OXFORD CAMBRIDGE

Oxbridge
and beyond
Your guide to top UK universities

A C R I M S O N E D U C AT I O N P U B L I C AT I O N
 
 

01  Introduction 

02  Finding Your Dream UK University   

03  Oxford or Cambridge? 

Entry Requirements  

04 
What is the UCAS? 
First Steps 
Application Process 

05 
The Interview 
Interview Prep 
The Day of the Interview 

06  Personal Statement 

   

Navigating Financial Aid 

07 
Tuition 
UK Students 
Scholarships 
International Students 
Living Costs 

08  Final Thoughts 

​The Crimson Difference 

 
 

01  
Introduction 
 
 
The UK is home to some of the best universities in 
the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, University of 
Edinburgh, Imperial College of London, UCL and 
more! 
 
Each university provides different opportunities 
depending on your subject interests, which means 
it’s important to understand what each can offer 
based on what you’re looking to study! 
 
In this eBook we’ll visit some of the best universities 
in the UK. We’ll deep dive into the top courses offered at each university and how 
to make the difficult choice between leading UK institutions, Oxford and 
Cambridge (as you can only choose to apply to one - which we’ll discuss later on).   
 
We’ll also discuss the application process, including the UCAS essay, the interview, 
and how to write your personal statement. 
 
After reading this eBook, you will be fully informed as to the intricacies of the UK 
application process.  
 
To learn more about Crimson Education’s UK Admissions Services and how we can 
help you gain access to Oxbridge, UCL, LSE, and other Russell Group universities, 
check out our​ ​website​. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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02  
Finding Your Dream UK University 
 
 
Choosing the right university can be confusing and 
challenging, each offering varied courses, locations 
and experiences.  
 
When deciding where you want to study, be sure 
that university offers the programme you’re 
interested in. Unlike the US university system, you are 
not able to switch your study focus. Therefore, it’s 
important to be 100% sure that the university you’re 
focusing on offers the course that will launch you 
into your chosen career field. 
 
We suggest first, doing some research online. Most UK courses are also listed on 
UCAS​, w​ here you can filter by location and course. Once you’ve narrowed down 
your choices, see what information is available on the university’s website, Twitter, 
Instagram, YouTube or Snapchat. 
 
Go to open days at the universities you’re interested in.​ These days are designed 
to give students as well as parents the chance to visit the university and see what it 
would be like studying there. Use this time to ask any questions you may have 
about the particular university to staff or students. 
 
Explore the various cities these universities are located in. Maybe its London, a 
21st-century city with a history stretching back to the Roman times, or Manchester, 
textile powerhouse with an 18th century canal system. Either way, it’s important 
you do your research and perhaps even pay a visit before deciding on the best 
university for you. 
 
Location, location, location. The UK is a large island, spanning almost 250,000 km​2​, 
with so many countries and cities to choose from, it may be hard to narrow down 
on exactly where you want to be. 
 
Check out these top UK universities and the most popular courses they offer.  
 

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03  
Oxford or Cambridge? 
 
 
Oxford and Cambridge are two of the most historical 
universities in England. Not only are they both a few 
hundred years old, but they hold some of the highest 
academic standards in the world. 
 
When applying, remember you can only apply to 
either​ O
​ xford or​ ​Cambridge. The teaching methods 
and the application processes are fairly similar, but 
both universities offer different opportunities and 
degrees! It’s important to do your research before 
sending in your application. 
 
Before starting your application, you must decide on your course. Some courses 
are offered at Oxford, but not Cambridge, and vise-versa. Check each institution’s 
undergraduate offered courses below for more details: 
 
+ Oxford 
+ Cambridge 
 
It is important to be aware that courses with a similar title at the two universities 
may be different in content. Check the course details to see which suits you best. 
 
Once you have decided on your course and university, you can fill out the UCAS 
application on​ U
​ CAS Apply​,​ ​the deadline is 6pm (UK time) on the 15th of October. 
 
Entry Requirements  
 
Cambridge​ asks all applicants to complete an online​ S ​ upplementary Application 
Questionnaire (SAQ)​. The SAQ is divided into eight sections including, application 
type, photo, personal details, BMAT number, education, qualifications, additional 
information, and submit. Each of the eight sections contains a number of pages 
with a series of questions to complete.  
 
I​f you are applying from outside the EU, you may need to complete the​ C ​ ambridge 
Online Preliminary Application (COPA)​. 
 
Oxford​ does not require applicants to complete any extra forms, however for most 
courses, applicants are asked to take a test as part of the application process. 
Check out ​Oxford’s​ ​requirements​ t​ o be sure you aren’t missing anything with your 
application. 

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Many courses at Oxbridge require applicants to send in a sample of their written 
work as part of their application. Written work requirements can be found on both 
the​ ​Oxford​ ​and​ ​Cambridge​ ​admissions websites. 
 
Below is a chart on the grades required worldwide from both Cambrdige and 
Oxford. While these grades are what is displayed on the universities' websites, they 
are just a rough guide on what is expected from students. Most successful 
candidates tend to have grades that are much higher including often having an 
extra A-level, or the country’s equivalent.  
 
The grade requirements also change based on course selection, i.e. requirements 
for Land Economy in Cambridge are different than Economics in Cambridge, as it 
is for Medicine and other courses offered at both universities.  
 

CAMBRIDGE    OXFORD 

ACT  32+  ACT  32+ 

SAT  1,460+  SAT  1,470+ 

Advanced 
5 on at least 5   Advanced Placement  5 on at least 5  
Placement 
different exams  Courses  different exams 
Courses 

A total score of 38, 39 

40 and 42 Points out of 45,  or 40 points 
IB  with 776 in Higher   IB  (depending on the 
Level Subjects  course) including core 
points 

98.5 Overall together with 

Between 98.5 and 99.5 
documentation of similar 
ATAR  ATAR  (Depending on the 
performance in relevant 
course) 
individual subjects 

5s in three elective 
subjects. (If you are 
applying to study 
mathematics you 
5, 5 and 5 in three 
would need 5* in the 
specified elective subjects 
HKDSE  HKDSE  compulsory 
which relate to your 
Mathematics course, 5 
chosen course 
in the mathematics 
extended paper and 
another 5 in  
another subject.) 

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Singapore/ 
AAAA at H2 Level or 
Cambridge GCE  SIPCAL  Three A grades at H2 
equivalent 
Advanced Level 

Most cambridge 
applicants are studying  Between A*A*A and 
AS/A Levels  three or four A level  AS/A Levels  AAA depending on  
subjects in Years 12   the subject 
and 13 

Between 7-9 A* GSCE ( 

At least 5 As or A*s (7 is  (7 is equivalent to an A 
equivalent to an A and 8/9  and 8/9 is equivalent 
GSCE  GSCE 
is equivalent to an A* in  to an A* in the new 
the new grading system)  grading system) 
 

An overall score of 

between 1.0 and 1.2, with  Overall score between 
14 or 15 in individual  1.1 and 1.3 and any 
subjects. This would  recommended A-level 
Abitur  include high scores in  Abitur  should be studied at 
individual Leistungskurse  Leistungskurse with a 
subjects where the  grade between 13 or 
subjects are required at A  14. 
Level  

9.0 average on 

9.0 average on 
Bachillerato and between 
Bachillerato with a 
Bachillerato  an 11.0 and 13.0 on the  Bachillerato 
minimum of 12.0 on 
EvAU, depending on 
the EvAU 
course 

** Note that depending on which country you are applying from, not all scores apply 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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04  
What is the UCAS? 
 
 
The UK University and College Admission Service 
(​UCAS​) is the application used when applying to 
universities in the UK.  
 
Before beginning your UCAS application, you must 
know exactly what you want to study, as there isn’t 
much wiggle room in the UK curriculum to change 
courses once you have started your study. You can 
only apply o ​ nce per cycle.  
 
The top criteria admissions teams look for when 
viewing your application are that you meet qualifications, your personal statement 
displays passion for your chosen subject, you provide a quality reference, you 
display knowledge and commitment to the subject discipline, you have a good 
attitude towards learning and personal development, and you are able to 
articulate yourself fluently and accurately.   
  
First Steps 
 
Once you know what you want to study, it’s time for you to begin the  
application process.  
 
+ Register for an​ a​ ccount online​. ​You can only apply once per cycle so it is 
extremely important that you apply correctly the first time around. 
+ Fill out your personal details (i.e. your name, phone number, address, email 
address, and more).  
+ You will have to fill out a section about financial support. This is so whichever 
university you choose can assist you on your journey and better understand 
your financial situation. 
 
Application Process 
 
1. Course and University Selection 
 
In the US, you can apply to as many universities as you want. But in the UK, 
the UCAS application only allows you to apply to five universities, w
​ ith 
some exceptions: 
 

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+ There’s a four university limit if you’re applying for any medical course 
(medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or veterinary science). If you 
want to apply to a fifth university, you need to pick a different course.  
+ You can’t apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in one cycle. 
 
You can also apply for courses in multiple subject categories; however, this 
will be a problem when you go to write your personal statement so try to stick 
to one. You can always expand your course selection in Clearing (more on this 
later).  
 
2. Educational History 
 
Depending on what programme you are looking at, the entry requirements 
vary. M ​ ost degree programmes in the UK will require that the student have 
passed either A-levels and attained certain grades, for example 4 B grades, 
or equivalent grades in a BTEC or GNVQ.  
 
3. Personal Statement 
 
We’ll cover your personal statement in more detail later on in this eBook. 
 
4. Reference Letter 
 
Reference letters are required to give admissions officers a better idea of 
who you are as a student. That being said, it’s best to pick a professor or 
someone who knows you on an academic level, to write a reference letter 
for you. 
 
5. Non-EU students 
 
All of the information above still applies, but there are a few extra hoops you 
need to jump through in order to get into a UK university. 
 
+ You must take an English Language Assessment. Most UK universities 
will require you to take an approved English language exam if English 
isn’t your first language.  
+ You’ll need a​ Tier 4 student visa​ t​ o study in the UK. In order to obtain 
this visa you will need to submit: 
 
+ Your English exam results 
+ A current passport 
+ Proof that you can support yourself and pay for your studies 
(depending on your circumstances) 
+ Medical examination results  
 

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05 
The Interview 
 
 
Interviews are a great way for a university to get to 
know you better, see how well you can articulate 
your ideas in person, and figure out if you are a good 
fit for your chosen course.   
 
For UK universities, especially in the case of Oxbridge, 
the interview is conducted like a verbal tests. In these 
tests, the interviewer is assessing your academic 
potential and your passion for your chosen course. 
 
For example, an English student may have to discuss 
a poem in their interview whereas at mathematics student will spend time solving 
a complicated equation.  
 
Interview Prep 
 
While it’s hard to predict exactly which questions you will be asked in an interview, 
it’s important to show up prepared! Below are some pointers on how to address 
the questions you may face throughout your interview: 
 
1. Revisit the university’s course details, thinking about questions such as, 
“Why have you chosen this course?” and “Why this university?”. 
2. Read and re-read your personal statement and be prepared to elaborate on 
anything you may have said. 
3. Have someone you know give you a m ​ ock interview. ​Practising beforehand 
will help you boost your confidence and find pain-points to work on. 
4. Stay up-to-date on the latest issues in current affairs relating to your subject. 
5. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer. It’s best to have a few prepared, 
think outside the box for a questions you couldn’t just look up online and 
find the answer for. 
6. If any material was sent your way before the interview, ​read it,​ t​ here’s a good 
chance it will come up again. 
 
The Day of the Interview 
 
1. Some universities might offer dress code recommendations for interviews. 
It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, wear something 
professional but also comfortable.  

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2. Body language is key to making a good first impression. Sit up straight, 

make eye contact, look and sound interested! It’s important to engage with 
the interviewer. 
3. Bring a notebook and a pen to take notes during your interview along with 
any writing samples or portfolios you believe your interviewer may want to 
see. 
4. Listen carefully to everything your interviewer asks. Don’t be afraid to take 
some time to formulate your answers or to ask the interviewer to repeat the 
question if you need clarification – you won’t be penalised. 
5. Be enthusiastic. You are having a conversation with people who are experts 
– and more often than not world leaders – bring some energy to the table 
and don’t forget to smile. 
6. An interview is a two-way process. Make the most of it by finding out as 
much as you can about the course and get a feel for if it’s right for you! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

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06 
Personal Statement 
 
The goal of your UCAS personal statement is to 
address what you hope to achieve with your UK 
university course, what you hope to do after your 
course, and why you are applying to this specific 
university. 
 
This is your chance to ​showcase your passion and 
understanding of your chosen subject,​ ​separate 
from your exam results. 
 
Here are a few points to include in your essay: 
 
1. Your career aspirations 
2. How you became interested in studying this subject 
3. Any relevant work experience you’ve undertaken related to the course or 
subject 
4. What aspects of education you find interesting 
5. What attracted you to this particular university 
6. Other relevant academic passions and interests that play a role in your 
academic and personality growth and development 
 
The length of your personal statement will vary depending on university, but 
typically it will be between 4
​ 00-600 words.​ Do not go over the character limit for 
your personal statement  
 
Some common mistakes you won’t want to make on your personal statement 
include: 
 
+ Too short/too long 
+ Missing important information 
+ Falsified information (about yourself or the subject) 
+ Confusing structure/layout 
 
Need help with writing your UCAS personal statement?​ Our team of essay review 
experts are eager to read what you have so far and help you make improvements 
to submit the best essay possible. ​Learn more​ about Crimson’s essay review 
services and read successful UK applicant’s submissions! 
 

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07  
Navigating Financial Aid 
 
 
Tuition 
 
In the UK, financial aid varies based on your country 
of origin. The majority of financial aid is loans but you 
may be able to find independent scholarships that 
you will not need to pay back.  
 
How much your studies cost depend on your 
university, your course, and where you’re from. 
 
For example, if you are a Scottish student applying to 
a university in Scotland, your tuition is f​ ree​. ​If you’re Welsh and you want to study 
in the UK, you can apply for a grant. If you are not an EU student, your fees will be 
much higher but you can still apply for financial aid. 
 
UK Students 
 
If you’re a student from England you can apply for financial aid through the 
Student Finance Institution​. You can apply for: 
+ Tuition Fee Loans 
+ Maintenance Loans 
+ Maintenance Grants 
 
You can apply up to 9 months after the start of the academic year for your course. 
The application process is different if you are a student from S
​ cotland​, ​Wales​, or 
Northern Ireland​.   
 
Tuition Fee Loans 
 
As a UK resident, you can get a tuition fee loan up to ​£9,250 a year​ and you do not 
have to pay them off until you finish your studies and your income is over £21,000. 
You may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan and help with living costs if you’re from 
an​ ​EU country​.​ If you ever stop making £21,000, your payments stop. Repayment 
plans for these kinds of loans are as follows: 
 
1. 9% of your annual income goes towards paying off your loans, which means 
your repayments are based on your income and not on the amount you 
owe.  

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2. Interest is only calculated from the day you start paying until you pay off 
your entire loan (or your loan is cancelled). 
3. If you have disabilities, children, or other dependants then you don’t need to 
repay your loan.  
4. If you don’t pay off your entire debt in 30 years, the remaining debt is 
forgiven. 
 
Maintenance Loans and Living Expenses Loans 
 
Your living expenses can also be covered by grants and loans. They are given out as 
follows: 
 
 
**Note that depending on your financial situation and country you are applying from, financial values will vary.

LOAN FOR THE ‘18 - ’19  LOAN FOR THE ‘19 - ’20 
FULL-TIME STUDENT 
ACADEMIC YEAR  ACADEMIC YEAR 

Living at home 
Up to £
​ 7,324  Up to £
​ 7,529 
 

Living away from home, 

Up to £
​ 8,700  Up to £
​ 8,944 
outside London 

Living away from home, in 

Up to £
​ 11,354  Up to £
​ 11,672 
London 

You spend a year of a UK 

Up to £
​ 9,963   Up to £
​ 10,242 
course studying abroad 

 
Scholarships 
 
There are a multitude of scholarships and bursaries available to you. The majority 
of these scholarships come from the universities themselves. 
  
The best way to find a scholarship or bursary is to search for them through your 
course. 
 
International Students 
 
If you are not from the UK or an EU member country you won’t have access to the 
same loans that EU students have.  
 
Your home country usually offers some sort of financial assistance if you choose to 
study in the UK. Check with your local government office online to see what they 
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recommend. Just be aware that funding through your home country may require 
you to come back home after you finish your studies.  
 
At the same time, certain universities, such as University of Manchester, 
Cambridge, and Oxford, offer loans to international students. It’s usually a 
case-by-case basis, so you’ll need to do some independent research. For example, 
Oxford and Cambridge offer loans to US and Canadian students through the 
Foreign Enrolled Loan Program. 
  
Living Costs 
 
You’ll need to have: 
  
+ £1,265 per month for living costs if you are studying in London. 
+ £1,015 per month for living costs if you are studying outside London or 
anywhere else in the UK. 
+ Plus enough money to pay for at least the first year of your course.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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08  
Final Thoughts 
 
 
Although applying to top UK universities can be 
challenging, having the right materials and enough 
time to complete the application process can make 
all the difference. 
 
We hope you’ve found this eBook informational and 
are now ready to tackle your UCAS application! 
 
We’ve listed our​ top tips for UK applications​ ​for you 
to take with you below: 
 
1. Get started on your application early. This includes working hard in school to 
achieve the marks required to gain admission to these universities.  
 
2. Pick a course you are genuinely interested in. UK curriculum requires a lot of 
reading a writing. That’s why it’s important to truly enjoy what you are 
studying, or it’s going to be a very long and stressful three years! 
 
3. Stay organised. Deadlines come faster than you think. It’s important to stay 
on-top of important dates so you don’t miss anything. 
 
4. Read and reread your application multiple times before submitting to ensure 
you aren’t making any mistakes. 
 
5. Spend time on your application. This isn’t something to breeze through 
quickly in one day. Some successful students spend weeks, months, or even 
years perfecting their application before submitting. 
 
The Crimson Difference 
 
Did you know that every year for the past five years, 100% of Crimson students were 
accepted to one of their top 5 preferred UK universities?  
 
This year alone Crimson students who applied to Oxford or Cambridge were 
accepted at a rate that was 25% higher than the global population average. 
 
In fact, over half of the student applicants who have made use of Crimson’s 
mentoring and tutoring services for a two year period leading up to the UK 
application deadline have been accepted into either Oxford or Cambridge! 

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Further, this year, Crimson helped 50 students gain entry into Imperial College 
London, UCL and/or the University of Edinburgh - ranked 8, 10 and 18 in the world 
(QS World University rankings)! 

So if you would like to give yourself the best chance possible of gaining admission 
to universities like Oxford, UCL, LSE, or Cambridge,​ ​book a free consultation​ ​and 
talk to one of our academic advisors now. 

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