1. Applying to Oxford and Cambridge

2. What we have to offer Superb facilities and unparalleled levels of student support Top-rated teaching by top-rated lecturers Unique system featuring extensive small group teaching Challenging, stimulating courses

3. What are we looking for? Are you academically able? Does Oxford and/or Cambridge offer a course you are passionate about? Will you enjoy the challenging education Oxford and Cambridge offer? We are looking for the brightest and the best students regardless of background.

4. The application process Choose course and College UCAS application (Cambridge Special Access Scheme) Submit by 15 October Result of application Choose ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’ choices Exam results/ confirmation Written work / tests Start university Complete online SAQ (Cambridge) Interview

5. The Universities and the Colleges Role of the Universities Decide on course content Organise lectures, seminars, classes, practicals Set and mark examinations Award degrees Role of the Colleges Admit undergraduate students Organise tutorials (Oxford) / supervisions (Cambridge) Responsible for academic and pastoral care Provide accommodation and places to eat Collegiate universities:

6. Choosing a College Differ in terms of: Accommodation Appearance Facilities Location Size (number of students) Research Open application route 30 (Oxford) / 29 (Cambridge) Undergraduate Colleges

7. Choosing a College

8. Information used in selection We treat each applicant as an individual Academic record (eg GCSEs, AS and A levels) School or college reference Personal statement Submitted written work, where requested Test results, where tests form part of our assessment Performance at interview

9. Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) (Cambridge only) Used to collect information not on the UCAS application Ensures consistent information about all our applicants Completed online, in multiple sessions if you want

10. Admissions tests Cambridge Bio-Medical Admissions Test (BMAT) Cambridge Law Test Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) College tests Oxford BMAT / UKCAT LNAT TSA Maths Aptitude Test (also for Computer Science) ELAT History Aptitude Test (HAT) Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) Tests at interview for some subjects

11. Interviews 1, 2 or 3 interviews, each lasting 20-45 minutes Conducted by lecturers and are predominantly academic and subject-focused Discussion based and intellectually challenging Interviews in Action film (Cambridge website) and various podcasts (Oxford website) available

12. What are the interviewers looking for? Your academic ability and potential to thrive in the teaching environment we provide Your self-motivation, commitment and passion for your chosen subject Your ability to think independently and critically No trick questions!

13. After the interview Several possibilities: 1.Successful application 2.Unsuccessful application 3.Application placed in the ‘pool’ (Cambridge)

14. Welfare and support Academic Pastoral Cambridge Bursary Scheme and Oxford Opportunity Bursaries Students supporting students University Counselling Services Disability Advisory Service (Oxford) / Disability Resource Centre (Cambridge)

15. Oxford and Cambridge Bursaries (UK students) BursaryHousehold income Bursary value 2010-11 Cambridge Bursary Up to £25,000£3,400 per year £25,001 - £50,020£3,150 - £50 per year Oxford Opportunity Bursary Up to £25,000£3,225 per year £25,001 - £49,999£3,225 - £200 per year

16. Finding out more Ask questions today Undergraduate Prospectuses University websites Contact the Oxford Admissions Information Centre, Cambridge Admissions Office or any College admissions office

17. www.admissions.ox.ac.uk www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/