Applying to Oxbridge

Oxford and Cambridge tend to run traditional academic courses with an emphasis on small-group tuition, and assessment is more often based 100% on examinations.
At Oxford, students are guaranteed accommodation with their college in the first year. Some colleges offer accommodation for the entirety of their degree, but many students choose to arrange their own elsewhere in the city. At Cambridge, students live within their college’s designated accommodation throughout their studies. Most student housing is on site or close by.
The city of Oxford lies around 60 miles north-west of London, which takes about an hour to reach by train. Cambridge town is around 60 miles north of London, and takes under an hour to get to.
Both universities are collegiate, where individual colleges and academic departments comprise the university. Every student belongs to a college, an academic department and the university itself, meaning you have the benefits of belonging to a large university and a small and friendly community.
Oxford usually assesses students at the end of the first and final years, and the final degree classification is based on the final-year exams. At Cambridge, students are often assessed at the end of each year, where their final degree classifications are based on these collective results.
Both universities welcome interested students to one of their many open days and events. It’s a good idea to visit and see which one you prefer.
To apply to Oxford or Cambridge, students must apply online via UCAS before 6pm (GMT) on 15 October. Both universities often ask applicants to complete a written assessment as part of the application. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited to an interview.
Those applying to Cambridge may have to complete a Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA) and a Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) to support their UCAS application. Those applying to Oxford don’t usually need to submit any extra forms.
Typical entry standards at Oxford are AAA – A*A*A at A Level, 38 – 40 points at IB, or equivalent. Typical entry standards at Cambridge are A*AA – A*A*A at A Level, 40 – 42 points at IB, or equivalent.

Taken from https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/oxford-vs-cambridge

Your Oxford or Cambridge application

As well as your academic ability and potential, admission tutors look at your skills and motivation to go beyond what’s required for your current studies. For example, evidence you can study independently, are willing to embrace new ideas, and can explore and discuss ideas and opinions in a logical and considered way. Showing you have self-discipline is very important, as you’ll need to manage your time well.

You must demonstrate how you have met the above criteria in your application.

Key stages of your application

Choose a course: Check the specific details of what courses will cover
Choose a college: If you have no preference, make an 'open' application
UCAS application: The Oxbridge application deadline is earlier than the standard UCAS deadline, at 6pm (GMT) on 15 October each year, regardless of whether it falls on a weekend. This is the same deadline date as for Medicine, Dentistry and Vet Science
University forms: You may be required to complete one or more additional forms
University tests: For most subjects, additional tests will be required. They may take place prior to, or during your interview
Written work: You may be asked to submit some written work
Interview: If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview in December
Decision: You will know if you were successful by the end of January

Additional elements of the application are covered in greater detail below.

Please note: Overseas students may have different deadlines to those for UK or EU students. Please check with the relevant university.

Taken from https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/guide-to-applying-for-oxford-and-cambridge-university

Interviews

Cambridge interviews around 75% of undergraduate applicants. At Oxford, where applications are around six per place, around half of all applicants are shortlisted for interview. For the most competitive degrees, the applicants who most closely meet the selection criteria may have multiple interviews.