Top tips when applying to Cambridge and Oxford from the USA

Steve Spriggs

May 21st 2025

Every year William Clarence Education works with students from the USA, guiding and advising them on the Oxbridge applications process (Oxford and Cambridge) and other top UK universities. If you’re applying to Oxford and Cambridge from the USA, it is essential to understand that the process is different from applying to American colleges and early preparation is key. Our consultants have years of experience working with students and are up to date on new courses in the UK.

Key considerations when applying to Oxford and Cambridge from the USA

Here are our top five tips for USA students applying to Oxford and Cambridge:

1. Mentoring

Mentoring is a key part of our work with a student from the USA, helping them to understand the UK and what to expect at different universities and their cities and settings.

We start early in a mentoring role to guide students as they decide what to apply for and ensure they have the right subjects.

The US curriculum is far broader than that of the UK and it is very important for a student to increase their depth of knowledge around a subject/subjects well in advance of the all important personal statement. Background reading and activities that will strengthen an application are all important. 

2. Checking on Your School Qualifications

Your mentor will also advise around entry requirements and consider school qualifications. The vast majority of top UK universities are looking for AP results in relevant subjects and few consider a GPA. A mentor can advise on whether a student has the right subjects.

Once a student has decided on a course and has a longlist of possible universities, a consultant will give advice on the list considering a student’s academic progress and predicted grades. If possible, a student should visit universities on Open Days the summer before application.  Visits, particularly to Cambridge and Oxford, are an important way to see Colleges and cities and talk to admissions staff.

3. Early practice and tuition if necessary for admissions tests

Most subjects at Cambridge and Oxford, Medicine and Law, and an increasing number of STEM subjects at top universities are now asking for an admissions test.  As these courses become ever more competitive, our consultants work with students on early test practice and preparation.  

4. Give as much background work as possible for the strongest personal statement

For 2026 entry, the personal statement a student submits to all five of their university choices is changing.  In only 4,000 characters a student has to explain why they are applying for the course, how their qualifications and studies have helped them prepare and what else they have done outside education and why these experiences have helped. A consultant helps a student bring together earlier mentoring work to draft the strongest personal statement.

5. Interview practice and preparation

Cambridge, Oxford, Medicine and some STEM courses offer interviews for those students who have done well enough in the admissions test and with their personal statement.

Preparation and practice are key and a consultant will prepare a student for an interview as well as bringing in an outside expert for practice interviews.

Case Study: Supporting a Successful Oxford Application from the USA

William Clarence recently worked very successfully with a student from the USA applying for English Literature:

‘From the outset, she received tailored support to elevate her application. Her consultant provided in-depth feedback on her personal statement, ensuring it reflected her intellectual curiosity while maintaining a clear and direct academic tone. She was also encouraged to diversify her literary references to demonstrate a broader engagement with different time periods and cultural perspectives.

Understanding the importance of a strong academic reference, her consultant liaised with her school to ensure her recommendation aligned with UK expectations. When it became clear that the initial reference was not sufficiently robust, William Clarence stepped in to assist with next steps, ensuring her credentials were properly represented to universities.

As part of her preparation, she engaged in multiple interview training sessions with her consultant, including unseen text analysis and broader literary discussions. She practised structuring responses under time constraints, drawing connections between literary works, and articulating her ideas with clarity. Sessions covered a range of potential interview questions, from detailed textual analysis to broader philosophical discussions on literature’s role in society. Mock interviews were conducted under realistic conditions, allowing her to refine her responses and adapt to the high-pressure environment of an Oxbridge interview.’

The student received an offer from Oxford University.

Need Help Applying for Oxford and Cambridge from the USA?

If you’re applying to Oxford or Cambridge from the USA, our education consultants and UCAS advisors provide up to date knowledge and information about a subject and the courses on offer.

For students from the USA who may not be familiar with the UK, they provide wide ranging advice to achieve the best possible outcome.