1. OXBRIDGE Oxbridge

2. Why apply to Oxbridge? Two of the best universities in the world Employability The Collegiate system Outstanding teaching Outstanding facilities £: accommodation/financial support/resources Wealth of extra-curricular opportunities No more competitive than other leading universities A BHASVIC track record of success: 57 places over the last 3 years

3. Application timetable Research courses/Open Days Read recommended texts Begin work on Personal Statement Research other universities – 4 required – aim for a range of offers BHASVIC deadline – mid-September UCAS deadline for Oxbridge – mid-October Submit requested work Sit required tests Interviews – beginning December Offers – Ox. in late December, Cam. in early January Cambridge Pool – by end of January Final acceptance through UCAS - May

4. Approach to Admissions either/or – not both CAMBRIDGEOXFORD GCSE scores (in context) AS grades and UMS marks Personal Statement Reference Submitted work 1 day of interviews (x per place per subject) Tests at interview Offer or Winter Pool (further interviews?) GCSE scores (in context) AS grades Personal Statement Reference Submitted work Pre-interview tests Up to 3 days of interviews (3 per place per subject) Offers (Initial college or other)

5. Two areas of particular interest Course choice: crucialCollege choice: not crucial Significant differences between O. & C. in course substance Investigate requirements Think flexibly – the full range of courses on offer Subject specific Open Days Substantial advice on pre- application reading etc. ‘Super-curricular’ knowledge Focus for Personal Statement Admissions procedures seek to iron out the ‘distortions’ of popular colleges Offers are frequently made by non-first choice colleges Status of ‘open’ applications Avoid ‘Hogwarts’ mentality No particular pattern to BHASVIC success College-specific Open Days

6. Common misconceptions & FAQs GCSE scores: 8A*s+3As average this year AS marks: very important for Cam. Tests: do not require ‘teaching’ but student understanding Little direct weight is given to extra- curricular activities: “Brains on legs” – Personal Statement will need 80/20 split One Personal Statement for 5 universities Other universities – possible to apply for different courses Being an undergraduate at Oxbridge is not expensive An application to Oxbridge is not disliked by other leading universities

7. At BHASVIC we aim to be inclusive and supportive but also realistic: ‘Students, don’t under-sell yourselves but equally Oxbridge is not the be-all and the end-all’ Any questions? n.commin@bhasvic.ac.uk