Almost all British Universities require students to apply using the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) forms – similar to the U.S.’s Common Application. For your convenience, the UCAS application is available online: http://www.ucas.ac.uk. It is important to review this year’s application form and deadlines. While some schools in the British system use a “rolling admissions” process, we encourage students to submit their applications sooner rather than later. Oxford and Cambridge have a firm deadline, October 15.
Evaluation. Most British universities will evaluate an undergraduate applicant by his/her standardized test scores. U.S. applicants should expect to submit the SAT I or ACT and two to three AP exams or three to four SAT Subject Tests. Other factors considered are: personal statement, referee’s letter, admissions tests (BMAT, LNAT, etc.) if necessary, submitted written work (if required), and interview.
Note: Applicants to Cambridge and Oxford tend to have a combined score of 2100 or higher on the SAT Reasoning; an ACT score of 32 or higher; AP exam scores of 4 or 5; and Subject Test scores of 700 or higher.
Application. You must have access to a credit card in order to pay the application fee (£19.) To initiate the online application, register at http://www.ucas.com/students/apply/ and select “Register/Login to use Apply2010.” You will not apply as an individual; rather, you must apply through Hotchkiss. This enables your referee (a teacher in your chosen area of study) to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf and the College Office to submit the completed application to UCAS for processing.
When Prompted, enter Hotchkiss’ “buzzword,” which is bearcats
After completing the application, you will pay the application fee. Next, you will request your referee to submit an electronic letter of recommendation to your college counselor, who will then submit the completed application to UCAS for processing.
See “Cambridge & Oxford Guidelines” for deadlines and processes for those universities.
To see videos of Oxford Admissions Tutors explaining the application and interview process, please visit the Oxford University YouTube Channel.
For best results at other UCAS institutions, please submit your UCAS application prior to November 1, 2010.
Cambridge & Oxford Guidelines
You may apply to either Cambridge or Oxford, but not both. This is a detailed and time-sensitive process. Therefore, we have established specific deadlines to help guide you:
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Summer: Begin your UCAS application
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Summer:
Check if your course of study requires any examinations for which you must register in the late summer/early fall. For example, if you are applying for a medical course you will be required to register for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) (e.g. Cambridge, Oxford, UCL), and if you are applying for Law, some schools require you to register for the LNAT, the National Admissions Test for Law (e.g. Oxford, UCL, Kings College London). LNAT information is available at http://www.lnat.ac.uk/
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By August 24th: Ask one teacher from your chosen area of study to be a referee.
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Late August/Early September: if you are applying to Oxford, check if your course requires a written test. September 20th is the date by which your application for a written exam is due, if you are required to take one.
Oxford has written exams in Math, Physics, History and Computer Science. Note: some courses at Oxford require written tests to be taken when a candidate goes to Oxford for interviews (December). Example: Classics, Philosophy, Economics, Modern Languages, Fine art, etc.
For more details go to: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/how_to_apply/tests/index.html
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By October 1st:
- 1. Complete your UCAS application and submit it online to UCAS.
- 2. Ask your referee to submit his/her letter of recommendation (electronically) to your college counselor. (Make sure you click “send”!)
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By October 5th: Submit a paper copy of your application to the College Advising Office. The College Advising Office will release your completed electronic application to UCAS for processing, including your referee letter.
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By October 5th: If you are applying to Cambridge, please also submit the your COAF* to the College Advising Office. While the COAF fee may be paid online, the application must be “snail” mailed, so it is imperative that the college office receives the COAF no later than October 5th.
* The Cambridge Overseas Application Form (COAF) is a supplemental form to UCAS.
After submitting the UCAS, all applicants to Cambridge are also required to complete and submit the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) by October 22nd. The SAQ is linked with the UCAS application. (Oxford does not have a supplemental application in addition to UCAS.)
Written Work: Be aware that some subjects at Oxford and Cambridge require the submission of written work samples. To get an update of written work requirements at Oxford and Cambridge go to your particular college’s web page.
Interviews: If you are granted an interview, you are given a specific date and time in December which cannot be altered. British interviews are typically academic discussions; hence you must know about the area of study to which you have applied. It is our understanding that students who interview in the U.K. will have an advantage in the process. If you need to travel, you will have to petition to miss class and leave flexible travel plans. Again, please consult with your college counselor.
Preparation for Oxford and Cambridge Interviews
Tips for interviews at Oxford
Written Examinations: Some students may be asked to sit for a written examination. The College Counseling Office will act as the proctor for any entrance examination. Please be aware of which entrance examinations are required and complete all appropriate forms, as necessary.
Cambridge University:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/
Oxford University:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/how_to_apply/index.html