Should you apply to Oxford/Cambridge? My top tips for preparing an application
- TOG
- Jun 3, 2020
- 4 min read
By Leah Aspden
This time last year I made the nerve-wracking decision to apply to the University of Oxford. I’d never really thought about attending and had always seen it as a naturally unattainable feat. That was until my ex-boyfriend got in and I finally saw through its daunting stigma and decided to just go for it. A year of hard work, unparalleled effort and 6 interviews later I have an offer to study English and German at St Anne’s College that I’m praying will be met in summer this year!!
I come from a small village in the North West, so Oxford to me felt like wonderland. I could never quite describe why it felt like home despite its drastic difference to my own. My Mum had me at 16 and a few in my family were unconvinced that Oxford was for someone like me, so in my head it had always been for the privileged few and I definitely wouldn’t fit in. I couldn’t have been more wrong. My ex had made some amazing friends and getting a glimpse of that life when visiting him only made me fall in love with Oxford more. I started preparation very early and it helped massively reviewing the material and preparation work bit by bit over a few months. That is my story cut massively short, so let’s dive in to how I started my application and how you can too!
My Top Tips for Preparing your Application
Overcome the fear: The scariest part of the application is the fear of not getting in. I don’t like the term ‘rejection’ or ‘failure’ personally because I feel neither touch on the mental and physical effort that each individual puts into their application. But the way I saw it and continued to remind myself of it as was the only way I definitely won’t get in is if I don’t apply. I used this as a mantra for the times I felt like giving up, but it is definitely true. Regardless of the outcome, in the years to come when you look back you will be able to look back in pride and be able to say ‘I tried my best’.
Do it for you and nobody else: The interviewers will know if your work is your own passion and your own dream, so stay true to yourself. If you feel Oxford is the place for you then YES of course go for it! But if you would rather go to another university then that is your decision and your future. There is enough pressure on young people as it is to decide what they want to do without outside influences dictating their futures for them.
GCSES should not be your primary concern: If you are in year 11, this is not to say that they are not important, the harder you work the better, but this is to say don’t spend hours like I did agonising over your GCSE results. I didn’t get any 9s, I got four 8s, six 7s and a 6 and I managed to strike lucky. If you are the right candidate for your course and you prove you have put the work in in your A-Level studies and supercurriculars then they will support you. There are people I know who were unfortunately unsuccessful who got nearly all 9s, it is so subjective. But regardless these grades do not define you.
Make use of ANYTHING offered to you: Oxford has dedicated pages and even twitter accounts to events they hold for potential applicants. It isn’t just the UNIQ summer school or Sutton Trust Programme. In preparation for my application, I went to Oxford for a Modern Languages Study Day hosted by Exeter College and when I didn’t get on UNIQ I went to Cambridge for an English day (which at the time I wasn’t even considering) just to get the experience. On that day I met one of my now best friends and also crossed Cambridge off my list and got a free water bottle. Anything offered by any university is preparation and there is so much out there, regardless of background.
Think what the course wants from you: For example, I did history at A-Level and loved it, but I took a look at the course structure on the Oxford website and thought oof not for me. It is absolutely fine if there is a part of the course that massively interests you and another not so much. For me, it was Medieval English and German which I thought sounded great but realised it is only one part of the course, but I could specialise in it in 4th year if I wanted to. If you are massively interested in French grammar but not so experienced with English Literature and therefore French literature, then it is totally normal, and you will certainly not be the only one. But if you read carefully the Oxford course for modern languages is very literature heavy, so any way you can prove your affinity for literary analysis will be invaluable to you in your Oxbridge application, and they will be impressed that you have pushed yourself.
More tips from Leah coming soon!
My personal blog:
List of resources I found useful in preparing:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/
http://apply.oxfordsu.org/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems (practising for the ELAT)
Great tips, Leah! I especially agree about using every opportunity offered by universities—it really gives you a head start. For students preparing to study abroad, having reliable student accommodation in UK and guidance can make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
This is a really honest and motivating account of the Oxbridge application journey—especially the emphasis on overcoming fear and staying true to your own goals. Stories like this are incredibly helpful for students who are planning to study abroad and apply to top UK universities. Beyond applications and interviews, preparing for practical aspects such as settling into a new city also matters. Planning early for safe and comfortable student accommodation in Leicester or other UK university cities can help students focus more confidently on their academic ambitions and make the most of their university experience.
This is a really inspiring and honest account of the Oxbridge application journey. The emphasis on overcoming self-doubt, staying true to personal motivation, and using every available opportunity is incredibly reassuring for students who often feel that Oxford or Cambridge is “out of reach.” Tips like starting early, understanding the course structure, and engaging in super-curricular activities are especially valuable for first-generation and international applicants. At GraddingHomes, we regularly support students who plan to study abroad by helping them choose the right universities and courses, and by arranging safe and comfortable student accommodation in Warwick, so they can focus on preparation and transition with confidence. Posts like this genuinely empower students to take that first brave step.
Should you apply to Oxford or Cambridge? The answer depends on your academic goals, subject passion, and readiness for a rigorous selection process. Start early by researching course requirements, entrance tests, and interview formats. Build strong academic foundations, read beyond the syllabus, and practice explaining your ideas clearly. Mock interviews and written practice can boost confidence. Just like preparing for competitive exams, using tools such as a speaking test online free helps refine communication skills, which are essential during interviews and discussions at Oxbridge.
Deciding whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge depends on your academic goals, confidence in your subject, and readiness for a highly competitive process. If you thrive under pressure, love deep academic inquiry, and have strong grades and references, it’s worth applying—just be prepared for intense interviews and rigorous testing.
At the same time, it’s wise to consider excellent alternative options that offer strong programs, supportive environments, and real‑world opportunities. For example, the university of greenwich provides quality higher education with a focus on student experience and professional readiness. Balancing reach choices like Oxford/Cambridge with solid options ensures you have rewarding opportunities regardless of outcome. With thoughtful preparation and realistic planning, you’ll be well‑positioned for success.