Oxford and Cambridge universities are academic heavyweights and among some of the best learning institutions in the world to study but securing admission can be very challenging. There are hundreds of thousands of students vying for opportunities to study their dream courses at these reputable and distinguishable universities.
As many students tell stories that can discourage Oxbridge potentials from applying, I have put together some steps, based on my experience, on how to get into Oxbridge.
How to Get into Cambridge?
Having gone through the admission process at Oxbridge, here are some tips that I wish I had known before applying. When I decided to study physics, I decided that my academic institution’s destination would be Cambridge. I had to write a personal statement and complete a PAT admission test before receiving an interview offer.
Prior to writing the test, I prepared myself with the assistance of math tutors. At Oxbridge Mind, I met some of the most well-trained and highly experienced physics and math tutors that helped me understand what the application process of Oxbridge entails.
1. Be Organized
The application process getting into Oxbridge is long and complicated. The process is this way as Oxbridge intend to meticulously select the best candidates suitable for the courses they are applying to. There are various things to consider, such as the dates and timings of admission tests, deadlines in completing and sending in applications, knowing the university syllabus, and following through to know the interview dates. You have to be organized so as to reduce the complication and stress of the process.
2. Practice Past Papers
One of the requirements during the application process to Oxbridge is that admission tests are written depending on the course. Many students underrate the potency of practicing past papers in helping them get through. I studied Past papers which are an essential part of preparing for admission tests. They helped improve my ability to retain information and helped me test myself on what I studied, and further deepened my understanding.
Past papers simulate real exams and offer you an opportunity to work on and improve your time management. You can use the past papers to practice and see how much time you would spend to complete an exam paper. This teaches you how to allocate time efficiently for each exam question and get to the end of the paper.
Questions set in the admission tests are often repeated but rephrased. Practicing past papers provides you with greater knowledge of the frequently asked questions. More so, it helps to highlight gaps in your knowledge of certain topics. If you notice any gap you can make an effort to cover it and get ready properly for the actual test.
3. Know the Admission Test to Write
Oxbridge has numerous admission tests to write after application. Note that these admission tests are written mostly to weigh the depth of the student’s academic backgrounds and ascertain if they are worthy of being given a place.
The test written is dependent on the course applied for. For example, there is the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for natural science courses, Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) for courses where critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) for mathematical courses, Philosophy, Psychology, and Linguistic (PPL) test for Philosophy, Psychology, and Linguistics courses, and Engineering Admissions Test (ENGAA) for engineering courses.
I made preparations by using the services of an Oxbridge tutoring, which I found really handy. I will recommend that a student applying to Cambridge should find out the exams to write and find a professional tutor to help them get adequately ready for the test.
4. Know How to Write a Persuasive Personal Statement
A personal statement gives you an opportunity to show proof of your academic ability, your potential, and commitment and gain an edge over other candidates. Sadly, not many students know how to write a proper and convincing personal statement to get them through the doors of Oxbridge.
While an Oxbridge personal statement tells the truth about your interests, do not be tempted to make anything up. Sell yourself; this is not the time for modesty.
Students sometimes think they need to sound dramatic to stand out from the crowd, but such is not the case. You have to be yourself and use your personal statement to showcase your interest in the course you are applying for and your academic abilities. Show enthusiasm in your statement, and this will definitely make you appear unique and springboard you into the latter stages of the application process.
The subject-focused content of your personal statement is the cornerstone of a successful Cambridge application. In addition, do not be tempted to write in the informal or unnatural language in order to impress the Oxbridge administrators. They prefer to read a personal statement that is clearly written in a language that is formal, natural, and easy to understand.
5. Watch Videos
What better way to know the application processes and the nature of Oxbridge admission tests than to lean on the experiences of former applicants? There are so many videos on the internet and video streaming platforms such as YouTube that shed light on different people’s experiences of the application and interview process at Cambridge.
These videos prove to be invaluable sources of help as they offer various perspectives and advices that are subject-specific. You can get these videos on authoritative websites or YouTube channels to get yourself ready.
6. Online Tutoring Services
A list of services you can get from an online tutoring service includes psychology tutor, TSA tutoring, MAT tutoring, NSAA tutoring, PPL tutoring, ENGAA tutoring, ELAT tutoring, and many others.
I enlisted the services of an Oxbridge tutor who helped me with preparations for writing a Cambridge admission test. I found Oxbridge tutoring really helpful.
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