Help Your Child Get Accepted to Oxbridge

by GT Scholars Oxbridge University What's new?

At GT Scholars, over the past few years, we’ve helped hundreds of young people aspiring to get into Oxbridge. In this blog, we’ll be sharing some need-to-know information about increasing your child’s chances of being accepted into an Oxbridge College.

Why Should You Apply to Oxbridge?

It is a common misconception that Oxbridge is only open to families of the elite and the rare child who understands quantum physics at age of three! However, this is definitely a misconception. Oxford and Cambridge University, just like any other university in the world, are places of learning for individuals with a curious mind.

So, what’s the difference between Oxbridge and many other universities? It’s the high standard of education, the rich history and the many traditions that Oxbridge has kept, dating back hundreds of years. Alumni from these institutions have gone on to become some of the world’s greatest contributors to modern society.

There’s no denying that the quality of education at Oxbridge is what makes them two of the highest-ranked universities in the world. Being offered admission to study at either of them is quite an achievement in itself.

What Are the Admission Rates at Oxbridge?

There’s no denying that almost every student aspires to study at one of these prestigious universities. This means applications are extremely high. Below is a table of applications and admission rates to both universities for the 2021 term.

	Oxford	Cambridge
Applications	23,414	22,788
Acceptances	3,932	4,245
Admission rate	16.79%	18.63%

With an average admission rate of about 17% overall, it’s quite intimidating. And, there are various factors to consider, like the 80 different courses that one could apply for. The admission rate within these courses ranges from 4% to 50%. Looking at these statistics, it is clear that only the best-prepared students are accepted.

How Does the Oxbridge College System Work?

This structure at Oxbridge is unique. Oxford and Cambridge are made of different colleges. There are 45 in Oxford and 31 in Cambridge to be exact. Colleges are a collection of historic buildings that form little communities where students live on campus.

This setup gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their studies by being surrounded by like-minded individuals. This adds to their personal development and growth.

This college system works because it allows students to live amongst each other forming a support structure, socially and academically. It also has the essentials that students require to excel in their chosen studies such as 24-hour libraries and computer centres. Colleges can house between 300 to 500 students, which is a combination of both undergraduates and graduates studying different subjects.

Choosing the Right College

All students at Oxbridge become part of a department or faculty and college or hall. When filling out an application, applicants are asked to choose a college they would like to be part of. This will not affect their field of study and is based on their preference.

Each college has different attributes that appeal to students. Some of the factors to consider are the size of the colleges, funding and facilities, accommodation and access.

Applicants are not guaranteed a place at their preferred college, and they may even get offers from other colleges. Students can also state on their application, for the admissions department to find a college best suited to their application.

We suggest doing research on each college and finding the one that resonates with your child. Click on the link for a list of colleges for Oxford and Cambridge and what they entail.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”.

This means that in order to achieve what we set out to do, we must prepare – “Sharpen the axe”. When put this into the context of trying to get into Oxbridge the sharpening of the tools is the most vital step in achieving this goal.

How Can I Increase My Child’s Chances of Getting In?

Support from parents and teachers is vital in preparing children for Oxbridge. Below are some ways that they can help

Start preparation early

To study at Oxbridge, it is not just the early bird that catches the worm, but the early, prepared bird. Dr Samina Khan, head of student admissions at Oxford, believes that children should start preparing for Oxbridge at the age of 11, and not just when they reach the sixth form.

Children need ample time to develop and master their passion for subjects. This helps to give them an advantage over others during interviews and applications. Thus, parents should make sure that their aspiring children start preparation early.

Provide additional resources

To stand out, prospective students need to show true mastery of and passion for the subject that relates to their desired degree programme. To develop this mastery, students should go over and beyond their high school curriculum.

Their parents can support them by funding their specific extracurricular activities, providing them with books and research resources, and allowing them to do voluntary or even paid work.

For example, if a student wants to study medicine at Oxbridge, their parents can fund extra science classes, provide them with books and supplies that will increase their skills. They can also encourage them to volunteer at hospitals and other health facilities.

Inform them of their choices

It is important that children are not just prepared for Oxbridge, but also prepared for the journey to Oxbridge. Children need to know what they need to achieve and how much work they will need to put in for them to realise their aspirations.

Informing children well in advance of the responsibilities of choosing Oxbridge can help to avoid building too much pressure on them during preparation.

Pressure on any person has damaging effects, but pressure on children to achieve something has lasting negative effects on their young minds and their future. It is also important to know the difference between informing and discouraging children, as you do not want to discourage a child from having aspirations.

Take a tour of Oxbridge

Parents can encourage an interest in Oxbridge by visiting the institutions with their children. Dr Khan noted that children are growing up in an age of Harry Potter, where the traditions and historical appeal of Hogwarts are appreciated and desired.

Unlike Hogwarts, Oxford and Cambridge are real places of learning. But they still have the charm and beauty of tradition and magical gothic architecture. Visiting would create a desire that will encourage children to earnestly put their minds to get a place. Follow the link for more information on visiting and tour times for Oxford or Cambridge.

Do your own research

The application process is difficult and lengthy. There are forms to fill out and documents to get and interviews to prepare for. It is a daunting task for a child. Parents have more experience with filling out forms and doing interviews. So, they should find out what they need and start collecting documents well in advance so as to decrease the load on their child. Parents should also do research on funding, scholarships, accommodation and other matters well in advance to prepare accordingly.

Get them a mentor

Parents may not know everything. Perhaps they did not go to Oxbridge or they did not go to university at all. And they may not know how to advise their aspiring children. Thus, getting a mentor for their children would do wonders in providing them with all the necessary skills and knowledge they’ll need.

The mentor could be an Oxbridge alumnus or even educated in the field of interest. This could help them with the application process with resources of interest. It can also help to guide them in the right direction and boost their confidence.

Enrol them in a course or workshop

With 46 000 undergraduate applicants, it would make sense that many prospective students are seeking help when applying to Oxbridge. Thus, there are many courses and workshops available that provide valuable assistance such as developing an outstanding personal statement and how to prepare for interviews. These courses and workshops can also provide important insider information and bursary opportunities.

Parents provide a vital support system when their children are applying to any university. This support system becomes even more important when applying to Oxbridge due to the high number of applicants, which creates a considerable amount of pressure on children. As you can see, there are several ways parents can make an Oxbridge education possible for their child, which can almost guarantee them to have a bright and prosperous future.

In Conclusion

The best way to increase your child’s chances of getting into Oxbridge is to be prepared. Learn as much as you can about the application process, courses and key dates. Speak to Oxbridge students and alumni about their journeys into Oxbridge and what helped them gain entry to these universities.

GT Scholars know the importance of preparing students for Oxbridge and want to be a helpful part of the journey. We provide a one-day course on how to get into Oxbridge which includes working with Oxbridge graduates, admissions professionals and interview professionals that will show your child how to develop an outstanding personal statement and how to choose a degree course for their chosen career. They will also support your child with preparing for interviews and give advice on A-level subjects and grades required for specific universities and specific courses.

To find out more about the How to Get Into Oxbridge course, contact us here. We also provide an excellent mentorship programme that employs a variety of well-educated and knowledgeable mentors that will give your child the edge over any other Oxbridge applicant. You can find out more about the mentorship programme here.

Why It Takes A Lot More Than Tutoring For You To Get Your Child Into Oxbridge

by GT Scholars Oxbridge Parents

Oxford and Cambridge Universities, collectively called Oxbridge, are the UK’s most prestigious universities. Being so prestigious also means they are two of the most sought-after universities in the UK and globally. This makes getting a place at Oxbridge a very competitive process.

Due to this high competition, the acceptance rates at these universities will be pretty low compared to other universities. According to the Oxford and Cambridge University websites, Oxford currently has an acceptance rate of only 17%. While Cambridge has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 21%. With roughly three applicants per place, Oxbridge will only consider applicants with the highest academic ability and potential.

One of the ways that young people can show that they have the highest academic ability is by using a private tutor to help them excel in their A-Levels. However, that is not where it should end. It is just the beginning.

Where to begin?

Before you start preparing your child for Oxbridge, you must discuss it with your child. You need to make sure that they understand what it takes to get into Oxbridge so that they can be prepared to work hard. You should also definitely get an understanding of their career aspirations and other passions. Having a clear understanding of this early on will be highly beneficial in shaping their goals and help them choose suitable subjects in school to achieve their goals. In addition, if you can gauge your child’s abilities early on, it will be easier to see what they need to focus on and what they need help with. GT Scholars can help with this through our workshops and enrichment days, which allow teens to choose a career and learn more about university. This is often the first step a parent should consider. It also helps the child to realise what subjects they need to achieve their goals.

Tutoring vs. Mentoring

Private tutoring focuses mainly on reinforcing what your child has learned at school and helping them to improve their understanding and keep track of their academic goals. But have you considered getting them a mentor as well? A mentor is more of a guide and advisor who can help your child with their personal development and career goals. Additionally, they can help with a variety of other topics beyond their school work. They can also help them develop valuable skills like time management and interpersonal skills that they can apply to their daily lives. The GT Scholars mentoring programme has found that instilling these concepts in your child from an early age helps to build their confidence, increase self-belief and help them to feel more independent.

Examination preparation

Young people are under immense pressure during exam periods, especially if they are thinking about getting into Oxbridge. They must prepare themselves well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress and perform better. Beyond going over essential topics with their tutor, they should also learn to tackle exams effectively. They must manage their time effectively, handle and counteract stress, understand exam questions and answer intelligently. Over the years, we at GT Scholars have seen how different children cope with exams, and it does not only depend on their academic abilities. We run an annual Study Skills and Exam Preparation workshop that they should attend. The sooner you help your child prepare for exams properly, the greater the possibility of them succeeding in their exams throughout school and university life.

Applications for Oxbridge

Unfortunately, a tutor will not have the time to help your child prepare for the application process when considering Oxbridge. The application process can be complicated, with various documents and assessments that must be completed. This can be further tricky depending on your child’s chosen career path. To make it easier, young people need to start their application process well in advance. They can even take a look at the application process when they first start thinking about studying at Oxbridge to get a better understanding of what is required. This will give them enough time to develop their statement, extracurricular activities and other ways to make their application stand out. Our mentoring programme and enrichment days can give them the help and guidance needed to complete their applications.

Encouragement and support

Young people will feel more confident in accomplishing their goals if their parents believe in their abilities. As parents, you need to support your child in their decisions and help reinforce their skills and abilities. Strengthening their skills will allow them to be independent while away from home. It will help them to easily navigate time management, interact with others and understand their work. This will enable them to feel encouraged, and they will be able to move forward into university life, knowing that they will be more than prepared.

These are just some of the action points you can take to help your child reach their aim of studying at Oxbridge. It’s not about tutoring. It’s about building all of their skills to proceed into university life, helping them be well-rounded individuals, and ensuring they feel supported every step.

GT Scholars is a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity. We run after-school and weekend programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations. Our programmes include tutoring, mentoring and enrichment sessions for young people aged 11-18. Contact us if you want to know more about our programmes and courses.

7 Ways You or a Tutor can Prepare Your Child for Oxbridge

by GT Scholars Oxbridge Parents

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (collectively known as Oxbridge) are two of the most prestigious universities in the UK and the world. They have a long history of heritage and tradition that goes back at least nine centuries. They are globally recognised as places of focus for learning, culture, and intellectual debate.

It is no surprise that with such high esteem, both universities are highly sought after by new students worldwide. It’s incredibly competitive to get into Oxbridge.

In 2016, more than 19 000 people applied for the 3 200 undergraduate places at Oxford. These figures are undoubtedly daunting for students who wish to apply to these universities. It is clear that only the best of the best make the cut, so prospective students need to ensure they stand out from the immense crowd of applicants.

Children who aspire to study at Oxbridge will often need extra support from their parents, and that is not just about the funding.

So here are seven ways that parents can prepare their bright children for a place at these elite universities.

1. Start preparation early:

To study at Oxbridge, it is not just the early bird that catches the worm, but the early prepared bird. Dr Samina Khan, head of student admissions at Oxford, believes that children should start preparing for Oxbridge at the age of 11 and not just when they reach the sixth form. Children need ample time to develop and master their passion for subjects, which will help give them an advantage over others during interviews and applications. Thus, parents should make sure that their aspiring children start preparing early.

2. Provide additional resources:

To stand out, prospective students must show true mastery of and passion for the subject related to their desired degree programme. Students should go over and beyond their high school curriculum to develop this mastery. Their parents can support them by funding their extracurricular activities, providing them with books and research resources, and allowing them to do voluntary or paid work. For example, suppose a student wants to study medicine at Oxbridge. In that case, the parent can fund extra science classes, provide them with books and supplies to increase their skills and allow them to volunteer at hospitals and other health facilities.

3. Inform them of their choices:

Children mustn’t be just prepared for Oxbridge but also ready for the journey to Oxbridge. Children need to know what they must achieve and how much work they must put in to realise their aspirations. Knowing the difference between informing and discouraging children is essential, as you do not want to discourage a child from having an ambition. By informing children well in advance of the responsibilities of choosing Oxbridge, parents can avoid putting too much pressure on them during preparation. Pressure on any person has damaging effects, but pressure on children to achieve something has lasting adverse effects on their young minds and their future.

4. Take a tour of the university:

Parents can encourage an interest in Oxbridge by visiting the institutions with their children. As Dr Khan said, children are growing up in an age of Harry Potter, where the traditions and historical appeal of Hogwarts are appreciated and desired. Unlike Hogwarts, Oxford and Cambridge are real places of learning, but they still have the charm and beauty of tradition and magical Gothic architecture. Visiting would create a desire to encourage children to put their minds to getting a place earnestly. Follow the link for more information on visiting and tour times for Oxford or Cambridge.

5. Do your research:

The application process is complex and lengthy. There are forms to fill out, documents to get, and interviews to prepare for – it is a daunting task for a child. Parents have more experience filling out forms and doing interviews, so they should find out what they need and start collecting documents well in advance to decrease the load on their children. Parents should also research funding, scholarships, accommodation and other matters well in advance to prepare accordingly.

6. Get them a mentor:

Parents do not know everything. Perhaps they did not go to Oxbridge, or they did not go to university at all, so they do not know how to advise their aspiring children. Thus, getting a mentor for their children would do wonders by providing them with all the necessary skills and knowledge. The mentor could be an Oxbridge alumnus or even educated in the field of interest and could help them with the application process, with resources of interest, or even just some good direction and confidence-boosting.

7. Enrol them in a course or workshop:

With 19 000 undergraduate applicants, it would make sense that many prospective students seek help when applying to Oxbridge. Thus, many courses and workshops provide valuable assistance, such as developing a great personal statement and preparing for interviews. These courses and workshops can also provide important insider information and bursary opportunities.

Parents provide a vital support system when their children apply to university. This support system becomes even more critical when applying to Oxbridge due to the high number of applicants, which puts considerable pressure on children. As you can see, there are several ways parents can make an Oxbridge education possible for their child, which can guarantee them a bright and prosperous future.

GT Scholars knows the importance of preparing students for Oxbridge and wants to be a valuable part of the journey. We provide a one-day course on how to get into Oxbridge, which includes working with Oxbridge graduates, admissions professionals and interview professionals that will show your child how to develop a great personal statement and choose a degree course for their chosen career. They will also support your child with preparing for interviews and advise on A-level subjects and grades required for specific universities and procedures.

Find out more about the course here.

We also provide an excellent mentorship programme that employs various well-educated and knowledgeable mentors that will give your child the edge over any other Oxbridge applicant.

You can find out more about the mentorship programme here.

Demystifying Oxbridge: 10 things you may not know about Oxbridge

by GT Scholars Oxbridge

Oxbridge is the collective term used to identify two of the most prestigious universities in the UK and the world: the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

They are two of the oldest universities in the UK and the world. Along with prestige, these are two of the most selective universities in the world. They receive thousands of undergraduate applications from all around the world every year. Here are 10 interesting facts about Oxbridge:

1. They are two of the oldest universities in the UK and in the world.

Both were founded more than 800 years ago, with Oxford established in 1096 and Cambridge in 1208. They have educated many of Britain’s most prominent scientists, writers and politicians throughout history and other notable figures worldwide.

2. The rivalry between the two universities has a long and interesting history.

These two universities have a famous rivalry that started centuries ago. The University of Cambridge was founded by scholars taking refuge from hostile Oxford townspeople, so they never got along. Today, this antagonism is more of a friendly competition celebrated yearly in varsity matches such as the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

**3. You will need three or four solid As or A*s to get in.**

Most people do 3 or 4 A-levels, and just a few do more than that. But to get into Oxbridge, it is the quality of A-levels that matters, not the quantity. The typical course at these universities will require at least A*AA results.

4. It does not cost more to go to Oxbridge.

Most people think studying at Oxbridge is more expensive than any other university. However, the cost is the same as other universities. Furthermore, all colleges provide on-site accommodation for at least part of your course, and both universities offer financial support packages for students from low-income backgrounds.

5. Oxbridge admits more state school pupils than independent school pupils.

Interestingly, both Oxford and Cambridge admit more state school pupils (57.7% and 63% of undergraduate admissions in 2011, respectively) than independent or private school pupils.

6. Applicants, students and staff come from many different backgrounds.

Oxford and Cambridge are populated by students, tutors and staff from various backgrounds, races, classes, cultures and nationalities. Many people assume that Oxbridge will only accept you if you come from a prestigious or wealthy background.

7. The interview is probably easier than you think.

Some students spend much time practising for their discussion, and some even attend special classes to help them prepare. But many students can pass the interview without attending special classes since what matters is that the interviewers can see how you think and if you show an interest and enthusiasm for your subject.

8. You will need to start preparing early.

Many parents that think about their child going to Oxbridge start preparing them from a young age – some as early as 3 years old! You don’t have to start that early, but it is advisable to start from the age of 10 or 11. You need to work hard and get good SAT grades, making getting good As and A*s at the GCSE level in secondary school easier. This, in turn, will make it easier for you to get As and A*s at A-level. Read our blog to learn more about how you can help prepare your child for Oxbridge.

9. You will need to apply and choose your course early.

The application date for Oxbridge is usually very early in the academic year of Year 13. Thus, you should probably use the summer at the end of Year 12 to prepare your personal statement and research which university and course you wish to apply for as much as possible. As mentioned, the competition for Oxbridge is very high, so make sure you choose four or five other universities as a backup plan.

10. Other universities in the world are as good.

Remember that dozens of other excellent universities exist in the UK and abroad. If you are studying a specialist subject, you may prefer to apply to a specialist college or university. The Russell Group and Ivy League universities are known to be some of the best in the UK and the US. If you look at university league tables worldwide, you will find that Oxford and Cambridge are only sometimes in the first spot – so stay open-minded.

GT Scholars know the importance of preparing students for Oxbridge and want to be a valuable part of the journey. We provide a one-day course on how to get into Oxbridge. In the course, you will work with Oxbridge graduates, admissions professionals and interview professionals to show your child how to develop an outstanding personal statement and choose a degree course for their chosen career. They will also support your child with preparing for interviews and advise on A-level subjects and grades required for specific universities and courses.

Contact us here to learn more about the How to Get Into Oxbridge course. We also provide an excellent mentorship programme that employs a variety of well-educated and knowledgeable mentors that will give your child the edge over any other Oxbridge applicant. You can find out more about the mentorship programme here.

Sources: https://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/oxford-drops-below-cambridge-on-state-school-entrants/2012321.article#
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/mar/11/oxford-record-state-school-intake
https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures