What does it take to get into Oxford?

Question

I am going into tenth grade and i desperately want to get into Oxford.I got a c in algebra honors last year and a c in english 1 honors.Both because of my memorization skills.I recently joined a program that helps me work on it.I have quit almost everything in my social life and am concentrating on studying Italian outside of school(i am already taking French)and playing the piano.I am fairly sure i will be able to get straight A's this year.Will that be enough?What more do i need!?

Answer 1

Most large universities like Oxford take a strong interest in your extracurricular activities. You have to be able to show that you are able to balance a social life and community involvement with your studies.

Answer 2

you will need excellent grades, extra curricular activities, and community involvement... and even then you might not get in...

Answer 3

I'm guessing you are from America. Here is what I took from the Oxford University website of the US qualifications you need.

US qualifications

"Successful candidates would typically have an excellent High School record supplemented by SAT I scores of at least 1,400 in Critical Reading and Mathematics and preferably also 700 or more in the Writing Paper, giving a combined score of at least 2,100, or ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. We would also expect Grade 5 in two or more Advanced Placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT II two or three appropriate subjects at 700 or better."

Oxford University has a world-class reputation for academic excellence and is accessible to all students of talent and ability, whatever their background. Oxford is one of the few universities in the world that bases its teaching on the tutorial system, which means more individual attention and teaching from your tutors, tailored to your learning needs. Many Oxford tutors are international experts in their chosen fields. This engagement with research and scholarship enables students to have an enhanced understanding of their subject discipline.

College life is one of the University’s greatest assets, since a close college community provides a friendly and welcoming home for students who are living away for the first time. Students soon get to know each other, and tutors get to know students individually, enabling them to respond to their individual academic needs.

Students have access to resources across the University: unrivalled libraries, sports facilities, laboratories, language-learning opportunities, computer equipment and music facilities. Oxford University provides a diverse study environment: undergraduate students represent over 130 nationalities as well as all nations and regions of the UK.  

Learning two languages is impressive and so is learning the piano. Try the best you can. All the extra-curricluar activities help, but what Oxford really wants is a student who shows signs of being very enthusiastic about the course they want to take and they have academic potential. Be sure to demonstrate your skills and that you are able to balance between your studying and hobbies.

Bear in mind that you will have to write a perosnal statement, an application, have an interview (sometimes two) and depending on which course you want to study, it may be required to sit an exam.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergrad...

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergrad...

Good luck, hope this helps.