Most applicants will be asked to sit an Aptitude Test in early November, although this varies between colleges and courses. These written entrance examinations, introduced in order to allow brilliant candidates to shine, are carefully designed to test academic and intellectual potential rather than what has been taught at school.
Our subject specialists understand what Admissions Tutors are looking for; we offer structured Aptitude Test Preparation tuition which allows applicants to familiarise themselves with the papers whilst getting feedback from experts on how to stand out.
For those who pass the Aptitude Test, the next stage in an application to Oxford or Cambridge is an interview. Usually held in early December, interviews are probably the most distinctive element of the process. Our experts can explain what interviewers are really interested in and support candidates in preparing effectively.
Mock interviews are an extremely valuable way for applicants to gain insight into the process and push themselves out of their comfort zone; we find that doing this with an unfamiliar subject specialist, rather than a teacher at school, makes the experience far more realistic.
A pillar of our brand is about the personal touch and developing a strategy to best suit the needs of the student. After an in depth initial meeting, assessment and interview, our Oxbridge team are able to construct a roadmap which identifies work and requirements for the student every month up until the student would start their degree. By breaking down in detail what is required, we can coach the student carefully to draw out their full potential. For more information, please call 0207 034 0800 or email kate.f@hollandparkeducation.com.