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The Oxbridge Formula: How to get into Oxford & Cambridge for: 👉Maths 👉Computer Science 👉Physics 👉Engineering 👉Natural Sciences 👉Economics 👉PPE... and more!
Applying for a STEM subject or Economics at Oxford or Cambridge? 'The Oxbridge Formula' is the only guide you need to demystify the entire application process: from personal statement to admissions test to interview. Having received glowing endorsements from students, parents and teachers internationally, this book leaves no stone unturned.
534 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2020
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28 people want to read
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June 24, 2020I’m an Oxford Physics & Philosophy applicant and have always been pretty frustrated by the quality of information available on the admissions process, as sources contradict each other and even some parts of the Oxford website are out-of-date. I bought this book in the hope that it would help me understand the process to have a better idea of how to prepare and maximise my chances and I was not disappointed: the whole process is broken down step-by-step for each individual course at both Oxford and Cambridge, with subject-specific and even exam-specific advice on how to prepare, what to expect and how to approach the exam/interview on the day. I found the worked examples and whole interview scripts particularly useful because they made the steps of the process a lot more concrete and the reduced uncertainty about what’s to come definitely helps to reduce fear of the application process as well as approach it with a more tactical and prepared mind. Highly recommend.
July 24, 2020
This book reads like pudding with none of the guilt. Think of it like a Rough guide or a Lonely Planet walking you through an Oxbridge application. The Oxbridge Formula is aimed at an A-level student looking to prepare for their University applications and does not leave any stone unturned. Thoroughly researched and meticulously written, I can imagine it being a great comfort for both parents and prospective students alike.
It covers the degrees mainly offered by the STEM subjects with a very big emphasis on the Maths and a bonus chapter on philosophy. Each section highlights; The different variations of the degree (did you know Philosophy and Maths was an option?), how the subject is offered in Oxford vs Cambridge, what exams are needed, the expected work load in the first year (the thought is a workout in itself…) and interestingly recommended reads to deepen an understanding of a subject.
It looks and feels like a textbook, but it is peppered with excerpts from current students, tutors at the university and heads of colleges on what they have seen and would like to see in their interviews. This gives valuable insight, making the book more personable and adds a lot of warmth to the ruthless process of selection.
I thoroughly enjoyed the efficiency in which the book. There are QR codes in sections discussing exams that enables the reader to take a look at past papers instantaneously (provided you have an internet connection).
An underlying theme throughout the book is how ability, passion and potential is being sought in a successful candidate and how to display these three qualities throughout the application process be it the exams, the interviews or any experience that a candidate embarks on.
It doesn’t stop there…The Oxbridge Formula talks about the interview processes at different colleges, a variety of interview scripts, the successful personal statements and outlines of the sort of people that apply to the programme showing which ones are successful and which aren’t and most importantly why they didn’t succeed.
As someone who has graduated in an arts degree, I found the book very math heavy. There is a lot space dedicated to solving math questions and I wonder if those would have been more beneficial outside the book. I would wager that maths is the authors passion and that shows in the book. But once again, the volume of maths doesn’t detract from the mission of the book, it just makes it a bit cumbersome at times. But I say this as a person who has specialised in the humanities.
Like most parents, I want the best for my child, but having no clue on where to begin feels like the odds are stacked against you before you even begin. This book is like a hand guiding you through the dark labyrinth of the application process and the expectations that go with it.
Reading this book is like walking into a very well organised dinner party, where you’re handed a drink shown where the nibbles are, and you know the food is going to be as divine as the conversation.
It covers the degrees mainly offered by the STEM subjects with a very big emphasis on the Maths and a bonus chapter on philosophy. Each section highlights; The different variations of the degree (did you know Philosophy and Maths was an option?), how the subject is offered in Oxford vs Cambridge, what exams are needed, the expected work load in the first year (the thought is a workout in itself…) and interestingly recommended reads to deepen an understanding of a subject.
It looks and feels like a textbook, but it is peppered with excerpts from current students, tutors at the university and heads of colleges on what they have seen and would like to see in their interviews. This gives valuable insight, making the book more personable and adds a lot of warmth to the ruthless process of selection.
I thoroughly enjoyed the efficiency in which the book. There are QR codes in sections discussing exams that enables the reader to take a look at past papers instantaneously (provided you have an internet connection).
An underlying theme throughout the book is how ability, passion and potential is being sought in a successful candidate and how to display these three qualities throughout the application process be it the exams, the interviews or any experience that a candidate embarks on.
It doesn’t stop there…The Oxbridge Formula talks about the interview processes at different colleges, a variety of interview scripts, the successful personal statements and outlines of the sort of people that apply to the programme showing which ones are successful and which aren’t and most importantly why they didn’t succeed.
As someone who has graduated in an arts degree, I found the book very math heavy. There is a lot space dedicated to solving math questions and I wonder if those would have been more beneficial outside the book. I would wager that maths is the authors passion and that shows in the book. But once again, the volume of maths doesn’t detract from the mission of the book, it just makes it a bit cumbersome at times. But I say this as a person who has specialised in the humanities.
Like most parents, I want the best for my child, but having no clue on where to begin feels like the odds are stacked against you before you even begin. This book is like a hand guiding you through the dark labyrinth of the application process and the expectations that go with it.
Reading this book is like walking into a very well organised dinner party, where you’re handed a drink shown where the nibbles are, and you know the food is going to be as divine as the conversation.
June 9, 2022
Had some good points, but wasn't that relevant for graduate applications
June 16, 2020
It has been a while since I posted on education and most children (and their parents!) are missing the support of school at the moment so this is excellent timing for the publication of The Oxbridge Formula by Paarul Shah, Jessica Grindlay and Chris Parker.
If you have a child in years 11 or 12 likely to do well/ or having done well in their GCSEs then this book is well worth your time. Although principally aimed at those planing on studying sciences including medicine and the more mathematical subjects such as economics there is much good advice here for any student in lower 6th (year 12).
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge brings challenges that applications to other universities do not - the entrance exams and admissions interviews. These can be daunting to point of putting students off even considering an application, and can also be a minefield to navigate even if they do decide to go for it. Here, then, is your answer, clearly organised and full of sound good sense. - read more on Juxtabook.
If you have a child in years 11 or 12 likely to do well/ or having done well in their GCSEs then this book is well worth your time. Although principally aimed at those planing on studying sciences including medicine and the more mathematical subjects such as economics there is much good advice here for any student in lower 6th (year 12).
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge brings challenges that applications to other universities do not - the entrance exams and admissions interviews. These can be daunting to point of putting students off even considering an application, and can also be a minefield to navigate even if they do decide to go for it. Here, then, is your answer, clearly organised and full of sound good sense. - read more on Juxtabook.
July 13, 2020
As a student interested in applying for maths, physics and engineering at Oxbridge this book was extremely helpful to me. It gave me a detailed understanding of the course content of all of the subjects I wanted to find out more about and also provided me with a comprehensive guide to the application process. From personal statements, to Oxbridge assessments, to interviews, this book walked me through how to prepare and what to expect. The book includes critiqued personal statements which clarified to me what I should include in mine. It also explained very simply what assessments I have to sit for each subject and what I can do to prepare for these. I found the interview transcripts especially helpful. I found this book to be an invaluable aid in my preparation and it also really helped my parents to understand what applying to Oxbridge was all about.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews