Applying for Oxbridge

Although, due to unprecedented circumstances, UCAS will consult on the deadlines for the 2021 Entry UCAS Application Cycle, they feel that the early UCAS deadline of 15th October 2020 for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science is highly unlikely to change, so you need to continue to plan for meeting the established UCAS deadlines for these applications.

Oxbridge make lots of great information available on their websites to help students to prepare for applying for these courses, so please make use of the information and resources that are available on both Cambridge’s and Oxford’s websites –  www.cam.ac.uk/apply or www.ox.ac.uk/apply

Webinars

Cambridge and Oxford outreach departments have uploaded a number of webinars which provide invaluable advice and guidance, that you can access from here oxfordandcambridgeoutreach.co.uk/webinar-archive

Applying to Oxbridge

An introduction to Oxbridge, the application process and breaking down myths www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWVXvG0HaIA

Making a Competitive Oxbridge Application Webinar

Cambridge and Oxford university have jointly produced a webinar which provides an insight into what both universities are looking for in a strong application, including guidance on personal statements and what to expect at interview. This can be accessed from the following link: www.oxfordandcambridgeoutreach.co.uk/webinars/ocsc-online-making-a-competitive

Reflective Reading

This PowerPoint File with audio can be downloaded at drive.google.com/file/d/1MgCi4Td_Xy01MvI_nJdsKNCIzjRIe7Vy/view

Super-Curricular Suggestions

The University of Cambridge has compiled a list of super-curricular activity tips for students who are unsure about how they could explore their academic interests outside of the school curriculum. This is not a required reading list but a list of suggestions and can be accessed here New Super-Curricular Suggestions Document

Oxford University’s Digital Resource Hub

Oxford University have recently launched a new Digital Resource Hub with lots of different information for students, teachers and families www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/increasing-access/ug-digital-resources

Cambridge Virtual Open Days – 2nd & 3rd July 2020

In light of the latest advice about the coronavirus pandemic, Cambridge’s in-person Open Days have been cancelled. However, they are excited to announce that they will be delivering Virtual Open Days for prospective applicants in Year 12, together with any parents or supporters. For more information, please visit the main Open Days webpage at www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-open-days

Oxford Virtual Open Days  – 1^st & 2^nd July 2020

In the light of continued developments with coronavirus (Covid-19), Oxford’s 2020 July Open Days will be going ahead as Virtual Open Days. At the moment they are hoping that the 18th  September Open Day will run, but realise this may not be possible if social distancing is still in place. Further information for Oxford’s Open Days can be found here www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/open-days-and-visits and the registration form for the Open Days (not compulsory) can be found here newsletter.admin.ox.ac.uk/k/Ouc/open_days_registration

In the meantime, Oxford produce regular newsletters for prospective applicants that offer updates, insights into student life, as well as advice and guidance on making a competitive application. You can sign up to receive these newsletters here: newsletter.admin.ox.ac.uk/k/Ouc/undergraduate_admissions_and_outreach_news

University of Cambridge Pre-Interview Assessments

Most applicants are required to take a subject-specific written admission assessment either pre-interview or at interview. Information on Cambridge’s Pre-Interview written assessments can be found here www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/admissions-assessments/pre-interview and at https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/cambridge-pre-interview-assessments/

University of Oxford Admissions Tests

Many of the University of Oxford’s courses require applicants to take an admissions test as part of the application and selection process. More information about Admissions tests for Oxford University can be found here www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests and at https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/oxford-tests/

Updated BMAT Preparation Guide

This is a key resource each year for students sitting the BMAT with tips on how to approach preparation and use the resources available. The updated BMAT Preparation Guide can be downloaded at Updated BMAT Preparation Guide

Oxbridge Admissions Interviews for 2021 Entry

University of Cambridge

In order to minimise COVID-related risks to applicants, students and staff in the coming undergraduate admissions round, Cambridge are making plans to interview applicants this year without requiring them to travel to Cambridge. They will release further details about alternative arrangements as soon as they can. For further information about interviews at Cambridge visit www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/interviews

University of Oxford

For courses starting in October 2021, admissions interviews will be held online during December 2020. The advice given on Oxford’s website is still valid for online interviews. Oxford will add further guidance about the technology they will use as soon as possible. This will include information about support for students who might need help to access online interviews. For further information about interviews at Oxford visit www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/interviews

Coronavirus Tutoring Initiative

This project was set up by several Oxbridge students with the aim to connect university students from across the UK with young people who need free tutoring in any pre-GCSE, GCSE, or A-Level subject. To find out more information about this project and to sign up to receive support from a tutor visit coronavirustutoring.co.uk/about