A simple fact sparked my desire to study Biochemistry. I am small, in stature, and I wondered why. My curiosity led me to research X chromosome inactivation.
There is one sure-fire way to increase your chances of getting a place at your dream university.
What is this? Super-curricular activities.
In Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, a black man falsely accused of r*pe is denied a fair trial by the highly prejudiced society of 1930s Alabama.
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I have always enjoyed solving problems, understanding the questions raised by them and the physical and mental processes required to find a solution.
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Why do I want to study science? The same reason I constantly ponder over accepted theories and find arguments against it: it's everywhere around us.
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My passion for history stems from a realisation that so often the events of the past dictate the events of today and the prospects of the future, allowing us to trace the complexity of events and ideologies.
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Angela Carter and Italo Calvino are skilled in embedding a plurality of symbolism within the surface attractions of a traditional storyline which is evident in their fairy tale works such as ‘The Bloody Chamber’ or ‘Our Ancestors’.
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Discover expert advice from successful Oxbridge applicants to write a flawless personal statement. Learn effective techniques to incorporate Psychology seamlessly.
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Discover expert advice from successful Oxbridge applicants to write a flawless personal statement. Learn effective techniques to incorporate Geography seamlessly.
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Discover expert advice from successful Oxbridge applicants to write a flawless personal statement. Learn effective techniques to incorporate Physics seamlessly.
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I have always been interested in questioning what typically goes unquestioned in day-to-day life and that curiosity has only been further stimulated by studying and reading widely in Philosophy.
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Will we ever truly understand the human mind? I believe this is not a question only one branch of knowledge can answer. While psychology allows us to observe the mind's more measurable aspects, philosophy offers a more subjective insight into thought and intellect.
When first learning about algebra as a child I was fascinated with how the letter X was used to find seemingly unobtainable solutions, e.g. to simultaneous equations. Since then I have enthusiastically studied algebra.
Starting in Year 6, at 9pm on a Monday evening, I would get into bed and turn on the LBC legal hour. I didn’t read comics in bed as a kid; I listened to legal programs.
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Maths, especially pure Maths, feels like another language to me; just as a meaning can be described with words in any number of ways, so can a Maths proof be solved with infinite methods.
Every year, a large number of Indian students travel to Oxbridge pursuing a variety of graduate and postgraduate programs. However, in recent years there has also been a steady inflow of students on their undergraduate degrees, a phenomenon which has become common only lately with a change in the academic requirements at Oxbridge.
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So - you’ve submitted your essays and your personal statement, you’re preparing for your interview, and you’re half-way through the Oxbridge application process for English. One hurdle looms ahead: the ELAT, or English Literature Admissions Test.
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An individual capable of making a competitive application to an Ivy League school is capable of making a competitive application to Oxford and Cambridge as well. Although the requirements of an Oxbridge application are different than the requirements for Ivy League universities, the core documentation for both applications are the same. In addition to the application itself, there are a number of differences in how Oxbridge evaluates applicants, most critically the absence of any legacy consideration.
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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.
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According to the university sources, there are currently just over 300 Korean students studying at Oxford and Cambridge combined. Considering the scale of both universities, or the relative number of Korean students studying in London universities, this isn’t a particularly large group.
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The thought of attending an American University can be exciting, but the application process can be stressful. It begins 18 months prior to your date of entry into the university - ideally you should begin the process at the beginning of Year 12. Here is a list of documents that will be required in order to apply to an American University:
The American system of education relies on various standardised tests which students must take in order to apply to a particular university. These exams are a way for universities to compare applicants who might come from different backgrounds and educational systems across the USA and the world.
There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Each Subject Test is an hour long.
Math will be your third and fourth sections on the SAT, right after Reading and Writing & Language. You’ll first get a 25-minute section, during which you can’t use a calculator. After a short break, you’ll move onto the 55-minute section. During this longer section, you’re allowed to use your calculator.
Universities may also require their own supplemental essay for you to submit. The supplemental essay give admissions officers the chance to get to know students.
US university application essays are different from the UK UCAS statements. They show your personality in 650 words or less. Your essay reveals details about you that are not seen through your grades and test score.
As a prospective international student embarking on a US education, you’ll need to begin searching for a ‘major’. This is the main specialisation that you will select after you arrive, usually during your second year- in your first year you will be studying general studies.
Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) are not the same. Early Action allows students to apply to a college in October or November of Senior year and receive an admission decision in Mid-December.
A timeline of what you should be doing each academic year for the best chances of success.
Overall, universities do not prefer one test over the other. Both exams are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based. Which test to take depends on each university admission requirements. Below is a comparison of both tests.
As U.S. colleges and universities begin sending out acceptance letters, prospective international students who applied and gained admission to more than one school will have a big decision to make. Here are four key factors prospective international students should consider when deciding which U.S. college to attend.
Excellent International Reputation: One of the main reasons for students choosing to study in the U.S. is the country’s reputation for renowned higher-education programs. Approximately fifty percent of the world’s top 50 universities are located in the U.S. This is due to small class sizes, highly accredited professors, and advanced technology and research capabilities.
1) Home Country Assistance: International students can receive funding offered by the government and other organisations in their home country. Beware that this funding may come with certain conditions such as returning home to work for a number of years.
Choosing to interview demonstrates your interest: Interviewing is a way demonstrate your interest, a factor that many colleges consider in the admissions process.
As an international student, you will need a visa to study at a university in the United States. There are two types of visas: F-1 and M-1.
American higher-education can be very expensive. Thankfully, academic and sports scholarships provide an ideal way of funding your way through university…
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Most students don’t expect to take gap years. However, most who do seem to find them both enjoyable and informative experiences. It’s a puzzle to me why more students don’t take them. Although there’s a perception taking a ‘gap ya’ is for the rich and affluent, I’ve found in reality the opposite to be true.
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In 2017, I found out my friend had Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Intrigued, I carried out an internet search and was surprised to learn that FA is caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in a part of the genome that does not even encode amino acids. This prompted me to read ‘Junk DNA’ by Nessa Carey, a book which showed me that the noncoding parts of our genome have vital biological functions.
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Searching for how underlying biochemical mechanisms work showed me the fascinating complexity of the molecular world. I first experienced this through Plasmodium's cunning method of recombining var genes to display different proteins on host erythrocytes, instantly enticing me to discover more about the hidden intricacies of life.
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Reading Nicholas Cook's 'Music: A Very Short Introduction' kindled my enthusiasm for the study of music. I was particularly interested in his discussion of how performers are perceived in classical music, and their presumed job to channel the intentions of the composer.
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Oxford and Cambridge both accept a wide range of the school leaving qualifications taken by students in Hong Kong – the primary three of these would be the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education), the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the GCE A-levels…
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While applying to Oxford or Cambridge is a daunting task for students all over the world, there are some factors that may make it even more challenging for Pakistani students. First, Pakistani students admittedly make a very small proportion of Oxbridge acceptances each year. However, this becomes a circular issue…
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Oxford and Cambridge both accept the two main school leaving qualifications taken by students in Singapore – the GCE ‘A’ levels and the International Baccalaureate. In general, applicants will need a minimum of 3 A grades at the H2 level for the GCE ‘A’ levels, or 38 points on the IB to be invited for an interview…
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We live in a world characterised by rapid change, populism, rising inequality and issues around big data, all of which have implications on society; I want to learn about the forces behind this change. My IB course has given me an interest in politics, philosophy and economics.
The Oxford medical course is an incredibly academically challenging course, with the whole undergraduate course (3 years) focused only on academic scientific study of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and others.
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The first and most important step of your analysis must be to identify the themes within the source; that is, what broad topics and subjects does the source pertain to, what ideas recur throughout the source? Identifying themes is crucial because it provides the foundation on which you can build the rest of your analysis…
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The questions from BMAT section 2 are taken from GCSE-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths content. Candidates can expect 6-8 questions on each of the sciences, and between 5 and 7 Maths questions, with just over a minute to answer each question
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Practice questions to get you into the Interview mindset. 1) What is the role of myth in history? 2) Should historians seek to achieve objectivity, and can they ever succeed? 3) Is visiting historical sites useful to a historian?..
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Preparing students for the History Aptitude Test at Oxford carries with it its own set of challenges. This test is designed to be more difficult than the sort of primary sources that students are likely to encounter at A-levels…
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Oxbridge personal statements are different to most. Focus must be on analysing and evaluating relevant literature. Whilst the exact balance between this and highlighting previous experience differs from subject to subject…
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This article will give you a brief introduction to the main subfields of political science that are taught and studied at Oxford, and how to best prepare for each one by taking you through the introductory literature.
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An English degree gives you the chance to spend three years reading books, thinking about books, writing about books, and talking about books. This means you’ll need to spend a lot of time reading - in the library, in your room, in a cafe, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re meeting your weekly reading goals.
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Universities in EU countries are not allowed to discriminate against EU nationals from other countries. In effect, any EU citizen is entitled to study at UK universities under the same conditions as nationals. This applies to entry requirements, course fees, and grants…
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My application experience was rigorous but crucially surprised me in that I enjoyed the interview stage far more than I expected. In light of this, through the process itself I was able to gauge whether the Oxbridge teaching system suited my learning style…
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Queens’ is by no means a small college, with a total of 508 undergraduates, however it is known throughout Cambridge for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere …
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The English interview is, essentially, a couple of hours in which you’re allowed to discuss the entire body of English literature with leading experts in the field. That may sound daunting, but it’s also a very exciting opportunity…
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Religious disputes have shaped not only the development of the Christian church, but also the politics, society and history of modern Europe. It is clear to me how relevant Theology is in terms of its broadness and depth and how it incorporates many subjects I am eager to study further including history, philosophy, sociology and languages.
Hearing about my mother's experiences growing up in Belfast in the 70's made me realise how important an understanding of history is to comprehend today's politics. Bomb scares, curfews, soldiers on the streets were all part of her daily life. Segregated education meant that she never met a Catholic until she was 19.
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These teachers were well-intentioned, telling me often about the various disadvantages I would be faced with given I came from a state school. However, in reality, the real disadvantage was…
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You’ll be pleased to know that both Oxford and Cambridge have large international student communities. So, you should in no way feel set back by reason of your nationality…
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The Oxbridge Law course is uniquely different from that offered by many of the other top universities. Putting aside for now the tutorial system that is characteristic of all Oxbridge courses…
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By the time you arrive at the interview stage, your application would have passed through many hands, and been reviewed thoroughly by your tutors. They will know already what your grades are like…
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Watching B. Ambridge’s “9 myths about psychology, debunked” TED talk in 2014 removed my misconceptions about psychology and piqued my curiosity to explore the wide array of topics within the subject. Reading “Love’s Executioner” by I.D. Yalom, inspired me to research schizophrenia and phrenology.
The vast majority of the work you complete at Oxbridge is centred around your weekly tutorial. That means hours and hours spent in the library researching for your essay question…
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Most joint honours schools at Oxford are relatively small and History & Politics is no exception. The university usually admits between 40 and 50 students per year which works out as an…
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Having read History & Politics at Oxford, I cannot imagine myself having studied a different degree at a different university. The opportunity to combine two subjects I love and study them…
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Economics can be a challenging discipline which tests a broad range of skills. It requires students that are capable mathematicians, historians, scientists and writers. However, the rewards…
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Economics can be a challenging discipline which tests a broad range of skills. It requires students that are capable mathematicians, historians, scientists and writers. However, the rewards for taking economics…
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1) You want to go to a large college; this can be useful for meeting a range of people and means you’ll have a lot of buildings and grounds to explore whilst there…
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Originally I wasn’t planning to apply to Christ Church. First time round I had applied to Balliol and failed to get in; I returned to Oxford, after taking a gap year, to have a look…
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Christ Church will always hold some of my best memories. Remembering looking at the stars whilst listening to the chiming of Tom Tower, the huge fireworks display during its commemoration ball…
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Section 1 of the exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions split between problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These are similar in style to sections from other exams such…
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In addition to more general personal statement tips, there are certain dos and don’ts for PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics). Let’s start with where students commonly go wrong…
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There is a lot of bad advice given to students about interviews. Some of this comes from the press and speculation on internet forums. However, a lot also comes from well-meaning…
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The interview is typically the most nerve racking part of the entire application process. Sitting down face to face with your potential tutors and being quizzed by world class scholars…
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The History Aptitude Test forms a crucial aspect of your application for History and all Joint Honours Schools. Candidates usually need to clear a minimum threshold to be invited for…
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Personal statements are perhaps the most needlessly complex element of the entire application, with plenty of often contradictory advice being offered by everyone from schools, tutors…
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The interview is typically the most nerve racking part of the entire application process. Sitting down face to face with your potential future tutors and being quizzed by world class…
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To understand what makes for an effective personal statement try putting yourself in the shoes of the tutors and supervisors who will make the decision on your admission. What skills…
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Your Philosophy interview is likely to be mentally stimulating, intellectually challenging and often at times downright mind boggling. Either way, it is likely to be a memorable experience…
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When it comes to personal statements, above all it is important to show a true interest in Philosophy and a comprehensive knowledge of certain components of it. This is best demonstrated…
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Tutorials / supervisions are essential to the Oxbridge learning experience. You learn by discussing your subject with a world class tutors. That doesn’t mean you can’t be shy, or an…
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You may not know exactly why you love your subject, or which parts in particular most interest you; but you love your subject nonetheless. It will be what gets you through the inevitable…
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There is a great deal of speculation and intrigue surrounding the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Against the romantic backdrop of historic buildings and manicured quadrangles…
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We all see the stories in the news. Private school pupils make up only 6.5% of the UK student population but consistently receive over 40% of offers at Oxford and Cambridge. Although…
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Defending one’s argument is essential to performing well in the Oxbridge interview. I had done so passionately; we had started by agreeing that spheroids had a lot in common with flat…
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