When to plan for Oxbridge and what to consider?

[brainfog2022]

Hear me out, I'm not a Tiger Mum asking what can my reception-aged child do to get in. No, DC is in Y8, excelled at the 11+ and has always excelled at school and teachers always comment on how exceptionally bright he is. Although I suspect lots of people will say that" you don't need to do anything, school will pick up whether DC is Oxbridge material" and then take it from there. But I also know, from an acquaintance, that people DO plan ahead (but may not be open about it), whether it is to encourage their DC to enter writing/science competitions or do extra work.

A bit of context. DC2 is very, very bright (sorry that sounds totally braggy, but is a statement of fact - I have other, older children so I have some comparison0. He's the kind of kid other kids and parents refer to as 'he's just so clever, how does he even know that stuff'? I'm sure they think that he is forced to do masses of revision when, in fact, he hardly does any at all. DC is a very stubborn child who likes to do his own thing (would never ask us to read through anything or test him). He doesn't just have a remarkable memory but makes real connections and has an extreme thirst for knowledge. He likes to read science books for fun (wish he would read fiction but just can't make him...maybe I should try the audio route...). But he's also very sociable and does a fair bit of sports and gaming. Definitely not hours of 'extra' work on top of homework (which he manages himself - I have seen some other kids' work and it has so obviously been with a heavy input from their parents).

I realise that he will be competing with lots of bright kids who work ALL HOURS to get top results. Sometimes, and they are lovely, when I meet some of these children they don't all have the spark I would imagine is necessary at Oxbridge, but no doubt their parents will ensure they work hard for hours on end to get there.

The main reason I think DC would adore Oxbridge is the tutorial system. I know DC would LOVE being in a room with exceptional academics, debating some obscure issue. I'm not sure he gets enough opportunity of this at school (which is understandable, the teachers can't accommodate this), although he is known for asking very pertinent but out-of-the-box questions. Of course, the choice of uni will ultimately come down to him.

Also wanted to add that DC2 is completely different from DC1 and DC3. DC1/DC3 both work an average amount, have results above average, one slightly less at times, but they certainly do not have DC2's memory nor ability to make connections/links across numerous subjects/topics. DC2 knows more about most things than many adults. But he's also stubborn so not sure what would be helpful.

So, to cut a long story short, being in Y8 now, what are the key things for DC2 to consider over the next few years?

Ravenclawdropout · Today 03:37

The advice I once saw about preparing the whole process early for US colleges was specifically for U.K. (all foreign?) students, because I suppose of any extra details that would need to be in place ready.

If you are in the U.K., applying only to Oxbridge, your work in school and any help with the form and possible interview (be ready to talk and explain your argument and follow an argument) is all you need. Plus as a poster said, your GCSEs carry a lot of weight normally.

Sorry, Ravenclawdropout, you are right that you need to choose the right A levels two years ahead to be sure they match the requirements of certain courses you might want to study.

No you misunderstand the system in the U.K. — there are two UCAS deadlines. If you want to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge (you can’t apply to both), you must submit all of your UCAS application to all universities by the early deadline.
No, you can start with oxbridge and add the others later. The UCAS website is clear - of course, by the time the OPs DS applies the rules and dates may have changed. Best advice is always to check official websites not rely on MN.

	15 October 2021 for 2022 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.  
	26 January 2022 for 2022 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – for the majority of courses. 

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/ucas-undergraduate-when-apply

@ErrolTheDragon that’s a recent change, but pretty much all candidates still apply with all choices for the early deadline. I do admissions at an Oxbridge college and the UCAS personal statements we see are aimed at all the choices the applicants apply to, not just us (we have an additional extra form they complete for us as well, but the PS goes to all the universities so it has to cover all courses they’re applying for).

Again, thank you so much for all your helpful advice and insights. We're many years off yet but it's useful to have this thread handy nearer the time (with the caveat that we'll obviously need to check official guidelines to ensure deadlines, advice haven't changed meanwhile).

I know friends with kids' at US universities and who are very happy there. Hadn't really thought about a US university, mainly due to the distance.

DC had an offer from Westminster School but, as hard as it was, we declined the offer of a place as it would have meant a one-hour commute (or, to make it shorter, a relocation) each day which DC was not keen on (and, to be fair, neither were we) so DC stayed more local.

We had originally applied as liked the ethos of 'loyal dissent' and the ability of the school of being able to go beyond the curriculum based on class room questions etc. was attractive. Ultimately we went with DC's wishes to go to the more local school plus commuting during Covid seemed like such a minefield. Might have made a big mistake there, only time will tell, but DC is very happy at the current school.

By the time DC is in Sixth Form, I should imagine discussions about where to go to university (in terms of location) will be very different!

Many thanks again for all your help.

Apologies I have not read the thread.

I wanted to share my experience, which was that when I went to interview for my senior school, I said ‘I want to go to Oxford or Cambridge’. And then I did.

What I’m trying to say is that I was extremely driven, even at age 10. And I drove the whole thing, my parents had no idea and no clue - neither of them went to university, although one parent did go to a poly when I was at senior school.

I know everyone is different, and perhaps people get in from parents being hugely involved, but really I feel it is down to the child, rather than the parent to drive it. Certainly at year eight or nine, I had nothing whatsoever on my side apart from drive, hard work, and good teachers.

Good luck to your DS, wishing him every success, he sounds hugely bright!