Are Oxford and Cambridge interviews the same?

Both universities use admissions tests for many of their courses in order to help them decide who to shortlist for interview. Unlike most UK universities, Oxford and Cambridge interview shortlisted applicants before they are offered a place. The purpose and structure of interviews is very similar at both universities.

What is the difference between Oxford and Cambridge application process?

Oxford requires applicants to take written tests before an interview in most other subjects. Please note that separate registration is required in many cases. Cambridge requires applicants to take pre-interview tests for around half of its courses.

Why are there two Oxford interviews?

Some subjects will automatically schedule you another interview at a second college. This is mainly the science subjects and the reason for doing this is the same principle behind guaranteeing you two interviews, more chances to be fairly assessed.

Is it harder to get into Oxford or Cambridge?

Oxford University is slightly more competitive than Cambridge, with an acceptance rate of just 17.5%, which makes it one of the most competitive universities in the United Kingdom and one you need to prepare harder before applying. Check out our guide on how to get into Oxford University for all the tips and tricks!

Is Oxford and Cambridge the same thing?

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge are distinct individual universities. However, they have a great deal in common, including their collegiate structure and personalised teaching methods. Here's a few of their similarities and differences.

The Interview

Is Cambridge more prestigious than Oxford?

In terms of university world rankings, historically, Oxford and Cambridge have been fairly neck and neck. Here are The Times University Rankings for 2023: Overall Ranking: 1st Oxford, 3rd Cambridge.

Which is prettier Cambridge or Oxford?

Many users replied to agree that Cambridge is widely recognised as the more attractive town, particularly in its centre. This discussion highlighted the Backs, an idyllic spot where the River Cam is bordered by the green expanses of several colleges.

Is Oxford tougher than Harvard?

Which University is harder to get into Harvard or Oxford? Oxford University has an acceptance rate of around 17% which is considered relatively good in comparison to Harvard University's low 5% acceptance rate, which makes Oxford easier to get into.

What percentage of Oxford applicants get an interview?

Who Gets Invited? Each year, Oxford receives around 22,000 applications for 3,300 places. Oxford then shortlists around 10,000 candidates for Interviews, which is generally 40-45% of applicants every year. Cambridge, on the other hand, Interview a higher percentage of applicants, around 70%.

What is the hardest degree to get into Cambridge?

1. Computer science. Given the continued boom of apps, websites and social media, it is hardly surprising that the computer science course at the University of Oxford is the hardest degree to get accepted on across both Oxford and Cambridge.

Who gives more interviews Oxford or Cambridge?

While Cambridge interviews around 80% of its applicants, Oxford admissions tutors interview far fewer candidates (between 20 to 40%). That's because Oxford filters out many of its applicants when they take an admissions test like the TSA or PAT. Cambridge doesn't tend to give these tests.

Does Cambridge interview more than Oxford?

Oxford, on the other hand, focus more on admissions test scores and GCSEs. Cambridge also tend to interview 75% of their applicants, a higher proportion than Oxford.

What does it mean if you don t get a second interview at Oxford?

Don't read too much into it if you don't get called for a second interview; not everybody does, and it just means that they've made up their minds about you already (not necessarily a bad thing!). If you're not needed for further interviews, you're free to go home.

Can Americans apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?

You can only apply to one course at Oxford, and you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Read more information on all our courses. Check the admission requirements for your course. Specific grades and subjects required are also shown on each course page.

How can an American get into Cambridge?

US students applying to Cambridge University are typically required to have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent along with 5 grade 5 APs. Additionally, they will need to provide standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT.

What percentage of Cambridge applicants get invited to interview?

We try to interview all applicants with a realistic chance of being offered a place on their chosen course at Cambridge and every year we interview over 80 per cent of our applicants. If you have a good examination record and a favourable reference, you're likely to be asked to attend an interview.

What GPA do u need to get into Oxford?

In general, where the minimum entry requirement for your chosen course is a UK first-class undergraduate degree, this equates to an overall US GPA of at least 3.7 based on the 4.0 system.

How do you know if an Oxford interview went well?

However, if you've just had your interview, then the best thing to do, if you really want to know, is to talk to someone who has a lot of experience of Oxford and tell them how it went. The thing is, if they are wise, they will not make any predictions, though they almost certainly will know.

How do you ace an Oxford interview?

Read around the subject and spend time trying to understand why things happen, rather than just learning that they do. Quality, not quantity is most important – if you don't understand something – re-read it and spend time thinking about it. Talk it through with your family or friends.

Should Americans go to Oxford?

Of course!

Oxford University has over 26,000 resident alumni. Of all Oxford graduates, as we have mentioned above, the largest number living outside the UK are from the United States. Oxford academics also publish research with American colleagues very frequently – more than with any other nationality.

Is it harder to get into Ivy League or Oxford?

The short-answer based on acceptance rates is that statistically it would appear to be harder to get into an Ivy League School. But the caveat here is the emphasis the Ivies and Oxbridge place of different factors in making admissions decisions.

What is the hardest degree to get in Oxford?

How powerful is an Oxford degree?

95% of Oxford graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduating – and if you're wondering why that's a little lower than some of the competition (e.g. Bournemouth Arts University has a graduate employment rate of over 97%), it may be because Oxford graduates are employable enough to be able to ...

Why is Oxford considered better than Cambridge?

Oxford is the UK's oldest university, meaning it has an even richer history and set of traditions than Cambridge. If you like the idea of being associated with the first-ever university in British history, that's really not something you can get anywhere else.

Is it better to live in Oxford or Cambridge?

With both cities offering so much to do, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sightseeing no matter where you choose to live. Cambridge is considerably smaller than Oxford. As a result, it's generally easier to get around the city by foot, bike and public transport.