Oxbridge

Contacts:
 

Paul Crosfield– Oxbridge Administrator, oversees the Oxbridge application system ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 
Rob Clarke – Senior Tutor, oversees all UCAS applications ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 
Martin Allison Director of Studies ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

 

The Process:

UVth 

We start the Oxbridge application process in the UVth with introductory talks and briefings for pupils and parents. This helps potential applicants with the selection of VIth Form courses, which should take account of Oxbridge requirements.

LVIth

Anyone is welcome to consider an Oxbridge application, but the acquisition of very good GCSE grades is a first priority: Oxbridge applicants nationally have, on average, 7 A*s. LVIth AS Level examinations then provide evidence when the final decision whether to attempt an application is considered. A minimum of 3 A grades is required and the universities are looking for high individual module scores, generally over 90%. Those in the LVIth considering an application are encouraged to attend one or both of the open days at Oxford and Cambridge at the end of June and beginning of July. Over the summer, a piece of work appropriate to the subject is set in order to focus the candidate’s thoughts, encourage wider research and reading, and confirm interest in the subject. This piece of work is followed up at the start of the following term.
 

UVIth

In the UVIth, a separate application procedure runs in parallel with the UCAS structure. Oxbridge candidates submit an on-line application form to UCAS by the 15th October and Cambridge also requires candidates to complete an on-line Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ). Candidates apply to a college at one of the universities, and examples of their written work may also be required. We run a mentoring system whereby candidates are linked with a member of Common Room in the discipline for which they are applying. The mentor guides them through the application process and provides a structured programme of meetings and discussions. These give the candidates the opportunity to articulate their ideas, to challenge points of view and beliefs, to defend and justify their opinions and to widen their knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject. Advice about college choice, personal statements and any submitted written work is given. Candidates also attend lectures, visits and conferences which are organised through the departments.

At the end of the LVIth and in the October and November of the UVIth, interview practice is provided: we link up with other schools and invite academics from outside the School to help with this. We keep closely in touch with colleges and with Old Cranleighans in residence there.

Most of those who apply can expect to be called for interview (and possibly for written tests) in December, after which applicants may receive, during the Christmas holidays or just after, the offer of a place dependent upon A2 grades. Competition for places at Oxbridge is increasingly competitive (nationally, 25% of applications are successful), but last year 12 out of 26 applicants from Cranleigh secured places. It is also possible to apply after A Levels - in some cases even after an earlier rejection. 

 

Key dates 2009/10

2009:

June 16th - Oxbridge preparation afternoon
July 1st and 2nd - Oxford Open Days
July 2nd and 3rd - Cambridge Open Days
October 15th - Deadline for submission of applications
October 31st – Deadline for submission of SAQs for Cambridge 
November 4th – Aptitude Tests for certain subjects
November 10th – Deadline for submission of written work to Oxford (dates vary for Cambridge)
November 30th - December 19th – Cambridge interviews
December 6th - 16th - Oxford Interviews 
December 1st-19th – Interviews at Oxford and Cambridge

2010:

By early January - Candidates informed of decisions about offers

Cambridge University Admissions Website

Oxford University Admissions Website