Guest Posted March 7, 2015 Report Share Posted March 7, 2015 Hi everyone, So, I've been reading a lot about applying to Oxbridge (my dream university is Oxford, so I'll probably be applying to that) for medicine, but I've been getting these remarks which are making me feel kind of uncomfortable about even trying to apply. I'm aware that it doesn't matter what university you went to in the end because no one cares (which I have been told numerous times), but I still really would love to get in. People have furthermore added that there's no use because all the education is the same, which is technically true, but I've seen that Oxford in particular teaches students so they have all the information first before they start doing practical work with patients, as opposed to putting it on you from the beginning (which is something that Cambridge does) and the former is the learning style that suits me best. However, I've now got a lot of doubts added onto it about applying, because factors like money have been brought up (though my parents insist there's no problem and they're willing to help me out - which I don't personally want), so right now I really don't know what to do - should I even bother applying? Sorry for all the info and the kind of ridiculous question, but everyone's just been saying things that make me doubt the credibility of the universities, even though it's my dream one Thanks in advance. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flinquinnster Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Hi everyone, So, I've been reading a lot about applying to Oxbridge (my dream university is Oxford, so I'll probably be applying to that) for medicine, but I've been getting these remarks which are making me feel kind of uncomfortable about even trying to apply. I'm aware that it doesn't matter what university you went to in the end because no one cares (which I have been told numerous times), but I still really would love to get in. People have furthermore added that there's no use because all the education is the same, which is technically true, but I've seen that Oxford in particular teaches students so they have all the information first before they start doing practical work with patients, as opposed to putting it on you from the beginning (which is something that Cambridge does) and the former is the learning style that suits me best. However, I've now got a lot of doubts added onto it about applying, because factors like money have been brought up (though my parents insist there's no problem and they're willing to help me out - which I don't personally want), so right now I really don't know what to do - should I even bother applying? Sorry for all the info and the kind of ridiculous question, but everyone's just been saying things that make me doubt the credibility of the universities, even though it's my dream one Thanks in advance. Despite being a proud Cambridge student, I would still heartily recommend that you try applying to Oxford if that really is your dream university (though of course, I would try and persuade you to apply to Cambridge instead)! Whilst I completely agree that the university you go to matters far less in the modern world - thank goodness - there are still undeniably many advantages (though also some disadvantages) to attending universities like Oxford. The way I thought of it, I would have regretted not applying to Cambridge far more than any time/money that I would have lost in attempting to apply! If you really want it and then don't end up applying, you would end up regretting it so much. Therefore, you should give the application itself a go, even if you ultimately decide that you don't want to attend. It does take up time - and it does cost some amount of money as well, depending on uni/college etc. - but it can be good experience. For example, in preparing for tests/interviews. All those ancillary issues - for instance, finance, which is understandably a massive barrier to Kiwis/Aussies doing undergrad at Oxbridge - will come after the application itself. However, it is great that you are thinking ahead, as research can make a massive difference to those problems. In terms of finance, I would suggest that you research funding opportunities early - because they do exist, even if they are very hard to get as an undergrad. Particularly, have a look at the different colleges within Oxford, because they will invariably offer different grants/bursaries/scholarships - so you want to target those which offer more chances to get them. Also, there might be specific Oxford societies in New Zealand/Commonwealth countries which may offer funding. More generally, do research college well in terms of accommodation and other practical things, because they can vary. It may be hard to visit, but the internet helps a lot with that kind of thing! I wish I did more research myself before applying (I did an open application). So, I would seriously advise that you do bother to apply to your dream university! Start early, put effort and time into it, and you won't regret applying and at least giving it a go. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebu Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Hello, I'm planning to apply to Cambridge for Economics this year. The question is, I'm currently living in Asia so it would be more convenient and cheaper for me to take my interview in Singapore rather than actually going to Cambridge. If I wish to get interviewed in Singapore, I need to complete my UCAS by September rather than the typical October deadline. Would this be a disadvantage in anyway? Because I heard that interviewers in other countries tend to be less professional since they are not actual professors from Cambridge and may not even know well about the subject area I'm applying for. Wouldn't this debilitate my opportunity to demonstrate my enthusiasm and knowledge for the subject? Thank you in advance! Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flinquinnster Posted August 1, 2015 Report Share Posted August 1, 2015 Hello, I'm planning to apply to Cambridge for Economics this year. The question is, I'm currently living in Asia so it would be more convenient and cheaper for me to take my interview in Singapore rather than actually going to Cambridge. If I wish to get interviewed in Singapore, I need to complete my UCAS by September rather than the typical October deadline. Would this be a disadvantage in anyway? Because I heard that interviewers in other countries tend to be less professional since they are not actual professors from Cambridge and may not even know well about the subject area I'm applying for. Wouldn't this debilitate my opportunity to demonstrate my enthusiasm and knowledge for the subject? Thank you in advance! I did my Cambridge interview in Australia, and on the whole I don't think it is a disadvantage - although I do regret not having a good excuse for travelling to the UK. In terms of the early deadline, it does put extra pressure on you to finish it quickly - which might be an issue if you have exams/assessments to be handed in at a similar time - but I personally thought that with good 'time management', it didn't make that much difference. In other words, I thought it was a good way to productively procrastinate personally, when I was preparing for my mock exams. Even though it doesn't really make that much of a difference, putting in an early UCAS application also helps with you potentially getting offers from other universities earlier if they give out offers on a 'rolling' basis. I think the big thing to note with Cambridge is that if you have decent marks (i.e. near or over the standard offer), then they almost always give an interview - over 80% I think for most subjects - so the application itself isn't too important compared to interview/later testing. In terms of the issue of subject, it is true that in some areas they can't get interviewers from Cambridge/from your subject. Firstly, I think that that might be less of an issue in Singapore than it might be in relatively newer interview areas such as Australia - given that Singapore/Asia have so many Cambridge applicants, I think that their interviewers would likely be quite knowledgeable and experienced. I personally got interviewed by a Cambridge professor, but not someone from my college or my subject area. I will concede that it was harder to demonstrate my 'knowledge and enthusiasm' for law, given the interviewer didn't necessarily ask very law-oriented questions. However, I actually found this to be an advantage as it meant that they couldn't tell when I was confused about a particular area/point of law! Also, perhaps more relevantly, the interviewer - even if they might not know much about your subject area - generally should still be able to tell enthusiasm from your speaking and discussion. Often, the subject-specific testing done is more detailed (for instance, I had to do a 2-hour instead of a 1-hour Cambridge Law Exam) so that can help with demonstrating your knowledge. In terms of the issue of the interviewer not being from Cambridge, that probably wouldn't be too much of an issue either. Usually they do have some connection to Cambridge, and I assume/hope that they are given guidance on what to look for in an interviewee! I had a friend mention that there might be a potential conflict of interest if the interviewer is from a local university and wants to keep students there rather than at Cambridge, but realistically I don't think this would be too much of an issue. I did actually ask the admissions tutor at my college about whether an overseas interview was a disadvantage, and the answer I got was generally 'no' - except for specialist subjects where I think they do recommend a local interview, such as architecture and music. It will depend on college and subject, but the overseas interview should be fine, as it has been for lots of other prior applicants. If you do want to avoid the issue of UK/overseas interview Oxford does Skype interviews, but I personally think that that is even worse! 3 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebu Posted August 2, 2015 Report Share Posted August 2, 2015 Also, to what extent do Cambridge taken into account IGCSE results? Would having a good result be a big advantage or make small difference? Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flinquinnster Posted August 3, 2015 Report Share Posted August 3, 2015 Also, to what extent do Cambridge taken into account IGCSE results? Would having a good result be a big advantage or make small difference? I think it may have been mentioned before, but Cambridge doesn't place that much of an emphasis on GCSE/IGCSE results - for example, less emphasis than at Oxford. They care more about your predicted grades for IB1. Obviously, having good results is useful - but it would be a small difference, not a big advantage. 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enoch Posted September 29, 2015 Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 HELLO FELLOW IB STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI I was going through the UCAS process, and came to the reference section, do we need a reference letter, as well? Because I want to apply for Oxford, even if I dont get it I would like to try. I need to know as soon as possible because my reference needs at least two weeks to write my letter, and the UCAS for oxford is due on the 15th PLEASE HELP. Also do other universities such UCL, and ICL need similar things, and what about the registration deadline is it the 15th as well, send help I am in dire need of it Thank You -Enoch Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaby Posted September 29, 2015 Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 HELLO FELLOW IB STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI I was going through the UCAS process, and came to the reference section, do we need a reference letter, as well? Because I want to apply for Oxford, even if I dont get it I would like to try. I need to know as soon as possible because my reference needs at least two weeks to write my letter, and the UCAS for oxford is due on the 15th PLEASE HELP. Also do other universities such UCL, and ICL need similar things, and what about the registration deadline is it the 15th as well, send help I am in dire need of it Thank You -Enoch You need a reference (one, the one in UCAS) for all the universities in the UK. It's not just for Oxford. The deadline for application for Oxford/Cambridge/medicine/related sciences is indeed 15th of October. Late applications are not considered. 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enoch Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 You need a reference (one, the one in UCAS) for all the universities in the UK. It's not just for Oxford. The deadline for application for Oxford/Cambridge/medicine/related sciences is indeed 15th of October. Late applications are not considered. Yeah but do I need a letter for a reference, or just information about my reference Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaby Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 You need a reference (one, the one in UCAS) for all the universities in the UK. It's not just for Oxford. The deadline for application for Oxford/Cambridge/medicine/related sciences is indeed 15th of October. Late applications are not considered. Yeah but do I need a letter for a reference, or just information about my reference You need a letter of reference. Universities don't have time to be calling your referee.UCAS guide for international/EU students: "References The reference allows the university or college to find out more about you as a student – your academic potential and your attitude to studying. This helps universities and colleges to decide whether to offer you a place or not. The reference should be written in English by a head of year, form teacher or subject teacher who knows you academically. It can be written by multiple people, but one person should be in charge of putting it together. If you are applying through a registered UCAS centre, an adviser, agent or teacher will automatically complete the reference. However, if you are applying independently and not using a UCAS centre, you should ask a teacher or other appropriate person to complete the reference before submitting your application to UCAS. If you are still studying at the time you apply, the reference should include predicted grades or scores – an idea of what results you might achieve in your current level of study. This helps universities and colleges to see if you are expected to meet the entry requirements for the course. " https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/how-get-reference and here's a guide on getting a reference. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kavya shah Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Hey I Wanted to inquire if a 7 in math HL is necessary for admission in Oxbridge to major in Economics. My current HL's are Math, Economics, Chemistry and English A1. Do i stand a chance to get in? Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaby Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Hey I Wanted to inquire if a 7 in math HL is necessary for admission in Oxbridge to major in Economics. My current HL's are Math, Economics, Chemistry and English A1. Do i stand a chance to get in? Ummmm... If you do get a 7 in HL maths and have a very strong application overall, then yes, you do. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 19, 2016 Report Share Posted January 19, 2016 Hey I Wanted to inquire if a 7 in math HL is necessary for admission in Oxbridge to major in Economics. My current HL's are Math, Economics, Chemistry and English A1. Do i stand a chance to get in? Provided you want to do 'Economics and Mathematics' in Oxford, the requirements are here, and Economics at Cambridge is here. You can get a six or a seven on Maths HL as long as you get a seven in at least one other HL - and of course, you'd want your SLs to be 7s too. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolzDoingIB Posted January 19, 2016 Report Share Posted January 19, 2016 (edited) Hey guys, II was planning to apply to cambridge, my dream uni .I was wondering when I should apply to cambridge, since I will be sitting the 2016 November examinations. Should I apply in 2016 October so that, I start uni October 2017, and in the process have a break year ? I'm not sure, since the application process is made for students that sit their exams in may!! Edited January 19, 2016 by LolzDoingIB Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 19, 2016 Report Share Posted January 19, 2016 (edited) Hey guys, II was planning to apply to cambridge, my dream uni .I was wondering when I should apply to cambridge, since I will be sitting the 2016 November examinations. Should I apply in 2016 October so that, I start uni October 2017, and in the process have a break year ? I'm not sure, since the application process is made for students that sit their exams in may!! Yes, you'll have to apply at that time! I believe the last date is the 15th for both Oxford and Cambridge, so don't forget it! Edited January 19, 2016 by Guest Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecsstudent Posted June 9, 2016 Report Share Posted June 9, 2016 6 hours ago, dhirajsnarula said: Hey guys, Cambridge is my dream school, and later this year I will probably be applying for Engineering (General). My IB scores are fairly high (looking at a predicted 43-45), and my reference should be alright as well since the teacher thinks well of me. However, my extracurriculars aren't very closely linked to engineering (other than building computers my extracurriculars are mainly debate/mun and the school math club). Would I still have a strong chance at making it, and what can I do over the summer to have more interest to show in my PS? Hi, Cambridge doesn't really care about extracurriculars. For engineering you just have to be exceptional at maths and/or physics during your interview or any tests they may ask you to sit. 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 2, 2016 Report Share Posted August 2, 2016 Hi guys, I'm having a bit of a temporary crisis here due to information overload, but the quick story is that I've been set on Oxford for three years due the tutorial system, it being a larger city than Cambridge, and so on. Unfortunately doubt has crept in and I'm wondering if I should apply to Cambridge instead (this is for Medicine, by the way) due to its apparent reputation as the more science-orientated university - though I'm critical of this considering they often vie for the top spots on leaderboards, which themselves are an issue. I'm not necessarily expecting to get in, but I would like to know why you decided which university to apply to out of the two, particularly if you're doing a medicine. Thanks in advance ^^ Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genri Posted September 9, 2016 Report Share Posted September 9, 2016 On 1/4/2009 at 6:30 AM, Abu said: Have questions about Oxford and Cambridge? Don't know who to ask? Look here! Everything that you should need to answer your questions about Oxbridge. Vvi's compilation of useful pages Top 20 tips for surviving an interview General questions about the interview process Filmed Oxford interviews All Oxbridge related questions will now have to be asked here. Hey why cant i access these links? asking for some password? Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yasmina k Posted September 27, 2016 Report Share Posted September 27, 2016 Hi! Do you guys know the requirements for doing international law at oxbridge I just started IB this september and I want to make sure that I picked the right topics. Biology HL History HL English HL Theater HL Math Studies Spanish Ab Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaby Posted September 27, 2016 Report Share Posted September 27, 2016 9 hours ago, Yasmina k said: Hi! Do you guys know the requirements for doing international law at oxbridge I just started IB this september and I want to make sure that I picked the right topics. Biology HL History HL English HL Theater HL Math Studies Spanish Ab The requirements for law are in points only, it doesn't matter what subjects you take. I'd recommend dropping one HL, though, because it's tough to get a high score with 4, and high score is something you really need. You can find the specific point requirements on their respective websites. Also, neither Oxford nor Cambridge offers a degree in international law. Cambridge only has straight law, and Oxford has law degrees with a year spent in a another European country. These are: Law (Jurisprudence) M100 Law with Law Studies in Europe: M190 Law with French Law M191 Law with German Law M192 Law with Italian Law M193 Law with Spanish Law M194 If you're looking to study international law, you might want to look somewhere else. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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