Advice

This year’s university admissions process is unlike any seen before. Gone are the open days and interviews, and in are videos and Zoom and Skype calls.

Online interviews are not new per se; overseas applicants have always had the opportunity to conduct their interviews virtually to avoid travelling. The change of format will not impact what the university is looking for: candidates who display a passion for their subject, enthusiasm and evidence of independent learning.

The clock is ticking and just two weeks remain before the 15 October deadline on applications to study at Oxbridge or for a medical degree. Perhaps you have left it late through indecisiveness or because of extraneous circumstances. Regardless, if your heart is set on a degree in one of these areas but you have yet to complete the application process, here is some last-minute advice.

What is the Common App?

The Common App began as a way to simplify the college application process for both domestic and international students. It was started by 15 colleges who decided to “pool” their applications into one easily navigated application site. Today, the Common App has grown to extremely large proportions.

While there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the next academic year and universities are putting together plans for online and in-person learning, the admissions process continues as normal. Or as normal as possible! 

The Ivy League group of universities in the USA – Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania,