Is it difficult to get into Oxford?

Question

Im from the US and frankly, Im sick of it here. I want to study abroad and Oxford is my first choice. What can you tell me about getting in, finances, student life, etc.?

Answer 1

it's extremely difficult. financially, it's great, because england has capped tuition for all universities at 3000 pounds (about $6000). i'm not sure if it would be the same for foreign students, but it's certainly less than tuition in america.
other than that, it's tough. i know very few people who have gotten in, and those who did were absolutely top-drawer students. you've gotta work pretty hard if you want to go out for oxford or cambridge.
student life in europe is rather different from the US. the university doesn't sponsor nearly so many activities as american colleges do. they provide you with professors, dormitories, and loads and loads of schoolwork. after that you're kind of on your own.

bottom line, it's tough. the good news is, even if you go to an american university, you'll be able to study abroad for a year if you want to. you can get the oxford experience without actually getting into oxford, and everyone i know has loved taking a year abroad.
best of luck.

Answer 2

Oxford has a very academic focus to its selection procedure. A lot of the Americans in my year had 1600 on their SATs and quite a few APs. Also I was talking to my tutor about admissions once and he told me that the overseas students who bother coming to Oxford for interviews generally triple their chances.

Answer 3

Getting in is impossible for someone who says that they are "sick of" anything anywhere. There is an interview, and the interviewers are sharp to every possible character defect that would make you a worse choice for one of their available places. Brighten up, develop a positive attitude to life, and maybe you would have a chance.