The UCAS Application Form

OK, that's the decision-making part over and done with, now comes the start of the application process, so hold on to your seats!

Please note that the separate Oxford application form has been abolished for all future applications (including 2009 entry), with a few exceptions (details here). Now all you need to do is fill in the UCAS form!

1. The UCAS Form

Most of the form is straightforward, requiring that you fill in personal details, as well as academic qualifications and educational history. This is all explained in the Application Pack, and if you get stuck, there is a very helpful section on the UCAS website.

The institution code for Oxford University is OXF 033. More specific advice concerning the UCAS form and Oxford is available here. All the information you need for your subject is in our Subject Guide.

At the end of the form, an Open Reference is required, and this should be written by someone who knows you well and knows that you are suitable for Higher Education. If you are at school or college, or have recently left, then you should ask your headteacher principal or an appropriate teacher or tutor. If you are a mature student, you should ask a responsible person who knows you, such as an employer, training officer, or a senior colleague.

The part of the form that worries many applicants is the Personal Statement - you are expected to write about yourself, which is never an easy task. It is entirely up to you how you write your reference, but bear in mind that it will probably be used as a way to spark conversation at your interviews. It should be primarily academic in nature. Some of the things you might like to include are:

• Why did you choose these particular courses and what interests you about your particular subject?

• What have you read about the subject. Tutors like to see evidence of reading outside the scope of your Higher Qualification syllabus, but only put down things that you have read well, as you may be asked about them at interview.

• Particular interests you have in your current studies.

• Work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it relevant to your course. This is particularly relevant to Medicine.

2. Written Work

Many applicants to Oxford will be asked to provide at least two samples of written work for the tutors to assess. Details can be found through the Subject Guide of what should be submitted for each course and when the deadlines are. All written work must be in English (but see also Modern Languages and Joint Schools with Modern Languages).

A completed cover sheet (see Application Material) must be attached to the front of each piece of written work. Try to photocopy everything you send - it is a good idea to read through this work again if you are called for interview.

If you are worried about what you can offer, do not hesitate to contact the admissions office of your college of choice or OCAO, who will suggest suitable alternatives.

Try to send up ordinary marked schoolwork. Do not try to write special pieces to impress the tutors - all they are trying to do is get an idea of your standard level of written work, and find a potential topic of conversation for interview.

All written work sent to the University will be judged relative to the criteria for that subject.