Deciding between Oxford or Cambridge Law?

Hello there,

I want to apply to Oxbridge law, and most definitely want to get in. I have sort of been dreaming of Oxford after I got my gcse results (for context, I got straight 10 grade 9s in all my GCSEs from a state comprehensive- the only one in my entire year to get it)- especially because I heard Oxford weighs quite a bit on GCSE results than Cambridge. Historically, my school is like any other state sixthform- quite mediocre but absolutely lovely teachers, hence why I stayed.

Anyways, I recently entered the Trinity Robert Walker, and got 'highly commended' on my essay, even getting invited to drink tea with the law fellows at Cambridge. I believe I was the only state school kid from the conversations I had with other recipients. I was very impressed with the facilities at Trinity, and the wide range of options that Cambridge offers- with jurisprudence not being compulsory lol. Cambridge also has many 3rd year abroad programmes, many of which I could be eligible for due to the lack of a language barrier- and that's quite impressive as well.

So now I'm really confused. I might actually have a shot at Cambridge, because my essay is an actual metric of achievement in legal writing- something I wasn't trained for in the first place, unlike my counterparts. This could really make me stand out. I also believe Trinity is the only college that does in-person interviews, which seem really cool- because idk any other colleges that do it.

My priority is getting into one of these top institutions- I don't really care whether Oxford or Cambridge- as long as I get in, I'm absolutely fine. I am predicted 3 A*'s at my 3 alevels, and an A* in EPQ. So what should I do?

Trinity at Cambridge is at the very top of the competitive options. However, if you've got a perfect grade profile, and have won a Trinity-based competition, and have visited and spoken to Fellows, and you didn't spill tea on anyone - you should give it a shot. Let's face it, you've impressed them once already.
The worst that can happen is you don't get Cambridge, you'll get several other strong offers, and then decide whether to take a gap year and go for Oxford, if your grades do come in at A*.

So you are suggesting that apply Trinity Cambridge? I just really wanna get in, and so if it is a competitive college that is oversubscribed by private and boarding school kids (as I already saw in the competition pool), maybe I should apply to some of the less competitive ones in Cambridge, or even Oxford?

But you have a stronger than usual application for Trinity specifically. Nothing comes with guarantees, but how many award winners were there at the visit?

Law admissions at Oxford are partly centralised. The initial sift is done by the Faculty of Law. Details of the candidates not eliminated from the process at that stage are then sent to the candidate's target college. One in four successful candidates are offered a place at a college other than the one applied to. The idea is to offer places to the best candidates regardless of college choice.

My own view is that the Oxford system is fairer because it reduces the significance of college choice. Other views are available. I would mention the summer school in your statement, wherever you apply. It is helpful background, but not a deal maker.
I suggest that you take the view that Oxford and Cambridge are equally hard to get into. Nobody can game the systems. Visit Oxford if you can, and then choose based on which of the two places you like best and which degree structure you prefer. I would suggest UCL as another choice, and then a selection of Russell Group universities outside London.

If you get to meet my learned friend Dinah Rose KC, the President of Magdalen, she may inspire you. Dinah is a very impressive person.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

Thank you 😊 I may just apply to Trinity, as I might have a fair shot. But maybe the residential might change my mind. Idm the course structure at both Oxford or Cambridge- I believe both the unis know what they are doing with that- so in that sense, I will be fine with both. Maybe I might prefer the Cambridge course option choices, but it doesn't make much of a difference to me honestly. Whatever gets me in, I suppose is my priority.

You can do a year abroad at Oxford too - look carefully at the courses and choose the course you prefer.

Hello there,
I want to apply to Oxbridge law, and most definitely want to get in. I have sort of been dreaming of Oxford after I got my gcse results (for context, I got straight 10 grade 9s in all my GCSEs from a state comprehensive- the only one in my entire year to get it)- especially because I heard Oxford weighs quite a bit on GCSE results than Cambridge. Historically, my school is like any other state sixthform- quite mediocre but absolutely lovely teachers, hence why I stayed.
Anyways, I recently entered the Trinity Robert Walker, and got 'highly commended' on my essay, even getting invited to drink tea with the law fellows at Cambridge. I believe I was the only state school kid from the conversations I had with other recipients. I was very impressed with the facilities at Trinity, and the wide range of options that Cambridge offers- with jurisprudence not being compulsory lol. Cambridge also has many 3rd year abroad programmes, many of which I could be eligible for due to the lack of a language barrier- and that's quite impressive as well.
So now I'm really confused. I might actually have a shot at Cambridge, because my essay is an actual metric of achievement in legal writing- something I wasn't trained for in the first place, unlike my counterparts. This could really make me stand out. I also believe Trinity is the only college that does in-person interviews, which seem really cool- because idk any other colleges that do it.
My priority is getting into one of these top institutions- I don't really care whether Oxford or Cambridge- as long as I get in, I'm absolutely fine. I am predicted 3 A*'s at my 3 alevels, and an A* in EPQ. So what should I do?

I’d go for Cambridge as it is slightly less competitive than Oxford, plus Cambridge is a prettier city and it has a nicer student feel. I’m biased as daughter goes there, although felt that way before she got in after visiting both multiple times.

Nicer student feel??? I completely disagree and 'prettier' is subjective. You should never choose a uni based on other's opinions of this kind.

Yes, that's just my opinion, and like I said, I'm biased. I've been to Oxford 4 or 5 times and Cambridge dozens or times.

I’d go for Cambridge as it is slightly less competitive than Oxford, plus Cambridge is a prettier city and it has a nicer student feel. I’m biased as daughter goes there, although felt that way before she got in after visiting both multiple times.

I'm not sure that there is much between Oxford and Cambridge in terms of difficulty of entry. They are both hard to get into, as are UCL, LSE etc. I've only been a student at Oxford, but my impression is that the general vibe seems similar as between Oxford and Cambridge, because of the collegiate factor at both universities, and the tutorial/supervision systems. Both cities are beautiful. Oxford has nothing to rival the Backs, but Cambridge has nothing to rival Radcliffe Square. Oxford doesn't have King's Chapel, but Cambridge doesn't have the Schools Quadrangle. And so on...
I am biased, but like the fact that Oxford is an industrial city with an identity distinct from the university, but Cambridge is also a lovely place and a great place to study.
OP, go with whichever one feels right for you, with your eyes open to the possibility that you might not get in, in which case no doubt you will get an offer from some other good university. Good luck!