Do they just surmise that you applied to Oxbridge when they receive your application earlier?
That is not true. You hear the same thing about other similar unis (LSE, Durham, Bristol). Unis don't know which other instiutions you've applied to (they used to, years ago). Yes, they make guess that you are if they receive your application earlier but they aren't stupid enough to reject you because of that. It would be a big assumption to make and may mean they miss out on a great student.
I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Are you suggesting that because UCL receive a certain application early, they guess that someone's applied to Oxbridge? I don't think this is the case. Universities never (officially) know the other universities you've applied to, which is important when it comes to fairness. I suppose they could guess that someone's applied for Oxbridge if they receive an application early (although of course this isn't always the case - many schools encourage everyone to apply early), but it shouldn't make any difference to the application. However I don't know the truth of the statement in the thread title although I would guess it is very unlikely to be the case.
And not should they. It has no bearing on your application.
They only know after you have submitted your firm and conditional.
Logically, surely a good university would rather have a potential Oxbridge candidate (who is more likely to be intelligent and ambitious) than someone who isn't. Also, the fact that universities are obliged to give equal consideration to anyone who applies before the deadline would deter UCL from doing what you suggested and potentially being caught.
Just to repeat (as it's a myth that needs to be eradicated) they do not know which other unis you have applied to and they will not assume. It doesn't do anyone any favours.
Not sure. But it can't be an absolute, or even a widespread, policy, as of course most of UCL's applicants will also have applied to Oxbridge!
"You're here because you're the best. We all know that most of you have applied for oxbridge, and some of you will be successful some of you not, but we have given you offers because you are the best"
The point being, that it doesn't matter whether you have applied for oxbridge or not, if they think your the right student for them they will give you an offer.
It'd be a bit of a risk for UCL and other similar universities to take, rejecting all potential Oxbridge candidates merely in the hope of being more people's firm choice. Like others have said, if you're good enough to have a chance to Oxbridge, then you're probably quite a good candidate for UCL etc. to have; and statistically a large number of people who apply to Oxbridge may not be successful anyway.
Officially they don't know, but I heard of someone who was rejected from Edinburgh because they already had 2 offers for Vet Med from RVC and Cambridge.
Don't know if this is true or not, but that is really bad form on behalf of the unis if it is.
That would be crap. There could have been a number of reasons why he/she was rejected by Edinburgh. Where they actually told this?
then why are half the people at this uni oxbridge rejects?
anywho, the uni wont know unless they ask you.
How many people apply to UCL but not Oxbridge anyway?
It's possible. I've heard it is more of a problem with places like Durham though.
"How are Oxbridge candidates treated?
There is absolutely no truth in suggestions that are sometimes made, to the effect that we are biased against Oxbridge candidates. We do not know which of our applicants have applied to Oxbridge; and in practice very many of our students have also applied to Oxbridge. It is true that in some instances, candidates rejected by Durham are given offers by Oxbridge; this is not surprising since we have so many good applicants, and do not interview in the way that Oxbridge colleges do."
It would take a massive assumption on behalf of the university. They could miss out on having a great, dedicated student. I had no problems getting my offer after sending my UCAS application off before the Oxbridge deadline.
They can hardly be the best if they were the ones that Oxford and Cambridge rejected.
Oxford and Cambridge haven't rejected them! An open day in November. Those attending the open day in question may have applied to both UCL and Oxbridge and would be waiting on offers. Besides, like it or not Oxbridge don't always get the "best" students.
Can just be glad she got those offers I suppose.
It is true that in some instances, candidates rejected by Durham are given offers by Oxbridge; this is not surprising since we have so many good applicants, and do not interview in the way that Oxbridge colleges do.
This is a good point actually, thanks for that.