Oxbridge Preparation

To see what our previous students have said about our University Preparation courses, please click here.

Course Overview 

• Students aged 16-18
• Residential in Balliol College, University of Oxford
• 2 week courses in July and August
• Students must be aged 16 or over before the 1st September 2012
• Students must be fluent English speakers - Please contact us direct if you have queries over your level of English

About the Course

This course allows students who are hoping to apply to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge to write their personal statements, practise their interview technique and visit potential colleges.

The course is intended to give full information about the structure and organisation of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, their academic, social and extra-curricular aspects and the details of the admissions processes. The aim is to give the students the confidence to know what is expected of them and what the Universities are looking for in a successful candidate. Emphasis is also laid on filling in a good UCAS form (particularly the Personal Statement) and on preparing for a good interview.

How will this course help me in applying to Oxbridge?

This course does not aim to drill or coach students for inevitable success in their applications to Oxbridge; it rather aims to show students what the whole process of applying to Oxbridge involves, so that they feel more confident and comfortable in making their application.

By understanding how interviews and entrance tests work and what tutors are looking for, students can maximise their potential in their application.

Course Details

The course runs for two weeks, in which students attend 15 morning classes, in small groups, per week. 

The course will focus on the following aspects of applying to Oxbridge:

• Subject choice - Students are guided through the available subjects and make sure their chosen subject is compatible with their skills, strengths, selected high school subjects and career aspirations.
• Oxford/Cambridge college selection - Students will be guided through the process of choosing the college that is most suitable for them.
• Personal Statement - This is an important part of the application, and students will work closely with their teachers to draft and re-draft their statement, in order to have it almost complete by the time they leave Oxford.
• Interview technique and mock interview - The students whose written application is successful, will almost certainly be called to interview. The course will focus on the "dos and don'ts" of interview technique. These skills can be useful throughout life, for example when applying for future careers. Students will participate in a mock Oxbridge interview during which they will tackle questions and scenarios which will help them prepare for the "real" interview. Constructive feedback will be provided by the teacher.

"Everything about the application, university choice and the specific courses is much clearer." (Sasha from France)

"The course helped me to choose an Oxford college. It was also the opportunity to seriously start my personal statement, saving me a lot of time at the beginning of this school year." (Alexis from Germany)

Afternoon Workshops

In the afternoons, students follow one series of workshops chosen by them from the list provided below.

Please see the PDF at the bottom of this page for a sample course timetable.

Course requirements

Note again that this course is designed for students who intend to apply specifically to Oxford or Cambridge University in the UK. It is advantageous for students who take the course to have already chosen the subject that they would like to study. As UK Universities do not offer courses in 'liberal arts', all students apply directly to a specific faculty. In addition, it is worth noting that Oxford and Cambridge do not offer many vocational degrees (e.g. hospitality, business, film). A full list of subjects that can be studied at Oxford at undergraduate level can be found here. For the full list of Cambridge University undergraduate options see here. 

Students who wish to apply to study Law or Medicine at Oxford or Cambridge University will probably find that the Law School Preparation and Medical School Preparation courses are a better match for their needs. If you are considering applying to an American university you may find our SAT Preparation course to be of interest. 

Click here for more information on our University Preparation courses, including the Law School Preparation course, Medical School Preparation Course and SAT Preparation course.

Previous Students

 "It was helpful as I was able to draft my personal statement and get an insight into how the interview process works. I found the teacher’s advice very useful and I enjoyed having someone who knows how the system works to help me get a better understanding of how to apply to university.” (Marina from Spain) 

"I really learned so many things I didn’t know about Oxbridge. The applications, the interview, how to write my personal statement and what I have to focus on. Furthermore, I definitely know what I would like to study and that’s really important for me and my future. I wouldn’t have achieved all this knowledge and skills without my teacher. I am very delighted to have participated in the course. She’s been very dynamic, careful, clear and patient. She’s been able to focus on the most important and useful things for us and exactly help me in my weakness. She has been hard working and smiling for the all the duration of the course." (Dodo from France)

"We wrote our personal statements and received good feedback on our strengths and weaknesses. The Q and A with the students who study our subject was really helpful and interesting." (Michael from Brazil)

Oxford Activities & Free Time

A full cultural and recreational programme is provided as a part of the course. Activities include museum tours, the botanic gardens, guest lectures and different summer sports, including the traditional English game of croquet. Students also have an opportunity to visit many of Oxford's most famous colleges and explore the fascinating museums and gardens. 

For "shopaholics" Oxford offers a wealth of charming markets and department stores. In the evenings, the programme offers students international parties, quiz nights, debates and variety performances. 

During the programme there are opportunities for students to take coach excursions where they will explore places of historic and cultural interest as well as enjoy London, Bicester Village shopping centre and evening social events at local country manors.

College Life

The course takes place on the campus of Balliol College, University Of Oxford.  Single rooms on the campus are provided. The rooms are within walking distance of the teaching rooms, dining hall and computer room. Male and female students are separated by corridors and/or staircases. The course includes breakfast and dinner in college dining hall, with packed lunches available during coach excursions. Lunch is not included but Oxford is scattered with cheap and healthy locations to buy lunch. 

Our Staff and Students

Our teachers come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some are teaching or have taught for the University of Oxford and some are well-established specialist tutors. Our experienced and friendly faculty offers our students a diverse range of teaching specialties and skills. Our alumni students have rated the teaching as one of the best aspects of their experiences in Oxford, many scoring their classes a perfect 10. For a full list of ORA 2011 teaching staff please see the PDF attached to the bottom of this page.

In the College itself students are overseen by the Programme Director, who implements the day-to-day running of the programme. The Director is assisted by a team of Counsellors who very often are current members of the University of Oxford.

The Counsellors ensure that students are looked after pastorally, culturally and socially during their programme. Students are able to talk informally and frankly to the Counsellors in order to raise concerns or to discuss university applications.

In terms of the demographics of the attendance of the programme, students come to ORA from all over the world. Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds and learning more about different experiences, ambitions and cultures is a central part of the ORA experience.

To see more detailed information about the nationalities of our students click here.

Dates, Fees and Location

For more courses in July please see: Cambridge Enterprise Programme

Useful Information

• Note that arrival day is always a Sunday and departure day is always a Saturday.
• On arrival day, students will be able to check in to their rooms after 12 midday.
• There is a welcome reception for students, friends and family at 5pm in the College grounds.
• On the departure day students need to check out of their rooms after breakfast at around 10am.
• Please note that Oxford Royale Academy does offer an airport transfer option that you can book separately. Click here for details
• Useful Information

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply:

 1. Apply Online
Click APPLY NOW

 2. Send in a paper application by Post or Fax
Application Form: Click here to go to the application page or use the attachment below.
Address: Oxford Royale Academy, St. Catherine's College, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UJ, UK
Fax Number: +44 (0) 845 280 01 22

Procedure

You may choose to pay either the full course fee upon booking, or pay a deposit of £495 upon booking and pay the remaining balance 60 days before arrival in Oxford. As soon as the application form has been received with payment, a confirmation will be sent out to you along with further welcome pack materials.