What makes an exceptional Oxbridge candidate?

It would be too easy to say that there is one single answer to the question ‘What makes an exceptional Oxbridge candidate?’  There are, however, a number of achievements and qualities that will improve your chances of being viewed as a strong contender in the fierce competition for a place at either Oxford or Cambridge.

1 — Qualifications

Throughout the admissions process, Oxbridge tutors are looking for intelligent, broad-minded and academically talented individuals. Academic achievement is at the heart of the Oxbridge decision-making process.

GCSEs

Generally, you will need to have at least six 9s at GCSE and many candidates will have more. The tutors will, however, view your results in the context of your school. That is to say, if no one in your year at school achieved above an 8 at GCSE and you achieved two 9s, you may well still be viewed as a strong candidate. Both Oxford and Cambridge state that achievements gained post-16, e.g. A Levels, are a better predictor of academic success at university than pre-16 qualifications e.g. GCSEs. Therefore, they are much less concerned with your GCSE grades than with your higher-level qualifications. If you feel you have not performed as well as you could have in your GCSEs due to extenuating circumstances, the universities will generally take this into account as well.

A Levels, IB and other qualifications

In order to present as a great candidate for Oxford or Cambridge, you will need excellent grades in whichever qualification you have taken post-16. On their website, Oxford state that you will need between AAA and A*A*A* at A Level, depending on your course. The Cambridge website indicates that between A*AA and A*A*A* is needed. This is something to think about if you are not certain you can achieve higher than AAA.

If you are taking the IB, a score of at least 38, including core points is required for Oxford with 766 at higher level. For Cambridge, the typical requirement is a total score of at least 40 including core points, and 776 at higher level. It has been known for Cambridge to make offers of 42 points with 777 at higher level, particularly for the sciences and maths. This is something to consider when choosing between the two, as Oxford rarely make such high demands.

With regards to alternative qualifications, both universities have extensive sections on their websites, outlining exactly what they expect in terms of grades (find the link below). If you are unsure about what is required, you should always email the head of admissions to check that you have the required subjects/grades to apply. Try to obtain in writing any requirements that are not stated on the website, as this can be used as evidence later if you are rejected based on your subject choices alone.

Specific subject requirements vary considerably between the two universities and between courses, and further information can be found on the Oxford and Cambridge websites.

Making the choice between three or four+ A Levels

Whether to do three, four or even more A Levels is a completely personal choice. Some students will not wish to restrict themselves to three A Levels and will naturally want to do four or more; whereas some students will feel they are unable to make the required grades doing more than three. There are a range of other personal reasons which may influence the choice.

In terms of requirements by Oxbridge, there is no formal requirement to take more than three A Levels although many candidates will. During a talk to parents, it was stated that, at certain colleges, the average number taken is 3.4 A Levels. My advice would be to do what suits you best. There is no point in a student pushing themselves to do more than they can handle, burning out and not achieving as well as they could. On the other hand, many of the best candidates take three or more—so if a student can cope with more than three A Levels and do well, then four or more may be a good option. It gives students the opportunity to take a whole extra subject that bit further and may give them more to talk about at interview.

2 — The Admissions Tests

Many colleges and many subjects at both Oxford and Cambridge now require you to sit admissions tests. These are additional tests, which you arrange through your school or a test centre, that aim to test your knowledge of concepts, your critical thinking, or both. Each test will be explained on its own website, where you can find more information, as well as past papers which are crucial for practice before the real test.

For tips on gaining an advantage when taking your admissions test(s), click here. To stay up to date on changes to university admissions testing in 2024, click here. You can also visit the relevant website (Oxford or Cambridge) to check if you need to complete any additional assessments.

Examples of admissions tests include:

• Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) — required by Oxford for a number of subjects including Psychology, Chemistry, and Geography

• National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) — required by many universities for applicants reading Law

• University Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT) — required by many universities for applicants reading Medicine

3 — Other qualities

In a way, it is easier to outline the qualifications required by the universities than the qualities required. Although varied, the academic requirements are fairly standard, and you can be reasonably confident that if you have the required grades then you at least have a chance at interview. In this section, I aim to pull together all the information I have received in my time as a student and tutor and try to elucidate some of the qualities that tutors at Oxbridge are looking for.

Genuine interest in your subject

This is a crucial requirement when applying to Oxbridge. Time and time again I hear that tutors can easily identify when a student is not really that interested in their subject. At a recent talk, it was stated that students need ‘a real, genuine and heartfelt interest in their subject’. It is therefore vital that you pick the the right subject for you (look out for our blog on ‘choosing the right subject’ coming soon), as it is very difficult to fake interest at interview. That said, if you have picked the right subject, then you should naturally come across as interested!

It is also important to boost your knowledge by reading widely around your subject. Both universities will have a reading list for each course and you should use this to guide your reading. Pick books you really like the sound of, and make sure you read them before the interview! Take inspiration from the reading list to find your own books. For example, if there is a book on Molecular Biology which interests you, find more information on that subject by yourself. This will show initiative and will help you come across as knowledgeable and engaged in your subject at interview.

Having said that, don’t try to mention your reading at every opportunity as this may come across as forced. The reading should help you naturally chat about interesting topics and subjects, which is exactly what the interviewers are looking for!

Evidence of critical thinking

It is true that the best Oxbridge candidates have often read widely around their chosen subject and have put a lot of effort into finding out more about subjects that interest them. However, tutors at Oxbridge are looking for more than just the ability to read and regurgitate information. They are looking for critical thinking. This somewhat broad quality is what sets apart good candidates from great ones. Broadly, being able to think critically means that you are able to objectively analyse and evaluate an argument, theory, or statement in order to form your own judgement. Whenever you read information, be that in a textbook, in an academic journal, in a newspaper or online, you should not only be taking the information in, but also processing it, evaluating it and coming to your own conclusions about it.

This may include but is not limited to:

• Identifying different arguments based around a topic or issue

• Evaluating an argument or statement in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses

• Using the above to form a reasoned and evidenced argument of your own.

Being able to express yourself

Even if you are able to embody the qualities above, none of that is of use if you are unable to articulate these to the interviewer. I have met many students who, on paper, look like exceptional candidates: they have evidence of wide reading, of a real interest in their subject and have taken the initiative to discover more about topics that interest them. However, when I talk to them and ask them about some of these interests, they are unable to open up and to talk intelligently about them. Some people will naturally be excellent articulators, and some won’t. Therefore, it is really important, even if you think you are very good at talking articulately, that you practice. Practice can come in many forms. It could be talking to your family about topics that interest you, practising getting a discussion going, forming your own arguments and providing reasons and evidence for them.

It could also mean talking about some of the topics that interest you with a teacher at school. Teachers are generally very knowledgeable about their subject and may agree to have a conversation with you in which you can practice talking intelligently. The best kind of practice however is to arrange a practice interview with someone who knows the interview process inside and out. Email info@oxfordtutors.com to find out more about how we can help.

The question ‘what makes an exceptional Oxbridge candidate’ has an elusive answer, however the above gives you some guidance as to what Oxbridge are looking for. The links below will guide you to more useful pages which will get you started on the road to Oxbridge.