Product Description

This is a practical and informative guide that leads the potential candidate through the long and sometimes stressful application to Oxford and Cambridge. Starting with advice on early preparation (before GCSE level) it gives the reader the opportunity to assess whether they are completely committed to the application. Then the book fully prepares the reader for the process ahead offering detailed advice on preparing a strong UCAS application with a shining personal statement as well as how to prepare for the college admissions tests. The interview process is then extensively covered; discussing good techniques and possible questions, what to wear and maps showing how to get to the colleges. The MPW Guides explain the complex procedures for getting into higher education, going beyond the official publications to give would-be students straightforward practical advice on how to secure a place on the course of their choice.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #219843 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-26
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From the Back Cover
Oxford and Cambridge are among the most prestigious universities in the world and so competition is very high to win a place. It is not enough to be a straight-A student; you have to demonstrate all round capability as well as an interested mind, a strong passion for your subject and a willingness to work extremely hard. Even then, there is no guarantee of gaining a place. Applicants have to be organised and thoroughly prepared in their application and perform outstandingly well at their interviews.

Getting Into Oxford & Cambridge is a straight-talking, practical guide for people who are really serious about applying to Oxbridge. It contains detailed advice on the entire process including:
* Preparing a brilliant UCAS application
* Writing a strong personal statement
* How to handle tough interview questions and possible interview discussion topics
* Additional admissions tests used
* Preferred A level and equivalent subjects.

About the Author
Sarah Alakija studied at the University of Cambridge, reading Spanish and Portuguese for Part I of her Tripos and Law for Part II. She is currently Vice Principal at MPW London.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
This book intends to give you a flavour of what the application process for getting into Oxford and Cambridge is like. It is a process revered the world over for its ability to select some of the finest minds in the world and to welcome them to the institutions renowned for the discovery of some of the most life-changing things that you or I can think of. From Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking, some of the finest minds have been educated here, and do you know what? You could be too!

The aim of this book is not to reproduce information that is readily available, and indeed you should read, on the Oxford and Cambridge admissions websites, but to explain how to access and how to use this information and, most importantly, how to make sense of it.

It is sad, but true, that even if you put yourself in the best possible position to get a place, you may still be unsuccessful. But, take heart, there are many excellent universities and if you really are com¬mitted, you will have an interesting and fulfilling life whatever you do. However, let's get on with maximising your chances of entry into Oxford and Cambridge. As with many things, it is best to plan ahead. Ideally you should be reading this in your first year of sixth form. This is because, unlike applications to other universities, which can be sent until the January of your A2 year without penalty (you can apply after January but universities are not under obligation to give your application the same consideration as for applications submitted before January), the deadline for application for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October of your A2 year - extremely early in the first term. In other words, the bulk of the preparation has to be done in the previous term and throughout the summer.

The first thing you should do is to order the undergraduate prospec¬tus for both universities. Although all the information is available online, you may find it easier to see the information in paper form. To order the Oxford prospectus, ring the Oxford Colleges Admis¬sions Office on 01865 288000, or email undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.For Cambridge, call the Cambridge Admissions Office on 01223 333308, or email admissions@cam.ac.In addition, the student unions at both universities produce an `alternative prospectus', which will give you another perspective on life at the university.

Customer Reviews

Useful but short
I personally found this book very useful even though most of it deals with other subjects (which is inevitable). It was not that long and some of the information is new to me. I would recommend How to Complete Your UCAS Application 2010 Entry for the actual UCAS form as it contains lots of technical information. This may seem strange but it will be invaluable when you come to fill in your UCAS form.

Overall, this book is ideal for general information like what subjects have admissions tests, details of the interviews including questions etc. It does not go into very much detail on anything but the information is nicely summarised in tables and bullet points. This book will probably be more useful to parents than students as it gives a very good idea of the whole application process, including deadlines. It would have been much more useful to me had I not gone on the Open Days and is a must buy for anyone in such a position (along with the prospectuses, of course!)

If you want to read a story type of book on Oxbridge, I would suggest
So You Want to go to Oxbridge - Tell Me About a Banana: Tell Me About a Banana....
I have not read it yet but my parents tell me it is extremely useful and does not just contain obvious advice at all.

Oxford & Cambridge 2010
I good book for all those considering Oxford and Cambridge. A comprehensive and detailed book about the procedures involved and also contains useful tips i.e. the best ways of demonstrating your capabilities and passion for your chosen subject. This book should enable applicants to be thoroughly prepared and organised.

Disappointing
Not bad, but much the same information is available for free from the Oxford or Cambridge website. Students looking for special tips or targeted advice will be disappointed. The book also encourages a somewhat over-optimistic approach, which can be harmful.