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What schools need to know about Oxbridge admissions
As the academic world evolves, so does the admission process for prestigious institutions like Oxbridge. Teachers guiding aspiring students towards these universities must stay informed.
For teachers and educators guiding aspiring students towards these esteemed universities, staying abreast of the changing landscape is crucial. Oxbridge Applications discuss the essential aspects of the application process, highlighting recent and upcoming changes teachers should be aware of to assist their students in achieving their dreams.
UCAS application
The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application is crucial for Oxbridge admissions. School teachers play a pivotal role in ensuring students complete their applications accurately and comprehensively.
It’s worth noting that there has been talk of changes to the UCAS application process from 2024, including the Personal Statement format and teacher references. Currently, there are no changes planned for the Personal Statement, but UCAS is interviewing educators, admissions tutors, and students to reform the format.
When it comes to references, UCAS have announced that they are moving to a three-section system for teachers’ references as part of the application system.
Teachers will have to fill in:
1) A general statement about the school or college the student is attending;
2) Any applicable information regarding extenuating circumstances that may have affected the student’s educational journey thus far;
3) Any other supportive information that highlight the student’s academic or extracurricular excellence relevant to the subject being applied to.
Staying updated on potential changes to UCAS Personal Statements is crucial for teachers to support and inspire their students. We recommend regularly monitoring the UCAS website.
Crafting the perfect personal statement
The personal statement is a canvas for students to showcase their aspirations, achievements, and passion for their chosen field of study at Oxbridge. School teachers play a crucial role in guiding students to highlight their unique qualities and extracurricular involvement. Encouraging students to explore alternative resources like films, work experience activities, and exhibitions can enhance their personal statement.
“The personal statement is a canvas for students to showcase their aspirations, achievements and passion.”
Encourage students to showcase their aspirations and commitment to their subject through their personal statement. Additionally, highlight the importance of digital presence and communication skills by incorporating their online projects, blogs, or other relevant engagements that contribute to the academic community.
The key to a good Personal Statement is for applicants to highlight skills and qualities that prove their ability to perform in a challenging academic environment, using resources and experiences as evidence of their wider skillset.
Navigating admissions tests
Admissions tests are a distinctive feature of Oxbridge applications. These tests assess students’ academic abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills related to their chosen degree course. School teachers can help students navigate these tests by identifying the necessary tests, providing updates on changes, reminding of registration deadlines, and highlighting useful resources for preparation.
From the 2023 and 2024 application cycle onwards, changes are coming into place that are likely to impact applicants to various courses at both Oxford and Cambridge. Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing, the company that has run many admissions tests on behalf of both universities in the past, will no longer be doing so. In the case of Oxford University, it has been announced that Tata consulting services will take over the running of these exams.
“Turbulent changes to test format or unknown potential disruption can be anxiety-inducing.”
For tests used by the University of Cambridge, these tests will be withdrawn from the 2024/25 application cycle, and the university is still yet to announce their replacement. Additionally, the BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) currently used by both universities will be withdrawn from 2024, the replacement for which still remains to be announced by the relevant universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton and Sussex, Imperial, Lancaster, UCL, and Leeds).
Turbulent changes to test format or unknown potential disruption can be anxiety-inducing for applicants, so we recommend that teachers monitor the university websites closely to ensure they have the relevant information to hand or can direct their students to the right place for expert advice.
Showcasing potential through interviews
The interview stage is a crucial opportunity for students to demonstrate their suitability for Oxbridge’s rigorous academic environment. Traditionally conducted in person, recent global circumstances have necessitated the adoption of online interviews.
School teachers can help students adapt by organising mock online interviews to improve their virtual communication skills and familiarity with digital platforms.
Both Oxford and Cambridge University (with the exception of UK applicants to Gonville & Caius, King’s, Pembroke, Peterhouse, Selwyn, and Trinity Colleges at Cambridge) have clarified that December 2023 interviews will be held online again, but future application cycles still remain to be seen. Staying informed about any hybrid or evolving interview formats can aid teachers in providing students with accurate guidance.
Nurturing Oxbridge aspirations in a changing landscape
Guiding students through the evolving Oxbridge admission process requires adaptable and aware teachers. Staying updated on application changes equips educators to provide effective guidance, ensuring students navigate the dynamic path to Oxbridge success.
“Guiding students requires adaptable and aware teachers.”
As UCAS applications, personal statements, admissions tests, and interviews continue to evolve, teachers must stand as a calming force and source of guidance, ensuring their students navigate the dynamic path to Oxbridge success with confidence and clarity.
About Oxbridge Applications
Oxbridge Applications are the unequivocal leader in supporting schools and educators in guiding students towards top UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. For over 25 years, they have been the go-to experts, assisting more than 100,000 students from 120 countries. They are a trusted partner of leading UK schools such as Marlborough College, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, Rugby School, St. Mary’s Ascot, Wellington College, Benenden, James Allen’s Girls, and more.
Their comprehensive school support involves personal consultations, personal statement guidance, admissions test support, and mock Interview sessions. They continuously update educators and students about the evolving university application process.
Schools can register on the Oxbridge Applications website to access a plethora of resources, including the detailed e-book Do you Want to Go to Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…, which provides an in-depth guide for applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or any top UK university.
Additionally, for educators and schools considering options beyond the UK, A-List Education, their sister company, offers specialised guidance on US university applications, including SAT or ACT preparation and assistance in choosing suitable American universities.