Many Oxbridge hopefuls also want to be successful when applying to Ivy League schools in the US. In fact, the British press has been tracing the trend of UK students pursuing an Ivy League, or equivalently selective, university offer. However, many students, families, and schools are unsure what makes a compelling applicant to a highly-selective US university compared to what makes for a successful applicant to Oxbridge. In fact, the results are often surprising with many students admitted to one system but not the other. At Vela Education, we aim to make the university admissions process as clear as possible so students and families can make the best decisions for them. Below, we outline some of the key differences between a successful Oxbridge and Ivy League applicant so you can decide which pathway is right for you.

Statistically, admissions to Ivy League schools, and other universities with equally competitive admissions rates, are more selective than Oxbridge. Oxbridge has an approximately 16% acceptance rate and  Ivy League acceptance rates range from 10.6% to 3.2%. However, it is very possible to be selected to an Ivy League school and not Oxbridge!  Statistics only tell a part of the story and the admissions process for both systems is far more nuanced. Below, we outline some of the key differences between a successful Oxbridge and Ivy League applicant so you can decide which pathway is right for you!

Successful Oxbridge Applicants often possess the following:

1. Excellent Grades: Oxbridge applicants must have top grades at both the GCSE and A-Level or IB stage. The chief criterion for admittance is excellent academic results.

2. Academic Subject Engagement beyond the Curriculum: Successful Oxbridge applicants will have taken taster courses, read extensively, and pursued extracurricular activities within their chosen academic field. Excellent grades are a must but if you do not take steps beyond the curriculum to pursue your academic passion, you will not likely be admitted to Oxbridge.

3. Confidence Expressing Ideas: Presently, the UCAS statement for Oxbridge requires students to carefully articulate their preparedness for their chosen course. Also, the Oxbridge interview requires students be confidently conversant in the area they want to study at university.

Successful Ivy League Applicants often possess the following:

1. Excellent grades: Like Oxbridge, grades are the cornerstone of an application. Ivy League, and equally selective US universities, all use a holistic review process this means they take grades plus other factors like significant extracurricular achievements and personal qualities into consideration. Some students and families have been under the impression that grades are less important in the holistic review process. This is simply not true. Meeting the high academic benchmarks for a US school is an important first step amongst many other steps!

2. Impressive Extracurricular Achievements: This is the chief difference between a successful Oxbridge applicant and a successful Ivy League applicant. US university admissions committees weigh extracurricular very heavily in the review process. Also, these activities need not, and often should not, align with a student’s primary academic interest! Selective US universities want to see both breadth and depth! An array of activities in athletics, arts, community service, and work experiences make for a stellar applicant. Also, it’s important to not just participate but have tangible outcomes for these activities.

3. Community oriented personal qualities: Ivy League universities and other highly-selective schools are curating a community of people not just selecting students for a course. Thus, highlighting the qualities that make you an ideal community member in your personal statement and other essays is key! US universities are keen to know about your values and perspectives in the hopes that you will positively contribute to their community.

Some applicants are ideal candidates for both elite systems. However, as you can see, the criterion that these two kinds of universities use to evaluate applicants is quite different from each other. Understanding what each kind of school is looking for is key for preparing persuasive applications.

If you have any questions about the Ivy League application process or any US university, Vela Education advisors are here to help! Starting with a strategic consultation is the best first step.