Oxford International College (OIC) Brighton’s Dr Gemma Hannan and Dr Kirsten Dickers give pointers on the Oxbridge application
Both Cambridge and Oxford universities are internationally renowned, so it is no surprise that the application process is competitive. Last year, for instance, some 23,000 students applied for one of just 3,300 undergraduate places at Oxford. So how do you develop a strong application?
Although both universities seek academic excellence, an ideal candidate demonstrates that they make a conscious effort to expand on what they have learned in the classroom. An excellent way to do this is by pursuing opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, relevant to chosen subject. Attending lectures, exhibitions and networking events provides ideal opportunities to develop knowledge and demonstrate a curiosity about new perspectives on taught subject material.
At school, students should engage with societies and clubs that enable them to deepen understanding of their preferred subject – or further understanding of something they feel passionately about. Better still, they can benefit from forming societies of their own, demonstrating initiative, intellectual curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning.
“Encouraging students to discuss what they have learned enhances their ability to engage in intellectual conversations and interviews”
At OIC Brighton, extracurricular activities are something we emphasise, encouraging our students to participate in through our Super Curricular Programme. This offers a diverse range of activities, clubs and societies, which help to develop a rigorous understanding across a chosen field.
Building a strong application requires several months of hard work and candidates will be expected to demonstrate this when they apply. While the format of the personal statement is changing, it will remain an opportunity to create a lasting impression on the admissions team. It must portray a genuine passion and enthusiasm for your chosen subject.
Admissions tests play an important role in the applications process and early preparation improves the chances of success. Researching the format of the test and identifying areas that may require additional support enables effective and worthwhile revision, helping students approach the tests with increased confidence.
The admissions interview is an opportunity to articulate passion for chosen subject through an intellectual and reflective conversation. It is important to be able to confidently discuss this in detail. Interviewers will be seeking a high level of oracy, in addition to a knowledge of the subject that goes beyond classroom learning. At OIC Brighton, we support the development of oracy skills by encouraging our students to discuss and reflect on what they have learned, enhancing their ability to fluently engage in intellectual conversations and interviews.
With over 60 Oxford and Cambridge colleges to choose from between the two universities, selecting where to study can be a daunting decision. If a student does not have a preferred destination, it can be worth considering the number of applications that each one receives annually and thinking strategically about the best choice. Our students benefit from the expertise of individually appointed strategy tutors who use their admissions experience to assist with decisions during the application process. This ensures a choice that is both suitable and optimises the chances of success.
* Dr Gemma Hannan is Deputy Principal (Academic) and Dr Kirsten Dickers is, Head of Sixth Form at OIC Brighton oicbrighton.com
Further reading: ISL London on the importance of developing leadership qualities
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