Should I bother applying for Oxford?
Ive recently had a change of heart and dont know whether I should bother applying for oxford anymore...
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
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Maybe you should rethink if you have lots of other places lines up that you would rather go to... but to be honest, you won't know until you try. Let the oxford tutors be the judge on whether you'd be suited to their course, and see what happens!
Original post by Nooshkabob
Maybe you should rethink if you have lots of other places lines up that you would rather go to... but to be honest, you won't know until you try. Let the oxford tutors be the judge on whether you'd be suited to their course, and see what happens!
well i am considering these: oxford, UEA, glasgow, southampton, lancaster, exeter, bath and warwick and ucl.
i guess you're right
its just everyone expects me to apply to oxford and i dont even know if i'd be able to handle it. Also, i am very interested in maths and astronomy degrees and the only two places I have found are southampton and glasgow who offer this course. Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules? 
It's always worth applying! Even if your college of choice rejects you, they could put you through their established pooling system which would raise your hopes slightly before they reject you again.
Original post by abi1995
Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules?
St Andrews.
Also, from my personal opinion, I'd say that if you even have the slightest desire to go to Oxford, and think you could get the grades/do decently in the MAT and in interview, you might as well apply- it's only one of your 5 choices. You don't have to firm the offer, but I'd imagine it would be a horrible thing to get a couple of years down the line and wish you had applied, and always wonder 'what if?'...but that's just me, perhaps
Original post by abi1995
Ive recently had a change of heart and dont know whether I should bother applying for oxford anymore...
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
You never know whether a particular uni' will be for you. My advice is to apply and see what happens. In the future you might look back and regret not applying.
Original post by flywithemma
St Andrews.
Also, from my personal opinion, I'd say that if you even have the slightest desire to go to Oxford, and think you could get the grades/do decently in the MAT and in interview, you might as well apply- it's only one of your 5 choices. You don't have to firm the offer, but I'd imagine it would be a horrible thing to get a couple of years down the line and wish you had applied, and always wonder 'what if?'...but that's just me, perhaps
Also, from my personal opinion, I'd say that if you even have the slightest desire to go to Oxford, and think you could get the grades/do decently in the MAT and in interview, you might as well apply- it's only one of your 5 choices. You don't have to firm the offer, but I'd imagine it would be a horrible thing to get a couple of years down the line and wish you had applied, and always wonder 'what if?'...but that's just me, perhaps
thats exactly what im like! i keep thinking what if i dont apply and i'll never know how far how i couldve got!
also with st andrews, ive had trouble finding the maths department on their website
so when you suggest they are flexible, is it like you can basically you can tailor your own degree to your interests?Original post by The Dark Lord
It's always worth applying! Even if your college of choice rejects you, they could put you through their established pooling system which would raise your hopes slightly before they reject you again.
good point, i am just nervous about the MAT and the interview if i were to get one! i am not very good at thinking outside the box
Original post by SebCross
You never know whether a particular uni' will be for you. My advice is to apply and see what happens. In the future you might look back and regret not applying.
thats a good point, thankyou
Original post by abi1995
well i am considering these: oxford, UEA, glasgow, southampton, lancaster, exeter, bath and warwick and ucl.
i guess you're right its just everyone expects me to apply to oxford and i dont even know if i'd be able to handle it. Also, i am very interested in maths and astronomy degrees and the only two places I have found are southampton and glasgow who offer this course. Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules?
i guess you're right
its just everyone expects me to apply to oxford and i dont even know if i'd be able to handle it. Also, i am very interested in maths and astronomy degrees and the only two places I have found are southampton and glasgow who offer this course. Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules? Amazingly, im in pretty much the same boat - although out of Oxford and Cambridge I'd probably go for the latter (not that it's that important to me anyway).
I want to do Maths and Physics, but it think to do this combination I need to choose Natural sciences. Of course, this could apply to you - for example (i have no idea about this, it's all speculation): you could apply for the NatSci course Maths + Phys, then, later on when you could choose optional modules, go for astronomical type topics.
Obviously, it's a bit of a sacrifice in comparison to a pure 'Maths + Astronomy' degree, but you have the advantage of getting a degree from Oxford which perhaps carries more weight than from other instutions.
To me, it sounds like you'd be better of going for the degree you want from somehwhere else that maybe isn't as prestigous but still offers your course. It means you probably wont have as much stress, and you'll also be doing the course you want to.
Of course, you could just apply to oxford anyway, that still leaves 4 choices which gives you 1 hopeful, 2 solid and 1 insurance.
Sorry, i didnt really provide a definitive answer, but i hope this allows you to make a more informed decision about whether to apply or not.
Original post by NJam
Amazingly, im in pretty much the same boat - although out of Oxford and Cambridge I'd probably go for the latter (not that it's that important to me anyway).
I want to do Maths and Physics, but it think to do this combination I need to choose Natural sciences. Of course, this could apply to you - for example (i have no idea about this, it's all speculation): you could apply for the NatSci course Maths + Phys, then, later on when you could choose optional modules, go for astronomical type topics.
Obviously, it's a bit of a sacrifice in comparison to a pure 'Maths + Astronomy' degree, but you have the advantage of getting a degree from Oxford which perhaps carries more weight than from other instutions.
To me, it sounds like you'd be better of going for the degree you want from somehwhere else that maybe isn't as prestigous but still offers your course. It means you probably wont have as much stress, and you'll also be doing the course you want to.
Of course, you could just apply to oxford anyway, that still leaves 4 choices which gives you 1 hopeful, 2 solid and 1 insurance.
Sorry, i didnt really provide a definitive answer, but i hope this allows you to make a more informed decision about whether to apply or not.
I want to do Maths and Physics, but it think to do this combination I need to choose Natural sciences. Of course, this could apply to you - for example (i have no idea about this, it's all speculation): you could apply for the NatSci course Maths + Phys, then, later on when you could choose optional modules, go for astronomical type topics.
Obviously, it's a bit of a sacrifice in comparison to a pure 'Maths + Astronomy' degree, but you have the advantage of getting a degree from Oxford which perhaps carries more weight than from other instutions.
To me, it sounds like you'd be better of going for the degree you want from somehwhere else that maybe isn't as prestigous but still offers your course. It means you probably wont have as much stress, and you'll also be doing the course you want to.
Of course, you could just apply to oxford anyway, that still leaves 4 choices which gives you 1 hopeful, 2 solid and 1 insurance.
Sorry, i didnt really provide a definitive answer, but i hope this allows you to make a more informed decision about whether to apply or not.
yeah ive had a look at the natural sciences course, but the only part of physics i enjoy is particle physics and astronomy so i wouldnt want to do any mechanics cos i hate that!
yeah i dont want to deal with ridiculous amounts of stress but lets say i were to get into oxbridge if i hate it can i leave after my first year and start a new degree instead?
also, is there any way i could do a degree in maths say at oxford and then do a masters in astronomy?
Original post by abi1995
yeah ive had a look at the natural sciences course, but the only part of physics i enjoy is particle physics and astronomy so i wouldnt want to do any mechanics cos i hate that!
yeah i dont want to deal with ridiculous amounts of stress but lets say i were to get into oxbridge if i hate it can i leave after my first year and start a new degree instead?
also, is there any way i could do a degree in maths say at oxford and then do a masters in astronomy?
yeah i dont want to deal with ridiculous amounts of stress but lets say i were to get into oxbridge if i hate it can i leave after my first year and start a new degree instead?
also, is there any way i could do a degree in maths say at oxford and then do a masters in astronomy?
It's usually easy to leave and start at another university, either continuing the same course from where you left, or starting over, or even doing a different course altogether. The support structure at Oxford is very good at this, so being stuck at a university you don't like on a course you can't cope with is not something you need to worry about.
A strong mathematical background would leave you well-prepared to do many sorts of mathematical physics at masters level, although I don't know how well the particular physicsy options available at Oxford would prepare you for this. Probably well enough, if not better.
Original post by abi1995
Ive recently had a change of heart and dont know whether I should bother applying for oxford anymore...
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
I just feel like i dont have a realistic chance of getting in compared to how many people apply, also i dont know whether I'd actually enjoy it there or not because they apparently apply such a heavy workload on you and i dont know whether i could deal with that as i get stressed very easily.
Also, ive been doing some of the MAT papers and i cant do very much of it and if i were to get an interview i know i would mess it up!
Now im just wondering whether applying would be a waste of one of my five choices or not?
I can't help with any MAT/interview questions sorry but if you are interested in maths and astronomy have you looked at natural science courses? They're usually flexible, my friends at my uni (Durham) who did it said it was really flexible. I think you would have to take some general physics modules in the first and second years but I'm pretty sure that would be the case even if you did a 'maths and astronomy' degree as you'll need a foundation knowledge of physics to understand all the specialised astronomy bits. It might be worth getting module descriptions for the maths & astronomy degrees and comparing the precise course content to physics and natural sciences degrees at other unis to see how much is pure astronomy and how much is general physics?
Original post by abi1995
thats exactly what im like! i keep thinking what if i dont apply and i'll never know how far how i couldve got!
also with st andrews, ive had trouble finding the maths department on their website so when you suggest they are flexible, is it like you can basically you can tailor your own degree to your interests?
also with st andrews, ive had trouble finding the maths department on their website
so when you suggest they are flexible, is it like you can basically you can tailor your own degree to your interests?Ah...have a look here? http://www-maths.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Well I know that in the first year, you take 3 subjects...so you could take Maths, Astronomy and then something else. As far as I know, for your final degree, you can end up doing either a joint degree in 2 subjects that are in the same school (so, in the science bit...), or single honours. This is all going off applicant research, though, I don't actually go there so maybe am not the best person to answer specific queries...
Think it explains it all here:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/ug/choosing/degreestructures/
Original post by abi1995
thats a good point, thankyou
You're welcome. I realise it's stating the obvious, but sometimes people can overlook the most obvious of considerations when it comes to applying to uni'. Other contributors are correct about the flexibility of Oxford's (and Cambridge's, to be fair) Natural Science course. I have a friend who did it here in Oxford and sung its praises all through her degree (she graduated with a Double-First). I think the flexibility of the course, and the knowledge that she could choose from a vast array of elective modules, helped motivate her to work as hard as she did. It's always good to bear in mind the flexibility of undergrad' courses; some allow you lots of choice, some don't.
Original post by abi1995
well i am considering these: oxford, UEA, glasgow, southampton, lancaster, exeter, bath and warwick and ucl.
i guess you're right its just everyone expects me to apply to oxford and i dont even know if i'd be able to handle it. Also, i am very interested in maths and astronomy degrees and the only two places I have found are southampton and glasgow who offer this course. Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules?
i guess you're right
its just everyone expects me to apply to oxford and i dont even know if i'd be able to handle it. Also, i am very interested in maths and astronomy degrees and the only two places I have found are southampton and glasgow who offer this course. Do you know of any other places or of any unis that are flexible with electives which would allow me to do a maths degree with some astronomy modules? Well I know that Exeter has the flexible joint honours programme where you can combine any subjects to create your own course, with emphasis on whatever you like
I think if people expect you to apply to oxford, it would imply that there are people who believe you capable of it... I'd say (although i'm no pro!) to maybe put one choice as a really hard one like oxford, 3 as ones that you feel you have a decent chance of getting in to, that you like, and your last option as a not so good back up plan where you won't need amazing grades... Also, a lot of uni's will have the flexibility to do a few modules from other areas (apart from oxford...). I believe UCL and cardiff both do this. But worth gazing through as many websites and prospectuses as you can get your hands on really, and don't hesitate to email an admissions tutor if you have any questions!Original post by SebCross
You're welcome. I realise it's stating the obvious, but sometimes people can overlook the most obvious of considerations when it comes to applying to uni'. Other contributors are correct about the flexibility of Oxford's (and Cambridge's, to be fair) Natural Science course. I have a friend who did it here in Oxford and sung its praises all through her degree (she graduated with a Double-First). I think the flexibility of the course, and the knowledge that she could choose from a vast array of elective modules, helped motivate her to work as hard as she did. It's always good to bear in mind the flexibility of undergrad' courses; some allow you lots of choice, some don't.
i didnt know oxford did a natural sciences degree?
Original post by flywithemma
Ah...have a look here? http://www-maths.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Well I know that in the first year, you take 3 subjects...so you could take Maths, Astronomy and then something else. As far as I know, for your final degree, you can end up doing either a joint degree in 2 subjects that are in the same school (so, in the science bit...), or single honours. This is all going off applicant research, though, I don't actually go there so maybe am not the best person to answer specific queries...
Think it explains it all here:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/ug/choosing/degreestructures/
Well I know that in the first year, you take 3 subjects...so you could take Maths, Astronomy and then something else. As far as I know, for your final degree, you can end up doing either a joint degree in 2 subjects that are in the same school (so, in the science bit...), or single honours. This is all going off applicant research, though, I don't actually go there so maybe am not the best person to answer specific queries...
Think it explains it all here:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/ug/choosing/degreestructures/
thankyou
i have looked on the first link and couldnt find a maths and astronomy joint honours combination? http://www-maths.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~geb/applicants/index.html
thanks, that explains a lot more
Original post by Marco1
Maybe you under-rate yourself. You have 4 other choices too. Oxford is very special so why not just go for it. Nothing ventured nothing gained. If you don't get it you still have four other options and at least you know you gave it a shot.
thankyou
i think i will apply for oxford now - never know until i try Quick Reply
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