The University of Oxford is a world-class academic institution and if you intend to study there, check out these helpful tips for getting to the so-called "City of Dreaming Spiers"…
Steps
Step 1. Choose a course
A list of degree programs is available on this page. You will find areas of study and necessary information that detail the degree programs and what students should expect. By using this site, you will get help in making your choice. Note that there are many interdisciplinary degrees available. For example, you may like the idea of studying mathematics and philosophy rather than just the former.
Step 2. Check the entry requirements
It is important to meet all the necessary requirements. Again it is not appropriate to go through 90% of a rather difficult process to find that you are missing something fundamental. There are generic quality requirements for all courses (advanced levels oscillate between A * A * A and AAA) and some areas of study require an advanced level (A-level), the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) secondary school) or equivalent in certain areas of study. These entry requirements vary from one institution to another. Check and double check all the details. If you apply for entry for something you couldn't study at school, such as Philosophy, you can still read up on or even take a look at the A-level tests before the interview.
Step 3. Check if the course requires written tests or processed.
Some programs require candidates to take written tests prior to admission. They typically take place in early November. Some essays are available on the internet. It is better to get to work right away, preferably from the day you decide to send the application for admission. Other programs may require the submission of papers to demonstrate competence, understanding, and demonstration of your writing level and skills.
Step 4. Choose a college
When applying for admission to Oxford you may need to select a specific college or you can submit an open application and Oxford will choose it for you. Either way, your application may be rated by more than one college and you may receive an offer from each of them. Note that not all institutions provide the study areas in which you intend to study. If you can, try to attend an "open day" and talk to the college students you are considering. Others may say there are no "college guys", until they notice the subtle similarities between people over the next few years! Some factors you might consider are:
- How is the college atmosphere? What will it be like to live there?
- Where is it? Is it close to the faculty buildings, the city center, etc.?
- How is the accommodation? Is it guaranteed to you for all the years of the degree course? Is food excluded?
- What are the measures and provisions, for example for a particular study area? Is the college library good for your studies? Is there a specific tutor for the disciplines you intend to study?
Step 5. Apply through UCAS
All applications must be received through UCAS by the due date. No late applications will be considered due to the competitive spirit required in these cases. In 2014, all applications arriving in Oxford must be submitted between 1st September and 15th October (06:00 London time). UCAS stands for University College Admission Service, the central organization that processes applications to tertiary institutions across the UK. The UCAS website is www.ucas.com. You will need to write a short personal statement, and your teacher (or even more than one) must attach a cover letter that you will likely not be allowed to see.
Step 6. Prepare for the interview
If your question is chosen from the shortlist, you will be invited to an interview, which you can do in person in Oxford, by phone or online. If you are in person, you will be invited to Oxford for a couple of days around December and will be given a room in the college where you applied for admission or to which you have been assigned. Interview dates vary by study area and will be published well in advance. During this time you will need to interview at the college and faculty where you applied to enroll and will eventually be sent to other colleges. Study for interviews before you leave and be prepared to answer questions that are even a little singular.
- During the science interview, in the first few minutes the examiner might ask you a couple of questions that are limited to facts, just to start, and ask if there is any aspect of the subject that has particularly interested you. This is an insight that could lead to a conversation on any topic that you can do your best in reporting facts and analysis. Basically in this circumstance you are presenting a mini-essay, while the tutor will provide you with his help, so ask for a hand if you need it. If you have a compelling question on the subject that you always wanted an answer to, ask it! Alternatively, they may show you some theorem or observation so that you can start an argument with a lot of inferences and so on. This type of process could involve difficult scientific demonstrations, such as sketching, writing hypothetical reaction mechanisms or many other things, and then consider everything to draw conclusions about the nature of the topic under consideration. For example, you may have learned certain notions in school that have particular fine print exceptions to texts (you are not expected to know them), and the tutor may test you on one of these aspects to see what you can come up with.
- An interview on the humanities can begin with a few questions about a small passage that they will ask you to read in the 10 minutes before the interview. Other questions might involve some specifics related to the paper you submitted, topics you studied in high school, and everything you wrote in your personal statement, along with other weird and wonderful questions the examiner will ask you to analyze how think and build arguments when faced with something new.
Step 7. Wait until you know if you've got a seat
Relax - you've done everything you can and Oxford will let you know in January if your application is successful. However, this is not the last step. Candidates usually receive offers based on exam results. Once you have your offer, it will all depend on your performance and how you prove that you are what they are looking for. If, based on your performance, you have demonstrated the required level or achieved the necessary grades, you will be confirmed in the program. Enjoy the well-deserved congratulations.
Advice
- The procedure for entry into degree programs for international students is extremely similar to that described here, with the additional requirement to meet the prescribed English language requirements before pursuing studies.
- As a first option, visit the University of Oxford website. Learn extensively about the application process, colleges, degree programs, etc.
- Applications must be submitted via the internet on the Oxford University website. At the same time you will also have to forward your references. The online application contains six pages of questions that are personal and related to your study preferences. It will allow you to upload the documents accompanying your presentation and enter the details of your references. After that, an application supervisor will check if you have answered all the mandatory questions. You will need to fill out a statement that you affirm that the information provided is true and accurate. You may also need to submit a personal goals statement or research proposal. Finally, it is likely that a registration fee will have to be paid before the application is accepted.
- Your future tutor will want to hear you think aloud, so it may be a good idea to give private lessons on the subjects you are applying for. You may need to do this for free, but it will be a great way to prepare yourself to answer uncomfortable questions during the interview.
- Look for a supporter in your school. Are you among the top of the class? Do your teachers praise your performance (say, for example, "Finally someone wrote an enjoyable essay to read") and compliment each other and your parents? If so, let them know that you wish to enter Oxford University. It is not enough to ask if they think you should: it is your ambition and only your efforts will carry you forward. Their role is to give you a reference.
