Make your Oxbridge dream a reality with Think Smart
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Your journey to the city of dreaming spires starts right here, right now.
The path towards securing an Oxford or Cambridge offer can be a complex and difficult one. At Think Smart, we’ve made it our mission to help you excel at every stage of the Oxbridge admissions cycle. From personal statement revisions, admissions test help, and comprehensive mock interviews, we guarantee to give you tailored guidance and insider expertise from our team of Oxbridge graduate tutors.
- Over 60,000 applications.
- Over 250 undergraduate courses.
- Under 15% acceptance rate.
‘Oxbridge’ refers to the UK-based Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The two universities are some of the most prestigious in the world and consistently top rankings in global university league tables. They both hold unparalleled academic prestige and leadership on the world stage.
OXFORD RANKS #1
CAMBRIDGE RANKS #2
(According to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings).
Acceptance rates are low, at 15%, and competition is particularly fierce for international students. At Oxford, the 2023 data showed an acceptance rate of about 11.9% for international students from the EU and lower for non-EU international applicants.
Join the 15% with Think Smart.
What our expert Oxbridge tutors offer
We pride ourselves on hand-picking the best of the best for our Oxbridge tutoring service. With a Think Smart tutor, you’re guaranteed to receive:
Personalised guidance
We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?
Insider insight
All of our Oxbridge tutors are Oxbridge graduates themselves, having completed a degree in your chosen subject and offering first-hand knowledge of the admissions process.
Comprehensive preparation at each key stage
Taking you confidently from personal statement to admissions test and finally to interview, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging feedback and preparation to help you excel.
More than just teaching
We strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation.
Our Oxbridge tutors aren’t just tutors; they’re mentors.
The Oxbridge application support package:
Want to make sure you reflect your full potential in your Oxbridge application? For the best chances of admission, check out our Oxbridge package below.
Initial Assessment and Planning
We start with an in-depth assessment to understand your goals and academic background. We’ll then develop a personalized plan that targets the areas where you need the most support.
Your UCAS personal statement
UCAS is the UK’s application platform for all UK universities. You will need to write a short personal statement (not a long essay, like US universities) for the first step of your application. Your Oxbridge tutor will help craft a strong narrative that highlights your unique strengths. They will then help refine your statement as the UCAS deadline approaches, to ensure you have the best application that you can.
Admissions test preparation
Nearly all Oxbridge subjects require an admissions test. These are subject-specific exams usually held in November. Your tutor will provide targeted guidance on test-taking strategies, review past papers with you, and help you build the skills and knowledge needed to excel.
Interview Preparation
The Oxbridge interview is a critical part of the admissions process, and if you’re invited to interview, it’s designed to assess your problem-solving skills, academic potential, and how you think under pressure. Your tutor will conduct realistic mock interviews tailored to your subject and coach you on how to articulate your ideas clearly and thoughtfully.
Ready to conquer the Oxbridge University admissions process?
The university of your dreams is within reach. Our tutees are already there.
Questions about Oxbridge Admissions Counseling
What are colleges?
Oxford and Cambridge are collegiate universities, meaning there isn’t one singular campus. They are split up into smaller colleges, which function almost like mini-universities of their own, where students eat, sleep, and study. Oxford has 39 colleges, while Cambridge has 31.
What is the open application?
When submitting your UCAS application, you can choose to pick one of the 31/39 colleges to apply to or choose an open application. An open application means you don’t specify a preference for a particular college. Instead, the admissions office randomly allocates the application to a college that has the capacity for additional candidates.
Will an open application increase my chances of getting in?
This is a common misconception. No, it won’t increase your chances of getting in, if you’re a strong candidate but your college is oversubscribed, you’re entered into the ‘pooling system,’ in which other colleges can review your application and potentially extend an offer.
Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?
Uniquely, students must choose between applying to either Oxford or Cambridge. You cannot apply to both in the same admissions cycle, due to high demand. But don’t worry, we can help you work out which one might be best for you!
When do I have to submit my personal statement?
The deadline to submit your personal statement is October 15, 6 pm, for both Oxford and Cambridge. For more on deadlines, see below.
Do I have to take an admissions test?
This depends on your course. If you’re applying for Oxford, check here . If you’re applying for Cambridge, check here .
Do I need to submit written work for my application?
For many courses, Oxford and Cambridge require applicants to submit samples of written work, such as essays completed as part of their coursework. This varies by course, so it’s essential to check whether you need to submit written work for your Oxford or Cambridge course on their websites.
What is UCAS?
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central platform in the UK for managing applications to undergraduate courses at universities and colleges. The fee for a single course application is £22.50, which is the same for both domestic and international students.
Do international students need to take English language tests?
Yes, international applicants may need to complete language tests like IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate proficiency in English, depending on your background and the course applied for.
Do international students need a visa?
Yes, students from outside the UK will typically need a Student Visa (Tier 4) to study at Oxford or Cambridge. Visa application processes should be started well in advance once an offer has been secured.
How does the IB score translate into Oxford and Cambridge requirements?
Specific entry requirements vary depending on the course, but IB students are expected to achieve a high score, usually between 38-40 points with higher-level subjects at 6 or 7.
What our alumni and their parents say
Daniella offered me the exact support I was wishing for in my Oxford-Interview-prep. She is very kind, understanding, and creates a comforting environment, in which I was able to get out of my comfort zone, and practice my speaking skills without fearing any form of judgement.
My son was convinced he was going to fail, and hiring a virtual tutor seemed like a last ditch attempt to avoid failure. The result of a series of sessions was that my son just learned that he earned his IB Diploma with one of the highest scores in the school, and with a good solid score in the subject matter he was most concerned about.
I have had several tutors from several subjects, all have been amazing people and knowledgeable in their fields. They were all different people with varying personalities but each gave a genuine experience.
Ready when you are. Deadlines are not.
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