter’s – use this to talk a bit about the history/atmosphere of the college

The UCAS Form The main piece of information about you that tutors will see The same form goes to every university choice you make We don’t see which other universities/ courses you have applied for Just to point out the obvious – no separate form for Oxford. Institution and course-blind. PS does a slightly different job at Oxford compared to other institutions – it’s there to give us an idea of academic interests, and to provide interview material. For most other universities it’s the only ‘personal’ bit of the application. Therefore need to balance different requirements. This advice should be good for many unis, but if in doubt, prioritise the things given by others.

What should you include? Information on your interests, motivation to study, and suitability for the course Motivation Suitability -Why is this subject the one for you? -Which aspects of the subject do you find most interesting? -What evidence do you have of academic motivation? -How have you developed skills relevant to the course? -What evidence do you have of skills relevant to academic study? -Can you demonstrate appropriate vocational commitment? Interests Vocational commitment only relevant to some courses. Important point is that we care about academic interests and evidence. -Focus on relevant academic interests -Give examples -Provide evidence of genuine academic interests -Be honest!

Exploring your interests Why do you like the subject? What evidence do you have that you like it? What other achievements do you have? On a sheet of paper they should pick their favourite subject, and try to compile lists – Generally I find this is ok with year 11s, though some may write nothing. 8

Interviews Interviews take place in the first 3 weeks of December Normally at least two interviews, each lasting 20 - 30 minutes Interviews are discussion-based and intellectually challenging Check the University websites for mock interview videos and more information Information to include within talk Cambridge interviews over 80% of applicants At Oxford, for some courses over 90% applicants interviewed but for heavily over-subscribed courses can be as little as 30% interviewed Interviews usually held late November or during the first 3 weeks in December – please avoid making any unbreakable commitments for this time! Discussion-based and will challenge students to think in new ways and beyond what they know - combining existing knowledge and skills with new material Background information for presenter to be aware of The Interviews in Action film on the Cambridge website (www.cam.ac.uk/interviews/) and podcasts on the Oxford website (www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/how_to_apply/interviews/interview_videos.html) show what typical interviews are like so applicants know what to expect.

Interviews: Types of Questions SUBJECT-SPECIFIC INTERVIEW Discussion based on academic interests mentioned in personal statement Scientists: expect a specimen to discuss Assess knowledge and understanding of subject and flexibility of thought Discussion of submitted essays This could be used to talk through a few specific examples “Quirky” questions: apply existing knowledge to new situations Arts (especially languages): expect a text to discuss Model teaching session – it’s like having a mini tutorial Challenging questions relating to A-level courses Sciences: expect a problem sheet to work through

What Tutors Look For Academic Potential Clear, flexible, analytical thought Informed enthusiasm for the subject Ability to assimilate new ideas or apply existing concepts to challenging new questions Again, this is the general info – more specific subject guidance is online Vocational/ professional commitment (where appropriate)

Preparing your Application... Start now! Do your research Focus on your subject Practice talking about your subject Get it checked

More Information? www.admissions.ox.ac.uk www.ucas.com Ask teachers for advice Find us on Facebook – St Peter’s College Admissions Ask questions today – or email schools@spc.ox.ac.uk