If you're drawn to questions about how power works, why economies behave the way they do, or what makes societies tick, there's a good chance you've found yourself weighing up Oxford's PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) and Cambridge's HSPS (Human, Social, and Political Sciences). Both are intellectually broad, both are extremely competitive, and both have a reputation for producing people who go on to do rather remarkable things. So how do you choose between them? What

It is famously challenging to get accepted at Cambridge, no matter the course, but some are more difficult than others. We analysed the latest data (from the 2024 application cycle) to find out which courses are the most competitive, and which are the least. Course Applications Offers Offer Rate Anglo-Saxon, Norse, & Celtic 65 42 64.6% Archaeology 79 41 51.9% Architecture 526 88 16.7% Asian & Middle Eastern Studies 111 61 55.0% Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology 421 76 18.1

It is notoriously difficult to get accepted at Oxford, no matter the course, but some are more difficult than others. We analysed the latest data (from the 2024 application cycle) to find out which courses are the most competitive, and which are the least. Course Applications Offers Offer Rate Archaeology & Anthropology 104 27 26.0% Asian and Middle Eastern Studies 252 114 45.2% Biochemistry 1403 285 20.3% Biology 1151 331 28.8% Biomedical Sciences 840 96 11.4% Chemistry 1663

Most guides comparing the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge drown you in statistics, rankings, and vague stereotypes about “vibes" (we're guilty of that last one ourselves). But when you’re actually deciding where to apply, the choice is deeply personal: it’s about how you learn, what excites you academically, and where you’ll thrive for 3+ intense years. We thought we'd turns the decision into a quiz, written by an Oxford graduate and with direct opinion from

Consider this blog your holy grail : it's our master hub linking out to nearly every relevant blog we've put out, plus a helpfully neat timeline of how to prepare for your Oxford or Cambridge application. We know not everyone comes to the journey at the start of Year 12. In fact, lots of people only decide they want to apply in the summer before Year 13... Which is late to the party, but we make it work, eh? For that reason, we've made this an evergreen Oxbridge timeline . We

Should you apply to Oxford or Cambridge? Given you can only apply to one at undergraduate level, the first big decision you'll need to make is which one to go for. We'll be writing a series of blogs aiming at helping you choose which university to apply for (look out for blogs covering everything from the differences of the cities to subject courses). But first, we're beginning with the very first difference between the two: the application process. St John's College, Cambrid

It's the dream, the end goal, the reason you put in all that work last autumn. And yet, if you received an offer letter last month, you may have felt a sliver of anxiety. Here's how to deal with the pressures of holding an offer from some of the world's most academically demanding universities. Receiving an offer from Oxford or Cambridge is obviously an incredible achievement and one that thousands of students dream of each year. But after the initial excitement wears off, it

How to allow yourself to process your emotions and stay positive for the future. Now that both Oxford and Cambridge have released their decisions, there will inevitably be applicants who have been given an offer, and those who haven't. If you've found yourself in the latter, it's natural to feel disappointed, hurt, and even angry. Getting into Oxford or Cambridge is a big goal and a dream for many. It's important to remember, though, that all rejection is simply redirection,

In the first half of December, interview season descends upon hundreds of Oxford and Cambridge applicants. Unfortunately, it's also a busy time in the academic year. If you've left it quite late, here's a last-minute Oxbridge interview preparation guide, to help you make the most of your time. Stressed? We've got you. Think of it like a crash course in cramming. Even late preparation, while not ideal, can be effective when done strategically. We'll take you through all the cr

Are mock interviews the secret weapon? If you're nervous about speaking, can't quite articulate your thoughts, or you just want to get comfortable with the Oxbridge interview system, they very well could be. Teacher assisting a student. To get the best results from your mock interview preparation, it's best to approach them strategically. From choosing the right interviewer to practising regularly, every detail matters. In this blog, we’ll explore how to maximize the benefits

Navigating your child's Oxbridge application can be an exciting but overwhelming experience — especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. But don’t worry, we’re here to help guide you through every step with our parent's guide to Oxbridge applications. A parent helping their child with homework. Your child's application to Oxbridge is an exciting process, but it can be a little daunting for parents. Read through our parent's guide to Oxbridge applications for advice on

We know how. Do you? If not, keep reading. A gavel and power of attorney. Oxbridge law interviews are notoriously challenging — designed to probe beyond knowledge, testing your reasoning, adaptability, and composure under pressure. But with the right prep, you’ll be ready to tackle anything they throw at you. This guide covers everything you need to excel, from typical question types to the power of mock interviews and resources that will help you prepare with confidence. Und

The first thing you'll need to know is what the elusive Oxbridge tutors are looking for. The second thing you'll need to know is how to prove you have it. We'll teach you both. An aerial view of the High Street, Oxford. The Oxbridge application process is behind a shroud of mystery, and the interviews are not less so. If you've read our interview guide , and our tips for managing your nerves , you're already more prepared than most. But what exactly are the tutors actually lo

The most common advice for Oxbridge interview candidates is to be confident and to be yourself. But how do you do that if you're so nervous you can't think straight? In this blog, we'll give you some practical tips to manage stress and anxiety, perform well at the interview, and understand that ultimately, nerves are your friend! Student studying in the reading room. The Oxbridge interview is definitely a nerve-wracking part of the application process, and it's easy for the p

From reading lists, online resources, and study tips that actually work for Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams — you name it, we cover it. Students sitting an exam. Entrance examinations for Oxford and Cambridge are a key step in the pathway to your Oxbridge offer, but they can be an overwhelming process for candidates who are already dealing with the academic pressures of school. In this guide, we’ll explore effective study habits to eliminate as much excess stress as you c

No, it's not just 'high marks.' There's a lot going on behind the smoke-screen of Oxbridge admissions. We're here to demystify the process, so read on to find out what exactly Oxbridge tutors are looking for in your entrance exam. Students taking an exam. Are you taking the MLAT ? Or maybe the MAT , the PAT , the LNAT ? There's certainly no shortage of Oxbridge entrance exams, so if you're taking any exams for your application, you've probably been thinking about how to show

Choosing the perfect Cambridge college for you is an overwhelming step in the Oxbridge admissions process. With 29 undergraduate colleges to choose from, let us help. Get the inside scoop on every college below! The Bridge of Sighs over the River Cam, Cambridge. In the second (and, shockingly, final) instalment in our Oxbridge colleges series, we'll break down all 29 undergraduate colleges at Cambridge so that you can choose your perfect fit. It's important to note that altho

Looking to make an informed decision when choosing your Oxford college? Get the honest low-down on all 39 colleges in this comprehensive Oxford college guide. Hertford College's Bridge of Sighs. The biggest lie you've been told over the Oxford admissions process is this: 'It doesn't matter what college you choose. They're all the same.' We're here to break the news that Oxford colleges are not at all the same, and in fact vary drastically. This doesn't make any better or wors

Everyone wants to secure an interview – so how do you make your personal statement stand out? In this blog, we'll break down the essential elements of a successful Oxbridge personal statement, offering advice on what admissions tutors are really looking for, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to use super-curricular activities to demonstrate your passion and intellectual curiosity. The 'P' Word Avoid saying 'passion.' The best thing to do in a personal statement is to show

King's College, Cambridge. Oxford and Cambridge are globally renowned for being academically rigorous and prestigious universities. But is Oxbridge right for you? Oxbridge is known for academic excellence, a rigorous application process, and unique traditions, but it’s also known for its intense workload and distinctive college system. This blog will be an unfiltered guide through the key aspects of life at Oxford and Cambridge — from the quirks of the college system to the c