Misleading application figures released
Applications figures released by UCAS have been shown to be misleading, as the numbers of students applying to Oxford and Cambridge were given collectively.
UCAS revealed this week that Oxbridge applications have fallen by one per cent this year. However, it transpires that applications to Oxford have in fact risen while the number of students applying to Cambridge has fallen.
The University of Cambridge Press Office confirmed that applications were down by over 200 but added that the closing date for mature students' applications has not yet passed.
When asked why they had released Oxbridge figures instead of separating the universities, a UCAS Communications Officer told The Oxford Student: "I released the combination of figures as we have to respect the confidentiality of our member institutions."
An Oxford University spokesperson told The Oxford Student: "We do not find the release of these figures particularly helpful but we are not too bothered."
The UCAS Press release was reported on www.ukstudentnews.co.uk
18th Nov 2004