It’s not that hard to get into Oxford

...Harvard, Yale, Stanford, a Russell Group or Ivy League institute

1 The competition is far less intense than some of India’s best institutions. More than 17,000 aspirants applied for Oxford’s
undergraduate programmes in 2010 — roughly five seekers for each seat. So, be positive

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2 Compatibility — match yourself and your expectations with the institution’s

3 You need consistently good scores — upper second class honours for PG
4 Convincingly explain why you wish to join a particular programme at that university. How will the university benefit by having
you? Be clear about your goals. Work on your personal statement. The UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
website gives advice on this

5 If you aim to do a undergraduate programme in North America, take Advanced Placement (AP) courses given by the US-based
College Board. The requisite grades in APs earn you college credit and “you’ll have the time to move into upper level courses,
pursue a double-major (in college)”

6 The admission protocol is demanding and long. Start a year before you wish to enrol. Be patient

8 Identify people who can give you recommendation letters. It is said that a recommendation by an (good) alumnus of the same
university who has known you as a student (or colleague) can brighten your chances
9 A rounded personality may not always give you a leg up. Oxford doesn’t look at extra-curricular activities in UG applications
“except they may help you to demonstrate the selection criteria for your subject. Tutors select candidates based on their
academic achievements and potential”

10 Most institutes are congregations of budding leaders. So, demonstrate leadership qualities