Oxford and Cambridge are world-famous universities that everyone from young to old knows about. For many applicants, admission to the most prestigious universities is considered the real ultimate dream and the real pinnacle of achievement. These two oldest universities even have a joint name - Oxbridge. Where is Oxford and Cambridge located? In the open spaces of old Britain in the town of Oxford and the county of Cambridge, respectively.
Admission to the world's oldest universities
From time immemorial, it has been believed that during an interview before admission, a future student is literally left alone with a person who is better versed in his subject than anyone else, with someone who has released more than one work and, with a great desire, can just grind the entrant to powder. Based on this stereotype, many myths and legends have developed that only true geniuses enter Oxford or Cambridge, while others are simply humiliated at these interviews. And if you suddenly did what is considered incredible luck, thenall the free and non-free time of the student is absorbed by tedious and painstaking study. The workload here is greater than in any other university in the world, and deadlines cannot be tougher. In addition, the best minds in Britain evaluate the works, where Oxford and Cambridge are in the first positions.
What is real?
However, in fact, one can notice such a picture, undoubtedly Oxbridge graduates are experts in their field who know their profession "from" and "to", but it so happened that Oxford and Cambridge have not the best employment rates for their wards. It turns out that graduates have more than enough theoretical knowledge, but graduates are simply not ready for practical use. But the fact remains: Oxford and Cambridge are among the most prestigious universities that provide a strong base. But the image of their graduates among employers is as follows: they leisurely stroll down the river, drinking not the cheapest champagne and having philosophical conversations. After such a measured life, it is not at all easy to break into a prestigious company, show the best results, immediately become the best in your field and get a leading position. Of course, there is no doubt about the privileges that the oldest universities offer to their students. For the sake of these advantages, people are ready to cross the entire globe just to touch the history, to visit the place that Oxbridge students call home. Be that as it may, the fact that a person graduated from one of the oldest universities in Britain is respected by many employers, and by people in general. This diplomaconsidered elite and inaccessible to "mere mortals"
The most common stereotypes about Oxford and Cambridge
Because these two universities are considered one of the most prestigious in the world, there are a lot of rumors and legends around them. You can pay attention to the following problems:
Many people think that Oxford and Cambridge are small, boring cities. And here we can even agree with something. Still, people come here to study and lead a rather specific lifestyle. But, despite this, the campuses are not limited only to lecture and seminar halls, here you can also find sports grounds where the best teams train, a lot of interest clubs where everyone can find entertainment to their liking, you can even hold parties here! The traditions of Oxford and Cambridge are hundreds of years old and there are a lot of them. Worth doing to get to know them
- Oxford and Cambridge are only available to the very rich. And every second inhabitant of the planet is sure of this, but such a statement is not entirely true. The admission committee always first of all pays attention to the intellectual component of the applicant, they choose future students from the general mass. Therefore, if a person has a lot of money, but there is emptiness in his head, the road to Oxbridge is closed. Although university education is not cheap.
- Many of the smartest applicants don't even consider going to one of the oldest universities in the world, just because they aren't smart enough for them. AndOxford and Cambridge have high standards and will have to work several times harder. In order to enter one of the universities, one does not have to be the most brilliant person. The only problem may be that on the course you will not be the smartest student, as it was before. The main thing is the desire to learn.
- Many are sure that the workload in Oxbridge is so high that the time is only for sleep, and even then not always. On the one hand, there is no doubt that the workload at these universities is higher than at many others. While studying, students are forbidden to work, but nothing supernatural happens. Students have time for sports and entertainment. The main thing is to learn how to distribute it correctly.
Many people for some reason are firmly convinced that there are puffy old men in the selection committees who will do everything to prevent you from entering the holy of holies, but this is fundamentally wrong. Cambridge and Oxford are in stunning scenic locations and even host tourists.
How to prepare for admission?
Many applicants around the world do not even consider such an option as Oxford or Cambridge, believing that this is not their level. But if you decide to try your hand, then go for it. They say that the attitude of both universities towards applicants is only positive. What you should be concerned about is the competition, as Oxford, Harvard and Cambridge are the most popular universities on the world stage.
Important rules
To get into one of the oldest universities,some guidelines to follow:
- First and most important is a decent academic background. The selection committee, of course, will appreciate the past results, only they will have to be confirmed.
- Second - sincere enthusiasm. The banal desire to learn will not go away. You need to try and prove to the commission your true interest in the learning process. It will not be superfluous to study the thematic literature, and it is even better to have work experience. You need to tell about this first in the application, and then the selection committee at the interview.
- And the most important reason for interviewing is to find out if you have that same potential, whether you will be successful, and whether you will do your best.
If the desire to be in one of the oldest universities in the world is high, then it will not be difficult for anyone.
Faculties of Oxford and Cambridge
The most ancient universities have a wide range of educational programs. It is believed that the easiest way to enter Oxford is the faculty of chemistry, classics, humanities, linguistics, ancient languages, theology and oriental studies. But those who wish to study fine arts, economics, medicine, law, engineering and management, and art history will have to seriously try. A similar situation is in Cambridge, it will be easier for those who intend to study ancient languages, music, archeology, theology. But the least likely to enter the course of higher medical education, the faculty of economics, politics, psychology, sociology and veterinarymedicine.
How to get an interview?
Before you get to the interview, you must provide the university with a personal statement, letters of recommendation from previous places of study, work and, of course, exam results. If all these points satisfy the conditions of the university, the applicant will be interviewed.
Since the flow of applicants to study at Oxbridge is quite large, applicants are often offered to take an additional test. The best of the best will get to the interview, and it usually takes place in December.
What do interviewers say?
These interviews are the stuff of legends. What you just don’t hear: they say that the admissions committee walks on its head, throws soccer balls and evaluates the applicant’s reaction to everything that happens. But this, of course, is not the case. Interviewers, as in most universities, are highly predictable. Here you need to prepare for questions about work, they will try to discuss with the applicant his favorite topic, they are asked to reason and prove their life principles.
No one expects phenomenal abilities from future students, it is important for the commission to see the desire to learn, the ability to assimilate and apply the acquired knowledge in practice. But this may not be the end yet, if the admissions committee has questions, they may be asked to take a written test. Usually the future student is warned about this in advance. In fact, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge are the best opportunitystart your journey to outstanding academic heights. And if a student really loves science and his work to the core, then this chance should not be missed.
