Choosing an Oxford College

Worcester - conservative (but not overly private school like New, Magdalen, ChCh), very sporty, laid back.

New - not really sure, I've heard, big, arrogant, private schooly, rich, fit girls.

Ill be starting at New from October so I guess ill find out then!

[*]Left-wing Would not be happy in a college full of Rahs etc, I'm fairly left-wing (though not too politically active).
[*]High proportion of state-school students For the same reason as above really.

What do you consider to be the 'traditional side of things'? If you are only talking about living around old buildings then just being in Oxford will be far more exposure than 99.9% of the world gets.

Catz is a nice college - you'll have a good time.

Not at all! I'm a historian so my fascination with 'oldness' is pretty high too, but my time at Catz has still been awesome and I haven't regretted applying here for a second. It's important to remember that although you might live in a modern college, you can go visit any of the older colleges at any time and soak up the atmosphere - you're in no way isolated from the traditional side! And in the mean time, Catz provides some of the day-to-day modern comforts (such as double glazing, decent heating, en suites, cheap but good food, and one of the best-supplied common rooms in the city) that some of the other colleges lack. True, our use of ritual and tradition isn't as high as elsewhere - you won't be wearing your gown to dinner, for example - but again, it's really easy to go visit friends in other colleges if you want to experience that. And we do have our own traditions, such as rivalry with Magdalen and celebrating the feast of St Catherine's with a massive formal party.

You are in no way going to miss out on anything by going to a college that isn't one of the big famous ones. Catz is genuinely a brilliant place to belong to, all colleges have their downsides of course but being modern isn't intrinsically one of them. In fact, judging how bloody cold it is at the minute when I go and visit my friends elsewhere, compared to my lovely toasty room, I'd say the upsides are pretty sweet

I'd avoid Oriel looking at those. Just come Worcester, it's apparently not that central but it feels close to everything

Getting a lot of recommendations for Worcester

That's so weird, the only person from my college who got in for English last year went to Oriel.

Getting a lot of recommendations for Worcester

I tried to put this in the Colleges board but it won't let me

So basically, here's the situation: I applied to Wadham College this year, got an interview and then got rejected. I absolutely adored Wadham and it's made me want to re-apply to Oxford next year (please don't discuss whether or not I should be re-applying because I've already decided etc). However, I've been told that I shouldn't apply to Wadham again because they are massively oversubscribed for English (which is what I'm applying for) and also if they realise I was rejected they could instantly reject me or compare me to how I did and if I'm not hugely better reject me

So, here's what I want from a college:


I just want a fun college like Wadham help!

'Respectability' is not something that varies between colleges. You all take the same exam at the end of the day.

Look at factors like accommodation provision, costs, maybe location, aesthetics, other facilities, maybe tutors, etc.

whats brasenose like? <--- sorry for the incredibly broad question, but anything you have to say, id appreciate

All i will say though, since you won't find it elsewhere, is that [Brasenose] took a huge leap in popularity since David Cameron became PM (Cameron being a Brasenose alumnus). Shows how fickle college choice is really, doesn't it!

Perhaps you could narrow your question by taking a look at the website, prospectus and and the TSr wiki?

All i will say though, since you won't find it elsewhere, is that took a huge leap in popularity since David Cameron became PM (Cameron being a Brasenose alumnus). Shows how fickle college choice is really, doesn't it!

This kind of thing is hugely interesting. On another thread I've floated the idea that the recent leaping up the league tables by Exeter University, begun in 2004*, might have been the product of a "JK Rowling factor", and you'd need only a couple of thousand extra applicants to suddenly boost scores in both 'applicants per place' and its corollary 'A-level tariff on entry'.

Apologies for the digression.


*The 18 year olds who were 12 for Philosopher's Stone.

What is the atmosphere like?, im thinking of applying there rater than Chch (my school probably wouldnt 'support' my application there :s), any stereotypes?

What is the atmosphere like?, im thinking of applying there rater than Chch (my school probably wouldnt 'support' my application there :s), any stereotypes?