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.
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 how to manage this journey. Your support through encouragement, guidance, and practical help is key, so knowing the process and helping manage stress is essential!
Staying informed
Step one is to understand the admissions process.
The Oxbridge application typically consists of three main stages:
UCAS personal statement submission (by October 14th, considerably earlier than for other universities)
Entrance exam (usually in early to mid-November)
Interview, if invited (held in early December)
Applicants typically receive outcomes in January.
For the UCAS application, your child will submit their personal statement and choose their college. For parents unfamiliar with the collegiate system, selecting a college can seem complex. Oxford comprises 39 colleges, while Cambridge has 31. Your child can either apply directly to a specific college or submit an open application, where the university assigns them to a college based on availability.
There’s a common misconception that open applications boost an applicant’s chances. This isn’t true. If your child’s chosen college is oversubscribed but they are a strong candidate, they will be entered into the pooling system, allowing other colleges to consider their application and potentially extend an offer.
The entrance exam is subject-specific, so if, for example, your child is applying for Mathematics, they'll be taking the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test). There are lots of past papers online, so this is a pretty straightforward aspect of the process.
The interviews are usually about half an hour of academic discussion designed to stretch your child's critical thinking and subject knowledge. You can read more about the interviews in our Guide to Oxbridge Interviews!
How to offer practical support
One of the most effective ways to prepare your child for an Oxbridge interview is through mock interviews. Whether you set these up at home or seek professional tutoring, these practice sessions can help simulate real interview conditions and build confidence. You can find example Oxbridge interview questions on both Oxford and Cambridge websites to help simulate the process.
But this doesn't mean you have to sit down with a set of interview questions and get the interrogation light on; you can also build the same critical thinking skills by encouraging thought-provoking discussions at home. Try to challenge them on their arguments at the dinner table to encourage logical articulation and thinking on their feet!
You can also help with time management by keeping track of any application or interview deadlines. Both the Oxford and Cambridge admissions websites have useful resources detailing all the important dates in order. Make sure your child doesn't miss pesky deadlines that can be easily forgotten, like registering for their entrance exams!
Creating a supportive environment
How are you supposed to balance encouragement without adding pressure? It's certainly a difficult tightrope to walk.
Encourage without adding pressure by offering praise and positive reinforcement while respecting their need for independence. Be a sounding board during practice, like when they need mock interview help or to edit their statement, but also step back when they need space to take control of their preparation.
As part of allowing them this space to think for themselves, try asking open-ended questions rather than constant feedback, like: ‘What do you think the interviewers will want to know about you?’
Remind them that the outcome is out of their control, and whether they receive an offer or not, the experience is valuable for their personal growth. Support your child by framing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Managing stress and mental health
By far the most important, as any parent will know, is making sure your child is happy and healthy. Admissions cycles can be a stressful time for teenagers already dealing with pressures from school and examinations, so managing your child's stress levels is crucial.
Consider resources like Mind – Mental Health Support and Student Minds for guidance on managing stress.
Make sure that your child is taking regular breaks and fully resting. We recommend keeping weekends as free as possible, as teenagers need more than just a fifteen minute break between study sessions to recharge.
Good sleep hygiene is sometimes overlooked, but it’s essential to help your child maintain healthy sleep patterns. A well-rested mind will perform better during preparation and on the day of the interview.
If your child is the kind of student who thrives on structured plans and revision timetables, work with them to make sure they're appropriately balancing their schoolwork with their Oxbridge preparation. Breaks — and variety — are essential.
This is a great time to pick up a relaxing hobby together, like meditation or yoga!
Additional resources for parents
The UCAS guide, along with the Oxford and Cambridge sites, will be useful.
The Student Room is an unofficial forum where prospective students and parents can discuss the Oxbridge application process, share experiences, and ask questions.
To understand the Oxbridge application process in detail, Oxford’s admissions pages and Cambridge’s undergraduate information offer comprehensive guides. Both universities offer parent-specific outreach events that can be helpful — check their admissions pages for updates on upcoming workshops and seminars.
Supporting an Oxbridge application is as much about encouraging your child’s growth as it is about academic success. Parents play a huge role in how applicants feel across the process, and can even influence a more favourable outcome. But whatever the result, remind them that this journey is also about personal development — and even having the opportunity to apply to Oxford or Cambridge is a huge achievement in its own right.
At Avalon Education, we’re here to guide both you and your child through every step of the journey. Our comprehensive interview preparation course includes four mock interviews, personalized feedback, and expert coaching to ensure your child is as prepared as possible. To get started or learn more about how we can support your family during the 2024 Oxbridge cycle, contact us today.
Your involvement makes all the difference — let us help you both navigate this exciting journey with confidence!
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