Should I go to Cambridge or Oxford?

Choosing between Cambridge and Oxford depends on your course, preferred city vibe, and specific academic needs, as both offer world-class education but differ in atmosphere, with Oxford often seen as larger and more urban, while Cambridge feels more compact and quintessentially "college town," though you can't apply to both in the same year. Focus on the specific course content, as subject offerings and structures vary, and visit if possible to gauge which city and collegiate atmosphere feels best for you.

Is it better to visit Oxford or Cambridge?

Choose Oxford if you want dense historic architecture, famous college interiors, and museum options. Choose Cambridge if you prefer picturesque riverside scenery, punting, and a more relaxed outdoor day.

Should I go to Oxford or Cambridge University?

Both Oxford and Cambridge have prestigious reputations – and there isn't much that seperates them. You can often find Oxford or Cambridge alternating between first and second place in the annual university league tables, and they are both respected by academics and employers globally.

Is it easier to get into Oxford or Cambridge for maths?

Cambridge CS is easier to get into. It's also far easier to get a Cambridge maths offer but passing the STEP condition is very difficult (around 50% of offer holders fail to do so).

Is it easier to get into Oxford or Cambridge for law?

It's safe to say that LSE is much easier to get into. Oxford is considerably harder, and Cambridge is known to have the highest entry requirements in the UK. (Note that I'm just talking about entry requirements, not necessarily the quality of the programme/rankings).

Oxford Vs Cambridge: Which is Best for a Tourist?

Do you need all 9s to get into Cambridge?

Yes, your grades will need to really dazzle. GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt.

Which is safer, Cambridge or Oxford?

Both Oxford and Cambridge are among the safest cities in Britain –surveysdifferon which is safer and how they compare to other British cities, but it's fair to say that for their size, there is unusually little crime in both, especially in the student areas in and around the city centre.

Do you need all 9s to get into Oxford?

First, let's look at what GCSEs you will need to get into Oxford. Oxford has explained its stance on GCSE results in multiple places. In all instances, the same message is made fairly clear; there are no set GCSE requirements but it is recommended that applicants have a high proportion of 7, 8 and 9 Grades.

Can you get into Cambridge with a * a * a?

Although a general offer from Cambridge would require A*A*A-A*AA at A level, many courses or colleges include specific subject requirements that you need to meet. Even if your chosen course does not have any/many specific A level subject requirements, you should check Cambridge's general subject preferences here.

Is it easier to get into Cambridge or Oxford as an international student?

Acceptance Rates

The success rates for international students are even lower, with only 7.6% of applicants accepted at Oxford and 11.1% at Cambridge in 2024.

Is Cambridge or Oxford prettier?

In terms of differences between the two locations, Cambridge is generally considered a little prettier, while Oxford has a bit more going on – but of course this will depend on who you ask.

Who is Oxford's rival?

Academic. Rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge in academic reputation has been prominent for much of their history.

Why can't you apply for Oxford and Cambridge?

Both universities rely on resource-intensive admissions processes that involve reviewing personal statements, conducting admissions tests, and running interviews. If applicants could apply to both universities, admissions teams would have to handle an even larger number of applications.

How to decide between Oxford and Cambridge?

1. 5 Key Differences between Oxford and Cambridge. ...
2. Oxford is bigger and livelier; Cambridge is smaller and quieter. ...
3. Cambridge and Oxford universities offer different subjects. ...
4. Oxford is (slightly) more traditional. ...
5. The weather is different. ...
6. The setting is different.

Which university is harder to get into?

26 Hardest Colleges to Get Into

1. 1. California Institute of Technology. ...
2. Harvard University. ...
3. Columbia University. ...
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ...
5. Stanford University. ...
6. Brown University. ...
7. University of Chicago. ...
8. Yale University.

Can you do Oxford and Cambridge in one day?

It is possible to visit both Cambridge and Oxford in one day, and booking a day trip to Oxford and Cambridge from London can be an efficient way to experience the best of both cities.

Is 3 A levels enough for Cambridge?

The reality is that three A-levels are enough for nearly all university applications, including to top institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics. These universities base their offers on three subjects.

How hard is it to get into Cambridge University as an American?

Getting into Cambridge as an American is very difficult, requiring near-perfect academic scores (like five AP 5s, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT) and exceptional subject-specific achievement, as Cambridge focuses intensely on academic potential rather than extracurriculars, with low acceptance rates for US applicants (around 6-7% in 2024). You must demonstrate deep subject passion through challenging coursework, high test scores, specific admissions tests, and potentially interviews, essentially aiming for top-tier US university standards but with a UK-centric academic focus. 

Is a * AA enough for Oxford?

Oxford Entry Requirements

Oxford expects students to achieve top grades as evidence of their academic potential and diligence. The specific grade requirements vary depending on the course you wish to study, but A-level students typically need A* A* A or AAA as a minimum.

What GCSEs did Kate Middleton get?

Kate Middleton achieved 11 GCSEs at Marlborough College and later earned As in Maths and Art, and a B in English for her A-Levels, before graduating with a 2:1 in History of Art from St Andrews University, where she met Prince William. Her strong academic performance included taking a gap year before university, where she volunteered with Raleigh International in Chile. 

Is a 3.7 GPA good for Oxford?

Undergraduate qualifications

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, you will usually need a bachelor's degree with an overall grade of Class 1, 'A' or 80%, or a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0.

Does Oxford prefer 4 A-levels?

Not only this, but Oxford does not expect you to take an extra AS Level in Year 12 on top of your three A-Level subjects. It's important not to stretch yourself too thinly when it comes to demonstrating your academic excellence, which is why it is better to get three stunningly good grades than four mediocre ones.

Is it safe to walk at night in Cambridge?

At night, avoid walking alone in places such as parks and side streets or any unfamiliar environment. If you must walk, then stick to busy places where there is a lot of activity and good lighting.

Is it better to stay in Oxford or Cambridge?

Cambridge is easier and more charming — with its lovely gardens along the River Cam. Oxford is more substantial with lots more to see and do. If you're choosing between them, consider this: Cambridge feels like a lazy, easygoing small town; Oxford has more urban energy and more stately buildings than its rival.

Which city in England is the safest?

Safest overall: Based on a 2024 crime-index study of 105 UK towns and cities, Harrogate, Wokingham, Chester, Sevenoaks and Horsham occupy the top five spots, with crime index scores between roughly 17 and 23 (lower scores indicate safer areas).