How can I get a scholarship to Oxford as an overseas student?

Question

I live in the US, but plan on going to Oxford in hopes of someday teaching history there.

How hard is it to get a scholarship as an overseas student? How hard is it to get into the school at all?

What can I do to have a good chance at the scholarship?

Does the high school I go to now affect anything?

I go to a public school. Would going to, for example, a School for the Arts (I play violin) help my chances any?

I heard that Oxford doesn't really like a big long list of extra curricular activities. Is this true?

If not, are there are particular activities that would catch their eye? Right now all I do is hunter jumping on horses and I play violin.

Answer 1

The system is different to that in the US.  British universities do not give scholarships as tuition for locals is paid for by the government.  In addition, as a foreigner, they charge you much more than locals and therefore you are a good source of money for them.

What scholarships there are are generally for graduate students, for which the universities do, to some extent, compete.

Answer 2

You could apply to become a Rhodes scholar. Bill Clinton was one. Do a search and see what's required. It will be ALOT of hard work. Good luck.