Application for US students to Cambridge and Oxford? Differences in educational systems?

Question

I am an 11th grade student in the US and am thinking about applying to either Cambridge or Oxford. I was wondering what differences there are in the American and English educational systems, requirements for both colleges, and any advice.

Serious responses only please.

Thanks

Answer 1

The most important thing, initially, is that kids in the UK start school a year earlier than kids in the US do. So by the time they graduate "high school", they have one extra year. Thus most bachelor's degree granting progams in the UK take three years to complete, not four.

The issue for you is that Oxford and Cambridge will thus only accept a US student who has either completed the IB, rather than a typical highschool degree, or else who has completed one year at a US college or university.

Both unis have pages on their websites specifically for non-EU applicants, so you can check there for more info on this.

Other than that, the methods of teaching differ between US universities and UK universities. At a US uni, you have formal classes with other students and a teacher who leads them. In the UK, it tends to be more of a one-on-one, tutoring type of relationship. In the US, it's normal that you'd have assignments during the semester, and at least two exams. In the UK, many classes have only one exam - the final. And that's it. Thus, you need to be rather self-motivated to learn what you need to learn and do well in the class.

In the US, it's relatively easy to change your major, even up until your Junior year in some cases. In the UK, once you enter a programme, it's difficult to impossible to change the subject you read (your major).

At Oxford and Cambridge, the schools are divided up into colleges. You get most of your support - including any financial aid, your tutors (professors), your computer labs, your food, your social life - from your college, rather than from the university at large. So when you apply to one of these unis, you also apply to a specific college. There are resources available for learning about the reputation and support of each individual college. I've provided a link to a resource, below, for Oxford.

If you're looking at Oxford and Cambridge, also look at similar level schools here in the US. Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Amherst College, Williams College, etc. Because I'd argue that the university system in the US is stronger than that of the UK. If you need financial help, you're also more likely to get more of that in the US than in the UK, since you'd be a foreign student there.

However, if I were to pick the two strongest UK unis for undergraduates, it'd be Oxbridge.

Answer 2

Some extra facts which you should be aware of are:

(1) a UK student cannot apply to both Oxford and Cambridge, except in one very rare special case. You should expect to find the same restriction.

(2) a Cambridge application is made to one specific college of its twenty-plus colleges. If that college turns you down, usually that's it. Very rarely, you may get an offer from some other college via the "pool".

(3) I understand that the Oxford system is less college-specific, but still college-oriented; you do not apply to the University as a whole.

Answer 3

The Oxford/Cambridge system (referred to as Oxbridge) is so different from the traditional US college system you will think you're on another planet. Students are a member of a college, but might not take any courses in that actual quad or building. Your college is your social hub and the University is your educational source. At Oxbridge you have to be matriculated and wear a special uniform called Sub Fusc to certain events, such as dinner and meetings.
There are still lots of parties, dances and social events. Oxford won't let you work while you're a student. The prestige and the experience of getting an Oxbridge degree seem to be worth the effort for highly intelligent people who are hard working and competitive.

Answer 4

As far as I know, both American and English Education system are need high SAT scores in order to apply for top five college. No difference both are the same.

Answer 5

This is all precise however, the whole lot alterations on the school degree. People come from each country to wait our faculties. I feel we ought to permit scholars in prime university to graduate previous whilst they have got no intentions of school. They can input the paintings drive and attain the revel in and apprenticeship they desire and ought to extra their desires. Our American mum and dad and grandparents weren't pressured to stick in university just like the early life of at present. It is a failing academic procedure and demands reform in lots of materials of the nation. Our coverage for scholars is sort of a big daycare for younger humans. The ability and possibility for many who are school certain might be equipped to pursue a greater collective mind and for that reason math and technology might have an effect on at the early life who're equipped and inclined to develop and for that reason advantage our country and the sector.