FEATURED ESSAY
The Problem with the Perfect Applicant
Why exceptional grades and impressive achievements may still miss what Oxford and Cambridge are looking for.
Read the essayINSIGHTS
Ideas worth
following.
On subjects, course choice and the Oxford and Cambridge application.
FEATURED INSIGHT OF THE MONTH OCTOBER 2026
What Happens in an Academic Interview?
What Oxford and Cambridge tutors look for, why difficult questions matter, and how to prepare for a conversation you cannot predict.
By Arnab Ghosh General applicationRead the insight
ALL WRITING7 ESSAYS
- The Problem with the Perfect ApplicantWhy exceptional grades and impressive achievements may still miss what Oxford and Cambridge are looking for.
- Begin with the course, not the college.A more useful first question than which name looks best on an application.
- Oxford PPE and Cambridge HSPSTwo ways to study public life, with different disciplines at their centre.
- Applying from a US schoolBegin with the qualification you are taking, then the course you hope to study.
- Two Applications. One Student.How to consider Oxford and Cambridge alongside American universities without losing sight of the student behind both applications.
GENERAL APPLICATION4 ESSAYS
- The Problem with the Perfect ApplicantWhy exceptional grades and impressive achievements may still miss what Oxford and Cambridge are looking for.
- Begin with the course, not the college.A more useful first question than which name looks best on an application.
- What Happens in an Academic Interview?What Oxford and Cambridge tutors look for, why difficult questions matter, and how to prepare for a conversation you cannot predict.
- What would you count as evidence?A question that makes almost any subject more interesting.
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THE JOURNAL
Further reading.
Showing all writing
The application
What Happens in an Academic Interview?
What Oxford and Cambridge tutors look for, why difficult questions matter, and how to prepare for a conversation you cannot predict.
Read the essay
Courses & ideas
Begin with the course, not the college.
A more useful first question than which name looks best on an application.
Read the essayPPE & HSPS
Oxford PPE and Cambridge HSPS
Two ways to study public life, with different disciplines at their centre.
Read the essay
Applying from abroad
Applying from a US school
Begin with the qualification you are taking, then the course you hope to study.
Read the essay
Applying from abroad
Two Applications. One Student.
How to consider Oxford and Cambridge alongside American universities without losing sight of the student behind both applications.
Read the essayCourses & ideas
What would you count as evidence?
A question that makes almost any subject more interesting.
Read the essayEssays in this subject are in preparation.
Explore the subject
A question of your own?
Tell us what the student is exploring and where they are now.
Arrange a conversation