Oxbridge Applications - First Steps
Applications to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are notoriously difficult and the admission process can seem daunting. We have outlined five key steps to guide you through applying, from how to start thinking about an application, all the way through to submission. We have spoken to the Renewed Learning tutors (all of whom are Oxbridge-educated) to gather their own personal experiences and produce this summary.
1. Reaching out
The single best way to start an Oxbridge application is to reach out and speak with anyone and everyone that may be able to help. Research is key, and hearing first-hand experiences can inspire you further on in the application process. Finding a range of sources can mean you speak to teachers, parents, and anyone else you can find who might be able to help. These conversations can also have different aims depending on who you’re speaking with. You might end up learning more about the application process, finding out which college you’re best suited to, or having a friendly debate about your subject!
You never know where you might hear the advice that makes all the difference. For one Renewed Learning tutor, the most memorable conversation they had was with someone sitting across from them on a train, who had studied the course they went on to study at Oxford. If you’re speaking to an Oxbridge graduate, ensure you’re asking about the full range of their experiences: good or bad, any information you can find should help at this early stage. Speaking to different people can also help when developing your general knowledge of the subject you’re considering - even if they didn’t go to Oxford, if you find someone interested in your course use the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the subject.
2. Accessible Content
Once you are set on a particular subject, you will want to do some initial research to validate your interest. This will not only help boost your application but should also hopefully be enjoyable and rewarding in itself. One challenge here can be finding the appropriate resources- at this stage steer clear from complex academic articles and seminal works (more on this later). Our advice is to start simple! Find an introductory book to judge which areas of your subject you find particularly interesting. Podcasts and short articles are also great ways to gain a broad understanding of your course. You can even try visiting a museum or attending a public lecture- these are also great places to discuss your subject with people who share your interests. A great avenue for resource recommendations can also be the people around you- so make sure to ask for advice on this as you’re reaching out to different people.
3. Longer Format Project
After establishing a basis for your interest in the subject, the next stage involves applying your knowledge and passion to a longer project. This is perfect for your personal statement and interviews, as it helps you link your passion for the subject to specific aspects of the course. It will also help you prove your interest in the subject to yourself, which is incredibly helpful when trying to build confidence.
It’s important to find a project which offers tangible proof that you’ve spent a considerable amount of time and effort on the subject. You should also ensure your project requires evaluative thinking, as this is how you gain the benefits of applying your interest to a subject. Essentially, ensure you’re not just summarising a series of publications in your field of choice. One recommended route can be to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), as completing this will earn you a formal qualification worth up to 28 UCAS points. An EPQ consists of an independently researched and written 5000 word essay on a subject of your choosing. For example, one of our tutors who studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford wrote an essay about ‘Torture – Its Ethics and Efficacy in the Modern Day World’, as this title combined core philosophical questions with an analysis of political outcomes. He received top marks which helped his application, but also boosted his confidence immensely which was especially helpful for interviews.
4. Academic Research
Having gained a deeper understanding of your subject through your initial reading and project, you’re now ready to read some more rigorous academic texts!
Try to find some seminal works in your field, and choose some which relate to your previous reading or your project. This should hopefully make them more accessible, and should provide you with avenues of supplementary research if you get confused. It’s also helpful to know that for many major works in a field, complementary texts will be available which explain the main concepts of the books in more accessible terms. This stage of preparation can be difficult, but is always rewarding and gives you a great baseline of knowledge when you start university.
5. Preparing Your Application
At this stage, you will have completed a carefully planned process in which you have slowly acquired knowledge and skills on your desired subject. The next step is to construct an application that highlights the time and effort that you have spent and most importantly, showcases your genuine interest. For UK universities this entails writing a personal statement. Much like a Cover Letter for a job, this is a brilliant chance to tell your own personal story and make it as impressive and engaging as possible. Using the conversations you’ve had, the initial and further reading you’ve done, and any project you’ve undertaken should hopefully leave you with a wealth of resources to mention. Many applicants rush this, but we would always recommend taking your time and review, edit and rewrite your personal statement until it is something that makes you proud every time you read it.
For more inspiration around personal statements, Renewed Learning have put together a guide for improving your personal statement.
Are you looking for support with your own University application, or your child’s? Do you have questions about Aptitude Tests? Get in touch! We’d be delighted to support you.
