Owing to the extent and quality of the competition, getting into an Oxbridge College (College within Oxford or Cambridge Universities) is extremely difficult and challenging. Not only is competition tough, the academic threshold expected for entry is also some of highest anywhere in the world. Upon graduating, students get a massive boost in terms of career progression as the quality of Oxbridge institutions are recognised globally alongside universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, the Sorbonne or Peking University. Students graduating from either Oxford or Cambridge will certainly be sought after by top employers and command higher salaries and accelerated career progression.
If a student is academically able and has a history of academic success, then they could apply to either Oxford or Cambridge, as you cannot apply for both universities at the same time. This is known as the Oxbridge Rule and it prevents student from applying to both universities in any one year. Whether applying to an Oxford or Cambridge College, students must be properly prepared and understand the process, as well as the additional tests they may to take and how the selection and interview process works.
Avaline School has developed its very own Oxbridge Preparation course that covers the following:
- Overview of history of Oxford and Cambridge universities and how the universities are structured and operate, including many of their traditions – including the collegiate structure
- The selection process – what are they looking for in a student
- Writing your UCAS statement and any supporting material you will need
- Details about specific tests that they may need to take
- How to respond during interviews and what to expect
Not everyone can or should apply to Oxford and Cambridge – you have be exceptionally able and within the very top percentile of your academic peers to even be properly considered. Average or good students can apply for Russell Group universities, but applicants to Oxbridge have to be a league of their own, although in many ways, entry into LSE, Imperial or UCL can be nearly as demanding.
