Oxbridge 2025

[SnowFairy2000]

Let's start the journey here !!!

Thank you @foxglovetree. Much appreciated💐

@ErrolTheDragon yes, that is a great way to look at it and definitely how I'm going to sell it to ds, thank you.

@Indi24 - how kind, thank you! 🙏I'll drop you a PM now.

Thanks for that @poetryandwine. I wasn’t aware of the ins and outs like you but yes I know it requires considerable preparation. DS has been doing some prep for it over the hols and actually enjoying it, not as much prep as he would like due to a grotty cold ! It’s tid bits like this that make MN really helpful !

DD will also be sitting it. I wish they could know their score before applying!

Good luck to your DD! For a computer-based multiple-choice exam, you would think that the marks would be available quickly...! Perhaps they don't want applicants jumping to conclusions about who will be invited to interview.

For those sayimg they would wish they could know entrance exam scores earlier, bear in mind in most instances the entrance is not based on one elememt. It is a case of building up a picture. So exam, interview. A level / IB predictions, past qualifications etc. No single element stands on its own.

With Oxford if you get a very high score in the entrance test you will likely be invited for an interview. Below a certain score, without any extenuating circumstances, you are unlikely to be invited for interview. Which leaves an in between group where all the available contextual information is looked at and taken into account and individual decisions made on who they interview. Usually 3 people for every place.

Anyone got any tips for TMUA - Maths for Imperial, Warwick and Cambridge?

TMUA isn't for Maths at Cambridge - I think you need STEP

STEP was discontinued in 2024 so 2025 applicants need to do the TMUA.

Hi, @Coldilocks

If your DC is in England the Advanced Maths Support Programme offers very reasonable tuition. Their online materials are also available to all.

RUK may have their own versions of the AMSP, also.

And he isn’t applying for Maths.

PS, as mentioned above, the AMSP also provides tuition and materials for STEP and the other Maths exams

With respect to use if the AMSP, it doesn’t natter what DC is applying for

@Coldilocks STEP hasn't been discontinued! Maths still needs it. However, Computer Science, which used to need STEP, now wants the new TMUA instead. At least, that's how I understand the situation.

Yes. So any tips about TMUA? Thanks to @poetryandwine for good pointers.

@Coldilocks The registration and booking for TMUA is open now, so if you haven't already, I would get it booked. They have to sit it at a Pearson Vue centre which are somewhat spread out, depending where you are based.

This is the link to the official practice papers, specification etc: esat-tmua.ac.uk/prepare/

Thanks @FiveFoxes The test is already booked so the link to the last papers is much appreciated.

if you DS really is passionate about French then Id encourage him to follow that passion…

It's not unknown to be offered a single subject when applying for joint, if they impress one lot of interviewers more than the other, so definitely worth trying.

Anyone know when does STEP needs to be booked ? Is it done at certain exam centres around the country ?
Anyone’s DC struggling with choices other than Oxbridge ? Luckily DS doesn’t want to go to London (we’d struggle cost-wise anyway), heard on other threads that Durham has financial issues, DS’s 2nd choice is a great uni for his subject (maths/physics) but it just feels a bit meh to stay locally (we live 30 mins out of Manchester).

https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/step-mathematics/how-to-register/

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/after/sixth-term-exam-STEP

I am one of those not very impressed by Durham’s financial profile - specifically, their liquidity - but I don’t think there is any real risk they will go bust in the next 5 years and I am sorry if I alarmed you. (Whether they will make economies and whether UG students will feel these is a different question, and I am not prepared to offer an opinion)

You are so right that for Physics in particular Manc is an outstanding choice! Too bad it is on your doorstep. Maths also looks solid

What about Lancaster, Bath, Glasgow? I used to think Bath was the hidden gem of UK STEM HE, but now it is very visibly thriving and IMO Glasgow and Lancaster are in that role. Both are doing very well in terms of Teaching and Learning/Student Experience and both made fantastic strides in the last REF (national research ranking) in a number of STEM disciplines. IIRC both were top 10 in Maths

Yes Bath is another choice. Agree re Glasgow too !

@Thekatzenjammerkid my ds wants to do physics and like you were not far from Man and DS doesn't want to stay local. Ds liked Warwick and Durham. His teacher has told him to look at Nottingham and Lancaster as well.

Best of luck to your ds. It'd be nice to have a similar family to go through the process with.