HOW TO GET INTO OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE

Are you wanting to make an Oxbridge application? You may be a parent whose child is extremely bright but needs that extra support of an expert to get them to Oxford or Cambridge. We specialise in getting students to Oxford and Cambridge to read for a law degree. We spend time developing the way a candidate thinks and preforms in admission examinations and produces written work, to ensure a successful Oxbridge application.

SHOULD I STUDY LAW AT OXBRIDGE?

If you are a student and you want to study law and become a solicitor or barrister. Maybe your parents are lawyers so you have a head start. You are thinking should I go to Oxford or Cambridge to study law? The short answer is yes! Oxford and Cambridge (also known collectively as Oxbridge) are often regarded as two of the best universities in the the UK for studying law, so you may want to consider applying to one of these institutions as one of your university choices. Law faculties of both universities are highly regarded, and degrees from both schools are very highly valued by prospective employers. So let us help you make that Oxbridge application.

It is important to assess whether or not this is the best choice for you, since the selection process is really difficult. In addition, you are selecting a degree that will most likely lead to a job as a legal professional. Approximately three years or more of your life are being committed!

Oxford and Cambridge are well-known for having outstanding teaching staff and lecturers, and their law colleges have earned a remarkable reputation in the legal community. It goes without saying that completing a law degree at Oxford or Cambridge will be a significant benefit in your future applications to law firms and chambers.

OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE?

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge have a distinct position in the public's imagination. However, they also have certain common, and often inaccurate, prejudices about the sorts of students who are accepted to the university in question. Despite the fact that both Oxford and Cambridge universities emphasise that they want to recruit the finest and brightest students regardless of background, both institutions have tough and fair application processes meant to allow the top candidates to shine.

HOW TO GET INTO OXFORD

Because you cannot apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year, you must pick between the two. Both colleges are internationally known in both the arts and sciences, thus the choice is essentially personal. There are just two things that all Oxford students have in common: academic competence and a desire to learn more about the world. Oxford students come from all over the globe, bringing with them a diverse variety of experiences and interests to the classrooms. This contributes to the fact that the University is one of the most stimulating learning environments available worldwide. In the realm of higher education, Oxford University is often regarded as providing one of the top educations available. As a result, competition for undergraduate studies at the university is fierce. Every year, they get over 20,000 applications for a total of around 3,250 available positions. So let us help you make that Oxbridge application.

CAMBRIDGE APPLICATION

Cambridge often ranks higher than Oxford in the Complete University Guide rankings, however this is mainly due to the topic mix offered at the university. Some courses are only available at one of the institutions, while others are only available at the other. It's crucial to be aware that courses with the same title at two different colleges may have very different material, so you should carefully review the course descriptions to choose which one will be the most appropriate for you. A*A*A is normally required at Cambridge for most social sciences courses. Each institution has a variety of open days and activities, and we highly encourage you to visit at least one before making your final decision.

WHAT MAKES OXBRIDGE SO SPECIAL?

It's very tough to get admission and quite prestigious to do so. This implies that regardless of what happens in the future, the people there will be motivated, competitive, and ambitious. This is an input/output question: if you put motivated, competitive, ambitious individuals into a system, it is quite likely that you will get motivated, competitive, aspirational people out. It makes no difference what occurs inside the system. Input/output. Both Oxford and Cambridge are college institutions, and its students benefit from individualised instruction in small groups with topic specialists.

THE COLLEGIATE SYSTEM

Both institutions are comprised of distinct colleges and academic divisions. Academic departments are accountable for core teaching and assessment, while colleges offer academic and pastoral support and arrange for small group tuition – perhaps with the assistance of a tutor or supervisor from another college. Each college will have a diversified student population studying a variety of subjects and academic levels. The college system combines the advantages of a small, multidisciplinary academic college community with the size and worldwide reputation of a big university.

Each college maintains the same high academic requirements and the same good teaching standards. You will have access to the facilities of your college, such as a large library and computer lab, as well as the resources of the larger university. While you may mention a preferred college when submitting your UCAS application, your college preference is irrelevant. Once you've filed your UCAS application, you're committed to your college decision, so do appropriate research. However, you may be interviewed by other colleges and may get an offer from an institution other than the one to which you applied. If you do not want to choose a college, you may submit an open application.

METHOD OF TEACHING

Both institutions use comparable teaching techniques, including lectures, seminars, courses, and laboratory work (as appropriate for your course). Additionally, Oxbridge students benefit from highly personalised instruction time with topic specialists. Oxford refers to them as 'tutorials,' whereas Cambridge refers to them as 'supervisions.' You're expected to write an essay or other piece of work in advance of these meetings and then meet with your tutor and maybe one or two other students to discuss the work. Sessions may occur once or twice a week, depending on your course.

OXBRIDGE APPLICATION

In addition to your academic aptitude and potential, admission tutors evaluate your skills and willingness to pursue a degree that is beyond the scope of your present course of study. Still want to get into Oxford or Cambridge? For example, proof that you can study alone, that you are open to new ideas, and that you can investigate and debate ideas and perspectives in a rational and deliberate manner are all good indicators. Demonstrating self-discipline is quite crucial since you'll be expected to manage your time effectively. In your application, you must show how you have satisfied the requirements listed above. So let us help you make that Oxbridge application.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Select a law course: Verify the particular content covered by each course.

2. Select a college: If you are unsure, submit an 'open' application.

3.  UCAS application deadline: The Oxbridge applications deadline is earlier than the usual UCAS deadline, the UCAS law deadline is January. Overseas students may have different deadlines to those for UK or EU students.

4. Extra forms requested by the university: You may be asked to complete one or more additional forms.

5. University exams: Additional examinations will be necessary for the majority of disciplines. They may occur before to or during your interview. 

6. Written work: You may be required to submit some written work. 

7. Interview: If your application is selected, you will be invited to an interview in December.

APPLICATION ASSESSMENT 

Many Oxbridge candidates are expected to attain top marks and have strong recommendations, according to predictions. As a result, it is not feasible for Oxford or Cambridge to choose the most qualified applicants only on the basis of their UCAS applications. Each institution takes a somewhat different technique to identifying and distinguishing amongst prospective students. Unfortunately, applying to an Oxbridge institution is not as straightforward as just filling out a UCAS application and waiting for a response.

Additionally, you may be required to take certain exams as part of your application process, in addition to demonstrating that you can satisfy the admission requirements and producing an effective personal statement (which will either be before or during, the interview process). Each of the subject-specific tests will be designed to help the admissions tutors determine whether or not you have a natural aptitude for the subject matter in question as well as whether or not you'll be able to cope with the course content. There are four key examinations that the University of Cambridge uses to determine whether or not a student has the necessary abilities to succeed in a programme at the university. So let us help you make that Oxbridge application.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Verify your expectations on your ability to attain the needed marks for your selected course. Particular topic requirements for individual courses, particularly in the legal field, could exist.

2. Offers from Oxford are conditional on students achieving grades of A*A*A or AAA (depending on the topic) at A Level or 38–40 in the IB, including core points. In order to go to Higher Level, certain grades may be necessary.

3. A*A*A is normally required at Cambridge for most scientific courses and A*AA is usually required in arts courses, or 40–42 points in the IB, including the core points, with 776 points at Higher Level. Students in Scotland are often expected to have an AAA at the Advanced Higher level.

4. You may find out more about them by looking at the course requirements on the Oxford and Cambridge university websites. At Cambridge, topic requirements may differ from one college to another, as well as across departments.

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Your personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to thrive in a tutorial or supervision system. When writing your personal statement, you should:

1. Demonstrate your commitment to your chosen subject and your ability to conduct independent research by going beyond the requirements of the exam syllabus.

2. Demonstrate your self-motivation, your ability to plan, structure, and research your work, and connect these to the skills required on your course.

3. Bear in mind that your UCAS application is limited to five institutions, which means that your personal statement may need to address several programmes.

REFERENCE FROM SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR SIXTH FORM

Your teachers will include your expected marks in the academic performance section of your UCAS reference. Additionally, here is where you may put some contextual information about yourself. We learn about an applicant's talents and potential through the school/college reference. Admissions Tutors look for evidence that a student's academic talents are well-matched to both the course and the Oxbridge method of study.

UNIVERSITY FORMS

Cambridge University requires all candidates to complete a Supplementary Application Questionnaire online (SAQ).  Individuals enrolled in a modular course are required to record their performance on the uniform mark system (UMS) and their AS Level grades (where available) in the SAQ. If you are pursuing linear credentials, your lecturers will communicate your performance to UCAS through your UCAS reference. Oxford does not ask you to submit any additional paperwork. However, candidates to the majority of courses are required to take a test as part of the admission process. Tutors then choose candidates based on their applications and exam results.

UNIVERSITY TESTS

Prior to an interview, the vast majority of tests are performed in schools or universities around the country. Applicants must register at least two weeks before the examination at their assessment centre. Candidates for the legal programmes at Oxford are required to take written tests before being invited to an interview. You should be mindful of the fact that in many circumstances, separate registration is required. Candidates for Cambridge's legal programmes must take pre-interview tests in order to be considered. According to several fields, Cambridge mandates that a written test be completed during the interview time at the university before admission may be granted (if interviewed). It is not necessary to register in order to participate in on-site assessments.

WRITTEN WORK

Some candidates to both colleges are required to submit examples of written work as part of their application process. Both will be expecting this work at separate times, so double-check the deadlines when you apply to be sure you don not miss out on the opportunity. As part of the admission process for Oxford legal courses, candidates are required to submit a sample of their written work to the university.

Cambridge needs you to submit them a sample of your written work in order to support your legal application. These allow them to judge the level of your academic writing in the subject area in which you desire to pursue a degree, and they may be brought up in conversation during your interview. The essays you submit should be copies of accredited writings, and if feasible, they should include comments from your lecturers. Essays should not be more than 2500 words in length, in most cases. The deadline for submitting this information in 2022 will be in the first few days of November of that year.

CONTEXTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Contextual data, also known as contextualisation, allows your circumstances to be taken into account and is meant to provide a level playing field for candidates from a variety of backgrounds. However, although your academic achievement continues to be the most important consideration, contextualisation permits the institution to consider factors such as how well your school performs, your socioeconomic background, and other factors. In addition, you may include this material as part of your personal statement or as part of the teacher's academic recommendation.

When evaluating applications, both Cambridge and Oxford take into account your school's performance as well as your geographic location to assist put your educational attainment into perspective. Your academic record may also be taken into consideration in the context of your school's overall overall performance. 

If you're applying to Cambridge, your instructors may submit an Extenuating Circumstances form to the university on your behalf, which will include details on your personal circumstances and circumstances of your family. In the standard UCAS application, Oxford urges instructors to submit details of any unique circumstances or other relevant information. If you display intellectual potential for Oxford, you are likely to be selected for an interview and to be viewed alongside other candidates who have been identified via the standard shortlisting procedure, according to the university.

INTERVIEWS

The University of Cambridge interviews around 75% of all undergraduate candidates. At Oxford, where there are around six applications per available spot, approximately half of all candidates are selected for an interview. When applying for highly competitive degrees, the candidates who come the closest to meeting the selection requirements may be called in for more than one interview.

The goal and format of interviews are quite similar at both institutions of higher learning. A mini-tutorial or supervision is what they are in essence; the tutors will offer you a tiny passage to read or possibly a small issue to solve, and then they will ask you to discuss it with one another. Contrary to many common misconceptions regarding the interviews, there are no psychological techniques or mind games to be played. The purpose of the interview is for instructors to get an understanding of how you respond to different circumstances and how you digest the material you are presented with.

When it comes to arriving to a certain solution, it is not about how fast you get there - or even if you get there at all. It's possible that there is no correct answer at all. The instructors are only interested in gaining an understanding of your thought process and how you use your knowledge and talents. Your performance during the interview does not decide whether or not you will be awarded a position; a number of variables, such as those listed above, are taken into consideration. The results of any commercial tests, on the other hand, will have no impact on your application success, and the university neither supports nor promotes such commercial ventures.

OUR ADVICE

Consider taking a course in which you are really interested. Read as much as you can about your chosen topic. Tutors have often dedicated their lives to their topic, and they want to educate pupils who are as enthusiastic as they are about it. It is important to practise talking about your topic with people other than your lecturers and other pupils. The process of conversing with non-experts is a valuable learning experience because it forces you to think in new ways and helps you discover fresh methods of conveying the thoughts and challenges at hand.

At all costs, you should avoid inflating your qualifications on your application form. Tutors may inquire about any information you include in your application, so double-check that everything is accurate. Do not spend too much time fretting about which colleges to apply to; everything will fall into place on its own time. Do not be discouraged. Despite the fact that it is a competitive atmosphere, the only way to ensure that you will not be successful is to give up completely. So let one of our Oxbridge application tutors help you.

OXBRIDE ADMISSIONS TUTOR

Law Tutor is not only a tutor, but is also an admissions tutor who provides guidance for students seeking admission into law school. With years of experience and expertise in the field of law, Law Tutor is well-equipped to help students navigate the highly competitive admissions process. From personalised application assistance to providing valuable insights on writing an exceptional personal statement, Law Tutor is dedicated to helping students succeed in achieving their academic goals. As an admissions tutor, Law Tutor also offers mentorship and support to students throughout the entire application process, ensuring that they have the best chance of being accepted into their desired law schools.