At Bonas MacFarlane, our Higher Education Advisory team takes immense pride in guiding students through one of the most pivotal stages of their academic journeys. As the 2024/25 application cycle progresses, we are thrilled to share some exceptional results from this year’s Oxbridge and US college admissions.
Oxbridge Success: A 44% Offer Rate
This academic year, we supported 16 sixth-form students in their applications to Oxford and Cambridge. With 7 securing offers, we achieved an impressive 44% success rate – outperforming many selective schools. Unlike some institutions that only back ‘dead cert’ applicants, our approach is non-selective, ensuring that all students with the ambition to apply receive the guidance they need. Our results speak for themselves, with offers spanning an impressive array of subjects, from Engineering and Biology to History of Art and Music.
Additionally, we are delighted to share that one of our former undergraduate applicants, who we previously supported in their university journey, has now secured a place for a master’s degree in Global Governance & Diplomacy at Oxford. This continued trust in our expertise is a testament to the long-term value of our tailored support.
US College Triumphs: Early Action and Early Decision Wins
The 2024/25 cycle has also seen remarkable success in US college admissions. Our students secured places at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Duke, Northeastern, and UChicago, through Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). ED and EA applications demonstrate a student’s strong commitment to their top-choice college and, in the case of ED, can be legally binding.
Beyond Ivy League and top-tier acceptances, we are equally proud of students who, despite challenging academic profiles, achieved their dream of studying in the US – some even receiving scholarships. This aligns with our philosophy that university selection is deeply personal, and success is defined by finding the right fit rather than prestige alone.
Beyond Applications: The Importance of Higher Education Consultancy
Bonas MacFarlane’s Higher Education Advisory service represents the final step in our holistic support for students and families. University choices shape future careers and personal growth, making expert guidance crucial. Many schools offer outstanding HE support, but where families seek more personalised attention—whether for Oxbridge, Ivy League, or European university applications—our tailored consultancy adds significant value. We provide long-term mentoring, full consultancy contracts, and flexible hourly consultations, ensuring students receive the support they need at every stage of their journey.
What’s Next?
As the admissions cycle continues, we eagerly await further US college results until late April, UK university decisions by 14 May, and European university offers through early summer. The final hurdle will be IB results day on 6 July and A Level results day on 14 August.
This year’s success reaffirms Bonas MacFarlane’s position as a leader in higher education guidance. We look forward to supporting even more students in achieving their academic aspirations in the years ahead.