1. Preparing for the most competitive academic degree courses

2. ‘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)

3. 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

4. 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%

5. 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

6. 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

9. 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.

10. 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 ed 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.

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

13. 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.

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

15. 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 s!
Targeted ed opportunities, read your s!
Olympiads – e.g. biology 7th - 14th June, training to start sooner – read your s!
Check the Aim High board outside the staffroom

16. 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

17. 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!

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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!

21. Where to get information
Departments
Aim High coordinator – Mr Gill
Your accounts
Aim high board (opposite staff room, next to reprographics)

22. 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?

23. 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

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

25. “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

26. 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.