Oxbridge preparation
At Barts, we offer in-depth and personalised support to all university applicants, including those with an ambition to study at either the University of Oxford or Cambridge (Oxbridge).
With both universities ranked as leading global universities, it is no surprise that the admissions process is highly competitive and hugely demanding.
As an Oxbridge applicant, your supervisor will support you closely throughout the admissions journey, from advice and guidance on the application process, including writing a stand-out personal statement, through to choosing the most suitable college and gaining interview practice.
What we offer includes:
1:1 tuition
The tutorial system at Barts helps to naturally prepare students for the intensive academic environment at Oxbridge. This, in turn, boosts students’ self-belief to succeed not only at interview, but during their future studies. Studying at Barts will help you achieve the exceptional grades required, with typical minimum offers being AAA to A*AA at A-level, along with outstanding GCSE results.
College and course guidance
As you are unable to apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year, it is important you choose carefully which one you’d like to apply to. This is likely to depend on your chosen course of study, as well as whether you have any preference for a particular college. The best way of knowing is to visit each university on one of their open days.
Mock university interviews
It is extremely likely that you will be invited to attend an interview as part of the admissions process. At Barts, we can arrange a number of mock interviews to help you prepare for the intellectual inquisition that awaits.
At interview, you may be expected to show evidence of analytical thinking, personal insight and observations. This will usually, but not always, relate to your chosen area of study – so be prepared to think sideways. The key is to show your potential and ability to adapt, so don’t get put off by thinking of the ‘right’ answer.
UCAS advice
You will meet with your supervisor on a weekly basis, to discuss your UCAS application. Your supervisor will provide guidance on your personal statement, academic requirements and extracurricular activities to increase the likelihood of success. Examples of the latter might include: A part time job or work experience; volunteering; being a member of a relevant organisation or institution; attending subject-specific lectures; reading related journal articles; taking part in an award scheme such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award; Music and Sports competitions and awards.
To be a successful candidate, you must be able to demonstrate a voracious appetite for learning, along with a genuine passion for your chosen subject. A dedication to expanding your knowledge through wider reading is to be expected and will give you the edge required over other candidates who have stuck closely to the A level syllabus only.
Preparation for subject-specific entrance tests
These include, but are not limited to:
- Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)
- BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
- Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
- Admissions Tests for Maths (MAT), History (HAT) and Physics (PAT)