The key challenge with both Oxbridge and medical school applications is that submitting projected high grades in core subjects is just the starting point of a successful application: As Anna Matthews-Stroud, Director, Kings Colleges says, “Excellent grades are a standard requirement so how else can you make your application stand out?”

Planning far ahead for these applications is critical: “Candidates for Oxbridge should show that they have really gone over and above in their subject, attended pre-university courses, have excellent critical thinking skills and taken part in national awards. When looking at our candidates who have received offers this year, all of them did significant extension work and were able to talk about their work experience at interview, ”says Henrietta Lightwood, Global Director Marketing and Admissions, Dukes Education.

Likewise for medicine, completing meaningful, long term work placements are a vital part of creating a very strong application: “All universities will want to see that you have completed work experience but they really value long term placements. For example, a year volunteering in a care home or with St John’s Ambulance will work more in your favour than a few weeks long experiences at a GP practice.  A deeper, longer, more varied experience will allow you to provide richer answers when you are asked at interview what you really learnt from your work placements,” says Cory Lowde, Headmaster at Box Hill School.

Schools and colleges also play a key role in helping students identify a passion for a subject, be it medicine or another subject a student may wishes to study at Oxbridge, years before an application needs to be made. “Throughout a student’s time with us, we work with them to develop innate abilities and interests: You cannot manufacture a doctor or Oxbridge candidate. It is vital to be available to support these students both formally and informally -developing students with inquiring minds and independent thought will enable them to produce stand out applications,” says Anna Matthews-Stroud.

The value of actively supporting and encouraging a student, both inside and outside the classroom on a long term basis, is amply demonstrated by this example from King’s Ely School: Alice Wallace joined King’s Ely as a Nursery pupil in 2007; “My teachers really went above and beyond for me throughout my time at King’s. Within my GCSE and A-Level courses, my teachers responded to my countless confused, and rather lengthy emails even on Sundays and the holidays, whilst they also organised extra lessons for me, saw me at lunch times, or after or before school. This extra support became even clearer when I was preparing for my Oxford interview, where I had several extra lessons a week with different teachers, with some even organising mock interviews for me! I definitely could not have got into Oxford without their support.”

Having an inquiring mind and a proven interest in the subject be it Medicine or another subject for Oxbridge entry is vital, but for Oxbridge entry, it is really important to show that this knowledge is not just confined to a narrow study area.

At many schools, students aiming for Oxbridge are rightly encouraged to take a broad, active interest in current affairs and get involved with the school’s debating society. Particularly for Oxbridge interviews, interviewees need to be prepared to be asked about recent news stories that may not be directly related to their chosen subject. Oxbridge interview questions frequently reference domestic political issues and international current affairs. Showing poise and self-awareness at interview only comes from practice…

For medicine applicants, whilst a wide ranging general knowledge is less of a requirement than for Oxbridge, knowing about government health priorities and challenges to NHS provision are vital .

For example, recent MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) questions for medical school applicants have included questions about how the NHS should deal with the growing financial burden of obesity. To this end, The Avicenna Club at King’s Ely Senior, aimed at potential Medics and Vets of all ages, follows a specific programme within which every pupil is encouraged to study the history of the British National Health Service, reflect on ethical issues to do with Medicine, and present on topics of interest in Medical and Veterinary Science. This structure recognises the demanding nature of MMI interviews.

Overall, the schools & colleges best equipped to support students aspiring to gain a place at the most selective Universities and/or a course in medicine need to focus on; very early preparation, identifying & supporting relevant work experience & offering wide ranging support over a long period of time.