Oxbridge

Admission to Oxford and Cambridge, or Oxbridge as they are more commonly known, is not only competitive but totally different from admission to any other British universities. For a start, these universities will interview applicants and therefore not only must students be prepared to shine in their written examinations, but also to demonstrate their knowledge, personality and understanding in an interview situation.

Applications to Oxbridge differ in other respects. Applications have to be made four months earlier than for other universities and in a number of subjects applicants are required to submit written work prior to their interview. An increasing number of degree courses also now require additional admissions tests such as TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment), BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) and LNAT (Law National Admissions Test). Only students with a strong academic track-record should consider applying.

Supporting Oxbridge Applicants

Students who decide to apply to Oxbridge are given every possible assistance at David Game College. Under the supervision of the UCAS Adviser they are given special tutoring in interview techniques and taught how to demonstrate their enthusiasm and knowledge. They are advised on which admissions tests are required and given every support preparing for these tests. They are also advised on choosing a College and students are encouraged to attend Open Days and talk to Oxbridge students and tutors about university life. The College provides concentrated and highly focused preparation sessions, which are closely monitored to ensure that Oxbridge applicants have the best possible chance of success.

Key Facts about Oxbridge

  • Students can only make one application to either Oxford or Cambridge.
  • Successful candidates will have mainly A and A* grades at GCSE. Candidates will have achieved, or be predicted to achieve A Level grades AAB at Oxford and AAA at Cambridge.
  • Getting high A Level grades is necessary, but you will need to be able to talk, write and think critically about the themes and topics on your A Level courses, and to demonstrate genuine interest and intellectual curiosity about your chosen degree course.
  • You will need to be able to think on your feet and respond to whatever is thrown at you, and be able to react thoughtfully to ideas you have not met before.
  • You will also need to be able to think critically about issues and ideas and to show evidence of breadth of interests.
  • You should demonstrate the necessary ambition, stamina, enthusiasm, motivation and potential to follow your chosen course of study and to cope with a heavy workload and show effective management of your time.
  • You should also demonstrate that you have the ability to read and study independently and that you have the potential to make full use of the exceptional resources at Oxford and Cambridge.