1. Applying to Oxford or Cambridge
Caitriona Woolhouse, Head of UK & International Student Recruitment, University of Oxford
Mike Sewell, Director of Admissions and Admissions Tutor, University of Cambridge

2. Why Oxford or Cambridge?
Worldwide reputation
1 or 2 in UK
Top 3 Europe
Top 5 Worldwide
A welcoming place for international students
Broad range of courses or programmes
Up to a maximum of three programmes in a degree course
World-class teaching and facilities
Small-group teaching
College structure

3. The Competition for International Students
International cohort
Oxford 17%
Cambridge 19%
Competition for international students
(Oxford case study)
Oxford success rate for international students 12% compared to average of 20%
Why?
Quotas? No (with the exception of Medicine).
Clustering around competitive subjects? Probably…

4. The application process
Choose course
Choose a College or open application
UCAS application
15 Oct
+ COPA (Cam)
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
(Sept – Dec Cam)
(Dec Ox) 4

5. Purely Academic Criteria
What is considered?
Pre 16 academic achievement (if available)
Post 16 academic achievement
UCAS personal statement
UCAS teacher’s reference
Written work
Admissions Tests
Interviews
Purely Academic Criteria

6. P R E Preparing to apply Programme of study Results Engage and explore
Course choice is the most important decision –personal interest(s), research thoroughly
Results
Work hard to do as well as they can in their current studies
Engage and explore
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
Time management – generally and for tests/exams

7. University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge