Oxbridge Tutoring & Admissions Support
72% of our students received an Oxbridge offer in 2024. We offer a wonderful opportunity to learn from and be inspired by a team of brilliant Oxbridge-educated minds. Beginning with an aptitude session, our students are meticulously prepared, with our support offering covering all stages of the application process, from personal statement to admissions test and Oxbridge interview preparation.
Oxbridge Admissions Components
STEP 1: Build evidence of wider reading and subject exploration
Entry to Oxford and Cambridge is notoriously challenging because there are no short-cuts. Students are expected to demonstrate true passion for their subject(s) and intellectual curiosity, which involves independent exploration outside school. You can never start too early on this; most successful candidates start at least 12-18 months prior to submitting their application.
U2 is here to guide this preparation through mentoring sessions, research experiences, accompanied visits to lectures, talks and debates etc. Our ‘beyond the syllabus’ Summer Schools (each hosted by two Oxbridge mentors in your course) are also highly recommended.
STEP 2: Decide on Oxford University vs. Cambridge University, the right course and college
How do I decide between the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge? Have I chosen the right subject? How would specific course choices affect my chances of success? How will course choice affect potential career pathways? What’s the difference between the colleges?
These are natural questions that arise when it comes to preparing your application. U2’s mentors went through this process themselves and are best placed to offer advice. We also offer taster days, with guided visits to Oxford and Cambridge, where you can shadow a current undergraduate / postgraduate in your subject of interest.
STEP 3: Prepare UCAS application and personal statement
The personal statement is a vital element of your UCAS application (deadline is typically mid-October), and is often used as a springboard for discussion during an interview. Cambridge also requires a Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ).
U2’s Oxbridge tutors hold close insight into what Oxbridge admissions tutors like to see, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, utilising material explored in our extra-curricular masterclasses or research projects, or students’ own endeavours. Personal statement sessions can include preliminary planning and content brainstorming, strengthening evidence of further subject exploration e.g. via provision of reading lists, support with opening paragraphs and structure and polishing, reviewing and proof-reading the final piece.
STEP 4: Prepare for Oxbridge admissions tests
Our Oxbridge tutors have extensive experience in preparing students for the challenging aptitude tests including the TSA, UCAT, LNAT, and ELAT. These examine not only subject-specific knowledge, but also skills such as abstract reasoning, situational judgement, and decision-making. We will help you create a clear and concise plan on how to prepare for and tackle the different elements of each paper. This can include creating a preparation action plan, unlimited hours of test-specific training, tailored mock tests, and detailed feedback sessions/ reporting.
We also offer some group admissions test courses for final intensive preparation in the Summer and Autumn Term (click below for more details). Tests not offered in a group format are all available one-to-one.
STEP 5: Start interview practice
Oxbridge interviews are designed to replicate the tutorial-style of learning. On U2’s Oxbridge Programme, students will engage in regular tutorial sessions, in which they will explore content written in the personal statement, subject-specific material and new concepts that could be discussed at interview. U2 holds a bank of over 1000 past interview questions, across all subject areas. These are made available to all students on our Oxbridge programmes, or can be purchased separately.
We encourage attendance to our mock interview day and / our online mock interview prep course. Here, you will receive a communication skills workshop, and four mock interviews, held by different Oxbridge experts / graduates.
Meet our Oxbridge Tutors
Exceptional Academic Background
We pair students with an Oxbridge tutor from their exact target course, to act as a mentor through the process. Many have impressive accolades e.g. recipients of the Oxford Gibbs Prize, placed in top 10 of their cohort etc.
Our tutors typically pursue their passion for their subjects post-undergraduate level e.g. through a Masters degree or PhD, exciting research positions or solely via teaching!
On top of their own exceptional academic record, we ensure mentors have strong application experience.
Inspiring Success
By introducing advanced topics and engaging in intellectually stimulating discussions, our Oxbridge tutors inspire applicants to explore their subjects in greater depth, preparing them to excel in the rigorous academic environment of Oxbridge.
Through their own love for the subject matter, your experienced tutor will instil a genuine passion for learning in students, helping them to not only meet but exceed the expectations of Oxbridge admissions, ultimately contributing to their success.
In-Depth Knowledge of the Process
Our Oxbridge tutors are chosen from recent graduates, master's, and Ph.D. holders, to ensure they have an intimate understanding of the current admissions process, having recently navigated it themselves.
Their close proximity to the process enables them to offer real-time, relevant advice, including insights into current professors and colleges, updated entrance requirements, and the nuances of specific courses, providing applicants with a distinct advantage in their preparation.
U2 Oxbridge Interview Guides
U2 Oxbridge Resources
Frequently Asked Questions for Oxbridge Tutoring
What courses do you offer Oxbridge tuition for?
We have Oxbridge tutors in every single course! From the more traditional courses to others not typically studied at school such as Archaeology and Anthropology or Materials Science.
So, whether you need an English literature or economics tutor, we can help you secure a place at your dream university!
Are Oxbridge tuition lessons available online or in-person
We offer both in-person and online tutoring options to cater to your preferences and convenience. Our online Oxbridge tutoring allows you to access expert guidance from anywhere in the world, while in-person sessions offer a face-to-face learning experience at your own home. Our service area for in-person sessions is typically London, though we have some tutors in other areas of the UK (enquire to find out more).
Is online Oxbridge tutoring effective?
Certainly, online Oxbridge tuition proves just as effective as face-to-face sessions. In fact, it offers unique advantages, especially considering that most Oxbridge interviews are now conducted online. This mode of learning has evolved considerably thanks to technological advancements, ensuring a dynamic and interactive educational experience similar to traditional, in-person teaching.
Online Oxbridge tutoring presents various benefits. It provides greater flexibility in scheduling, as geographical limitations no longer apply. You can choose from a wider array of skilled tutors. Moreover, it offers the convenience of learning from your preferred environment. Our tutors are well-versed in using interactive platforms, video conferencing, and collaborative tools to facilitate effective communication and engagement.
Furthermore, online resources, practice tests, and digital study materials are easily shared and accessible, enhancing your learning experience. Embracing online Oxbridge tuition not only prepares you for the virtual interview format but also offers a versatile, interactive, and convenient way to excel in your studies and admissions tests.
What types of Oxbridge support do you offer at U2 Tuition?
At U2 Tuition, we’re passionate about supporting students, and we provide comprehensive Oxbridge support, including personal statement guidance, admissions test preparation, and Oxbridge interview coaching. We have a vast team of over 700 Oxbridge tutors, allowing us to match each student with a dedicated mentor specialising in their precise course of application. Our tailored one-to-one sessions cover all aspects of the application process to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
So, whether you're applying to Pembroke College, Oxford or King's College, Cambridge, our tutors have years of experience in helping Oxbridge applicants receive their acceptance letter.
Can you tell me more about your co-curricular division, Minds Underground?
Certainly! Minds Underground, our co-curricular division, offers a range of enriching activities to enhance students’ university applications. We host Oxbridge Summer Schools and provide various super-curricular activities such as research experiences that students can highlight on their application, demonstrating their commitment to academic exploration and intellectual curiosity.
Do you offer any group courses for admissions tests?
Yes, we do. In addition to one-to-one admissions test tutoring sessions, U2 Tuition conducts small group courses for admissions tests such as BMAT, LNAT, and MAT. These courses provide valuable insights and practice to help students excel in their assessments.
Do you offer Oxbridge interview tutoring? What else do you offer by way of Oxbridge interview preparation?
We offer one-to-one preparation sessions, preparing students for each question format they may have to tackle in their Oxbridge interview. Students are provided with materials to structure their own Oxbridge interview preparation too outside of sessions. We also organise Oxbridge Mock Interview Days during the Autumn Term, available online, to replicate the process and help students prepare thoroughly for their Oxbridge interviews.
What is the process for getting an Oxbridge tutor?
Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to us through our contact page or give us a call. We'll schedule an initial consultation and diagnostic session to discuss your academic goals and learning needs. From there, we'll create a customised tutoring plan tailored to your requirements. We are usually very quick to respond and would expect to have you matched with a tutor within 24 hours, or sometimes even the same day!
How quickly can you match me with an Oxbridge tutor?
Our goal is to promptly connect students with well-suited Oxbridge tutors, typically achieving this within 24 hours for a seamless and productive learning journey! Occasionally, matches with a professional tutor may occur even faster, while in some instances, it might take a bit more time to identify the ideal tutor who perfectly meets your criteria. Be assured that our primary focus is on quality matching rather than rushing the process. To gain a more precise estimate of how quickly we can pair you with an Oxbridge tutor tailored to your unique needs, we recommend reaching out to U2 Tuition directly for a personalised discussion.
Do you offer a free trial for your Oxbridge tutoring?
Your first Oxbridge lesson will be billed at our standard hourly rate, however we remain in constant contact with both our clients and tutors and are more than happy to re-arrange or re-assign you a new tutor if you are unhappy for any reason. There is no fixed commitment to continue following the initial session and no joining fee. We usually match very well the first time though and rigorously select our Oxbridge tutors so they are the best of the best!
Do you offer tuition for other universities?
Absolutely! If Oxbridge isn't for you, we also offer tutoring for Russell Group universities, such as University College London and Imperial College London, as well as Ivy League Universities like Harvard and Yale.
What other types of tuition do you offer?
Aside from admissions tutoring, we also offer undergraduate degree tutoring to help you achieve your goals during your studies.
Looking to achieve a first class degree? Contact us about our degree tuition.