In my college there were three Americans in my year (out of 90, Oxford is made up of many small semi-autonomous colleges so obviously across the university there are a couple of thousand in each year). I’m pretty sure all of them went to public schools. One of them was even a product of the NY system. So don’t worry that you came from a public school Somewhat confusingly in the UK a public school is what you would call private schools and your public schools would be called state schools over here.

However as has been noted a high school diploma will not be enough. My friends got perfect or near perfect SATs but they all had to take 4 or 5bAPs as well with grades of 4/5. The English system specialises earlier than the US education system does so with out APs you would be behind an equivalent UK student with A-levels in a certain subject, although you may have a greater breadth of knowledge. The consequences of this are that many undergraduate courses are 3 years long instead of 4 (although there are exceptions particularly in the sciences) and you will have to apply for a specific subject. In effect you have to choose your major before you start and you will almost certainly have to take APs in that subject and possible related subjects as well (eg. both Physics and Maths AP if you want to apply for Physics).

For most courses your extra-curricular activities and volunteer will be irrelevant. The selection criteria is a purely academic. The main exception being medicine where you need to do stuff to show you would be a good doctor.

You may also need to take additional tests in common with other Oxford applicants. For example I had to take an exam when I came for my interview and send in two essays that I had written at school. Check http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/subreq.shtml for the requirements for your subject

Good luck!

Oxford accepts US students in two ways: if they have the IB, or if they have one year of college courses. Most students go the IB route.

You also need SAT 1 scores of at least 1,400 in Critical Reading and Math, and also 700 or more in the writing section, giving a combined score of at least 2,100, or an ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. Plus a score of 4 or higher on two or more AP exams, or SAT II in three or four subjects, getting 700 or better.

Oxford University actually has a web site, and they have admissions pages devoted to what foreign applicants need to do to apply. Check it out to learn more.

You need to get high scores on your SAT I and SAT II exams. You will also need AP or IB exams to be able to compete with students who have A-levels. For more information on Oxford Application requirements, visit this website: http://www.macquil.com/articles/oxford.php

Good luck!

“To make a competitive application, students need to be studying for, or have already achieved, qualifications equivalent to AAA at A-Level, or 38-40 points in the International Baccalaureate, including core points, with 6s and 7s in the Higher Level subjects.

[…]

Even excellent grades will not guarantee a place, as competition for places is extremely strong. Tutors consider each application on its individual merits, looking at examination results and predicted grades, as well as the personal statement, academic reference and any written work or written test that may be required.” (http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/int/#8 )

“Extra-curricular activities will not form part of the selection process. Tutors select candidates based on their academic achievements and potential.” (http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/int/#9 )

“We strongly recommend that you check the requirements for your subject, as they may include written work and/or a written test for which separate registration may be required. You can check the details here. It is your responsibility to ensure that all deadlines and other requirements are met. If you have any questions at all please do contact us.” (http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/int/#12 )