How to Get Accepted at Oxford University

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Many ambitious students dream of studying at a world-renowned university like Oxford. Enthusiasm and aptitude for your field of study are indispensable when applying to a prestigious institution as competition for placement is intense.

To get accepted into Oxford, you must already be an expert in the subject you want to study. You need to begin the process far ahead of time, as you will need to attain a significant understanding of your chosen subject and extend your academic knowledge with external reading and hands-on experience.Advertisements

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You also need to develop a strong set of personal skills like dedication and independent thinking. The more educated you are in your field, the stronger your application submissions will be.

Firstly

Acquire your skills, determine your interests and settle on a degree you would like to pursue

Develop a robust work ethic

Studying at Oxford is demanding, they want students who are able to cope with a rigorous academic schedule. Investing time in your studies now shows your capabilities.

Be passionate

Interest and curiosity about your field of study can set you far above other applicants. Go beyond your school curriculum and do further reading to learn as much as possible about your chosen subject. Or even take extra classes.

Get perfect grades

Concentrate on securing excellent grades in high school. This will be attractive on your application. Oxford has exceptionally high standards, so your grades need to be high too.

Extracurricular pursuits should not eclipse your academic work, but this doesn’t mean you should quit activities you really enjoy and bury yourself in your studies all day. A diversity of talents are appealing in applicants.

Secondly

Now it’s time to think about the application process and prepare yourself. Research what Oxford University has to offer you. Asking a student counsellor or career advisor for guidance will help you.

Examine the complete list of courses on offer at Oxford

You should decide on your course of study before you apply to Oxford. The university has an extensive selection of undergraduate courses and bachelor’s degree programs. Investigate the courses that interest you but be sure to look beyond your favourite school subject.

There are courses that are an ideal combination of your interests though you may not have studied them before. Also, think about some of the combined course offerings. These programs could possibly enable you to open up several opportunities during your studies.

Go through the requirements and selection criteria for your chosen course

Visit the course information pages on Oxford University’s website. Each page explains the prerequisites for acceptance into the course. These may include language and grade requirements as well as a specific admissions exam.

You will also have to submit supporting documents such as a personal statement, samples of written work, official transcripts and references from a teacher or advisor.

Settle on the Oxford college you wish to apply

Oxford University encompasses 30 colleges, each functioning as a smaller academic community. Students belonging to a particular faculty, college or hall, study in small group sessions and are appointed a tutor to provide academic support.

Each department has its own groups and societies, as well as its own facilities like dining halls, libraries, common rooms, and accommodation.

Oxford’s website has information about the colleges’ facilities and which of them accept applications for your course of study. The colleges vary in facilities and levels of study.

Your choice will not affect your candidacy as your application to Oxford University is assessed by the department you choose. You may even be assigned to a different college. It is possible to make an “open application” using the code provided on the application to indicate you have no college preference.

The university will then assign you accordingly. Some further factors to take into consideration are things like the location, funding opportunities and specialized accommodation for disabilities, couples, and families.

Read Oxford’s Application Guide

This guide is offered via the admissions page and changes each year. Ensure you are reading the correct guide specific to your admissions year. This will give you a good understanding of the admissions process and what requirements are needed to apply.

Application Process

By now you should have everything prepared to begin the application. First, you need to complete the UCAS application, available on the website, which may open up as early as June.

However, Oxford has some further documents you need to submit with your application. Start this as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time to submit your best work.

Additional Written Work

A majority of the courses on offer insist on samples of your academic writing. They need to be relevant to the subject you are applying for. The samples don’t need to belong; there is a 2000-word limit. Opt for the best of your old school papers and use them in your submission.

Write your personal statement

Your personal statement justifies why you’re interested in the course and shows your commitment to the field. You will need to offer examples of how you’ve engaged with your subject, both in your studies and extracurricular pursuits. Show how this steered you onto the path you’ve chosen.

Detail what you plan for your future career and how a degree in the subject will aid you on this path. Draft a preliminary statement, then check your statement against the selection criteria for your course.

Make sure to focus your writing to address each point and if needed,  rewrite some passages to suit these criteria more specifically.

Get references

Part of the additional documentation required for your application references. You will need to check how many references your course requires. They should come from professors or advisors acquainted with your academic work and not friends or family.

Professors and teachers can attest to your aptitude and capability for graduate study. Book appointments with your potential referees to discuss your aims at Oxford and the recommendation process.

Be sure to ask them early enough: give them clear instructions as to the process and let them know the deadline. Once they confirm, you need to register these them via your online application so they will receive a reference request.

Show them your writing samples and personal statement to help them describe your abilities and qualities accurately. Let them know if there’s something specific you’d like them to describe

Admissions Exams

For most of Oxford’s courses, your academic results aren’t sufficient. You’ll need to do further exams to apply. These exams are tough, and your results will decide if you move on to the interview round.

Interviews

If you achieved great exam scores and you have exceptional supporting documents, you’ll be shortlisted for an interview. Make sure you research your course extensively before your interview.

Oxford wants only the elite. They admit students who are so avid about their subject that it will drive them to become trailblazers in their field one day. The more you can show them your passion and knowledge, the more liable you are to be accepted.

St Cross Worldwide Scholarships at the University of Oxford in the UK

The St. Cross College at the University of Oxford is offering the application for the St Cross Worldwide Scholarships. Highly achievement international students from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania who wish to study a one-year MSc/MSt programme in the UK, are eligible to apply.

Award: Total 6 Worldwide funds worth £10,000
Application Deadline: June 7, 2019
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Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship

Simon and June Li is pleased to offer the undergraduate funding at the University of Oxford. New undergraduates who have been offered a place at the University of Oxford for entry 2020 will be considered.

Award: Course fees and a grant towards living expenses
Application Deadline: Applications for 2020 entry will be available in January 2020.

Rhodes funding for Canadian Students at the University of Oxford, UK

Are you from Canada and Want to complete your undergraduate degree course at Oxford? Then you must take a look at the Rhodes Scholarship and apply for it. Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada are eligible for this opportunity at the University of Oxford.

Award: Tuition fees and provides a stipend
Application Deadline: August 30, 2019
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CSAE Visiting Fellowship for African Students at the University of Oxford, UK, 2020

Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) is accepting applications for the CSAE Visiting Fellowship 2020. The program is open to those requisites who have the citizenship of African Countries.

Award: Two-month residency in Oxford, including flights, accommodation, and a small stipend.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2019
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Reach Oxford funding for Students from Developing Countries

The University of Oxford is pleased to offer a number of Reach Oxford scholarship. The program is open to students from low-income countries who wish to complete their undergraduate study at Oxford in the UK.

Award: Course fees, a grant for living costs and one return air fare per year
Application Deadline: Applications for 2020 entry will be available in January 2020.

Rhodes Scholarships for International Students at the University of Oxford in the UK

Want to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK? Apply for the Rhodes Scholarships for International Students. Ninety-five outstanding young women and men are awarded the Scholarship each year. Rhodes Scholars may enrol for any full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford.

Award: Full tuition, a maintenance stipend, and flights
Application Deadline: Deadline varies per country but is around July-October of the preceding year you wish to study.
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Two 3.5-Year D.Phil. Studentships for UK/EU Students at the University of Oxford in the UK

The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford is offering the 3.5-year D.Phil. Studentships for UK or EU nationals only. Awards are awarded in Nanoengineering of Smart Materials in the UK.

Award: covers a stipend of £22,000 p.a.
Application Deadline: 26 July 2019


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