From CATS Cambridge to Oxford and Cambridge: how to prepare your child for the best British universities

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge represent the pinnacle of global higher education. Achieving a vacancy in these institutions requires strategic preparation that goes far beyond excellent grades. The journey begins in high school, where each decision shapes the student's academic future.

Brazilian students can follow specific paths to maximize their chances of passing. Proper preparation involves judicious program choice, skill development, and building a competitive profile from the early years of high school.

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Academic requirements that make the difference

Oxford and Cambridge require A*-B grades in at least three A Level subjects. The areas of natural sciences, mathematics, and humanities have traditionally been more competitive. Medicine at Oxford and Cambridge universities requires even more rigorous preparation, with specific requirements in chemistry, biology, and physics.

The selection process goes beyond grades. Interviews, aptitude tests, and personal essays make up the assessment. Students need to demonstrate critical thinking, passion for their chosen course, and potential to contribute to the academic community.

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Specialized preparatory programs

The University Foundation Program emerges as an essential bridge for international students. Created in 1985 specifically to prepare non-British students, this program develops academic and language skills necessary for university success.

Students who complete well-structured foundation programs have a significantly higher approval rate. The program combines specific disciplines with intensive academic English development. This preparation allows Brazilian students to compete on an equal basis with native candidates.

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Advantages of British boarding schools

Boarding schools offer an immersive environment that accelerates academic and personal development. International coexistence prepares students for the cultural diversity of elite universities. 24-hour supervision ensures focus on studies and development of gradual independence.

The difference between boarding school and traditional high school becomes evident in university preparation. British boarding schools offer A Level curriculum, recognized globally and specifically designed for admission to UK universities.

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G5 Pre-A Level: Preparing for the Best

Specialized programs such as G5 Pre-A Level have been developed specifically for students seeking the five best British universities: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, and LSE. These intensive programs combine four GCSEs with specific preparation for competitive areas.

The compulsory curriculum includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, and a choice between economics or biology. This solid foundation in exact sciences prepares students for courses such as medicine, engineering, and natural sciences, traditionally more contested at Oxford and Cambridge.

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Extracurricular activities that impress

Elite universities seek well-rounded students, not just academically brilliant. Specialized career programs such as law allow practical exploration of areas of interest from an early age.

Key Professions Programmes offer specialized support for specific careers. Students interested in medicine, law, engineering, and other competitive areas receive targeted mentoring, preparation for interviews, and development of relevant projects.

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Proficiency in academic English

Proficiency tests represent an initial barrier for many Brazilian candidates. IELTS 6.5-7.0 is a minimum requirement, but academic English goes beyond test scores. Argumentation skills, analytical writing, and understanding complex texts determine real success.

Immersion programs accelerate this development. Students who experience English as a daily learning tool develop higher academic fluency than those who study the language in isolation.

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Proven structured preparation results

Statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of adequate preparation. Schools specializing in preparing for elite universities have an 88% approval rate at universities in the British top 50. Among students who follow structured programs, 83% obtain A*-B grades in final exams.

On average, three students a year earn places at the University of Cambridge through specialized preparation. This number may seem modest, but it represents an extraordinary achievement considering the extreme competitiveness of these institutions.

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Specialized support makes the difference

The application process for Oxford and Cambridge requires careful strategy. Specific deadlines, complex documentation, and challenging interviews require professional preparation. Specialized educational consultancy navigates these complexities, avoiding errors that compromise promising applications.

Students receive specific preparation for interviews, the preparation of convincing personal statements, and the strategic choice of colleges. This differentiated support significantly increases the chances of passing competitive universities.

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Be Easy

Be Easy acts as a bridge between academic dreams and British university reality. Our experience in high-performance programs connects Brazilian students to the best preparation opportunities abroad. We develop personalized trajectories that maximize the potential of each student towards the universities of their dreams. Contact us to find out how we can transform your child's academic ambition into real achievement.