Oxford Acceptance Rate by College
Learn the facts about Oxford acceptance rates by college, and which Oxford colleges have the highest and lowest acceptance rates.
If you are considering applying to one of the prestigious Oxford colleges, you may be wondering what your chances are of being accepted. Knowing the Oxford acceptance rate by college is essential for making an informed decision about where to apply. This article will provide an updated overview of the acceptance rates for each Oxford college, along with valuable tips on how to increase your chances of getting accepted. The University of Oxford is one of the world's most prestigious and selective universities, and gaining admission can be a daunting task.
The admissions process at Oxford is highly competitive, and applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements alongside a commitment to excellence. As such, acceptance rates can vary significantly from college to college. This article will help you understand the differences in acceptance rates across Oxford’s colleges, so you can make an informed decision about where to apply. The overall undergraduate acceptance rate to Oxford University is around 17.5%. However, this rate varies by college and by course.
Oxford College Acceptance Rates (2020)
The following are the acceptance rates for some of the most competitive Oxford colleges, based on the most recent data:
| College | Number of Applicants | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Balliol College | 1,659 | 18.5% |
| Brasenose College | 1,575 | 16.1% |
| Christ Church | 3,270 | 16.8% |
| Corpus Christi College | 1,005 | 15.9% |
| Exeter College | 1,580 | 16.7% |
| Harris Manchester College | 336 | 14.9% |
| Hertford College | 1,336 | 63% |
| Jesus College | 1,641 | 18.9% |
| Keble College | 1,603 | 98% |
| Lady Margaret Hall | 1,108 | 18.8% |
| Lincoln College | 1,299 | 13.8% |
| Magdalen College | 1,897 | 15.2% |
| Mansfield College | 686 | 17.6% |
| Merton College | 1,511 | 15.6% |
| New College | 3,027 | 14.5% |
| Nuffield College | 346 | 5.9% |
| Oriel College | 1,472 | 18.7% |
| Pembroke College | 1,341 | 14.8% |
| Queen’s College | 1,785 | 18% |
| St Anne’s College | 1,620 | 17.7% |
| St Catherine’s College | 1,186 | 16.8% |
| St Edmund Hall | 1,200 | 16.6% |
| St Hilda’s College | 1,114 | 17.1% |
| St Hugh’s College | 1,334 | 18.3% |
| St John’s College | 1,886 | 12.8% |
| Somerville College | 1,191 | 16.7% |
| Trinity College | 2,379 | 10.9% |
| University College | 2,429 | 17.3% |
| Wadham College | 1,568 | 11.8% |
Please note that these numbers reflect the 2020 intake and acceptance rates can vary from year to year.
Factors Affecting Acceptance Rates and How to Increase Your Chances
Understanding the factors that influence acceptance rates at Oxford can help you strategically plan your application. Here’s a closer look at these factors and practical steps you can take to improve your chances of success.
1. Academic Achievements
Oxford places a significant emphasis on academic excellence. Your grades are a fundamental part of your application, and achieving top results is critical.
A-Level Requirements
Most Oxford courses require AAA to AAA at A-levels or equivalent international qualifications. The specific subject requirements vary depending on the course, so it’s essential to check what’s expected for your chosen field.
Consistency and Excellence
Beyond meeting minimum requirements, you should aim for consistent high performance across all your subjects, particularly those relevant to your intended course of study.
Subject Knowledge
Demonstrating deep understanding and passion for your chosen subject through additional reading, research, and participation in relevant academic activities can set you apart from other applicants.
How to Improve:
- Targeted Study: Focus your efforts on excelling in subjects directly related to your intended course. Engage with challenging materials beyond the standard curriculum.
- Tutoring and Support: Consider seeking additional academic support, such as tutoring, to strengthen areas where you might need improvement. Learn more about Oxford University acceptance rates.
2. Personal Statement and References
Your personal statement is a critical component of your application, offering you the opportunity to showcase your passion for your chosen subject and your suitability for the course. References further bolster your application by providing external validation of your academic and personal qualities.
Crafting a Strong Personal Statement
A successful personal statement should be clear, well-structured, and reflective of your enthusiasm for your subject. It should articulate your academic interests, relevant experiences, and what you hope to gain from studying at Oxford.
Selecting Referees
Choose referees who know you well academically and can speak to your strengths, commitment, and potential. Their endorsements can significantly influence how admissions tutors perceive your application.
How to Improve:
- Review and Revise: Draft your personal statement early and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or advisors to refine it. Be sure to tailor it specifically to the course and college to which you’re applying.
- Strong References: Cultivate strong relationships with your teachers and mentors throughout your academic career. This will help ensure they can provide detailed, positive references that highlight your capabilities. Find Oxbridge admissions tutors here.
3. Admissions Tests
For many courses, Oxford requires applicants to take subject-specific admissions tests. These tests are designed to assess your aptitude for the course and are a critical part of the selection process.
Types of Tests
Depending on your chosen course, you may need to take tests such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), or the History Aptitude Test (HAT). Each test is designed to measure skills relevant to the course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, or subject-specific knowledge.
Test Preparation
Success in these tests often requires targeted preparation. Familiarity with the format, practicing past papers, and honing the specific skills tested can greatly improve your performance.
How to Improve:
- Start Early: Begin preparing for admissions tests well in advance. Use available resources such as past papers, sample questions, and preparation guides.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions: Simulate the test environment by practicing under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. Explore how to get into Oxford.
4. Interviews
If you progress through the initial stages of the Oxford application process, you will likely be invited to an interview. Oxford interviews are renowned for being intellectually challenging and are designed to assess your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach unfamiliar concepts.
Interview Format
The format of the interview varies by subject but often includes discussion of specific academic topics, problem-solving tasks, and questions designed to test your logical reasoning.
What Tutors Look For
Interviewers are looking for evidence of intellectual curiosity, the ability to think critically, and the capacity to engage with complex ideas. They are not just interested in what you know, but how you think.
How to Improve:
- Mock Interviews: Practice with mock interviews to get used to the format and the types of questions you might encounter. This can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance on the day.
- Engage with New Material: Regularly challenge yourself with new and difficult concepts in your subject area. This will help you become more comfortable with thinking on your feet and dealing with unfamiliar questions.
5. Extracurricular Activities
While Oxford’s primary focus is on academic excellence, your extracurricular activities can also play a significant role in your application. These activities provide insight into your interests, skills, and potential contributions to college
life.
Relevance to Your Course
Engaging in activities that are related to your intended course can strengthen your application. For example, involvement in a science club for a STEM course or participating in debates for a humanities course demonstrates a sustained interest in your field.
Leadership and Initiative
Activities that showcase your leadership abilities, creativity, and initiative, such as organizing events, leading teams, or starting new projects, can make you stand out.
How to Improve:
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on a few meaningful activities rather than trying to participate in as many as possible. Depth of involvement is more impressive than a long list of superficial commitments.
- Reflect on Your Experiences: Be prepared to discuss how your extracurricular activities have contributed to your personal development and how they relate to your course during interviews and in your personal statement.
In Summary
Gaining admission to an Oxford college is a challenging but achievable goal with the right preparation and support. By understanding the acceptance rates, preparing thoroughly, and proactively working to strengthen each aspect of your application, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether it’s excelling academically, crafting a compelling personal statement, performing well in admissions tests, or shining in the interview, each element of your application plays a vital role. By approaching the process with preparation and determination, you can make your Oxford dream a reality.
