Ask the Expert: Oxford and Cambridge
Ask the Expert: Oxford and Cambridge
Get the answers to any questions you may have about applying to Oxford and Cambridge in our new series “Ask the Expert” with Oxbridge specialist George Callaghan. Callaghan is an Oxford graduate who knows everything you need to know about getting into Top Universities.
Our series was originally published in video format on Facebook and YouTube, but we’ve summarised it on our blog for those who’d prefer reading it.
- What grades do I need to get into Oxford and Cambridge?
Ideally, you’re aiming for top grades in every subject, but at the very least you’ll need top grades in the relevant school subjects, i.e., for engineering you will need great grades for mathematics, but your French grades won’t matter as much.
- How much does it cost to study at Oxford and Cambridge?
It varies depending on the subject, but as an international student tuition generally starts at £20,000 per year. Medicine and veterinary international students will usually pay upwards of £30,000 a year.
- What are my chances of being accepted?
It varies, but your chance of being admitted is around 20%. This is because most applicants are very gifted, so the competition is incredibly high. For popular courses such as law and medicine the acceptance rate drops to 10%.
- When should I apply?
You need to apply a year in advance. Remember, you can only apply to one Oxbridge university a year. So, if you apply to Oxford in 2021 and get rejected, you may only apply to Cambridge in 2022.
- What is the college system like?
Oxford is divided into 39 colleges whilst Cambridge is divided into 30 colleges. It’s similar to a secondary school house system, however unlike secondary school, you will most likely live in your college. At a given college you can almost always do any subject because colleges are not subject-specific. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions to this rule with some colleges not offering select subjects.
- Which college should I choose?
Choosing a particular college will increase your chances of admittance considerably. Some of the colleges are very old, dating back to the 1200s. The older and more central colleges are harder to get into whilst the newer colleges on the city outskirts have higher rates of admission. You can also choose to not apply to any particular college and then the university will assign you to one.
- What is the tutorial system?
In tutorials students will meet with a Don, or a professor or lecturer, to discuss class material and individual essays. Generally, there will be three to four students per tutorial.
- What’s it like studying at Oxford and Cambridge?
Oxbridge never falls out of the top ten universities in the world, in fact, they are frequently in the top five universities of Europe. The cities are beautiful and full of nature however they are both very expensive. Also, the rowing competitions are incredibly popular and are even broadcast on national tv! Sports rivalry between the two universities is strong and you’ll get to attend many exciting matches during your studies.
- Is it true that international students have fewer chances of studying at Oxford and Cambridge?
No, not at all! The universities have historically been multicultural and diverse. Likewise, students from all economic backgrounds attend. Your application will solely be judged on your academic merit, not your ethnic or national background.
- Should I choose to study at Oxford or Cambridge?
People frequently say that Oxford is better for the humanities whilst Cambridge provides better tuition in the sciences. However, in reality it doesn’t matter. Both universities are excellent and will give you a world-class education.
- Is it hard to study at Oxford and Cambridge?
The work-life balance really depends on the subject with some being more demanding than others. Certain degrees, for example medicine or engineering, are like having a full-time job. Nonetheless, an extra-curricular life is encouraged by both institutions. Work hard and play hard!
- What is the grading system like?
The grading system is the same as the rest of the UK. A first (1:1) is the best with an upper-second (2:1) being great. A second-class (2:2) is satisfactory and a third-class degree is the lowest class you can get while still passing university. Anything less than a third and you will fail.
- What are some other Top Universities?
Other Top Universities include King’s College London, Imperial College London, University College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, the University of Edinburgh and the University of York. Getting a degree from any of these universities is very coveted and well-respected around the world.
- What are the Russell Group of universities?
The Russell Group is a self-selected association of 24 public research universities in the United Kingdom. These universities are University of Birmingham University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, London School of Economics, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Warwick and the University of York
That’s it from us at Ask the Expert but if you have any other unanswered questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you get into the university of your dreams. Book your free initial consultation today.
