Applying to Oxford

Like most other UK universities, Oxford applications are made through UCAS. Because of UCAS’s blind system, none of your other chosen universities or institutions will know where else you’ve applied. However, you can only choose one course at Oxford, and you can’t apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. When you apply, you can either choose a college or make an open application.

There are a couple of extra steps you’ll need to take if you apply. First of all, your UCAS form MUST be submitted early, usually by the 15th of October, though it’s worth double checking on the admissions website. This is so that the University can organise interviews and request written work. Secondly, when making your UCAS application, you also need to complete and return a separate Oxford Application Form, usually available from your school or, if not, from here, along with a fee of £10.

The separate application form gives you an opportunity to provide any other relevant information not mentioned in your UCAS form. MANY PEOPLE SAY NOTHING (note use of capitals) and if you decide that you haven’t got anything to add to your UCAS application, it won’t be held against you. If you have detailed motivations for applying, however, particularly if your course is specific to Oxford, this is a good place to go into further detail. The form also has a section for your referee to provide more information about your educational background in order to help Oxford have a better understanding of your particular circumstances. Don’t explain your college choice – applications aren’t judged on this basis.

After you’ve submitted your application, some (not all) subjects may ask for samples of written work or require you to sit a pre-interview test. Written work is typically required by early November. Check the official prospectus for detailed instructions, but samples are usually marked work that you feel reflects your best ability.  It’s a good idea to pick work that demonstrates some flair and evidence of personal research, but there’s no need to write anything specially.

An increasing number of courses with large number of applicants, such as Medicine, English and PPE, now require you to sit pre-interview written tests.  These are done at your school and are designed to test general aptitude, meaning that you can’t prepare for them, so don’t panic or worry about revising.  More information and sample tests can be found through the University admissions website and a summary page of test requirements is provided here.  You may have to register separately to sit the tests so check the official prospectus for more information.

Tutors tend to interview a large proportion of students who apply.  More information about interviews can be found on the next page.

You’ll generally hear from Oxford in December or January with the results of your application. Conditional offers are usually AAA at A-level.