Applying To Oxford University: A Guide For Us Students

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and the application process is extremely competitive. The university has an acceptance rate of around 15% and receives over 20,000 applications each year for approximately 3,250 places. As such, students must submit a strong application to be considered for admission. This paragraph aims to provide an overview of the application process for US students wishing to study at Oxford University, including the key requirements and steps to maximise their chances of success.

Choose a course

Choosing a course is an important step in the application process. It is important to think carefully about what you would like to study. Many Oxford courses require you to choose your major at the time of application, which means you will be studying that subject in-depth for several years. Changing your course once you start at Oxford is typically very difficult.

Oxford offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. Begin by exploring their official website and familiarise yourself with the different programmes available. Reflect on your academic interests and career goals to select the course that aligns with your aspirations. Consider the subject and grade requirements as well as any additional admission tests or interviews that may be required for your chosen course.

When choosing a course, it is also essential to check that your international qualifications are accepted by Oxford and that you are on track to achieve the grades required. Visit the international qualifications page on the Oxford website to find out more. As well as grade requirements, many courses have specific subject requirements, so be sure to carefully read the subject requirements for your course on the relevant course page.

Research Oxford's colleges

Oxford University is a collegiate research university, comprising 43 colleges, including 36 semi-autonomous colleges, four permanent private halls, and three societies. Each college is a self-governing institution within the university, controlling its own membership and internal structure and activities. All students are members of a college.

The colleges arrange tutorial teaching for undergraduates, and members of academic departments are spread across multiple colleges. While certain colleges do have subject alignments, most will have a broad mix of academics and students from diverse subjects.

Colleges also provide facilities such as libraries, dining halls, and accommodation. While the central university has the Bodleian Library, colleges also maintain their own libraries.

The colleges are:

• Corpus Christi College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• St Catherine's College
• Regent's Park College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Somerville College
• St Hugh's College
• St Hilda's College
• Brasenose College
• Jesus College
• Wadham College
• Hertford College
• St Catherine's College
• St Anne's College
• Balliol College
• Merton College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Christ Church
• Oriel College
• Nuffield College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Somerville College
• Keble College
• St Hilda's College
• Magdalen College
• St John's College
• Lincoln College
• Exeter College
• Merton College
• All Souls College
• Oriel College
• St Benet's Hall
• Greyfriars
• St Stephen's House
• St Edmund Hall
• St Peter's College
• Pembroke College
• Trinity College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• St Hilda's College
• Corpus Christi College
• St John's College
• St Catherine's College
• Kellogg College
• Mansfield College
• Wolfson College
• St Cross College
• Reuben College
• St Edward's College

Meet academic requirements

To meet the academic requirements for applying to Oxford University as a US student, you must meet the qualification requirements of your course. While many applicants are taking A-levels, Oxford accepts a range of other equivalent UK and international qualifications.

You need to have achieved or be expected to achieve one of the qualifications listed on the International Qualifications page of the Oxford website. There are also specific subject requirements for some courses, particularly in the sciences, so be sure to check the requirements for your course.

As an international student, you should not submit any transcripts or certificates with your application. Instead, you should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application form under 'Education'. You will only need to produce certificates or transcripts if you are offered a place.

It's important to note that Oxford sets high academic standards for its applicants, usually ranging from A*A*A-AAA. This is equal to a GPA of 4.30 to 4.0. Below is an outline of the typical US entry requirements for Oxford University:

• Four APs at grade 5.
• Three APs at grade 5 plus a score of 33 or above in the ACT or 1480 or above in the SAT.
• Four APs at grade 5.
• Three APs at grade 5 plus a score of 32 or above in the ACT or 1470 or above in the SAT.
• Four APs at grade 5.
• Three APs at grade 5 plus a score of 31 or above in the ACT or 1460 or above in the SAT.

Please note that these entry requirements could also include subject requirements related to your chosen course. Additionally, while UK universities focus primarily on the grades from your final two years of high school, it's advisable to ensure that your previous high school grades are as high as possible, as Oxford may evaluate your entire academic history.

Prepare for standardised tests

As a US student, you may be required to submit scores from standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT, especially if you do not have four APs at grade 5. SAT requirements range from 1460-1480, depending on your chosen course. Even if you meet the entry requirements without these scores, you may still want to take the tests to make your application more competitive.

You will also need to take admissions tests such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), or the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT). Many courses at Oxford require applicants to take these tests. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for your course and check if you are expected to complete any of these admissions tests.

Additionally, international students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the TOEFL or IELTS unless they have always been a resident of an English-speaking country.

Craft a personal statement

The personal statement is a vital component of your application to Oxford. It is largely this essay and the quality of your grades that will determine whether you get an interview. In the US, you write a statement of purpose, but in the UK, personal statements are more specific and academically focused.

In the US, the discussion is quite broad, and you can usually choose from a set of prompts to guide you. However, in the UK, statements are supposed to demonstrate why you are an excellent student and the perfect student for your chosen course at your desired university. Hence, your statement should remain focused on your degree throughout.

Personal statements differ from the US style in that they are far less personal and much more academic. The UK doesn't care so much about all your activities and extracurriculars or even your family and home life. They just want to hear why you're the right person to enrol on this course. So only mention extracurriculars that prove academic aptitude or your suitability and genuine passion for your course.

Similarly, unlike US applications, strong UK applications seldom mention experiences, awards, activities and achievements that are completely irrelevant to your subject or academia. However, in some cases, you might be able to demonstrate your link.

Personal statements also don't mention specific universities by name. However, as a US student, it's a good idea to mention why you want to study at a UK university, especially if the reason is related to your chosen course!

For example, you might say that you want to study History in the UK because the UK is home to far older buildings than the US, and is closer to European countries like Greece, which has fascinating ancient ruins. Or you might say that you're eager to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK rather than the US as your course will be far more focused on your subject of interest from the start.

Another difference in the UK style of writing is that it avoids humour and cliches, e.g. a pet peeve of many UK admissions officers is reading the word "passion" in applicants' personal statements.

A big focus for Oxford is "potential". Do you have the potential to succeed, and how do you demonstrate that? What potential do you show?

So, don't submit your statement of purpose to Oxford if you've written one. Write a personal statement, especially for this objective. As you're writing, try to tick off these points:

• What is your mission statement?
• Why have you chosen this course?
• How do you align with Oxford as a university?
• What's special about your department at Oxford?
• Does any of your department's research at Oxford stand out to you?
• Are you in cohesion with Oxford's ethos?
• What is your precise career plan?
• Why do you need this degree to reach your goals?
• What awards and achievements prove your academic aptitude and transferable skills?
• What experience and research prove your passion for this subject?

Please note: When you upload a personal statement to UCAS, it will be sent to all 5 universities of your choice. Hence, it's best not to specifically name Oxford or write directly to Oxford as you will alienate your other choices. However, you can allude to Oxford.

Frequently asked questions