TARGETS AND CHOICES

If you are a sixth former considering an Oxford or Cambridge application, there is a development you should know about. This is that both are now officially planning to increase their state school intake. While Oxford currently takes 54 per cent of students from state schools, its target is to reach 62 per cent by 2011. Cambridge, which currently takes 57 per cent of students from state schools, has set itself a target of between 60 and 63 per cent for 2011. Although the Institute of Public Policy has questioned whether either university can do so by its chosen date, state school intakes should begin to rise.

This does not mean, as some commentators have claimed, that “the universities now discriminate against public school pupils”. Instead, the new targets are set to produce a more balanced success rate: until 2007, roughly a third of independent school pupils who applied were offered places, but only a quarter of state school students.

Still, success will continue to depend, above all, on your own, well-directed efforts. January is the time to research the huge range of Oxbridge courses available and their entry requirements. Can you think of ways to explore a particular course aspect? Are the AS and A-level subjects you are taking right for the degree course you picked? You might still be able to change, but don’t be too hasty. Unless you are aiming for languages or English Lit., dropping maths is rarely a good idea.
For more detailed advice, look at chapter 3 to 5 of OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES.