The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, abbreviated together as “Oxbridge,” are known for the highest standards of research and teaching in the world.
Both of them are the oldest English high education facilities, with rich history and traditions, so, as a byproduct of marvellous Oxbridge tuition, they are able to secure their places in the Top 5 universities in academic rankings literally every year.
The high quality of Oxbridge tutoring and Oxbridge tutors themselves attract, indeed, the best of the best among bright young people.
Consequently, given the “calibre” of an average enrollee, it’s no surprise that their graduates include leading politicians, academics, and business leaders worldwide.
So, Oxbridge Mind will help you on your way to greatness.
Are you genuinely interested in becoming a student at either Oxford or Cambridge?
Do you want to spend your youth studying under a diligent Oxbridge tutor? Then find out if you have the ability to do so (and concurrent helpful tips) in the article below.
Oxbridge distinctive features
The main feature of the two universities is their teaching methods.
Students receive knowledge not in lectures and large seminars but in individual sessions or small groups, called “tutorials” in Oxford and “supervisions” in Cambridge.
Leading experts conduct these individual and group sessions in their scientific field (tutors), less often by graduate students.
The second feature of studying at Oxbridge is the collegiate system.
The fact is that both Cambridge and Oxford consist of self-sufficient colleges with their own canteen, classrooms, teachers, housing, budget, administration and even a chapel.
Each college is a small community of students where it is easy to make friends.
Moreover, the oldest colleges in Oxbridge are directly associated with key events in British history.
Are you suitable for Oxbridge?
Though the standards of Oxford and Cambridge are indeed pretty high, that does not mean that a mere mortal without a long lineage of scientists or nobility cannot be admitted there.
However, if there is a desire to become a student of these prestigious universities, one should imagine the path ahead in advance.
For example, suppose you are a non-native of the United Kingdom and have not finished school education here.
In that case, it is most probable that you won’t be able to enter the Bachelor’s program at British universities, especially at Oxford or Cambridge.
To seriously qualify for admission to an undergraduate program at Oxbridge, the enrollee will need to have at least 6 “A” grades in the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), the final stage of secondary education in the UK and Northern Ireland.
And have all “A” grades in Advanced Subsidiary (AS) – the first level of education program for preparing for admission to universities in the UK A-level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level).
The admission committee will also assess your results for individual exam modules, which should be above 90% (in the top 10th percentile) on average.
If, in addition, you enjoy reading literature on your favourite subject in your spare time and do not miss the chance to discuss academic topics and the latest scientific breakthroughs with your peers, then Oxbridge is definitely for you.
What is the typical Oxbridge enrollee?
A concept or archetype of “typical Oxbridge enrollee” does not exist. Oxbridge is actually interesting for its diversity of students.
Any candidate with high academic achievement, genuine interest in their favourite subject and motivation should consider applying to the University of Cambridge or Oxford.
How to apply to Oxbridge?
Sending documents
Documents required applying for undergraduate studies at Oxford and Cambridge are submitted through the UCAS system, as in all the other British Universities.
However, the submission date is different: you need to manage to do this in time before October the 15th. Only several colleges of your interest can be selected.
You may or may not specify them – then you will be assigned to one of the colleges by the admission commission.
It is impossible to apply for a bachelor’s degree at both Oxford and Cambridge University within the same round.
However, this rule is void if you apply for a master’s or doctoral program.
Admitting an undergraduate candidate is made at the college level, not the university, whereby college tutors select individual applicants.
The final selection results are usually announced in December.
The cover letter
The cover letter should not refer directly to the University of Oxford or Cambridge since UCAS will send it out to all the universities you choose.
At least 80% of the content of the motivation letter should be devoted to highlighting points related to your studies and only a tiny paragraph to your other hobbies and extracurricular interests.
That is not because the minds of Oxbridge students should only be filled with science and studies.
It’s just that the tutor selects the applicants from a vast number of excellent, academically prepared candidates, so he must understand exactly how ready you are to cope with an extensive academic letter.
Therefore, your cover letter is one of your good assets to convince the tutor of your high academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and hard work.
Interview, exams and additional tests
An interview with applicants is only one of the stages in selecting candidates, which also includes corresponding written exams and essay writing.
Oxford University uses written tests to select candidates for the next step, the interview.
The University of Cambridge does not require you to take exams before the interview.
Additionally, for admission to some study programs at both Universities, you must pass a critical thinking test (Thinking Skills Assessment or TSA).
The University of Cambridge will also ask you to complete a Supplementary Application Form.
Closure
Oxbridge is shrouded in a cloud of elitism myths.
These are elite educational institutions, but only in a positive context: Oxford and Cambridge are preparing intellectual elite, the best of the best.
If you are ready to join the ranks of such intellectuals, you are free to go ahead.