Applying to University in the UK. Dr Emily Tomlinson, Christ s College, Cambridge April 2017

Transcription

1 Applying to University in the UK Dr Emily Tomlinson, Christ s College, Cambridge April 2017

2 UK universities a world class education Internationally ranked institutions & expert teaching staff: Cambridge & Oxford both consistently rated in top 5, internationally, Imperial & UCL not far behind. Superb facilities: Cambridge & Oxford among most generously endowed universities in the world; Edinburgh, Manchester & many others also known for facilities. Fantastic locations: Great cities, historic University towns, & most are easy to get to from Denmark Personalised approach: Tutor/Director of Studies oversees academic progress & welfare; small-group teaching in tutorials/supervisions.

3 Why Cambridge (or Oxford!)? Cambridge University: Decides course content Organises lectures and practicals Sets and marks exams Awards degrees Cambridge Colleges: Admit students Organise supervisions Provide student accommodation, and library and other facilities Pastoral and individual academic support

4 The application process Choose course (& College) UCAS application (Cambridge Extenuating Circumstances Form) Submit by 15 October (Oxbridge) OR 15 January Complete online SAQ (Cambridge) Result of application Interview Written work / tests Choose firm and insurance choices Exam results/ confirmation Start university!

5 Information used to assess applications We treat each applicant as an individual Information considered: Academic record Personal statement School or college reference Submitted written work, if requested Test results, if required Interview, if required Contextual data

6 What are we looking for? Academic ability and potential to succeed Will you achieve the entry requirements? Self-motivation, commitment and enthusiasm for the chosen course Do we offer a course you really want to study? Ability to think independently and critically Will you enjoy the challenging teaching environment we offer?

7 Typical Offers Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen University of Cambridge 11+ overall with 12 in relevant level A subjects University of Oxford 11+ overall with 12 in relevant level A subjects Imperial College London overall with similar scores in relevant subjects University College London 10 overall with in relevant level A subjects University of Edinburgh 10 overall with in level A subjects Cambridge offers for Mathematics also include STEP & this may be used at ICL

8 Success Rates All undergraduate applicants: Cambridge 21.3%, Oxford 18.5% Undergraduate applicants from the EU/EEA: Cambridge 13.4%, Oxford 10% Undergraduate applicants from Denmark: Cambridge 22.8%, Oxford 14%

9 What should you include in your personal statement? 1. Wider reading 2. Study beyond school: University Taster Courses, Olympiads, Essay competitions, Writing for Student Paper, Debating, Extended Projects 3. Work & research experience: especially for more vocational courses: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law, Engineering, Architecture 4. A clear and compelling account of your commitment to and motivation for your chosen subject 5. A brief account (up to 25% of the total content, depending on your other University choices) of any major nonacademic interests and achievements

10 How else can you improve your application? Make sure you demonstrate that you can meet the subject requirements Ensure that you & your referee provide relevant contextual information Check sample tests & practise writing under timed conditions Prepare for interview And if you re not sure about something ask!

11 Frequently asked questions (i) Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge? Can I apply for more than one course at the same university? What s the most important part of an application? What do you think about gap years? Would it matter if I d already spent a year at university in Denmark?

12 Frequently asked questions (ii) Can I re-apply? Will my weaker marks in Danish/ History/ Physical Education count against me? Are scientists assessed differently from linguists/historians/architects? Are Danish students asked for proof of proficiency in English?

13 Finding out more University Prospectuses College and alternative prospectuses University websites Open days and events Contact the central Oxford or Cambridge Admissions Office, or any College Admissions Office The Student Room

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