What universities really look for: how to build a standout application before you apply
If you have your heart set on studying at a top university such as Oxford or Cambridge, it’s never too soon to start thinking about your future application. It’s easy to assume that this simply means studying hard to get top grades, writing a good personal statement and hoping for the best – but the reality is more nuanced, and much more interesting!
The main takeaway is that for the most competitive universities, academic achievement is a given. On top of the highest grades, they’re looking for students who can demonstrate their intellectual potential, curiosity and readiness for academic life at the highest level. The good news is that these are all qualities you can start building well before you apply. Here’s what universities look for, and how to show them you’ve got what it takes.
Academic excellence is just the start
There’s no escaping the fact that strong grades matter. Top universities expect consistently high academic performance, and almost everyone applying will be able to demonstrate that through actual and predicted grades.
Clearly, when the bar is this high, you’ll need more than grades to stand out. With those taken for granted, admissions tutors instead look for prospective students who they believe will thrive in an intense academic environment. That means they want to see evidence of things like:
- Consistency across subjects and over time
- Challenging subject choices
- Evidence that you can handle complex material
Admissions tutors can tell when a student has chosen a subject strategically rather than out of real interest. It might sound obvious, but your application needs to show that you genuinely care about your subject. Remember, undergraduate study is demanding, and at elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge the workload is intense. Passion for your subject is essential to get you through the challenges of your course, so that’s what they’ll want to see.
Super-curricular activities: demonstrating intellectual curiosity
The strongest university applicants show a genuine, sustained interest in their subject that goes beyond the school curriculum. This is often referred to as “super-curricular” engagement, and it means exploring your subject more deeply outside the classroom. Examples might include:
- Reading books, articles or academic journals outside your syllabus
- Listening to radio programmes, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and engaging in other forms of subject-specific media
- Watching lectures or attending talks
- Completing additional courses around your subject, such as MOOCs or summer school programmes – more on this shortly
- Writing essays or reflections independently
- Exploring real-world applications of your subject through work experience or volunteering
- Entering competitions relevant to your subject, such as maths tournaments or essay prizes
As well as deepening your knowledge and appreciation of your chosen subject, super-curricular engagement gives you plenty to discuss in your personal statement and interviews, so it’s a win-win.
Show thinking, not just doing
Elite universities specifically look for students who demonstrate a love of learning that goes beyond exams, and your personal statement is your chance to shine here. Many students treat this like a list of achievements, but that’s a mistake. Admissions tutors are less interested in what you did and more interested in how you think and how your ideas have developed.
So, instead of saying “I attended a lecture on economics”, a stronger approach would be to frame it like this: “A lecture on behavioural economics challenged my assumptions about rational decision-making, particularly in relation to…” This shows critical thinking, reflection and intellectual growth – exactly what universities are looking for as evidence that you’ll be able to contribute effectively to their academic community.
If you’re feeling the pressure to be “well-rounded” and to show that you’re involved in lots of different extra-curricular activities that you can’t necessarily afford or may not have time for, it’s worth remembering that in reality, top universities prioritise depth over breadth. They would rather see deep engagement with one subject than a long list of unrelated achievements. The closer your activities align with your subject, the stronger your application becomes.
Use your summer wisely
A powerful way to demonstrate academic curiosity and your readiness for undergraduate study is by attending a top summer school programme like ours. Programmes that mirror university-style learning with seminars, independent study and subject-specific exploration give you a chance to go beyond the school curriculum in a structured, immersive environment, providing plenty of material for your application.
Importantly, a good summer school will also expose you to new ways of thinking, from debating ideas in small groups to tackling complex problems with guidance from expert tutors. Whether it’s a new perspective on your subject, a challenging concept you engaged with, or a clearer sense of your future direction, these experiences help you show admissions tutors that you’re already thinking and learning at a higher level.
Start early: building a standout application takes time
One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is starting early. Building a strong application takes time; reading and exploration, reflection and discussion and gradual skill-building don’t happen overnight. By the time you apply, your application should feel like a natural reflection of who you are, not something assembled at the last minute.
Above all, your application should show your potential. Shift your mindset from “what do universities want me to say?” to “how can I genuinely become the kind of student they’re looking for?” That means focusing on academic depth, intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and consistent effort – qualities and habits that will stand you in good stead not just for university, but for whatever you decide to do after that.