How to prepare for the University of Oxford: 7 practical tips

The University of Oxford is one of the top British universities. Renowned for its academic excellence, it is a dream destination for students from all corners of the globe.

While getting into Oxford can be challenge, for those who succeed it is a life-changing opportunity that can set them on a path to unparalleled success in their chosen careers.

In this blog post, we will share seven practical tips on how you can prepare for your journey towards earning a degree from this world-famous university.

Table of Contents

Understanding Oxford's unique application requirements

Choosing the right course and college

Academic preparation for your application

Mastering the admissions tests

Crafting your personal statement

Excelling in the Oxford interview

Extracurricular activities that make your application stand out

Understanding Oxford's unique application requirements

Oxford’s entry requirements vary by course. You should always check the university's website and course pages for details of entry requirements, however, the table below shows what's usually required for entry to Oxford, both in terms of UK qualifications and some of the most common international ones.

Check the full list of international qualifications accepted by Oxford.

Ensuring that you are aware of the crucial deadlines for Oxbridge admissions is key. These include the UCAS application deadline (October of the previous year) and any department-specific requirements.

It is also important to allocate sufficient time for preparing your personal statement and requesting references. By mapping out a clear and realistic timeline, you can alleviate the pressure and give yourself the best chance of success.

Choosing the right course and college

Image source: Shutterstock/agsaz (Christ Church College)

With over 30 colleges and a vast array of courses to consider at the University of Oxford, the choice can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that each college offers a unique experience, and some courses may be better suited for your goals and aspirations. Before submitting your application, it’s important to do the following.

Find your passion

It’s really important to select a subject that truly excites you. Explore the diverse courses at Oxford to understand their unique offerings. Each university provides a variety of subjects and subject combinations, and Oxford is no different.

Review entry requirements

Check the required grades for your desired course. Meeting these predicted grades at A-level (or equivalent) is crucial so establishing the likelihood of this early on is important.

Attend subject open days

Subject open days at Oxford offer a glimpse into university life, They help you to envisage studying your chosen subject, its syllabus, and give you compelling topics for your personal statement or interviews, so are very useful.

Explore different colleges

Participating in open days at different Oxford colleges gives you the chance to gain insights from current students into factors such as location, accommodation, dining, and overall atmosphere. If visiting isn't feasible, browsing their websites and requesting student-written alternative prospectuses are valuable perspectives.

Academic preparation for your application

Of course, when it comes to grades, it’s likely you’ll need to achieve the very top ones in most - if not all - of your A-level (or equivalent) subjects for any degree at the University of Oxford.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that simply following the syllabus in years 12 and 13 and probably won’t suffice for Oxbridge candidates.

You should do as much wider reading as possible around your subject, which will ensure that you have more relevant information to talk about both in your personal statement and during your interview, and that you’ll be more prepared for the pace of reading expected of you at university.

Mastering the admissions tests

One crucial stage in the Oxbridge application process is the admissions test. Depending on the course you're applying for, the specific admissions test you need to complete will vary. Tests include:

• Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
• Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
• Physics Admissions Test (PAT)
• History Admissions Test (HAT)
• Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT)
• Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)
• Classics Admissions Test (CAT)
• Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)
• Philosophy Test (PhilAT)

It's essential to register for your admissions test before submitting your UCAS application by the October Oxbridge deadline. Your test should be completed before your Oxbridge interview in December, with the date determined by the admissions test you're taking.

All admissions tests are online, delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE via its established network of test centres. Most take place at the end of October.

Preparation is key for your admissions test, as it evaluates your academic ability and aptitude and suitability for your chosen course. Here are some tips for Oxford's admissions tests:

• Practice with past papers and conduct dry runs for better performance.
• Be aware of average scores for your admissions test.
• Familiarise yourself early with test content, style, and instructions.
• Check for any format changes in your specific test before you take it.
• Seek guidance from examiners and tutors (YouTube and Google examiner offer options for this) on what they value in responses, tailored to Oxford's requirements.

Information on Oxford’s admissions tests can be found here.

Crafting your personal statement

Crafting a standout personal statement is crucial for securing a place at Oxford, especially in competitive subjects. Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your interest in - and suitability for - the course and college you've chosen. Oxford seeks students who are independent, curious, and eager to contribute to academic discourse.

• To make your application stand out, focus on expressing your individuality and highlighting what sets you apart from other candidates.
• Take risks in your writing by sharing unique experiences or insights that demonstrate your original thinking and enthusiasm for your intended subject area.
• Avoid overusing cliches like 'passion' and instead focus on showcasing your genuine interest in the subject. Choose a course that truly excites you as this enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.

For those applying to university beyond 2025, note that changes are coming to the UCAS application process, with personal statements being replaced with tailored questions. However, for now, investing time in crafting a compelling personal statement remains crucial for securing a spot at prestigious universities like Oxford.

Read more about how to write a great personal statement

Excelling in the Oxford interview

Shutterstock/fizkes

All shortlisted applicants (approximately 10,000 out of 22,000 applicants) are invited for an interview with Oxford University. You will not receive an offer before successfully passing the interview round; it’s a key stage of the Oxbridge application process.

If you secure an interview, congratulations! It’s a big achievement, proving you're a serious contender. Undergraduate interviews at Oxford usually take place in early December.

During your interview, Oxford is looking to see your independent thinking and passion for your chosen course. They focus on how you respond to questions, more than just the answers. It’s your chance to engage academically with experts in your field who are more experienced.

Your interview is also a way for Oxford to see if you fit well into their tutorials-based teaching style. So, do your best in the interview, as it can greatly impact your chances of admission, even if you don’t meet all of Oxford’s entry requirements.

Here are some helpful interview tips tailored to Oxford:

• Mock interviews are a very important part of the preparation process - be sure to get as many as you can under your belt.
• Always remember to check for any pre-reading requirements (reading lists) and aim to arrive early for your interview. This way, you'll have time to adjust to any surprises and feel more prepared.
• If you're unsure how to respond to certain interview questions, try explaining your thought process or take a moment of silence to gather your thoughts. You can politely ask for a moment to consider your answer.
• Don't hesitate to admit if you're unsure about something. The interview isn't just about testing your knowledge; it's also about understanding your approach to problem-solving and successful applicants will have been able to demonstrate that.

Extracurricular activities that make your application stand out

As an applicant to the University of Oxford, it's crucial to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is through involvement in extracurricular activities. Whether it's volunteering in your local community, pursuing a passion for music or arts, or competing in academic competitions, demonstrating a variety of interests and skills can show that you are a well-rounded and driven individual.

Leaderships roles, evidence of initiative, and accomplishments in these activities can all add depth to your application. So use the opportunities you have to get involved and make your application shine.

Your path to Oxbridge with Kings

At Kings, our four UK colleges - in Oxford, London, Brighton and Bournemouth - offer a range of university preparation programmes.

They include GCSEs and A-levels, as well as specialist foundations for international students, such as the Advanced Level Foundation. There are also a range of Art and Design courses, offered through the Kings School of Art and Design, whose flagship school is based in the centre of Oxford.

Our students go on to win places at all of the UK's top universities, including the Oxford University and Cambridge University (often referred to jointly as Oxbridge).

Those interested in pursuing this path can benefit from dedicated Oxbridge preparation. Several Kings staff are Oxbridge alumni so have personal experience of the application process, and what these universities demand.

Find out more about Oxbridge preparation with Kings

Find out more about the UCAS application process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here we look at some of the most commonly asked questions relating to preparing for the University of Oxford.

What should I prepare if I want to apply to the University of Oxford?

If you would like to apply to the University of Oxford, first and foremost, you need to meet their academic requirements, including excellent grades in relevant subjects.

In addition to that, you will need to prepare for the rigorous admissions tests that Oxford administers. Furthermore, a well-crafted personal statement and impressive extracurricular experiences will also bolster your application and impress admissions tutors.

What are the best ways to strengthen my application for the University of Oxford?

To increase your chances of being accepted to the University of Oxford, there are several ways you can strengthen your application. First, focus on your academics and aim for excellent grades in challenging courses. Second, demonstrate your passion for learning and your chosen subject through extracurricular activities, volunteer work or work experience, or research projects. Finally, seek out opportunities to showcase your skills and knowledge, such as by participating in academic competitions or attending conferences. By following these steps, you can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are a motivated, intellectually curious, and well-rounded applicant who is ready to succeed at Oxford University.

Is it hard to get into the University of Oxford?

The University of Oxford ranks as one of the world's most prestigious universities, attracting students from around the globe. The application and admissions process is notoriously selective and highly competitive, therefore it is essential to prepare as thoroughly and as far in advance as possible.

If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at enquiries@kingseducation.com.