How To Make Sure Your University Application is Oxbridge Ready

The UCAS deadline for Oxford and Cambridge applications comes around faster than many families expect — and with such competitive admissions, every element of the process matters. Whether your child is applying for Classics at Oxford or Natural Sciences at Cambridge, it’s crucial to make sure they’re fully prepared and their application is polished, strategic, and stands out for all the right reasons.

Here’s how you can help ensure your application is truly Oxbridge-ready:

1. The Personal Statement needs to go beyond the basics

Oxbridge personal statements must go further than showing interest — they need to demonstrate genuine academic passion. These universities want students who live and breathe their subject.

Ask yourself:

• Does the statement focus on subject-specific motivation rather than general ambition?

• Are they referencing wider reading, independent research or experiences (such as summer schools or public lectures)?

• Have they shown critical thinking, reflection and depth — not just a list of achievements?

Encourage your child to revise multiple drafts and seek expert feedback to ensure their statement is focused, analytical, and clearly expresses their love for the subject.

2. Extra-curricular preparation

It’s not just about schoolwork. Oxbridge admissions tutors look for students who stretch themselves beyond the curriculum.

Support them in:

• Reading academic books and journals

• Listening to subject-specific podcasts or TED Talks

• Attending university taster days or lectures

• Completing essay competitions or online courses

  
  

This kind of super-curricular engagement provides brilliant talking points for personal statements and interviews — and shows tutors they’re ready for the demands of Oxbridge study.

3. Understand the admissions tests and deadlines

Many Oxbridge applicants are required to take subject-specific admissions tests like the TSA, LNAT, BMAT, MAT or ELAT — often in early November.

This means you need to:

• Registering for their test on time through their school or test centre

• Encouraging regular practice using past papers

• Supporting a revision schedule that balances test prep with schoolwork

These tests are critical for shortlisting applicants, so preparation is key.

4. Oxbridge Interviews: The Final Hurdle

Oxbridge interviews aren’t about getting the “right” answer — they’re about how your child thinks. Interviewers are looking for curiosity, logical thinking, and resilience when faced with challenging material.

• Encouraging practice interviews with teachers or tutors

• Helping them discuss academic ideas aloud and defend their reasoning

• Reassuring them that it’s okay to get things wrong — it’s about the process, not perfection

Getting Oxbridge-ready isn’t about pushing — it’s about preparing. With a thoughtful personal statement, strong extra-curricular experiences, solid admissions test prep, and confident interview practice, you'll have every opportunity to succeed.

If you’d like tailored support to help your child prepare for Oxbridge, our team of expert mentors and tutors is here to help.