Hardest universities to get into - UK edition

Hi there! Hoping someone has a comprehensive list of the most difficult UK universities to get admission into? Additionally, what factors typically make these places so challenging to get accepted by?

In terms of admission selectivity, the most difficult universities to get into in the UK are often those that rank highest both nationally and internationally. Here's a list of some of the most competitive:

1. University of Oxford

2. University of Cambridge

3. Imperial College London

4. London School of Economics (LSE)

5. University College London (UCL)

6. University of Edinburgh

7. University of Manchester

8. University of Bristol

9. King’s College London

10. University of Glasgow

Bearing in mind that the difficulty of admissions can vary significantly based on the course of study selected, these universities are generally tough to get into due to several factors:

Academic Achievement: These top-ranking universities typically require high grades for admission. This could mean As or As at A-level, 1st-class Honours for postgraduate study, or equivalent international qualifications.

Reputation: Given their high rankings and strong reputation, these universities attract a large volume of applications each year. This increases competition as they are often the first choice for many high-achieving students.

Prestigious Courses: Certain courses at these universities, like Medicine at Oxford or Economics at LSE, have their own reputation for excellence which makes them particularly competitive.

Interviews: Universities like Oxford and Cambridge have a rigorous interview process. They not only assess an applicant's academic ability but also their intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and potential to contribute to discussions.

Admission Tests: For certain courses, these universities require applicants to take admission tests that are designed to assess skills and knowledge pertinent to the field of study. Achieving high scores in these tests can be challenging.

Reference Letters and Personal Statements: A significant weight is also given to reference letters from teachers or mentors, and personal statements in which students demonstrate their interest, commitment to the chosen field of study, and what sets them apart.

It’s important to remember that each university will have its own set of criteria and some may place more emphasis on certain areas than others. Therefore, thorough research and careful preparation are key for a successful application.