How to Get Into a Top UK or US University From Switzerland

The UK and the US host some of the world's premier universities, attracting countless international students each year. For Swiss students looking to broaden their horizons, the academic prestige and diverse opportunities offered by these institutions are exceptional. This blog will outline key requirements for Swiss students aspiring to gain admission to top UK and US universities such as the Ivy League, Oxford or Cambridge.

Why Swiss Students Should Consider UK and US Universities

Swiss students are increasingly setting their sights on UK and US universities for several compelling reasons:

• The US education offers freedom and flexibility to explore classes in any subject they want and not have to declare a major until the end of the second year
• Degrees from top UK and US universities are highly respected worldwide, offering graduates a competitive edge in the global job market
• Both countries boast vibrant campus life, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies that cater to diverse interests
• Both in the US and UK students have access to generous work experience opportunities and research projects, providing practical knowledge and industry connections
• Both education systems have international student support services

Studying in the US vs Studying in the UK

The US and the UK have some of the best universities globally. But there are some key differences between studying in the US versus studying in the UK. For example, students at American universities typically spend four years as an undergraduate, while undergraduate degrees in the UK usually take three years. The infographics below highlight some key similarities and differences.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Oxford or Cambridge from Switzerland?

Oxford’s overall admissions rate is approximately 17%, while Cambridge’s is approximately 20%. These rates are often lower for more competitive courses. While this may seem a lot higher than the acceptance rates of top American universities, it is important to note that there are higher barriers to applying to Oxbridge – including the restriction that students can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge and that one can only apply to 5 UK universities in the academic year. Oxford and Cambridge are the two most competitive universities in the UK.

For a complete breakdown of admission statistics at Oxford, check out their Annual Admissions Statistical Report here: Oxford Annual Admissions Statistical Report

For a complete breakdown of admission statistics at Cambridge, check out their Annual Admissions Statistical Report here: Cambridge Annual Admissions Statistical Report

How Hard Is It to Get Into the Ivy League from Switzerland?

While UK universities like Oxford and Cambridge impose limitations on the number of applications one can submit, the Ivy League universities allow students to apply to as many as they wish. However, the competition remains fierce, with Ivy League acceptance rates averaging around 5-6%, making it comparable to the selectivity of Oxbridge in the UK. Check out the full list of the latest Ivy League Class of 2028 results below.

What Do You Need to Get Into Oxford or Cambridge from Switzerland?

Here’s what you need to know if you want to apply to top UK universities from Switzerland.

Swiss students must apply through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), focusing on the following academic requirements:

Strong Academics

Oxbridge generally recognises the Swiss Maturité as a strong academic qualification. Students are expected to achieve top marks, particularly in subjects relevant to their chosen course of study. However, it is worth highlighting that Swiss students who challenge themselves academically by taking rigorous courses such as (IB) International Baccalaureate or International A-Levels can increase their chances of getting into Oxford as they demonstrate an even stronger ability to perform at a higher level in a challenging academic environment such as Oxford or Cambridge.

Course Specific Requirements

For certain courses, you may also need to pass specific entrance tests. For example, the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) for Mathematics or Computer Science, the HAT (History Aptitude Test) for History or Economics and the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for medicine.

English Language Proficiency

Non-native English speakers need to demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through tests like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, if students attend schools where classes are instructed in English, they may be exempt from taking proficiency tests.

Extracurricular/Supercurricular Requirements

In the UK university admissions, there is less emphasis on extracurricular activities than in the US as the selection criteria in the UK tend to be largely academic. Generally, extracurricular activities are briefly discussed in a personal statement to demonstrate skills and qualities including leadership and teamwork. However, ‘Supercurricular’ activities  — things you do to explore subjects and develop your academic skills beyond your school studies — are highly beneficial to UK applications.

Personal Statement

The goal of your UCAS personal statement, with a limit of 600 words, is to address what you have done that demonstrates interest, passion and understanding of your chosen subject. As a Swiss student, you can use your personal statement to highlight your international perspective and cross-cultural experiences.

Interview

Oxford and Cambridge are one of the few universities in the UK that require an interview for admission. Interviews are a great way for a university to get to know you better, see how well you can articulate your ideas in person, and decide if you are a good fit for your chosen course. In these tests, the interviewer is assessing your academic potential and your passion for your chosen course. The interview replicates the tutorial/supervision, the main teaching style at Oxbridge, and is therefore assessing your fit for this learning experience.

Reference Letters

Reference letters are required to give admissions officers a better idea of who you are as a student. That being said, it’s best to pick a professor or someone who knows you on an academic level, to write a reference letter for you. The main difference between the UK compared to the US is that you are only allowed one reference letter — which will go to every university you apply to.

What Do You Need to Get Into the Ivy League From Switzerland?

For Swiss students aiming to gain admission to top US universities, including Ivy League schools, understanding and meeting the academic and extracurricular requirements is crucial. These institutions seek students who have excelled in their educational pursuits and demonstrated the potential to contribute to their vibrant academic communities. Swiss students must apply through the Common App (undergraduate college admission application) and here are the critical components of the Ivy League application requirements for Swiss students:

Academic Excellence

At Ivy League schools, having outstanding grades is almost a prerequisite for admissions. Swiss students must showcase outstanding academic performance in their Swiss Maturité or equivalent qualifications such as IB, International A-Levels or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Leadership and Community Involvement

The Ivy League universities select students who are leaders in their community and their particular area of interest. They want students who will make the most of their abundant on-campus resources, stretch the limits of their talents, and use everything they have learned to improve the world around them.

Standardised Test Scores

After four years of a test-optional policy, Ivy League universities such as Brown, Yale, and Dartmouth have reintroduced standardised test SAT/ACT requirements again for all applicants from autumn 2025, while other schools remain with a test-optional policy. Submitting your strong SAT/ACT scores, even in a test-optional scenario, is an excellent way to help your application stand out.

Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays

The personal essay is a central component of the Common Application, allowing students to convey who they are beyond academic records and extracurricular activities. With character limits typically around 650 words, it offers an opportunity to share a meaningful story or insight about oneself that can't be found elsewhere in the application. Additionally, students will typically encounter supplemental essays specific to each institution, with varying numbers and character limits, which delve into the applicant’s interest in the university, academic pursuits, and extracurricular involvement. Completing both types of essays is crucial for a strong application.

Extracurriculars

Strong extracurriculars are critical if you want to get into the Ivy League. Ivy Leagues are not looking for applicants who have participated in dozens of extracurriculars, and they discourage dabbling in many activities. They prefer to know about the extracurriculars that mean the most to you and the ones that are most relevant to your university and career goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters help build your holistic application by allowing influential people in your life to give their personal and professional opinions about your academic performance, character, and drive. If you want to receive favourable and convincing recommendations, establish strong relationships with teachers, key staff, and leaders of your extracurricular activities.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Oxbridge

1. Show enthusiasm for the subject

Beginning early in school to ponder your university course enables timely preparation of your application and the cultivation of enthusiasm for the subject. Participating in extracurricular activities, such as debating or Model United Nations for those interested in the humanities, not only improves your skills and knowledge but also strengthens your UCAS statement by showing a true interest in your chosen area.

2. Wider reading

Oxford or Cambridge tutors prioritise candidates with a strong academic interest, often demonstrated through extensive reading beyond the school syllabus. This wide reading indicates a student's potential to manage the rigorous independent study necessary to succeed in Oxford's academically demanding environment.

3. Prepare well for the interview

The Oxford or Cambridge interviews are a collegiate academic enquiry aimed at assessing how candidates understand academic principles and their compatibility with the tutorial teaching system. Interviewers might question you about the content of your personal statement. Candidates are advised to carefully examine their personal statement and think about undertaking mock interviews as preparation, since interviewers frequently refer to information within the statement, including books read and projects undertaken.

4. Take rigorous courses & score well

Oxbridge seeks students who excel academically, particularly those who pursue challenging IB, AP or A-Level courses, and emphasises the importance of high grades and academic enrichment throughout school.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into the Ivy League

1. Apply early

The Early Action acceptance rate for Ivy League universities is significantly higher than for regular applications. Applying through the Early Applications not only potentially reduces competition due to a smaller applicant pool and allows for a more detailed review by the admissions committee, but also signals strong interest and commitment to the university. Moreover, receiving an early decision can alleviate the stress and uncertainty of the admissions process, although it doesn't guarantee admission.

2. Take rigorous courses & score well

Ivy League universities seek students who have excelled academically and challenged themselves by taking rigorous courses such as A-Levels, IB or AP courses.

It's important to maintain the highest grades throughout school and to take advantage of opportunities for academic enrichment. The average GPA score of students applying to the Ivy League is 4.0 and higher! For the IB, a total score in the 40s will make you a more competitive candidate academically, and you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark for the Ivies.

3. Demonstrate Leadership and Community Involvement

Ivy League universities value students who have demonstrated leadership skills and have made a positive impact in their communities. Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer in your community, and seek leadership positions to showcase your ability to make a difference.

4. Submit Your SAT/ACT Scores

Submitting your SAT/ACT scores can bolster your application by showcasing your academic prowess, enhancing your competitiveness, and signalling your dedication to the admissions process. Aiming for scores above the average, ideally, at least 1580 on the SAT or 35-36 on the ACT, is recommended to make a significant impact.

Take a free practice SAT test to find out where you currently stand!

5. Write a strong personal statement and supplemental essays

A distinctive and robust personal statement is crucial for standing out among thousands of applicants. Incorporating your passions, personality, and unique perspectives can make your application memorable. Completing all Ivy League essay prompts, including the two required and one optional, enhances your chances by showcasing your personality, writing proficiency, and the distinct qualities and experiences that set you apart.

Helpful Resources to Strengthen Your Application

• Find work experience opportunities that align with your passion and career goals
• Take up some original school research projects to give your application the extra edge
• If you want to add rigorous coursework to your academic profile, consider taking some Online International A-Levels or AP courses at Crimson Global Academy.
• If you’re struggling to reach high scores, consider taking Online Tutoring with Oxford graduates who can help you reach your maximum academic potential
• Explore Summer Programs and choose the one that fits you best

Final Thoughts

Applying to Oxbridge or the Ivy League universities can be a stressful affair. Hopefully, this article has covered some ground in guiding you through the application process. Believe in yourself, and whatever the outcome, enjoy the process and good luck!

If you need additional help with the application process, book a consultation with one of our academic advisors. They can provide individualised and highly informed support in every aspect of your applications.

Our support includes:

1. Matching every student with a team of supporters who are graduates from Oxbridge and Ivy League universities
2. Addressing every part of the UCAS or Common App applications in detail - from test prep to personal statements, and extracurriculars to interview prep.
3. Providing oversight by former Oxbridge and Ivy League admissions officers
4. Sharing years of inside UK and US admissions consulting knowledge unavailable elsewhere

Crimson Education’s academic advisors walk with you through each step of the process. They keep you on track, help you get ready for testing, provide essay reviews, and more! Best of all, Crimson students are up to 4.5x more likely to gain admission into top UK or US universities compared to the regular applicants! If you’re interested in applying to a US university or getting started with Pathfinder, contact a Crimson advisor today!

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Join our free webinars on UK and US university applications
• Free eBooks and guides to help with the university application process
• Oxford vs Cambridge: Which university should you apply to?
• How to get into an Ivy League University