Admission to Oxford for many foreign students seems to be a difficult and unattainable process, but to become a student of one of the most prestigious universities in the world is quite realistic. Let's consider what stages the receipt includes, how much time each of them takes and what it is worth paying attention to first of all. The main thing in this process is to be truly passionate about your work, persistent in achieving high results and carefully prepare for the specific stages of admission. To provide high-quality academic education will allow studying at a good school in the UK and professional advice.
How to enter Oxford: milestones
Oxford University is one of the world-famous educational institutions, the dream of many ambitious students. Applicants fall into a highly competitive environment, so talent and passion in the chosen field of study are mandatory criteria. Preparation for Oxford begins long before the admission process: the student receives substantial knowledge of the subject, develops critical thinking.
School in the UK: A-level and International Baccalaureate
Preparations for studying at Oxford, the most elite and selective university in the world, should begin in advance. A solid foundation for further studies at the university will be made possible by studying in the upper grades of a TOP British school: 42% of students at Oxford and Cambridge are graduates of private schools. International students enter local educational institutions after the 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. If they arrive before the age of 15, they are preparing to receive a GCSE certificate . Students with a high overall score continue their studies in the sixth form high school (grades 12–13).
If a foreign student enters an English middle-level educational institution after grades 10-11, he can go to study at the International Baccalaureate , A-level program or at preparatory programs for entering high school. The student selects the disciplines included in the list of core for the chosen specialty. It’s important not only to go to college or a prestigious high school - it’s much more important to get a passing grade at the final exams. The requirements for exam results at Oxford are higher than the average university statistics show - 38-40 points out of 45 possible are required.
List of UK private schools most often send students to Oxbridge:
| School name | Average number of students entering Oxbridge in recent years |
| Westminster School, London | 70-80 people |
| Eton College, Berkshire | 80 people |
| Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge | 68 people |
| St Paul's School, London | 60 people |
| Peter Symonds College, Hampshire | 50 people |
| St. Paul's Girls' School, London | 48 people |
| King's College School, London | 45 people |
| Magdalen College School, Oxford | 44 people |
Choosing the right A-level and International Baccalaureate disciplines
Before choosing specialized disciplines for a high school education program, applicants should carefully study the site of the selected faculty, pay attention to tips for applicants. The purpose of the studying is in-depth academic knowledge, an understanding of the theory in the chosen field, constant practical education, knowledge of material that will not only allow you to pass the final exams well, but also pass testing, and an interview during admission to Oxford .
It is important not only to choose a education program for which you will enroll, but also to prepare for it outside the audience: read scientific journals, attend professional exhibitions, and know the latest news in your field.
Advance online filing
Admission to leading universities in England for foreigners begins long, sometimes a year before the start of studying- the online application portal may open as early as June of the previous year. Start entering personal information into your profile, prepare materials for sending by e-mail or physical mail in advance.
Preparation for entrance exams
Oxford and Cambridge conduct their own entrance exams, carefully selecting students. They accept the results of final exams - this is one of the important stages of selection, but only high scores are not enough.
- Personal Statement - an extended resume in which the student explains why he wants to study at this university, why he chose this field, describes achievements in the chosen field and other interests.
- Written tests on the subject: in preparation for the written assignment, it is important to work through typical questions in advance, to pass the tests that have been applied in past years.
- Oral interview: applicants defend their resume - Personal Statement, answer questions of the admissions committee, solve problems on the subject on the spot, reason, demonstrate their cognitive skills.
Features of conducting exams
If the department to which you submitted the application considers that it has potential, you are included in the list for an interview and an invitation letter is sent. Sometimes candidates receive a notification that they were included in the list a few days before the scheduled interview, so when sending an application, continue to prepare:
- Check the schedule of interviews on the university website to find out the dates.
- The schedule of interviews is very tight, it is impossible to make changes to it.
- Accommodation and meals for applicants are free.
- International students living far from the UK can schedule an interview by phone or online. The exception is applicants for pharmaceutical programs: they are interviewed at the university.
Tutor, counseling club for Oxbridge applicants
Many private schools hold consultations or regular classes for Oxbridge applicants - students get acquainted with the admission process, train to solve problems, and get homework. Groups of 3-4 students planning to enter one course practice interview skills and work with the teacher individually.
Recommendations
Future students of Oxford provide the university with letters of recommendation from the teacher in the main discipline, the head of the educational institution. Characteristics relate to:
- academic success
- ability to stable work
- social activity
- communication skills.
Preparation for entering Oxford begin in advance - it is important to be diligent and hardworking here. What you need: to be proficient in the subject, to be ready for your own excitement and the fact that you will not be able to answer certain questions during the interview, calmly wait for the results.
