Applying from the USA (Expert Oxford & Cambridge Application Advice)
Admissions Requirements
The qualifications required for Oxford and Cambridge are similar to those required for many US universities. The most common of which are SAT or ACT scores and accompanying SAT Subject Test or AP scores. International Baccalaureate(IB) is also accepted. All applicants applying with IB, regardless of their country of origin, must have at least 38 points in order to be considered for an interview. Although there is some(limited) variation in this requirement across subjects, and instances in which the requirement has been relaxed in the case of exceptional mitigating circumstances, it is by-and-large the standard for all Oxford courses. It should be noted that Sciences degrees typically have marginally higher grade requirements and that there is greater variation amongst Cambridge course requirements than Oxford courses.
Most US students will apply using either their SAT or ACT scores and complementary subject-specific test scores. Applicants must have scored above a 1470 on the SAT, and the essay is not required when applying. The requirement is similar for those applying using old(pre January 2016) SAT scores, and the requirement for this older version of the SAT is a minimum score of 2100, with at least 1400 in the Math and Reading sections combined. Oxford asks that applicants include every SAT scored received when completing their application as opposed to a single SAT superscore. For example, if an applicant has taken the SAT twice, they would be asked to include a full breakdown of both their scores. This requirement allows Oxford to gain a greater understanding of the applicant’s academic track record. The same requirement applies to students who choose to apply using their ACT scores instead.
Oxbridge applicants who elect to use their ACT scores must have a score of 32 or above in order to be considered for an interview. Like the SAT, Oxford does not require the ACT essay. Much like most US universities, Oxford and Cambridge do not prefer one standardized test to the other, and students are encouraged to submit whichever test score is highest.
In addition to either an SAT or ACT score, Oxbridge applicants must also submit subject-specific standardized test scores. These can be either SAT Subject Tests(SAT IIs), AP exams, or some combination of those two. SAT II scores must be 700 or higher, and AP test scores must be 5s. While the applicant has some discretion in the subjects they submit, there are prerequisite courses for different Oxbridge degrees. For example, Oxford PPE students must demonstrate knowledge of Mathematics and History when applying for the degree. This knowledge could be demonstrated, for example. via an SAT II Mathematics and an AP US History score. This is just one example of tests that could be used to demonstrate requisite knowledge for one particular degree, there are many other acceptable tests that an applicant might use to fulfill this requirement.
Entrance Exams
Next, applicants may have to take a proprietary exam in order to qualify for an interview. The following exams are required for some of the most popular Oxbridge degrees:
The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is required for law at Oxford (as well as for most popular law schools in the UK);
The Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is required for medicine at both Oxford and Cambridge;
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is required for Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology, Human Sciences, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Psychology and Linguistics, Psychology and Philosophy at Oxford;
The Economics Admissions Assessment (ECAA) for economics at Cambridge;
The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) for mathematics and some other maths-based subjects at Cambridge, and the Mathematics Aptitude Test (MAT) for mathematics at Oxford;
The Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for natural sciences at Cambridge;
The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) for physics at Oxford;
The History Aptitude Test (HAT) for history and related courses at Oxford
Taking these tests can be very difficult logistically for US students. The Thinking Skills Assessment, for example, is only offered at five locations across the US. As such, it is very important to schedule a test and plan one’s travel well in advance of the October 15 application deadline.
Practice tests for the proprietary exams may be found online. Preparation for these exams should not differ from the applicant’s prior standardized test prep. These tests are merely another way for Oxford and Cambridge to ensure they are accepting only those who are capable of handling the courses to which they have applied.
Fees
American students are charged international fees at Oxbridge. International fees include both tuition and a separate college fee. Tuition varies depending on the subject and university, and tuition at Oxford is between £16,230 and £23,885. The college fee at Oxford is £7,570.The tuition for Cambridge is between £20,157 and £30,678, and there the college fee is between £6,850 and £12,700. Please note that the tuition increases every year, and that the cost to American students depends as well on the US Dollar-Pound exchange rate.
Oxford does not provide any meaningful funding for American undergraduates. Instead, US students may use the US direct loan program and/or Sallie Mae loans to help finance their Oxford education. Further, most Oxford degrees, with the notable exceptions of classics and physics(amongst others), are 3 year programs, and it is important to factor this length into consideration when comparing the cost of an Oxbridge degree to a 4 year American university.
Visas
American students at Oxbridge must obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa prior to arriving in the country. Once accepted, a prospective Oxbridge student will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) letter from their college administrator. This letter signifies that the student’s credentials have been confirmed by their college. The student will then complete an online form and schedule an appointment at a US Department of Homeland Security application support center(many times a local courthouse or city hall). The student will have their photo and biometric information taken at said appointment. Next, the student will mail their complete visa application, including their biometric information, passport, photos, printed online application form, and CAS letter to the British Consulate in New York. The student will typically receive their passport and new Visa back in 4-6 weeks, although priority service is also available for an additional fee. This Visa will last for 5 years, and as such will not need to be renewed unless the student opts to pursue a second degree at Oxford or Cambridge. However, should the student opt to work in the United Kingdom after completing their degree they will need to transition their student visa into a work visa.
Life at Oxford & Cambridge
Americans comprise the largest bloc of international students at Oxbridge. In addition, students at US Universities regularly come to Oxford on educational exchange for either a term or the full academic year. In short, American students at Oxford and Cambridge will find a substantial and welcoming community of other Americans. What’s more, Americans enjoy such cultural proximity to the English that American students should not experience too extreme a degree of alienation or culture shock. In addition to the student body, many Oxbridge tutors are American as well. These tutors are happy to help American students transition between the style of teaching they are accustomed to from their US high school and the far more individually-directed style employed at Oxford and Cambridge.
Let us know if you have any questions about this article or anything related to applying from the USA.
