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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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!

8. 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

9. Interviews Interviews take place in the first 3 weeks of December
Normally at least two interviews, each lasting 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 ( and podcasts on the Oxford website ( show what typical interviews are like so applicants know what to expect.

10. 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

11. 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)

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

13. More Information? www.admissions.ox.ac.uk www.ucas.com
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