Oxford or Cambridge: Key Differences in Application Processes

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, Cambridge.

On the whole, the application process of Oxford and Cambridge have more similarities than they do differences. Both begin much earlier than other UK universities, sharing the same October 15 UCAS deadline and usually extending invitations to interviews and offers around the same time.

That said, there are some differences around how they each approach:

• Admissions tests

• Interview styles

• Pooling system

Differences in Admissions Tests

Admissions testing.

Different tests

Sometimes Oxford and Cambridge share the same admissions test for certain courses (the UCAT for Medicine, for example, is universal), but they can have different subject-specific tests. For example, if you're applying for Mathematics at Cambridge, you'll be taking the widely-used TMUA, whereas Oxford Mathematics applicants would be taking the MAT.

We'd recommend checking out the admissions tests you would be taking at both universities and seeing which test you think you could do better at.

Different timelines

For Oxford applications, you generally have to register well before the UCAS deadline and would be sitting your admissions test in mid October. Cambridge applications have a much looser approach -- though you still may have to register in advance for some (definitely check deadlines for your course), there are many tests that are subject AND college-specific, and some that may only be taken at the interview stage, not before.

On the whole, Cambridge is much looser about their admissions tests. If you don't typically perform well in exam settings, perhaps consider Cambridge...

Different weightings

Generally speaking, admissions tests are a huge factor in Oxford's decision to extend an offer, whereas Cambridge uses results in a more supplementary way, especially those that would only be taken at interview.

Interview Styles

Interviewing at Oxbridge.

Percentage of applicants shortlisted for in terviews

Cambridge shortlists far more applicants for interview than Oxford.

• Oxford invites roughly 43% of applicants to interview. ​

• Cambridge invites roughly 80% of applicants to interview. ​

There's pros and cons to this:

Oxford's lower rates means they rely heavily on admissions test scores to determine who progresses; fewer candidates get to the interview stage, but a higher percentage of those interviewed receive offers.

Cambridge's higher rate of interviewed applicants means there's more weight placed on performance in the interview itself. However, because more students are interviewed, the proportion of interviewees receiving offers is lower.

Structure of interview discussions

Anecdotally speaking, Cambridge tends to have a more structured approach to their interviews, sometimes requiring a written portion.

Oxford tends to be a little more abstract about their interviews, with questions prompting candidates to think critically and imaginatively.

Both are intimidating, there's no doubt about it, but consider chatting to people (we'd be happy to help here) who have taken Oxford or Cambridge interviews, and see what sort of style you might prefer.

The Pooling System

Cambridge college.

Both universities operate a pooling system in which strong applicants can be reallocated to other colleges if their first-choice college is oversubscribed.

Cambridge has a formal “Winter Pool” system, where colleges actively review and reallocate promising applicants. Some students may even be called for a second interview in January. This happens after the initial round of offers, so the process can be longer. Positive is that if you're a strong candidate, you have a more formalised route to Cambridge even if you're not successful initially.

Oxford’s system is less structured — candidates may be interviewed at multiple colleges from the start, and reallocation happens before offers are made. You would know the outcome by January, reducing post-interview uncertainty, but the lack of a formal pooling process in December could make things more competitive (though it's important to remember that Oxford interviews far less applicants than Cambridge).

Ultimately...

Oxbridge have largely similar application processes, and you shouldn't use relatively minor differences in application to make your decision, even if it can be strategically helpful to understand the changes. You should consider other factors like the cities, your course, colleges, and your learning style (more on this later).

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you'd like some advice on where to apply. We always keep our services specifically tailored to you, and would consider all of the above when consulting.