How to Get Into Oxford University
If you have a desire to study at Oxford University, you are going to need to meet the stringent requirements. Unlike other universities, The university has high demands and expectations which means that you’ll need to fit their exact requirements in order to get into Oxford University.
Obtaining a place at Oxford University is a challenging task as you will be met with fierce competition which means that you will need to stand out to get into Oxford University. There are a number of things that you will need to do in order to get into this prestigious university. Of course, your grades will count but there is more that you need to do to be accepted.
Each application that is accepted is done so on its own merits, but there are some other things that you can do to increase your chances of being accepted.
Oxford University Requirements
What Grades Do You Need to Get Into Oxford?
This might seem obvious but your grades are going to need to stand out. If you have good results to show from your GCSEs then this will prove that you are someone who is willing to put in the work, which is something you will need to do when it comes to studying at Oxford University. The average applicant that successfully gets accepted in Oxford University should have around 8 or 9 GCSEs as a minimum.
However, GCSEs are just the beginning because you are going to need A-Level grades that Oxford University requires for the course you are applying for. As a result, you need to determine what grades your chosen course needs beforehand, so it is always worth checking this out as some courses might have some additional requirements.
At the end of year 13, you’ll receive your grades but you will submit an application with predicted grades based on how you perform in year 12. So, you can expect your grades to be scrutinised along with your GCSE grades as well as any tests that you have to take as part of the admission process.
Learn All About Your Subject
While you might work hard during your time in years 12 and 13, following the syllabus alone is not enough to get into Oxford University.
If you are looking to study an engineering, science, humanities or social science degree, you will be required to enhance your understanding of the subject. This will enable you to stand out but also show that you are committed to the subject.
This means that you will need to:
Read more information so that you can include it within your personal statement
Talk confidently about the subject during your interview
Familiarise yourself with the pace of reading that you will be expected to achieve during your time studying at Oxford University
Oxford Interview Preparation
You should consider your interview to be like an exam. It is where you will be asked challenging questions and have your intellectual abilities examined in a friendly way.
You could ask your careers advisor or a teacher to carry out a mock interview but it is important that you re-read your personal statement prior to the interview. You might be asked questions relating to it, so it is really important that you prepare correctly.
The interview is much like your personal statement as it will provide admission tutors with the opportunity to learn more about the way you respond to questions and how you think. They’ll also consider the way in which you discuss the subject and questions too. Therefore, interviews can feel more professional and academic because it is a serious part of the process.
In some cases, depending on the subject you want to study, you might find that you are asked to show answers to questions on paper or a whiteboard.
Be Enthusiastic About Your Subject
You should aim to show how enthusiastic you are about your subject because it is important that you are. If you can show that you are passionate and have a real interest in the course while being able to show examples then this will work in your favour.
Whether you have read books or researched online, make sure you discuss your findings openly and don’t be afraid to be critical. This will show that you have the ability to discuss openly and can also pick apart your research independently.
Stand Out in Your Oxford University Tests
In order to help Oxford University choose the right students, you’ll be required to take a number of tests. These exams will enable them to determine how you work, how you think and how you find solutions to questions that you might not have experienced before. Not all courses require you to take tests but for subjects such as law, maths and English, you should expect to sit tests.
The tests are an assessment of your knowledge and will be added to the findings from your interview as they will provide additional evidence of your abilities and the potential to become a success.
Getting Into Oxford With Btecs
Btecs have become popular and more students are taking these alongside or with their A-Levels. The good news is that you can get into Oxford University with Btecs although you will need these alongside A-Levels. This will depend on the course you are taking but it is possible to be accepted with them.
The majority of applied general qualifications will be considered unsuitable when it comes to submitting a competitive application. However, it is possible that they might be considered alongside A-Levels although this will depend on the course that you are applying for.
When tutors consider all submitted applications, they want to be able to see evidence and assessment that would indicate that the candidate possesses the skills and knowledge that is required for the course that they have chosen to apply for. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates include reasons why their qualification has prepared them for the course that they have applied for on their UCAS personal statement.
How to Get Into Oxford as an International Student
As an international student who wants to get into Oxford University, it makes sense to understand what is required.
To begin, you will need to start early, around two to three years before you begin your application. This will give you the chance to get the right grades and recognised qualifications. Furthermore, you’ll need to make sure that you meet the basic requirements.
As competition is tough, you will have to meet the minimum requirements. You will then be expected to attend the interview in person, as this will enable you to demonstrate that you are suitable for your chosen course.
It is vital that you have excellent English language skills, as this is a must for both domestic and international students.
Once you have determined the course you wish to study, then you can begin to create your profile on UCAS. This is where all admissions will be handled, and your profile will be split into five sections:
Personal information
Contact details
Qualifications
Work history
Personal statement
Enhance your knowledge by reading widely, as they are likely to ask questions that test you during the interview. You should also read about related subjects and current affairs to show that you are well-rounded. Finally, you should also show that you have a real passion for the subject.
The Best Oxford University Courses
There are many different courses that you can study at Oxford University. These are the best courses available:
Philosophy
Modern Languages
Geography
English Language & Literature
Mathematics
Linguistics
History
Medicine
Biomedical Sciences
Natural Sciences
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Archaeology and Anthropology
Computer Science & Information Systems
Law & Legal Studies
So, applicants should ensure that they check the specific requirements for the course that they are applying for. It is important that they prepare accordingly, and that starts once they begin studying for their A-Levels. Oxford University receives a large number of applications, so if you want to be accepted, you have to give admission tutors a reason to select you over other applicants.