Application Review Process

How do we review your file? 

When your file is complete and ready for review, it will go through several steps.

  1. The first evaluation is conducted by the admission advisor responsible for your high school.  This is the person who should know you, your high school and your hometown best.
  2. The second evaluation is conducted by senior level staff.
  3. Final decisions are made by our admission committee. 

 

Applications to Oxford College are reviewed thoroughly, taking into consideration the criteria listed below.  

GPA and strength of curriculum

  • These are the most important things considered by the admission office, as it shows your daily commitment to academics. 
  • To be competitive for admission, you should have taken a rigorous course load, based on what is offered at your school.  If your school offers honors, AP, IB or other types of advanced coursework, we would like to see that you have taken advantage of some of these classes. 

  • Oxford will recalculate your GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale, using the following grading scale: 
    A = 90-100
    B = 80-89
    C = 70-79
    D = 60-69
    F = <60

    Click here to calculate your own GPA!

 

Performance on assessment tests

  • The SAT and/or the ACT is required (not both).
  • We are looking for the highest score from either test.
  • The optional essay section of the SAT/ACT is required and considered for admission. 
  • You should plan to take the assessment test at least one month prior to the deadline for the admission plan you are applying under, in order for us to receive your test scores in time for consideration.  A test taken after this time may not be considered in your decision.

 

Extracurricular activities

  • Extracurricular activities include anything you are involved in at your school or in your community.
  • Academic clubs, sports, volunteer activities, the arts and work are just a few examples of extracurricular activities.
  • There is no magic number for activities.  Some students are involved in many things and others dedicate their time to only one or two activities.  We are simply looking for well-rounded students who want to contribute to our community at Oxford.

 

Recommendations

  • The Secondary School Report form is required from your counselor or another school official. 
  • Two teacher letters of recommendation are also required. Teachers may write a letter or submit the Teacher Evaluation form.
  • Recommendations should be written by someone who knows you well enough to provide another perspective on who you are.

 

Essays

  • The essay portion of the application is your chance to show us who you really are.  We want to get to know you beyond the nuts and bolts of your application and transcript. 
  • Though we are not reading your paper for grammar, it should be well written and proofread carefully.