What grades do you need to get into Cambridge or Oxford University?

Answer 1

Minimum of 3 As at A Level (preferably A*!) - in subjects appropriate to your intended degree course, or at least a score of 39 in the IB. 4 US AP scores of 5+ would probably be acceptable - plus high SATs scores & a good High School Diploma.

Additionally, British applicants need - realistically - to have at least 7-8 GCSE passes at A*- A, including English, Mathematics, Science, a Language other than English (Modern or Classical), plus at least one Arts/ Humanities subject (eg History, English Lit, Art, Music, Drama/ Theatre, Classical Civilization etc), & one involving Societal Study (eg Geography, History, Economics/ Business, Religious Studies, Sociology, Citizenship, Politics & Govt, Archaeology & Anthropology etc.).

Oxford & Cambridge do not explicitly state this as a requirement, but in truth, if an applicant does not have a VERY strong GCSE profile s/he will not get past first base in the application process! Without exception, every student of mine who's got into Oxbridge had at least 10 A*- A GCSE passes; those with lower grades failed.

It's important to understand, however, that grades in exams taken are only part of the story. Applicants invariably have to sit some sort of subject aptitude test, & then there are the interviews!

Oxbridge admissions interviews are highly academically focused: they're looking for original thinkers who can apply their knowledge in innovative ways. They look for real enthusiasm for the subject(s) of intended study - an obsessive interest even! As one admissions tutor said to me - "We want geeks!". They're also, in truth, seeking out those who they sense will be interesting to teach: inevitable given the 1:1 nature of the Oxbridge tutorial/ "supervisions" teaching system. Without doubt, they love intellectual flexibility plus tenacity - an unusual combination.

The hard reality is that hundreds of "straight A" students apply to Oxbridge - far more than the places available. Inevitably, therefore, a degree of subjectivity creeps into the admissions process, & many who could readily cope with the courses will not get places.

Much has been said/ written about "class bias" in the selection process. IMO, it is total nonsense that students from private schools are favoured. In my experience, if anything, the opposite pertains! Certainly, a northern, or "Cockney", or "Scouse", "Brum", or "Wegian" accent will be no handicap to a bright student who knows her/ his stuff, has enthusiasm, & is able/ willing to think laterally & demonstrate original insights into problems/ issues.

Unfortunately, however, it is also true that far too many state schools in the UK simply do not teach their students with the requisite academic rigour to prepare them adequately for the demands of the Oxbridge selection process; in this sense, state school pupils are often at a disadvantage compared with those from the private sector. Admissions tutors agonise over this; there are now numerous "outreach" programmes etc, & they do try very hard to make appropriate allowances in interview for candidates from "disadvantaged" backgrounds, but this can only go so far!

Answer 2

As and Bs maybe depenes on what subject