How can your child be prepared for Oxbridge applications?
By Dr Gemma Hannan, Deputy Principal (Academic) & Dr Kirsten Dickers, Head of Sixth Form, at Oxford International College (OIC) Brighton
Students at OIC Brighton aspire, and secure places, to attend the most prestigious universities around the world, including Oxbridge. Ahead of the application deadline on 15 October, Dr Gemma Hannan and Kirsten Dickers share their advice on how students can best prepare when applying to study at Oxford University or the University of Cambridge.
Standing out beyond academia
When applying to Oxbridge, it is vital to note that they are seeking far more than just academic achievement and so the admissions teams for both institutions expect students to demonstrate the initiative and intellectual curiosity to explore their academic passions beyond their studies.
At OIC Brighton, students participate in our Super Curricular Programme, whereby students engage in a diverse range of activities, clubs and societies on top of their studies to develop a rigorous understanding of their desired field and develop the skills required to become well rounded individuals and desirable Oxbridge candidates.
Whether it be visiting exhibitions, attending interesting lectures, or joining societies relevant to their chosen subject, students taking part in activities such as these can display the initiative and intellectual curiosity required to stand out in an Oxbridge application.
The application process
Building a compelling application requires months and months of hard work, in and outside of College.
For students applying to Oxbridge this October, the personal statement is vital as it is their first chance to make an impression on the admissions team. It must convince the reader of the genuine passion and enthusiasm to explore the chosen subject further, and is the ideal opportunity for students to highlight any extra curricular activities they participate in.
Preparing for the admissions test is the next key step. Early preparation and organisation will enable students to familiarise themselves with the format of the test, identify areas that require additional attention and build confidence through effective revision and practice.
During the interview, students will be expected to articulate their interest for their subject and engage in a reflective, intellectual conversation with their interviewer. Students should prepare to demonstrate knowledge beyond academic studies, as well as a high level of oracy; a skill that we focus on developing amongst our students daily at OIC Brighton.
Regular practice discussing their subject and reflecting on learning will build the skills required from students to excel in an Oxbridge interview.
Deciding on which college to apply to
What college to study at is important as it is much more than a place of study, it also becomes a home. With 60 to chose from between both universities, the decision can be daunting.
A prominent factor when making this decision is the subjects the colleges specialise in. However, there are a multitude of additional factors that may impact this decision, such as the location, proximity to their academic department, and size of the college. Taking time to consider all of the options enables students to make informed decisions on which colleges best suit them and where they believe they will be happiest.
Managing and overcoming stress
Applying to competitive universities can be stress inducing for students, and it can be challenging to alleviate these feelings.
At OIC Brighton, our approach is to instil a growth mindset amongst students, whereby they aspire to learn and grow from criticism, consequently building up their confidence and resilience. I also strongly advise that students make use of the pastoral care available at their college if they are feeling stressed during the process, wellbeing is just as important as academic achievement.
We wish all students currently preparing to apply to university the very best of luck. Please do remember that the application process is a journey, so please do reach out for pastoral support if you are finding the process stressful.
