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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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?

11. Why not visit us?
University Open Days: 1 and 2 July 2015 and 18 September Admissions Days (run by the Admissions i) in the Easter holidays
Further information: