Scintillae makes no claim to be entertaining or original; it merely attempts to provide useful information in an accessible form. It is unrepentantly text-based because if you have arrived at this site, it will probably be because you are applying to university in the UK and you want answers. Most of the information provided here is available elsewhere in print or on the web, and I assume that you will have already obtained a copy of the UCAS handbook and browsed the education/careers section of your library. But if you are dazed by the volume of advice available, Scintillae aims to help by bringing together some topics related to university application in a "one-stop-shop". If you require more detail, links are provided to other relevant sites.

Although Scintillae offers general information about application procedure, the UCAS personal statement and financial matters, the most popular part of this site consists of an Informal Guide to applying to Oxbridge. The Informal Guide is intended for anyone who is thinking of applying to either Oxford or Cambridge, but is perhaps particularly helpful for “mature” students or for those who, for a variety of reasons, may lack access to informed advice. Even in the noughties, many able students seem intimidated by the prospect of including either university among the six choices available on the UCAS form. The Guide aims to overcome such anxieties; it also encourages students to consider an application to Oxford or Cambridge within the context of the many other excellent university courses available to them. Like everything else here, the Informal Guide has evolved out of years of conversations with students. A number of the sections have been adapted from information sheets prepared for tutorials. So you are warned! Do not expect bells and whistles

You are welcome to copy any of this material for your personal use, but if you are interested in making multiple copies, please clear it with me first. The usual claims about the right of authorship apply. I also welcome feedback or constructive advice.