Expand your search beyond your favorite topic in school. You may not have studied Archaeology before but it could be a perfect combination of your interests. Consider some of the joint course offerings. A program like Economics and Management or History and English could allow you to explore multiple avenues during your studies. [2] X Research source
The undergraduate Classics course, for example, requires 2 writing samples, proficiency in Greek or Latin, and the completion of the Classics Admissions Test. As for grades, it requires 3 “A” grades at the A-level and an IB score of 39. [4] X Research source If A-levels and the IB sound unfamiliar, don’t worry! Oxford outlines international requirements for students applying from outside the U. K. A student from the U. S. would need a score of 1,470 on the SATs or a 32 on the ACT. [5] X Research source
Go beyond the standard curriculum. For the ideal Oxford candidate, things learned in school and for standardized tests are still fairly limited in scope. [8] X Research source Broaden your knowledge as much as possible. If you have the financial resources, take extra classes at a local community college, summer school, or tutoring center. If you can’t afford to pay for additional courses, teach yourself more about your subject by reading as much about it as you can get your hands on. Go to a nearby university library and check their collection of books, do Internet searches on your subject, etc.
Don’t let extracurricular activities overshadow your academic work. It’s a myth that you must be incredibly well-rounded to be accepted into Oxford. While some Oxford students have lots of extracurricular interests, others may be solely focused on their passion for study. [9] X Research source This doesn’t mean you should give up an activity you really love and bury yourself in books all day, every day. Passions and talents are always attractive in candidates–and besides, they make your life more enjoyable.
Find out which colleges accept applications for your course of study by visiting the course page of the university website. Browse information about the colleges on the website. You’ll find they differ in terms of accommodation, location, funding opportunities, and whether they are for graduates and undergraduates alike. [10] X Research source Your application is judged by the department, not the college, so your candidacy will not be affected by your choice of college. You might also be reallocated to a college different from the one you applied to. You also have the option of making an “open application” by entering the specified code on your application (see application instructions for more details). In this case, the university will assign you to a college or hall. [11] X Research source
You’ll also need to write a personal statement about the subject you’ve chosen to study, and a reference from a teacher or advisor. [12] X Research source
Once you’ve put together an initial draft, cross-reference your statement with the selection criteria for your course. See if you’ve addressed each point or rework some passages to more clearly and specifically address these criteria.
Fill out as much information as you can, such as your name, address, contact details, and academic history. Look through the rest of the application and make note of the specific documents you need to upload or mail in.
Since every university follows a different timeline and process, your references may not be familiar with Oxford’s. You’ll need to clearly communicate the ins and outs of the recommendation process as well as the deadline. Be prepared to share your transcripts, writing samples, and personal statement with your recommender. This can help them decide how best to describe your abilities and qualities. If you’d like them to describe a specific instance or attribute, don’t be afraid to say so. Give your potential references time to consider your request. Once the reference has been submitted, follow up with a thank-you card and keep your recommenders up-to-date on your application status.
Check the interview timetable on the university website for dates when they’re holding interviews. The interview schedule is very tight, and rescheduling is generally not possible. [17] X Research source Keep in mind that accommodation and meals are free of charge when you come for your interview. If you have a disability, let the university know as soon as possible so they can accommodate you during the interview scheduling and process. International students living far from the UK may be able to schedule an interview over the phone or Internet. The exception is applicants for Medicine, who must come to Oxford. [18] X Research source You’ll receive a letter from the college if you’ve been selected to come to an interview. It might be very short notice, up to a week in advance. [19] X Research source
An applicant to psychology might be asked why studies have shown that Welsh speakers have more difficulty memorizing phone numbers than English speakers. Hopefully, the interviewee would be able to make the connection that memory and arithmetic depend on how easily pronounced the words are (Welsh numbers are longer than English ones). A would-be art history student might be asked to discuss a painting that they’ve never seen before. [20] X Research source In this case they could apply their analytical skills, refer to relevant influences or movements, etc. Remember, the best preparation you can have is a broad knowledge of your area of focus.
You can also find sample questions on the Interview section of the university’s website.
Your letter of invitation will specify any documents you need to bring along, but it’s a good idea to bring a copy of your personal statement. Dress comfortably on your interview. The tutors who interview you tend to be casually dressed, and formal dress on your part is not at all required.
If you need help balancing your academic load with other commitments (work, family, etc. ), talk to your academic advisor for suggestions. Some Oxford departments require a minimum of a 3. 7 GPA (on the 4. 0 scale), while others require a minimum of 3. 5. [22] X Research source
If you’re unsure about what opportunities are available to you, ask your academic advisor to point you in the right direction. Don’t forget that your university’s library is a major resource. Check out books on your subject and read up on topics that interest you.
The course pages also provide information about what makes you eligible, particularly with regard to your university grades.
On the whole, if there are discrepancies between what the course page and the Admissions Guide state regarding the application process, the Admissions Guide takes precedence. If you have questions, contact the Graduate Admissions and Funding office through the website. Specific application processes apply to the following programs: the Postgraduate Certificate in Education, said Business School courses, Software Engineering courses, Clinical Medical degrees, the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, and the Foreign Service Program. [23] X Research source If you’re applying as a transfer student from the US, know that the British educational system is a little bit different. They don’t typically tend to focus as much on extracurricular involvement, but they are very much concerned with your grades.
Find out which colleges accept applications for your course of study. You can do this on the course webpage. Other factors when choosing a college include: accommodation for couples, families and/or students with disabilities; funding opportunities; location within Oxford; and whether it is specifically for graduates (some are a mix of undergrads and grads). Your application status does not depend on the college you choose. However, you may be reallocated to a college different from the one you’ve applied to. Note that you can also make an “open application,” and you’ll be assigned to a college by the university. In this case, use the code provided on the application to indicate you have no college preference. [25] X Research source
Fortunately, there are a number of funding opportunities available to UK and international students. Learn more on the Fees and Funding page of the university’s website. [26] X Research source
Don’t be afraid to ask for letters of recommendation: this is something professors do all the time. Be sure to ask them well in advance of the deadline. Give them clear instructions as to the process (for Oxford it’s all done online), and when the deadline is. You’ll need to register them on the Oxford online application, and then they will receive a reference request. Oxford does not send reminders about reference deadlines; you are responsible for checking that your referee has submitted the letter on time. Do not get references from friends or family. [27] X Research source
Use the checklist on the Applications page to ensure you’ve submitted all necessary application materials.
English Language Testing System (IELTS) Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English[29] X Research source
