Oxbridge Applications

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.
Please improve this article if you can. (March 2008)

Oxbridge Applications
Type	Private
Genre	Education company
Founded	1999
Headquarters	London, UK
Website	www.oxbridgeapplications.com

Oxbridge Applications is a specialist educational consultancy based in London. Formed in 1999 by University of Oxford graduate, James Uffindell, the company seeks to advise and support applicants to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Since foundation Oxbridge Applications has advised over 35,000 applicants and has maintained a success rate of almost twice the average. Oxbridge Applications manages a network of 400 Oxbridge graduates and works with former admissions tutors and teachers to help applicants achieve their academic potential.

1 Conception and Foundation
2 Development in 2008
3 Further Reading
4 References
5 External Links

[edit] Conception and Foundation

The concept of Oxbridge Applications came to James Uffindell whilst inter-railing around Europe at the end of his second year at Oxford University. James had benefited enormously from one teacher at school, who guided him through his application to read PPE and helped him to believe that he had the necessary ability. James wanted to demystify the Oxbridge application process and ensure support and preparation were available to all applicants.

Application Research Limited was registered in October 1999. James then conducted an extensive research project to find out how current undergraduates had made successful applications. He found out which books they had read, why they had applied and what advice they would give to others. The concept was simple – to analyse success and pass those learnings on to current applicants.

Initially the company offered one-day events to help students prepare for interviews (Interview Training Days) and course and college focused information (Entry Reports). Then in 2001 having established that there was demand for a higher level of Oxbridge preparation, the company’s offering was significantly developed, including the start of the Premier Service. In 2003 it was decided to deliver Interview Preparation Days at a few centralised venues.

In January 2004 James moved the business to offices in London at 13-14 New Bond Street. Jessica Elsom joined the business in June 2004 and ran Oxbridge Applications until February 2007.

[edit] Development in 2008

In 2008 Chloe Palfreman took over the running of Oxbridge Applications. Her aim is to broaden Oxbridge Applications' success at demystifying the application process, bringing this support to a wider range of applicants in the UK and abroad. She is driving the company's international expansion whilst maintaining Oxbridge Applications’ core idea of developing the individual and his or her knowledge inherent to the company’s service delivery. 2008 will also see the launch of Uni Applications, which is the company’s Admissions Test preparation offering. Uni Applications will support students in their applications to the UK’s leading universities by providing help with the BMAT, LNAT, UKCAT, HAT, ELAT, TSA & PPE admissions tests. It represents the logical response to the gap in the market for impartial advice and support services for applicants to these institutions.