Why can you only choose Oxford or Cambridge?
Asked by: Bart Schneider DDS | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (32 votes)
Some people have speculated in the past that the two universities are in such competition that they do not want to be second choice to anyone, let alone to their long-held rival, but it's slightly less dramatic than that. Basically, it comes down to supply and demand.
Why can you only apply to Cambridge or Oxford?
That is because applicants are very self-selecting since Oxbridge has stated and inflexible entry requirements. Plus the testing plus interview might scare some marginal people off. Also, one can apply to Oxford or Cambridge, but not both, so the HYPSM shotgunning approach is not applicable.
Which is harder to get into, Oxford or Cambridge?
Both Oxford and Cambridge are highly competitive, and unfortunately, you can only apply to one per year. Based on acceptance rates and numbers, however, it is easier to get into Cambridge than Oxford. Both Harvard and Oxford are esteemed, top-ranked universities where students strive to get their degrees.
Which is more prestigious, Oxford or Cambridge?
Oxford University is the leader and is also ranked first in English Language and Literature, Geography, History, and Modern Languages.
Is it better to go to Oxford or Cambridge?
Cambridge, with fewer accommodations, works better as a side-trip from London than as a stopover. Oxford can keep you busy sightseeing for a longer time and has plenty of good hotels — so it's worth a longer stay.
How to choose between Oxford and Cambridge - from an OxBridge graduate
What is prettier, Oxford or Cambridge?
This difference is sometimes expressed as “Oxford is bigger and livelier; Cambridge is smaller and prettier”, which is unfair to Oxford.
Is it harder to go to Oxford or Harvard?
Oxford vs Harvard: Acceptance Rate
How difficult is it to get in? As of 2023, Harvard's acceptance rate is 4%. Half of the applicants accepted at Harvard have an SAT score between 1480 and 1580. On the other hand, Oxford's acceptance rate of about 17.5% is appealing.
Is Oxford in the Ivy League?
Despite its fame and reputation, Oxford University, located in the U.K., is not counted as an Ivy League university. The top eight schools in the USA are collectively known as the Ivy League. Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Pennsylvania, Cornell, Harvard, and Yale make up the Ivy League.
Why is Oxford so highly ranked?
In the Daily Mail University Guide, Oxford was ranked second overall behind Imperial College London. Key factors in the Daily Mails ranking include: research quality; teaching excellence; student support; first year completion, high-skilled jobs; first generation students and first and 2:1 degrees.
What is the oldest university in the world?
The University of Bologna was founded by Italian jurist, Irnerius, in 1088. Located in Bologna, Italy, this institution holds the record for being the world's oldest university in terms of not having experienced even a brief suspension of its operations since its establishment.
How many Americans get into Oxford?
Yes, getting into Oxford as an American can be challenging. The acceptance rate typically ranges between 13% and 17%, making it comparable to the most competitive universities worldwide, including Ivy League schools.
Is it hard to get into Cambridge as an American?
Cambridge has the highest requirements of any university outside of the United States for testing. To be admitted from the US, five AP scores of 5 are required, as well as an SAT score of above 1450 or an ACT score above 32. Some programs, especially in the sciences, ask for a 1500 or 33, respectively.
Is Oxford or Cambridge nicer to live in?
Oxford is often perceived as more cosmopolitan, with a blend of historic and modern amenities, while Cambridge retains a slightly more tranquil atmosphere, with its picturesque landscape interlaced with river, parks, and historic colleges.
What is the Oxbridge rule?
“The Oxbridge rule is a self-imposed agreement between the two universities not to compete for students. It is not a legal requirement, and there is no penalty for breaking it. The rule is thought to have been in place for centuries, but its origins are uncertain.
Can I get into Oxford with a * AA?
Offers for students studying A-levels range between A*A*A and AAA depending on the course. If a practical component forms part of any of your science A‐levels used to meet your offer, we expect you to pass it. Each course page gives details of specific subject and grade requirements.
Is Oxford richer than Cambridge?
Trinity College, Cambridge, is the wealthiest of the individual colleges with published assets worth £1.3bn in its latest accounts. In Oxford, St John's College tops the table with close to £600m in assets.
Is it a coincidence that Harvard is in Cambridge?
The city was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, which was an important center of the Puritan theology that was embraced by the town's founders. Harvard University, an Ivy League university founded in Cambridge in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
What is the most popular degree at Oxford?
History, philosophy, and theology top the list of most popular Oxford degrees. New data from the UCAS 2023 undergraduate application cycle show that Oxford degrees classified as historical, philosophical, and religious studies were the most popular for undergraduate study.
Is Oxford as prestigious as Harvard?
Oxford and Harvard are both prestigious institutions, frequently appearing at the top of global university rankings. Here is a comparison based on recent rankings. QS World University Rankings 2025: Oxford is ranked 3rd, while Harvard is ranked 4th.
Why is Stanford not an ivy?
However, top institutions like MIT and Stanford, which outperform several Ivy League schools in global rankings, are not part of the League due to geographic and historical reasons. Both universities excel in academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, and employment outcomes.
Is MIT or Oxford better?
Deciding between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Oxford hinges on one's academic preferences and career objectives. MIT is the go-to for those passionate about engineering, technology, and applied sciences, offering an environment ripe with innovation and practical problem-solving.
How much is Oxford tuition in dollars?
U.K. U.S. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the University of Oxford has announced tuition fees of US$45,000 to US$78,000, while Cambridge University will charge between US$35,000 and US$92,000—an increase of around US$2,000 to US$13,000 compared to current rates.