How Hard Is It To Get Into Oxbridge? Start Your Journey Today

Securing a place at a top UK university like Oxford or Cambridge requires strategic planning, and starting early can make all the difference. 

That’s why, at William Clarence, our education consultancy offers personalised mentoring from as early as ages 14 or 15, to give students a head start in the highly competitive admissions process.  

In our vast experience, we believe that students from all education systems should be considering starting well in advance of application, whether they are looking to secure a place at Oxbridge or another top UK university.  

So, if you’d like to discover how to start your journey to university or want to learn more about Oxbridge help with William Clarence, read on to find out more. 

How Hard Is It Really to Get Into Oxbridge? 

The question every ambitious student asks — and for good reason. 

With thousands of applicants from around the world each year, places at Oxford and Cambridge are among the most competitive in the UK. 

On average, only around 15–20% of applicants receive an offer, with some courses proving even more selective. For example, subjects like Medicine, Economics, and Law can see fewer than 1 in 10 applicants successfully gaining a place, while courses such as Classics or Modern Languages may have slightly higher acceptance rates. 

Each year, Oxford receives over 23,000 applications for roughly 3,300 undergraduate places, while Cambridge typically welcomes around 22,000 applications for about 4,000 places. It’s also worth noting that international students now make up nearly 30% of offers, highlighting the global competition for limited spaces. 

These figures demonstrate just how important early preparation and a well-rounded application are if you want to stand out from the crowd. With the right guidance, however, securing an offer from Oxbridge is entirely achievable, and that’s exactly what our experienced consultants at William Clarence are here to help you do. 

Understanding the Oxbridge Application Process 

Applying to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge is unlike applying anywhere else, and understanding each step early can greatly improve your chance of getting an offer.  

Here’s how the process works from start to finish. 

1. Apply early through UCAS 

Applications to Oxbridge must be submitted via UCAS by 15 October, which is earlier than other UK universities. Your A-levels, GCSEs, and predicted grades form an important part of your qualification profile, so make sure your admissions tutors have all the information they need when writing your reference. 

2. Complete additional forms 

Cambridge applicants must also complete My Cambridge Application, a short supplementary form that provides extra context about your programme, work experience, and academic background. Oxford may request written work depending on your subject. 

3. Sit an admissions test 

Most applicants will need to take an admissions test, which varies by course. These include the TSA, LNAT, and BMAT, among others. Preparing thoroughly for your chosen test is essential to show the tutors your analytical ability and subject understanding. 

4. Attend an Oxbridge interview 

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an Oxbridge interview in December. The interview is led by tutors who teach your chosen subject and is designed to test your critical thinking rather than memorised knowledge. They’ll assess how you approach complex questions and apply your learning — much like the tutorial system at the University of Oxford and the supervision style at the University of Cambridge. 

5. Qualifications and holistic assessment 

Your A-levels, GCSEs, and other qualifications form just one part of your application. Oxbridge looks for intellectual curiosity, potential, and enthusiasm for learning. Strong academic results combined with thoughtful preparation and a genuine passion for your subject can significantly improve your chance of getting an offer. 

4 Steps to Start Your Admission Journey to Oxbridge

1. Start Early to Boost Your Oxbridge Chances

Early preparation gives students a key advantage. Our mentoring helps students make informed subject choices, explore academic interests, and engage in super-curricular activities. This proactive approach ensures that by ages 16 or 17, students are well-positioned to build a strong university application.   

We work with students from a huge variety of educational systems, most of which are much broader than the UK system where students normally study just three subjects over two years. Many of our students do not know what they want to specialise in and need help exploring options and starting to widen their knowledge around a subject.  

2. Build Your Profile for Oxbridge and Other Top UK Universities

Your second last year of school, UK Year 12, is crucial for shaping both your academic and extracurricular profile.    

• Subject Selection: Whether you’re studying A-levels, IB, APs or your own national qualification, we help students select subjects that align with their future degree goals and highlight their strengths.   
• Extracurricular Activities: Top universities value well-rounded students. We guide students to participate in meaningful activities, from academic competitions to leadership roles, that strengthen their applications. 
• Oxbridge Admissions: Applying to Oxford or Cambridge requires more than good grades. We support students through every step of the Oxbridge admissions process, including preparing for personal statements, admissions tests, and interviews. 

3. School Leaving Qualifications and Meeting Oxbridge Entry Standards

Different qualifications, such as A-levels (AAA), IB (38 points), and APs (4-5 exams with scores of 5), are assessed differently by UK universities. Our expert consultants provide tailored advice on how to present your qualifications to meet university standards.    

4. Oxbridge Tips for International Students Applying to UK Universities

• Plan for UCAS deadlines: Keep in mind early deadlines for Oxbridge and certain courses like medicine. 
• Prepare for additional tests: International students may need to take exams like IELTS or TOEFL. 
• Align your qualifications: We help international students understand how their qualifications fit into the UK admissions criteria. 

Why Early Preparation Matters for Every Oxbridge Applicant

For any Oxbridge applicant, preparation is the key to improving your chances of success. The earlier you begin planning, the more time you’ll have to build a strong academic foundation, gain meaningful experiences, and show genuine passion for your chosen course. 

Starting early also allows students to explore their academic interests in depth, giving them a clearer idea of which subjects truly excite them, something admissions tutors at Oxford and Cambridge value highly. Whether you’re aiming to get into Oxford or another leading UK university, a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to preparation makes all the difference. 

At William Clarence, our consultants help students shape both their academic and extracurricular profiles from the very beginning to ensure they stand out. 

If you’d like to learn more about how William Clarence Education can help you to start preparing for success at a top UK university, get in touch today, 

With years of experience helping students secure places at their ideal university, whether at Oxbridge or other leading universities, our expert consultants can help. Contact us today to learn more.