APPLYING TO OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE

Research done by the Sutton Trust in 2018 showed that pupils from our region were the least likely to apply to prestigious universities. Thanks to the work driven by organisations such as Aspire Liverpool, this is changing, with more young people in our region believing that universities like Oxford or Cambridge are within their reach. 

Applying to Oxford or Cambridge can initially seem daunting compared to the standard application process for other UK universities. This guide provides insight into the application journey’s distinct steps to help you navigate it successfully. Unlike other UK universities, Oxbridge has additional application requirements, including earlier deadlines, aptitude assessments, and interviews. This guide, informed by the experience of a pupil from Liverpool College who successfully applied to Cambridge University, provides clear and practical advice to help you navigate the application journey.

Choosing to apply

If you are working at a standard that qualifies you to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, the prospect can be incredibly appealing, and your teachers may be encouraging you to make an application. However, it is essential to consider how well-suited you are to a highly intense academic environment. Reflect on how you have coped with pressure during your time at school. Oxbridge degrees can be highly demanding and stressful, even for those who love their subject. If you have previously struggled with the demands of academic pressure, you may want to carefully consider whether Oxbridge is the right environment for you. 

That said, factors such as socio-economic background, educational institution or geographical region should not be considerations that deter you from applying. Many of the negative stereotypes associated with Oxford and Cambridge are outdated, and though there is still progress to be made, these universities are home to students from diverse backgrounds. In fact, such stereotypes can sometimes be more prevalent at other UK universities.

Navigating college choices

When you apply to Oxford or Cambridge, you actually make your application to one of the many colleges within the universities rather than directly to the university themselves. Whilst most Oxbridge students inevitably end up thinking their college is the best, researching the different colleges can help you make a well-informed decision. Take time to consider the following:

• Academic staff: Check the college’s staff list, usually available on its website, for subject-specific academics. While it is possible to study for a degree at a college with few academics in your field, having experts in your area of interest can foster valuable academic relationships.
• Financial support: Investigate the financial support available at different colleges. For example, some colleges offer significant travel bursaries for degree-related trips.
• Location: Check which colleges are closest to your faculty (where you will attend lectures) as well as their location within the city.

It is worth noting that every year, some applicants who meet the required standard are not offered a place at their chosen college. If this happens, your application will be entered into the “pool” and considered by other colleges within the university.

UCAS

Oxbridge applicants are currently required to submit a 4000-character personal statement. Starting in September 2026, applicants will no longer be required to do this. Instead, you will have to answer three questions relating to your decision to study your course:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

When answering these questions, avoid merely listing books you have read or extra-curricular activities you have undertaken. Instead, detail how these experiences have enhanced your understanding of the subject. The strongest responses demonstrate evidence of intellectual curiosity and show a progression of ideas. 

Remember, the UCAS deadline for Oxbridge applications is in October, not January.

Additional Cambridge requirements

If you are applying to Cambridge, in addition to the personal statement currently required, you will also have to submit the My Cambridge Application form. This is a shortened application form where you have the opportunity to submit a Cambridge specific personal statement. Leaving this section blank will not negatively impact your application, but it can be useful if the course you are applying to at Cambridge is different from your other UCAS choices. You will also have the opportunity to highlight any disrupting circumstances that have affected your learning at secondary school. The form asks for additional documents, such as school transcripts, so do not leave completing the form to the last minute. 

Admissions assessment

Most Oxbridge degrees require you to sit an admissions assessment, either pre-interview or at interview. These assessments differ from the exams you may be familiar with at GCSE or A-Level. They are designed to test aptitude rather than knowledge, so revising large amounts of content is unlikely to be the best use of your time. Cambridge in particular does not make past papers accessible for many of its admissions assessments, limiting your preparation options.

You should focus on:

• Familiarising yourself with the exam format by reviewing specimen papers.
• Practising under timed conditions to get used to the pacing of the assessment.

Interview skills

If, after submitting your personal statement and sitting any required admissions assessment, you are invited to interview, this will take place in early December. To prepare:

• Review Your Personal Statement: Be ready to discuss any material mentioned in it, including books and experiences. You can be questioned on anything you included.
• Revise A-Level Content: If you have taken your subject as an A-Level, material from your studies could form the basis of some interview questions.
• Think holistically about your subject: How exactly would you define your subject? What are the big questions that are relevant to its study? 

The interview intentionally mirrors the supervision/tutorial setup, and the interviewers will be looking to see if you are comfortable in this environment. They will try to get a sense of your abilities to think critically and independently, and your passion for the subject. They are not looking for displays of knowledge but rather how you approach problems and your style of thinking. 

After the interview

If you are successful after interview, all that remains is for you to meet your conditional offer requirements in your examinations. Applying to Oxford or Cambridge may seem daunting, but thorough preparation and self-reflection can help ensure that your application is as strong as possible and reflects your abilities. Good luck!