Oxford and Cambridge University Progression

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world – as such competition is extremely high for the limited places available. For example, at Oxford, there are around 3300 places available and approximately 23000 applicants. This means there’s over seven applicants for each space at the university. While this makes it seem like a difficult task, it’s also why we spend so much time on our application support and coaching.

Facts and figures – full version | University of Oxford

In 2024 half of Worthgate students who applied for Oxford and Cambridge received an invitation to interview. From the interview stage it is said that there is a 1-in-3 chance of acceptance to Oxford and a 1-in-4 chance of acceptance to Cambridge.

Oxford & Cambridge Acceptance Rate | Oxbridge Applications

All admissions tests matter a great deal but are not the most important part of whether a student is selected to study at the universities of Cambridge or Oxford. Admission tests like the UCAT and LNAT are subject specific meaning that a good score is vital. These tests are used to reduce the number of students who are interviewed in the next stage, where it’s often thought that the real decisions are made. Admissions tests are an important hurdle to overcome, but they are not the end of the journey.

Extracurricular and supra curricular activities are a way of showing the admissions teams at Cambridge and Oxford universities that you are a student with a strong interest in your subject area and an ability to self-motivate. Clubs, competitions and other out-of-classroom work are ways to show the passion a student has for a subject area and their depth of knowledge. It may also be a way to signal the ability to study and research independently. These universities are looking for students who will eventually be able to contribute to the field they wish to study, and the supra curriculars are a way of doing just that.

In a word, yes. For students with the right approach to learning and a deep interest in the subject they wish to pursue, aiming for the top universities in the world is a noble goal. Some students feel that they would not ‘fit in’ within the culture at these institutions but experience tells us that these universities are welcoming and help students thrive as individuals. The KPP team will be able to guide you.

At Worthgate we offer extensive coaching for interviews. This coaching isn’t about the right answer, but more about presenting your case for yourself in a strong and articulate manner. Students need to be able to articulate what they like about the subject and why. They need to be confident and be able to answer and challenge the admissions tutor where needed during the interview. Despite expectations, interviews are often enjoyable and friendly.

While entering and winning competitions isn’t a specified pre-requisite of entry to Oxford and Cambridge universities, it is a good way of showing how a student enjoys the subject and associated extracurricular activities.

The application deadline for the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge is the 15th October. Students need to have submitted their applications, personal statement and other supporting information by this date.

While it is often confusing for Oxford and Cambridge to be put in the same category this is because they are the premier elite education institutions in the United Kingdom. The difference between Oxford and Cambridge university is the location and styles of cities that each university is situated in. Oxford is a larger city with a more metropolitan feel and the university itself is the older of the two. Cambridge on the other hand is situated more rurally and has a smaller, friendlier feel to it. Students often comment that Cambridge is a small and welcoming city everything you need close by. Oxford is often considered to be more bustling an exciting city to study in.

There are also differences in the courses which the universities offer. For instance, Cambridge has the Natural Sciences course (NatSci) where students are expected to study a range of sciences, at least initially. At Oxford you choose to study purely Biology, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Zoology, etc.

Worthgate helps students apply to Oxford and Cambridge universities through a dedicated Key Professions Programme. Our staff guide students through all the requirements to study at the top universities in the world. This includes help with personal statements taking part in extracurricular activities such as clubs and interview prep. Our staff are dedicated to getting any student who wishes to try the best chance of receiving an invitation to interview and eventually acceptance. Students not achieving this are still working at the very top of the academic scale and should be commended as such.