How Can I Get Into Oxbridge, Medicine, Engineering or Economics?

If you are aiming for highly competitive university places such as Oxford or Cambridge or applying to demanding courses like Medicine, Engineering or Economics, it is essential to plan ahead, prepare thoroughly and be supported by people who understand the process in detail.

At Ashbourne we offer dedicated preparation programmes for each of these goals. The Oxbridge Programme, Medical School Programme, and Engineering Programme, are all designed to give students the structure, knowledge and confidence to apply successfully.

Understand What You Are Applying For
Oxford and Cambridge are not just highly selective universities. They are academic environments that expect students to engage deeply with their subject, ask difficult questions and show a real passion for learning. The application process is designed to test how well you can think, not just what you know. This includes admissions tests, subject-specific interviews and detailed academic references.

Applying for Medicine is equally demanding. Medical schools expect excellent science grades, a strong score in admissions tests like the UCAT or BMAT, and clear evidence that you understand what a medical career involves. This could include work experience, volunteering and thoughtful reflection on what makes a good doctor.

Engineering courses, especially at top universities like Imperial and Cambridge, require exceptional ability in Maths and Physics. You must be comfortable solving unfamiliar problems and thinking logically under pressure. Applicants are often asked to complete an engineering admissions assessment and demonstrate their technical potential in interviews or through project work.

Economics at universities such as LSE, Cambridge and UCL is extremely competitive. Maths is essential, and Further Maths is often recommended. Universities want students who can reason with data, think in abstract terms and show an understanding of economic theory. Applicants may need to take the TMUA, TSA or another maths-based assessment, and strong writing skills are needed for the personal statement and any written components of the application.

Choose the Right Subjects and Aim for the Highest Grades
A successful application begins with the right A level subjects. For Medicine, Chemistry is essential and Biology is usually required or strongly recommended. For Engineering, you will need both Maths and Physics. For Economics, A level Maths is required at nearly all top universities and Further Maths gives a real advantage. Oxford and Cambridge expect applicants to show strong academic performance across their subjects and often look for students who go beyond the syllabus.

At Ashbourne, students receive regular mock exams, detailed feedback and personalised teaching that helps them develop the depth of understanding needed for these subjects. Teachers know how to stretch able students while giving them the support to stay on track.

Prepare for Admissions Tests and Interviews
Many top university courses include admissions tests as part of the selection process. These are designed to assess your problem-solving ability, logical thinking and subject knowledge under timed conditions. Performing well in these tests can make a significant difference to your application.

Ashbourne’s tailored preparation programmes include focused training for all major admissions tests. Students receive past papers, guided practice, timed mocks and one-to-one feedback. The Oxbridge Programme and Medical School Programme include specific test preparation as a core part of the course.

Interviews are another important part of the application process, particularly for Oxford and Cambridge and for Medicine. These interviews are academic in nature. They are not about personality or rehearsed answers. Instead, they are conversations about your subject and your ability to think critically and respond to new ideas.

We prepare students thoroughly through mock interviews, discussion groups and one-to-one coaching. Tutors help students feel confident, articulate and ready to engage in a high-level academic discussion.

Build a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an opportunity to show who you are as a learner. For Medicine, it should reflect your experience, motivation and understanding of the profession. For Economics, it might explore books or real-world issues that have shaped your interest in the subject. For Oxbridge, it should focus mainly on your academic curiosity and how you have explored your subject beyond the classroom.

At Ashbourne, students receive detailed guidance on writing their personal statements. Each student gets individual support through multiple drafts with expert feedback to make sure their statement is clear, focused and well-structured.

What it all comes down to
Applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Engineering or Economics is a serious and competitive process. It requires more than just strong grades. It demands deep subject knowledge, thoughtful preparation and the ability to present yourself clearly and confidently through tests, interviews and writing.

Ashbourne’s tailored university preparation programmes give students a real advantage. With personalised teaching, expert advice and structured support at every stage, many of our students go on to win places at the UK’s most competitive universities.

If you are ambitious and ready to work hard, the right guidance can make all the difference.

1. What subjects should I take if I want to study Medicine, Engineering, or Economics?
For Medicine, Chemistry is essential and Biology is usually required or recommended. Engineering applicants need both Maths and Physics. Economics students require A-level Maths, and Further Maths gives a strong advantage at top universities.

2. Do I need to take admissions tests for these courses?
Yes. Medicine requires tests like the UCAT or BMAT, Engineering may involve an engineering admissions assessment, and Economics may require the TMUA or TSA. Oxford and Cambridge have their own subject-specific admissions tests as well.

3. Why is early preparation important for Oxbridge, Medicine, Engineering, or Economics applications?
These applications are highly competitive and involve tests, interviews, and extensive preparation. Starting early ensures you have time to develop knowledge, refine skills, and submit a strong, well-rounded application

4. What should I include in my personal statement?
Your personal statement should highlight your academic passion, experiences, and motivation. For Medicine, include relevant work experience; for Economics, explore books or real-world issues; for Oxbridge, focus on curiosity and subject engagement beyond school.