What is Oxbridge and how to get there

In the mind of almost anyone, along with the phrase "the best university" two names pop up - Oxford and Cambridge. We all know about these two institutions of higher education, and for each of us, these names are already common, because they indicate the highest quality of education possible. In almost all existing rankings, these two universities are constantly fighting for first place and are always in the top five. But what do we know about Oxford and Cambridge? And most interestingly, how do we get there?

What's the difference? In our minds, these two universities are linked so tightly that there is even a special term for them, Oxbridge. They are indeed very similar: both are divided into colleges, both are among the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world, and both claim to be the best. However, Oxford and Cambridge are not the same, although the differences are extremely minor. Oxford is slightly older than Cambridge, by about 200-300 years. The exact date of Oxford's foundation is unknown, but in 1096 there were already students studying in it, and that's why we can say that it appeared in about X-XI centuries. Cambridge was founded in 1209, and, according to one version, it was done by scholars who left Oxford after a student killed a resident. While both universities offer the highest level of excellence in all programs offered, Oxford is considered the best in the humanities and social sciences, while Cambridge is the best in the sciences. Oxford has 38 colleges and Cambridge has 31. It's also worth remembering that Oxford and Cambridge are still cities, and life in them feels different. Oxford is noticeably larger than Cambridge, but Cambridge is a little closer to London, Oxford seems more alive, and Cambridge is more beautiful. Nevertheless, it is simply impossible to point out any particular attributes by which one will be noticeably better than the other, and so it is wise to leave this impossible task to the people who compile the university rankings.

How to get in

It's complicated. First, you have to understand that if you are an international student who graduated from a foreign school, you can't even count on getting in right after graduation. Even perfect English will not get you in. To enter any English university you need to complete the A-level qualification program and pass the appropriate exam. This program is the equivalent of the 10-11 grades with the difference that you get an international standard certificate. You can also do this in Russia by finding the appropriate courses. Such a certificate will be enough for any British university. Any except Oxford and Cambridge, which would be too easy. To get into Oxbridge, you have to pass a lot of entrance tests, and they vary from college to college. Also, your grades and language skills must be impeccable. And secondly, it is important to remember that studying in the UK is not free, and the best universities in the country will have to pay a truly steep price. Of course, there is a system of scholarships and grants, but for the most part, they do not fully cover the cost of education.

These two universities are like two fairy tale schools of magic - they change a person and divide his life into “before” and “after”. Unfortunately, not everyone can get there, but it's probably even better because in this way their unique mysterious and elitist image is preserved. A pity, of course, but nothing prevents us from visiting these wonderful cities and enjoying the atmosphere of the best educational institutions of Great Britain.