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Applying to Oxford or Cambridge
Alice WilbySchools Liaison Officer
St Peter’s College, Oxford
Should You Apply?
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!
Entry Requirements
Academic ability + Potential = Offer?
Entry criteria are purely academic
Must be predicted AAA/ A*AA/ A*A*A
Evidence of past high academic achievement
For your chosen course
1 in 5 applicants is offered a place
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
Choosing a College
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
What should you include?
Information on your interests, motivation to study, and suitability for
the course
Interests
-Focus on relevant academic interests
-Give examples-Provide evidence
of genuine academic interests
-Be honest!
Motivation
-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?
Suitability
-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?
Exploring your interests
Why do you like the subject?
What evidence do you have that you like it?
What other achievements do you have?
Interviews
• Interviews take place in the first 3 weeks of December
• Normally at least two interviews, each lasting 20 - 30 minutes
• Interviews are discussion-based and intellectually challenging
• Check the University websites for mock interview videos and more information
Interviews: Types of Questions
SUBJECT-SPECIFIC INTERVIEWDiscussion based on academic interests
mentioned in personal
statement
Assess knowledge and understanding
of subject and flexibility of thought
“Quirky” questions: apply
existing knowledge to new situations
Arts (especially languages): expect
a text to discuss
Discussion of submitted
essays
Scientists: expect a specimen to discuss
Challenging questions
relating to A-level courses
Sciences: expect a problem sheet to
work through
Model teaching session – it’s like
having a mini tutorial
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
Vocational/ professional commitment (where appropriate)
Preparing your Application...
Start now!
Do your research
Focus on your subject
Practice talking about your subject
Get it checked
More Information?
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk
www.ucas.com
Ask teachers for advice
Find us on Facebook – St Peter’s College Admissions
Ask questions today – or email [email protected]
