somewhere at the University regardless of their college preferences.[91] Shortlisting is based on ac

rounds whom the university cannot admit simply because they do not apply.[90]
Most applicants choose to apply to one of the individual colleges, which work with each other to ensure that the best students gain a place somewhere at the University regardless of their college preferences.[91] Shortlisting is based on achieved and predicted exam results; school references; and, in some subjects, written admission tests or candidate-submitted written work. Approximately 60% of applicants are shortlisted, although this varies by subject. If a large number of shortlisted applicants for a subject choose one college, then students who named that college may be reallocated randomly to under-subscribed colleges for the subject. The colleges then invite shortlisted candidates for interview, where they are provided with food and accommodation for around three days in December. Most applicants will be individually interviewed by academics at more than one college. Students from outside Europe can be interviewed remotely, for example, over the Internet.
In 2007, the colleges, faculties and departments published a "common framework" outlining the principles and procedures they observe.[92]
Offers are sent out shortly before Christmas (exceptionally, in early January for the 2012-13 admissions round), with an offer usually being from a specific college. One in four successful candidates receive offers from a college that they did not apply to. Some courses may make "open offers" to some candidates, who are not assigned to a particular college until A Level results day in August.[93][94]
Access[edit]
Further information: University of Oxford undergraduate admissions statistics


The matriculation ceremony, at which new students officially become members of the university, takes place in Michaelmas Term.
The University states that its admissions policies avoid bias against candidates of certain socioeconomic or educational backgrounds.[95] However, the fairness of Oxford admissions has attracted public controversy through episodes such as the Laura Spence Affair in 2000.[96] Gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge remains a central focus for many private and selective state schools — much more so than most state schools — and the fact that the social make-up of undergraduates at the university differs substantially from the social make-up of society at large remains controversial.[97]
In 2007, the university refined its admissions procedure to take into account the academic performance of its applicants' schools.[98]


Hertford College's Bridge of Sighs. Hertford was one of the first colleges to encourage applicants from state schools through the Hertford Scheme.
Students who apply from state schools and colleges have an acceptance rate broadly comparable to those from independent schools (19% and 24% of applicants accepted respectively, 2010).[99] More than half of applications come from the state sector,[99] and the University of Oxfo

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