UK – The University Guys https://www.theuniversityguys.com Helping students make successful applications to international universities Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:38:42 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fav-150x150.png UK – The University Guys https://www.theuniversityguys.com 32 32 UK Foundation Degree Pathways https://www.theuniversityguys.com/uk-foundation-degree-pathways/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uk-foundation-degree-pathways Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:31:09 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=7925 The UK offers an array of foundation degree pathways to cater to the varied needs of aspiring students. Whether you’re interested in a specific field of study, seeking a flexible transition into university life, or looking for alternative routes to well-known institutions, the UK has a range of foundation programmes. Let’s explore six different foundation degree pathways available, with examples from specific institutions. University Foundation Degrees: Many UK universities offer foundation degrees that serve as an intermediate stage between A Levels or equivalent qualifications and full-fledged undergraduate programmes. One such example is the Foundation Degree in Business Management, offered by Loughborough College. This two-year programme equips students with essential business knowledge. Although it doesn’t guarantee automatic progression to a degree, it provides an ideal stepping-stone to higher education. Year 0 Programmes with Progression: Some universities incorporate foundation years directly into their undergraduate courses, providing a seamless transition for students. The Engineering Foundation Year at the University of Liverpool exemplifies this approach. This one-year foundation programme prepares students for engineering degrees, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the rigours of their chosen field. Private Campus-Based Foundation Programmes: Private providers like INTO University Partnerships offer foundation programmes on university campuses in partnership with renowned UK institutions. An instance is the INTO Manchester in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Students who complete the foundation programme gain entry to their desired degree programmes, provided they meet the respective university’s entry requirements. Art & Design Foundation Courses: Creative souls can take art and design foundation courses to nurture their talents. The Central Saint Martins Foundation programme is a prime example. It focuses on honing artistic skills and building a portfolio to prepare students for future endeavours in fine arts, fashion, graphic design, and more. Private Standalone Foundation Degrees: For a more personalized and immersive foundation experience, students can explore standalone foundation degrees offered by institutions such as St Clare’s Oxford. These programmes are distinct from traditional universities and often provide a unique learning environment. Graduates of these programmes can choose to progress to a university or explore various educational and career pathways. One-Year A Level Programmes: Students eager to fast-track their education can opt for one-year A Level programmes, as demonstrated by MPW. These intensive courses condense the traditional two-year A Level curriculum into a single year, allowing students to gain high-level qualifications quickly and apply to a wide range of undergraduate courses. The foundation degree pathways in the UK are as diverse as the educational aspirations of the students who pursue them. To find the right pathway for your academic journey, consider your goals and research the available options, keeping in mind the specific requirements and unique features of each type of foundation programme.

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The UK offers an array of foundation degree pathways to cater to the varied needs of aspiring students. Whether you’re interested in a specific field of study, seeking a flexible transition into university life, or looking for alternative routes to well-known institutions, the UK has a range of foundation programmes. Let’s explore six different foundation degree pathways available, with examples from specific institutions.

  1. University Foundation Degrees: Many UK universities offer foundation degrees that serve as an intermediate stage between A Levels or equivalent qualifications and full-fledged undergraduate programmes. One such example is the Foundation Degree in Business Management, offered by Loughborough College. This two-year programme equips students with essential business knowledge. Although it doesn’t guarantee automatic progression to a degree, it provides an ideal stepping-stone to higher education.
  2. Year 0 Programmes with Progression: Some universities incorporate foundation years directly into their undergraduate courses, providing a seamless transition for students. The Engineering Foundation Year at the University of Liverpool exemplifies this approach. This one-year foundation programme prepares students for engineering degrees, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the rigours of their chosen field.
  3. Private Campus-Based Foundation Programmes: Private providers like INTO University Partnerships offer foundation programmes on university campuses in partnership with renowned UK institutions. An instance is the INTO Manchester in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Students who complete the foundation programme gain entry to their desired degree programmes, provided they meet the respective university’s entry requirements.
  4. Art & Design Foundation Courses: Creative souls can take art and design foundation courses to nurture their talents. The Central Saint Martins Foundation programme is a prime example. It focuses on honing artistic skills and building a portfolio to prepare students for future endeavours in fine arts, fashion, graphic design, and more.
  5. Private Standalone Foundation Degrees: For a more personalized and immersive foundation experience, students can explore standalone foundation degrees offered by institutions such as St Clare’s Oxford. These programmes are distinct from traditional universities and often provide a unique learning environment. Graduates of these programmes can choose to progress to a university or explore various educational and career pathways.
  6. One-Year A Level Programmes: Students eager to fast-track their education can opt for one-year A Level programmes, as demonstrated by MPW. These intensive courses condense the traditional two-year A Level curriculum into a single year, allowing students to gain high-level qualifications quickly and apply to a wide range of undergraduate courses.

The foundation degree pathways in the UK are as diverse as the educational aspirations of the students who pursue them. To find the right pathway for your academic journey, consider your goals and research the available options, keeping in mind the specific requirements and unique features of each type of foundation programme.

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Applying to the UK from the USA https://www.theuniversityguys.com/applying-to-the-uk-from-the-usa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=applying-to-the-uk-from-the-usa Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:33:52 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=7876 In recent years, an increasing number of students from the United States have been looking beyond their shores to pursue higher education, and the United Kingdom has emerged as a popular destination. Applying to UK universities for a bachelor’s degree from the USA has several advantages, making it a compelling option. In this blog, we will explore these benefits, along with a step-by-step guide on successfully applying through the UCAS system. Why Study in the UK? Predictable Outcomes with UCAS Conditional Offers: Unlike the U.S. application process, the UK system provides a higher degree of predictability. When you apply to UK universities through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), you receive conditional offers that specify the grades or qualifications you need to meet. This system reduces uncertainty, allowing you to better plan for your academic future. Cost-Efficiency: UK degrees are not only cost-effective but also shorter in duration. In the USA, most bachelor’s programs span four years, while in the UK, they typically last only three years. As a result, you can save on tuition and living expenses. For instance, prestigious institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE) and King’s College London offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of many U.S. universities. Straightforward Admissions Process: Applying to UK universities involves a more streamlined process. You need to write only one UCAS Personal Statement, where you can emphasize your academic achievements, interests, and goals. This simplifies the application and gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your college journey. Academic Focus: Unlike U.S. universities that often require a broad range of general education courses, UK degrees are academically more focused. This means you can dive directly into your chosen field of study without fulfilling extensive core curriculum requirements. How to Apply to UK Universities The role of AP Exams: Advanced Placement (AP) exams are vital when applying to UK universities. These exams not only demonstrate your academic readiness but also serve as a measure for meeting conditional offers. The higher your AP scores, the better your chances of securing a place in your desired program. Many universities will specify the exact AP test scores in defined exams that are needed in order to be able to apply. UCAS Application Platform: To apply to UK universities, you will typically use the UCAS platform. It’s a centralized system that allows you to submit applications to multiple institutions simultaneously. You can list up to five choices, but only one UCAS Personal Statement is required, simplifying the application process. Common Application: While UCAS is the standard application method, some institutions, like the University of St Andrews, accept the Common Application system. Be sure to research the specific application requirements of each university you’re interested in. Just one essay: The UCAS Personal Statement is your opportunity to showcase your academic achievements, interests, and ambitions. It’s a single essay where you can convey your passion for your chosen field and explain why you’re a strong candidate for the program. Make sure to emphasize your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Selectivity: Contrary to popular belief, even prestigious UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge are not as selective as their American counterparts. Data shows that the acceptance rates in these UK institutions are often higher than those in top U.S. universities. This fact, coupled with the straightforward application process, makes UK universities an attractive option for U.S. students. Studying for your bachelor’s degree in the UK has numerous advantages for American-based students, including more predictable outcomes, cost-efficiency, a simplified admissions process, and academic focus. By understanding the role of AP exams, using the UCAS platform, and preparing a strong UCAS Personal Statement, you can increase your chances of securing a place in your dream program. Remember that UK universities offer a world-class education, and the experience of studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for your academic and personal growth.

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In recent years, an increasing number of students from the United States have been looking beyond their shores to pursue higher education, and the United Kingdom has emerged as a popular destination. Applying to UK universities for a bachelor’s degree from the USA has several advantages, making it a compelling option. In this blog, we will explore these benefits, along with a step-by-step guide on successfully applying through the UCAS system.

Why Study in the UK?

  1. Predictable Outcomes with UCAS Conditional Offers: Unlike the U.S. application process, the UK system provides a higher degree of predictability. When you apply to UK universities through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), you receive conditional offers that specify the grades or qualifications you need to meet. This system reduces uncertainty, allowing you to better plan for your academic future.
  2. Cost-Efficiency: UK degrees are not only cost-effective but also shorter in duration. In the USA, most bachelor’s programs span four years, while in the UK, they typically last only three years. As a result, you can save on tuition and living expenses. For instance, prestigious institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE) and King’s College London offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of many U.S. universities.
  3. Straightforward Admissions Process: Applying to UK universities involves a more streamlined process. You need to write only one UCAS Personal Statement, where you can emphasize your academic achievements, interests, and goals. This simplifies the application and gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your college journey.
  4. Academic Focus: Unlike U.S. universities that often require a broad range of general education courses, UK degrees are academically more focused. This means you can dive directly into your chosen field of study without fulfilling extensive core curriculum requirements.

How to Apply to UK Universities

  1. The role of AP Exams: Advanced Placement (AP) exams are vital when applying to UK universities. These exams not only demonstrate your academic readiness but also serve as a measure for meeting conditional offers. The higher your AP scores, the better your chances of securing a place in your desired program. Many universities will specify the exact AP test scores in defined exams that are needed in order to be able to apply.
  2. UCAS Application Platform: To apply to UK universities, you will typically use the UCAS platform. It’s a centralized system that allows you to submit applications to multiple institutions simultaneously. You can list up to five choices, but only one UCAS Personal Statement is required, simplifying the application process.
  3. Common Application: While UCAS is the standard application method, some institutions, like the University of St Andrews, accept the Common Application system. Be sure to research the specific application requirements of each university you’re interested in.
  4. Just one essay: The UCAS Personal Statement is your opportunity to showcase your academic achievements, interests, and ambitions. It’s a single essay where you can convey your passion for your chosen field and explain why you’re a strong candidate for the program. Make sure to emphasize your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
  5. Selectivity: Contrary to popular belief, even prestigious UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge are not as selective as their American counterparts. Data shows that the acceptance rates in these UK institutions are often higher than those in top U.S. universities. This fact, coupled with the straightforward application process, makes UK universities an attractive option for U.S. students.

Studying for your bachelor’s degree in the UK has numerous advantages for American-based students, including more predictable outcomes, cost-efficiency, a simplified admissions process, and academic focus. By understanding the role of AP exams, using the UCAS platform, and preparing a strong UCAS Personal Statement, you can increase your chances of securing a place in your dream program. Remember that UK universities offer a world-class education, and the experience of studying abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for your academic and personal growth.

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Funding for Ukrainian students in the UK https://www.theuniversityguys.com/fundingforukraine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fundingforukraine Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:45:53 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=7506 Ukrainians in the UK: University, the right to work and visas On Thursday, 24th of February 2022, the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine hit my phone, and my heart sank. At the time, I worked at an international boarding school in the UK with both Ukrainian and Russian students, most of whom were in their home countries, for half term. Thankfully, they did eventually all make it back to us, but the stark reality was that we were trying to work with and support students stuck in underground bunkers or in our school while their parents were on the front line. It gave my colleagues and me a different perspective on the daily news reports. While navigating visa and funding options for our Ukrainian year 13’s to facilitate them to take up their places at UK universities, I had to learn a lot in a short period. I was also connected with some of the sixth-form-age Ukrainian students in my local area through the “Homes for Ukrainians” scheme to give them what help and advice I could. What I learned and where to look for help Whilst I am not an expert, I want to share key information that I have learned and helpful web resources that may help you further support Ukrainian students in the UK. The most helpful page is on the government site, which summarises all the different visa schemes that Ukrainians can be in the UK on and which ones they might be eligible to move to. The key piece of information for university funding is under the “When you’re eligible for full support” section: You may also be eligible if your residency status is one of the following: you or your family member have been granted leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme In simple terms, this means that if you are working with a Ukrainian student in the UK under the Ukrainian Family Scheme or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, they can access tuition fee loans and maintenance loans in precisely the same way as any eligible British citizen. Unlike British students, they do not need to have been here for three years. If you have a Ukrainian student who is in the UK on a student visa (or any other kind of visa that doesn’t give them access to student finance support) and is not eligible for the Ukrainian Family Scheme, then they would need to apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme. This allows students to stay for three years and gives them access to public funds, which include Student Finance awards. It does not count towards the time they need to spend in the UK to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Ukrainian students currently in the UK on a student visa that is due to expire can also apply to have their student visa extended from inside the UK under the Ukrainian extension scheme. Again, the time spent in the UK on a student visa also does not count towards the continuous residency in the UK needed to apply for ILR. However, if they need student funding for university, it may be better to only apply for the Ukrainian Extension Scheme in their final year before going to university due to the three-year limit on that scheme. Ukrainian students living in Scotland or Wales have a slightly different entitlement which you can view via the embedded links. However, the eligibility criteria match that of the UK government and Student Finance England. Emotional support that went hand in hand with careers guidance Moving away from the financial information, which is, of course, always subject to government changes, I feel it’s important to say a few words about the complex emotional needs that Ukrainian students might have. While everyone is different, I found the Ukrainian students I worked with all had a steely determination which went hand in hand with a desire to not show fear or worry. For some of them, they couldn’t even acknowledge it to themselves. When working with these students, I urge you to remember that they are dealing with deep emotions, worries and anxiety that we would never wish on young people. So many have had their homes, future plans, and family routines stripped away. They need our patience, empathy, and potentially a little more handholding and a more structured framework of support than other students who may also be navigating visas and finance options for international applications. Equally, it’s fair to say that every student is processing the Ukraine invasion to some extent, particularly those with ties to Ukraine or the countries that border it. It may mean that they are also in need of some additional emotional support and may also find their financial situation in flux. It’s worth highlighting that there are options for guidance, and numerous universities have created specific initiatives to support Ukrainian students. Some have set aside specific financial aid funds for them to access too. Those whom my students and I have communicated with so far have largely been incredibly helpful but if you’re not sure, do reach out to institution staff, colleagues in your network, or me, finding solutions together is always easier. Melanie Moorhouse, Senior Consultant The University Guys melanie@theuniversityguys.com

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Ukrainians in the UK: University, the right to work and visas

On Thursday, 24th of February 2022, the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine hit my phone, and my heart sank. At the time, I worked at an international boarding school in the UK with both Ukrainian and Russian students, most of whom were in their home countries, for half term.

Thankfully, they did eventually all make it back to us, but the stark reality was that we were trying to work with and support students stuck in underground bunkers or in our school while their parents were on the front line. It gave my colleagues and me a different perspective on the daily news reports.

While navigating visa and funding options for our Ukrainian year 13’s to facilitate them to take up their places at UK universities, I had to learn a lot in a short period. I was also connected with some of the sixth-form-age Ukrainian students in my local area through the “Homes for Ukrainians” scheme to give them what help and advice I could.

What I learned and where to look for help

Whilst I am not an expert, I want to share key information that I have learned and helpful web resources that may help you further support Ukrainian students in the UK.

The most helpful page is on the government site, which summarises all the different visa schemes that Ukrainians can be in the UK on and which ones they might be eligible to move to.

The key piece of information for university funding is under the When you’re eligible for full supportsection:

You may also be eligible if your residency status is one of the following:
you or your family member have been granted leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme

In simple terms, this means that if you are working with a Ukrainian student in the UK under the Ukrainian Family Scheme or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, they can access tuition fee loans and maintenance loans in precisely the same way as any eligible British citizen. Unlike British students, they do not need to have been here for three years.

If you have a Ukrainian student who is in the UK on a student visa (or any other kind of visa that doesn’t give them access to student finance support) and is not eligible for the Ukrainian Family Scheme, then they would need to apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme. This allows students to stay for three years and gives them access to public funds, which include Student Finance awards. It does not count towards the time they need to spend in the UK to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Ukrainian students currently in the UK on a student visa that is due to expire can also apply to have their student visa extended from inside the UK under the Ukrainian extension scheme. Again, the time spent in the UK on a student visa also does not count towards the continuous residency in the UK needed to apply for ILR. However, if they need student funding for university, it may be better to only apply for the Ukrainian Extension Scheme in their final year before going to university due to the three-year limit on that scheme.

Ukrainian students living in Scotland or Wales have a slightly different entitlement which you can view via the embedded links. However, the eligibility criteria match that of the UK government and Student Finance England.

Emotional support that went hand in hand with careers guidance

Moving away from the financial information, which is, of course, always subject to government changes, I feel it’s important to say a few words about the complex emotional needs that Ukrainian students might have.

While everyone is different, I found the Ukrainian students I worked with all had a steely determination which went hand in hand with a desire to not show fear or worry. For some of them, they couldn’t even acknowledge it to themselves. When working with these students, I urge you to remember that they are dealing with deep emotions, worries and anxiety that we would never wish on young people. So many have had their homes, future plans, and family routines stripped away. They need our patience, empathy, and potentially a little more handholding and a more structured framework of support than other students who may also be navigating visas and finance options for international applications.

Equally, it’s fair to say that every student is processing the Ukraine invasion to some extent, particularly those with ties to Ukraine or the countries that border it. It may mean that they are also in need of some additional emotional support and may also find their financial situation in flux.

It’s worth highlighting that there are options for guidance, and numerous universities have created specific initiatives to support Ukrainian students. Some have set aside specific financial aid funds for them to access too. Those whom my students and I have communicated with so far have largely been incredibly helpful but if you’re not sure, do reach out to institution staff, colleagues in your network, or me, finding solutions together is always easier.

Melanie Moorhouse, Senior Consultant

The University Guys

melanie@theuniversityguys.com

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Podcast Episode 69: The What, Why and How of UCAS Firm and Insurance https://www.theuniversityguys.com/podcast-episode-69-the-what-why-and-how-of-ucas-firm-and-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-episode-69-the-what-why-and-how-of-ucas-firm-and-insurance Wed, 23 Mar 2022 14:09:47 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=7028 The post Podcast Episode 69: The What, Why and How of UCAS Firm and Insurance appeared first on The University Guys.

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Oxbridge Interview: when should schools start preparing students? https://www.theuniversityguys.com/oxbridge-interview-when-should-schools-start-preparing-students/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oxbridge-interview-when-should-schools-start-preparing-students Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:38:12 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6991 Writing this in November 2021, one topic seems to be dominating international university advisors’ minds – how do I prepare my students for the Oxford or Cambridge interviews they’ve just been called to? Emails went out, students celebrate, and then panic sets in – blimey, I need to get ready. College counselling social media and our own inboxes here at The University Guys are flooded with requests for sample questions, interview activities, and more. For someone used to the UK school system, some of this glitches with my own understanding of Oxbridge preparation. Having attended a UK school, been through the Oxbridge process myself, and taught in a UK school preparing many students for Oxbridge entry, it’s clear that something is perhaps amiss. Surely students should have been preparing for months (if not years) for this interview? Is last-minute preparation going to do any good? When I’m talking about Oxbridge applications with a family, there’s an analogy I use – training for the 100m Olympic finals. All over the world, sprinters are preparing for the next Olympics. They know that in one, two, or three years time, that final race will happen. On that day, if everything goes right, for a very short period of time, they need to perform at their best. The same is true for potential Oxbridge applicants – they know that in December of their final year of school, they will have to perform at an interview. From a number of years out, the sprinters are doing things in preparation. There are the things they do on their own or with a coach – they work on their starts, they build the appropriate muscles, they work on their nutrition and their mental preparation. For a potential Oxbridge application, this would be their wider reading, their independent research, doing well at school, learning content. At the same time as working on the background things, those sprinters will also be learning the craft of running the 100m. They’ll go to local competitions, regional competitions, international competitions. They will get used to how to start, how to finish, how to respond to different competitions. They’ll make mistakes, they will fail, and learn how to fail better. They know that all the other activities are just the precursor for the one that matters – that Olympic final on a defined day a year or more down the line. The same should be true for someone targeting Oxbridge. The interview will be the deciding factor. So they need to get used to discussing academic content with adults. It may be broken up in different ways, it may be in clubs, in after-school activities, or in regular meetings with a subject specialist, but all the time it will be based on the idea that we know you will need to have an interview if you want to get in, so we should start preparing you for it now. You wouldn’t expect the future 100m Olympic champion to run their first-ever 100m race two weeks before the Olympic final. They’d need to find it to be completely second nature, to have had all the things go wrong that could go wrong, and to be clear in their mind about what happens on the day. They knew that to win that medal they are going to have to run that race, so they had a plan built up over years to work towards it. This is why in many schools, including here in the UK, Oxbridge preparation isn’t something that starts at the last minute. The formal parts of it – test preparation, interview practice and more – may only start in their penultimate year of school, but the work that leads up to it started earlier. From my own teaching career, I remember being told that a student who I would be teaching for GCSE History – when he was only 15 – was a likely Oxbridge historian, and thus I needed to build into my planning for him from that age activities to prepare him for a likely interview. I realise that in many schools in the UK and internationally, some of this is not realistic. But just as we wouldn’t be helping that sprinter to give of their best if we only let them have a mock 100m race two or three times, we’re not helping Oxbridge applicants if the first time they get a practice interview is in the autumn of their final year of school.

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Writing this in November 2021, one topic seems to be dominating international university advisors’ minds – how do I prepare my students for the Oxford or Cambridge interviews they’ve just been called to? Emails went out, students celebrate, and then panic sets in – blimey, I need to get ready. College counselling social media and our own inboxes here at The University Guys are flooded with requests for sample questions, interview activities, and more.

For someone used to the UK school system, some of this glitches with my own understanding of Oxbridge preparation. Having attended a UK school, been through the Oxbridge process myself, and taught in a UK school preparing many students for Oxbridge entry, it’s clear that something is perhaps amiss. Surely students should have been preparing for months (if not years) for this interview? Is last-minute preparation going to do any good?

When I’m talking about Oxbridge applications with a family, there’s an analogy I use – training for the 100m Olympic finals.

All over the world, sprinters are preparing for the next Olympics. They know that in one, two, or three years time, that final race will happen. On that day, if everything goes right, for a very short period of time, they need to perform at their best. The same is true for potential Oxbridge applicants – they know that in December of their final year of school, they will have to perform at an interview.

From a number of years out, the sprinters are doing things in preparation. There are the things they do on their own or with a coach – they work on their starts, they build the appropriate muscles, they work on their nutrition and their mental preparation. For a potential Oxbridge application, this would be their wider reading, their independent research, doing well at school, learning content.

At the same time as working on the background things, those sprinters will also be learning the craft of running the 100m. They’ll go to local competitions, regional competitions, international competitions. They will get used to how to start, how to finish, how to respond to different competitions. They’ll make mistakes, they will fail, and learn how to fail better. They know that all the other activities are just the precursor for the one that matters – that Olympic final on a defined day a year or more down the line.

The same should be true for someone targeting Oxbridge. The interview will be the deciding factor. So they need to get used to discussing academic content with adults. It may be broken up in different ways, it may be in clubs, in after-school activities, or in regular meetings with a subject specialist, but all the time it will be based on the idea that we know you will need to have an interview if you want to get in, so we should start preparing you for it now.

You wouldn’t expect the future 100m Olympic champion to run their first-ever 100m race two weeks before the Olympic final. They’d need to find it to be completely second nature, to have had all the things go wrong that could go wrong, and to be clear in their mind about what happens on the day. They knew that to win that medal they are going to have to run that race, so they had a plan built up over years to work towards it.

This is why in many schools, including here in the UK, Oxbridge preparation isn’t something that starts at the last minute. The formal parts of it – test preparation, interview practice and more – may only start in their penultimate year of school, but the work that leads up to it started earlier. From my own teaching career, I remember being told that a student who I would be teaching for GCSE History – when he was only 15 – was a likely Oxbridge historian, and thus I needed to build into my planning for him from that age activities to prepare him for a likely interview.

I realise that in many schools in the UK and internationally, some of this is not realistic. But just as we wouldn’t be helping that sprinter to give of their best if we only let them have a mock 100m race two or three times, we’re not helping Oxbridge applicants if the first time they get a practice interview is in the autumn of their final year of school.

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Podcast Episode 66: Studying in London https://www.theuniversityguys.com/podcast-episode-66-studying-in-london/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-episode-66-studying-in-london Mon, 14 Jun 2021 08:24:55 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6952 The post Podcast Episode 66: Studying in London appeared first on The University Guys.

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Podcast Episode 65: UK pathways to university https://www.theuniversityguys.com/podcast-episode-65-uk-pathways-to-university/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-episode-65-uk-pathways-to-university Mon, 24 May 2021 11:23:27 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6942 The post Podcast Episode 65: UK pathways to university appeared first on The University Guys.

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Podcast Episode 64: IB Diploma Courses & UK University Entry https://www.theuniversityguys.com/podcast-episod-64-ib-diploma-courses-uk-university-entry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-episod-64-ib-diploma-courses-uk-university-entry Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:08:22 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6918 The post Podcast Episode 64: IB Diploma Courses & UK University Entry appeared first on The University Guys.

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Study in Scotland Event March 2021: Videos https://www.theuniversityguys.com/scottisheventvideos2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scottisheventvideos2021 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:54:58 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6914 The post Study in Scotland Event March 2021: Videos appeared first on The University Guys.

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Podcast Episode 63: in conversation with Mike Nicholson, University of Bath https://www.theuniversityguys.com/podcast-episode-63-in-conversation-with-mike-nicholson-university-of-bath/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-episode-63-in-conversation-with-mike-nicholson-university-of-bath Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:48:30 +0000 https://www.theuniversityguys.com/?p=6851 The post Podcast Episode 63: in conversation with Mike Nicholson, University of Bath appeared first on The University Guys.

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