What do you want to know about Oxford?
Scroll to see replies
Original post by fluteflute
St John's said we wouldn't get that until August/September, but it may vary by college.
Oh, okay, that's ages away....
Everything just seems to have gone so quiet...
Original post by KingMessi
Oh, okay, that's ages away.... Everything just seems to have gone so quiet...
Everything just seems to have gone so quiet...Well, generally speaking, they aren't going to send things like 'contracts' until they actually know you're coming i.e. after a-level results are out.
Next step is to do your a-levels!
Original post by TotalLifeForever
I've got an offer of 3 As and was just wondering, does it matter if I completely flunk my fourth A Level as long as I get my grades for the other 3? I'm asking as I feel Maths will kill me this year (and my offer is for English). Still trying as hard as possible though, even doing really badly should still come out with a C (I hope)!
Original post by la-dauphine
No, it doesn't matter 
As long as you get As in your other three subjects, you'll be fine.
As long as you get As in your other three subjects, you'll be fine.I think the offer states the 4th subject has to be a good grade, i.e. C and above. So you can't totally flunk it.
Original post by Mulligan
You may not have the option to drop the subject. Check your offer letter carefully because my daughters states she must complete all examinations detailed on her application which means she couldn't decide not to do one.
I had 3 friends with Oxford offers who then went on to drop their fourth subject - all it required was a letter to the college, who agreed that it was fine and a change to their offer conditions. I considered it, but in the end carried on with all 4.
So OP it may be worth writing to your college and seeing what they say about it. After all, if all you're going to get is a C it begs the question as to why bother at all. You can't always 'forget' your A Level - so later on you may have to put down your 1st from Oxford, your 3 As and a C on a CV/application...
There is the argument that doing 4 A Levels will give you an insurance, in case you mess one up you'll still meet your offer. But if you're already anticipating walking out without an A in one subject, I'm not sure the argument applies to you.
Original post by Poppyxx
I think the offer states the 4th subject has to be a good grade, i.e. C and above. So you can't totally flunk it.
I had 3 friends with Oxford offers who then went on to drop their fourth subject - all it required was a letter to the college, who agreed that it was fine and a change to their offer conditions. I considered it, but in the end carried on with all 4.
So OP it may be worth writing to your college and seeing what they say about it. After all, if all you're going to get is a C it begs the question as to why bother at all. You can't always 'forget' your A Level - so later on you may have to put down your 1st from Oxford, your 3 As and a C on a CV/application...
There is the argument that doing 4 A Levels will give you an insurance, in case you mess one up you'll still meet your offer. But if you're already anticipating walking out without an A in one subject, I'm not sure the argument applies to you.
I had 3 friends with Oxford offers who then went on to drop their fourth subject - all it required was a letter to the college, who agreed that it was fine and a change to their offer conditions. I considered it, but in the end carried on with all 4.
So OP it may be worth writing to your college and seeing what they say about it. After all, if all you're going to get is a C it begs the question as to why bother at all. You can't always 'forget' your A Level - so later on you may have to put down your 1st from Oxford, your 3 As and a C on a CV/application...
There is the argument that doing 4 A Levels will give you an insurance, in case you mess one up you'll still meet your offer. But if you're already anticipating walking out without an A in one subject, I'm not sure the argument applies to you.
Very interesting, thank you. I'm just worried that if I do drop the subject it'll look bad considering I got an A at AS for it, and I am predicted an A this year but realistically I don't think that would happen. At best could get a B and hopefully a C, but I don't want to end up with 3As and then a failed A-Level (though Maths is completely unrelated to all my other subjects). Did these people send in written letters or emails, and to who?
Original post by Poppyxx
I think the offer states the 4th subject has to be a good grade, i.e. C and above. So you can't totally flunk it.
My offer just says: AAA (including A in English Literature).
Original post by Poppyxx
I think the offer states the 4th subject has to be a good grade, i.e. C and above. So you can't totally flunk it.
How do you know that?! That would be pretty unusual if it is true. It does happen, but unusual.
Original post by nexttime
How do you know that?! That would be pretty unusual if it is true. It does happen, but unusual.
It's what my offer said back in 2009.
Didn't realise it wasn't the norm - at least one of my friends had something similar, which is why she asked to drop it and they agreed.
Obviously doesn't relate to General Studies. Not that I took it, I just know it excluded GS from having to be a good grade.
Original post by TotalLifeForever
Very interesting, thank you. I'm just worried that if I do drop the subject it'll look bad considering I got an A at AS for it, and I am predicted an A this year but realistically I don't think that would happen. At best could get a B and hopefully a C, but I don't want to end up with 3As and then a failed A-Level (though Maths is completely unrelated to all my other subjects). Did these people send in written letters or emails, and to who?
I think they wrote a letter and sent it to the Academic Director/similar person at the college. I know one included a letter from a tutor at school, but that was because of slightly different circumstances. The others just didn't want to do it anymore / thought it would hinder their chances of getting AAA in what they needed.
One ended up not dropping it, but it was still worth her asking the college what they thought, and they said it would be fine if she chose to.
Original post by Poppyxx
It's what my offer said back in 2009.
Didn't realise it wasn't the norm - at least one of my friends had something similar, which is why she asked to drop it and they agreed.
Obviously doesn't relate to General Studies. Not that I took it, I just know it excluded GS from having to be a good grade.
Didn't realise it wasn't the norm - at least one of my friends had something similar, which is why she asked to drop it and they agreed.
Obviously doesn't relate to General Studies. Not that I took it, I just know it excluded GS from having to be a good grade.
The admissions stats page says: "Almost all conditional offers for Oxford places are set at AAA." Your offer was AAAC. If it didn't say AAAC on UCAS, it was not AAAC. The UCAS is the legally binding bit.
I guess you doing PPE, a broad subject, had something to do with it.
Btw, i think 'good pass' tends to be a term used for GCSE rather than a-level, unless that was the phrase used n your letter.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by nexttime
The admissions stats page says: "Almost all conditional offers for Oxford places are set at AAA." Your offer was AAAC. If it didn't say AAAC on UCAS, it was not AAAC. The UCAS is the legally binding bit.
I guess you doing PPE, a broad subject, had something to do with it.
Btw, i think 'good pass' tends to be a term used for GCSE rather than a-level, unless that was the phrase used n your letter.
I guess you doing PPE, a broad subject, had something to do with it.
Btw, i think 'good pass' tends to be a term used for GCSE rather than a-level, unless that was the phrase used n your letter.
Well I can't remember the exact phrase.
Yeah I don't think it was on UCAS, just in the letter, I just asked another PPEist at my college and he said his said the same. So I suppose they'd have had to take me regardless since it wasn't on UCAS. Begs the question as to why they bothered - I might ask the academic director next time I see him.
What I have realised over the years is that there's a lot of variance in offers - not only between colleges, but also between offers for the same subject in the same college. You get some people who are told they must get an A in a certain subject, and their fellow course and college mate who had no such requirement.
The main point of my post was to let that guy know he should ask his college how they'd feel about dropping his fourth subject. Personally I wouldn't waste the time to only walk out with a C.
Original post by Poppyxx
Personally I wouldn't waste the time to only walk out with a C.
Yeh i agree. Doesn't help anyone.
EDIT: unless you just enjoy the class of course. I took further maths purely because i enjoyed it, putting no out-of-hours work in that might affect other subjects.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Chaofan88
What's the LGBT scence/society like in Oxford?
I don't know from personal experience, but two of my close friends are quite involved in it and on the LGBTQ soc committee and they are always going to events and seem to really enjoy it. I have heard that it's the biggest society in oxford and not only do they do the usual drinks events but also theatre trips, day trips, film nights, talks etc.
Original post by Chaofan88
What's the LGBT scence/society like in Oxford?
Scenewise there's a gay night Tuesdays at Babylove which is good, and a gay club on Fridays and Saturdays which I've heard isn't that great, though mostly in virtue of not being very studenty. There are also three gay pubs which I don't know much about. The LGBTQSoc do cheap predrinks on Tuesdays, brunches on Sundays, and other slightly more specific events for bi/pan or trans members. They organise a few talks and stuff too. This term there's a trip down to London with Cambridge and KCL's societies. On a college level each college has an LGBTQ rep who is there for welfare and should organise socials on college scale (our rep at Merton has organised a few 'crew dates' with other colleges which were good fun). Let me know if you want to konw anything else.
Is Oxford more intimidating if you're a non-drinker? That question is probably relevant to a lot of Universities but I'd primarily like to hear the answer in the context of Oxford.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer
) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer
) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.Original post by loopy786
Is Oxford more intimidating if you're a non-drinker? That question is probably relevant to a lot of Universities but I'd primarily like to hear the answer in the context of Oxford.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer ) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer
) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.There are certainly plenty of opportunities to drink, but I wouldn't say it's exactly intimidating. If you still go out and socialise you won't miss out on anything just because you're not drinking.
Workload-wise there's not really a comparison you can make because to be honest at uni you're comparing yourself to other people's workloads, not what yours was like before. Scientists have a lot of contact time compared to other subjects (9am lectures most days, lots of labs as opposed to maybe two lectures and a tutorial a week for some arts subjects), but it's pretty different to what school is like, no matter how much you do at school.
Original post by loopy786
Is Oxford more intimidating if you're a non-drinker? That question is probably relevant to a lot of Universities but I'd primarily like to hear the answer in the context of Oxford.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer ) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.
Also, I'm doing Maths., Further Maths., Biology, Chemistry and History Pre-U, having done AS French last year. (I know they say that they will give you an offer in 3/4 subjects if you even get an offer
) But compared to that workload, what is the workload like for a Science degree, preferably compared to Chemistry? I have the most full timetable and the worst in-school workload in my year group.Oxford's fine if you're a non drinker! I barely drink (maybe twice in freshers, as we were in a pub, and rarely since) but you find plenty of people who are happy to settle in a pub (so you can happily not drink) or just chill in rooms with a cup of tea
I'm doing physics and the workload does not compare to my A level workload at all... though I didn't do tooo much work during A levels. My boyfriend's doing chemistry and has a lot to do as well, although we certainly have enough free time to play sports, see lots of eachother, and generally have a life outside study
If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me or I'll keep an eye out on here,
Original post by dbmag9
There are certainly plenty of opportunities to drink, but I wouldn't say it's exactly intimidating. If you still go out and socialise you won't miss out on anything just because you're not drinking.
Workload-wise there's not really a comparison you can make because to be honest at uni you're comparing yourself to other people's workloads, not what yours was like before. Scientists have a lot of contact time compared to other subjects (9am lectures most days, lots of labs as opposed to maybe two lectures and a tutorial a week for some arts subjects), but it's pretty different to what school is like, no matter how much you do at school.
Workload-wise there's not really a comparison you can make because to be honest at uni you're comparing yourself to other people's workloads, not what yours was like before. Scientists have a lot of contact time compared to other subjects (9am lectures most days, lots of labs as opposed to maybe two lectures and a tutorial a week for some arts subjects), but it's pretty different to what school is like, no matter how much you do at school.
Okiedoke, thanks for that. I've looked up timetables for prospective undergrads. and was just a bit
but I suppose that comes with any degree you go for. Original post by physicsfuntimes
Oxford's fine if you're a non drinker! I barely drink (maybe twice in freshers, as we were in a pub, and rarely since) but you find plenty of people who are happy to settle in a pub (so you can happily not drink) or just chill in rooms with a cup of tea
I'm doing physics and the workload does not compare to my A level workload at all... though I didn't do tooo much work during A levels. My boyfriend's doing chemistry and has a lot to do as well, although we certainly have enough free time to play sports, see lots of eachother, and generally have a life outside study
If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me or I'll keep an eye out on here,
I'm doing physics and the workload does not compare to my A level workload at all... though I didn't do tooo much work during A levels. My boyfriend's doing chemistry and has a lot to do as well, although we certainly have enough free time to play sports, see lots of eachother, and generally have a life outside study
If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me or I'll keep an eye out on here,
Okay, phew. I'm just apprehensive because it's not really my scene. Well, it easily could have been, but with religion and culture and that, it's not supposed to be part of my life anway.
Okay, I do find myself tearing my hair out in despair from time-to-time but generally, I cope really well with the load I have, but I waste waaaaay too much time.
Okay good, I was worried that I would get to the point of doing Chemistry at a University, then collapse. I was sort of worried that you would have no social life, and I think I'm worried that I'll either be too relaxed or not relaxed enough, and not find a balance that lets me do well. 
Okay, thanks for the advice. If I have more questions, I'll keep you in mind. 
Original post by fluteflute
Just to illustrate this: if we include your daughter and myself, I now know of three G8+ flautists hoping to start at Oxford in October. Obviously there will be many more that I'm not aware of. In a typical orchestra, you have only three or four flutes. There will be second/third/fourth years in these ensembles (not to mention postgrads). In other words: in some ways it doesn't look good for us (although obviously we should give auditioning a go) but there will be so many other ensembles (e.g. the non-auditioning college orchestras that usually let people from any college join).
I also want to audition for flute. Maybe it's time to invest in a piccolo or do a crash course in viola playing XD
Original post by loopy786
Okay, I do find myself tearing my hair out in despair from time-to-time but generally, I cope really well with the load I have, but I waste waaaaay too much time. Okay good, I was worried that I would get to the point of doing Chemistry at a University, then collapse. I was sort of worried that you would have no social life, and I think I'm worried that I'll either be too relaxed or not relaxed enough, and not find a balance that lets me do well. Okay, thanks for the advice. If I have more questions, I'll keep you in mind.
Okay good, I was worried that I would get to the point of doing Chemistry at a University, then collapse. I was sort of worried that you would have no social life, and I think I'm worried that I'll either be too relaxed or not relaxed enough, and not find a balance that lets me do well. Okay, thanks for the advice. If I have more questions, I'll keep you in mind. I was the same for A levels so don't worry about it! During my first term I really struggled to find a balance between everything and felt very useless and unable to cope a lot of the time. This term, I came back determined to, a) get more sleep, b) play more sport, c) see more friends and d) make more time to see my boyfriend. I am spending less time on work but the time I do spend on it seems more productive, as everything else is more cheerful and slotting into place. It's still a bit hit and miss but hopefully I'll have the hang of it by the end of the year... Many people find it fine, straightaway, some people struggle, but most people pull through and adjust in the end.
I've found that having someone to talk to if you do get stressed or down, is invaluable... most new friends aren't really close enough, but luckily I have my boyfriend and my sister here too. And Skype is a wonderful wonderful thing! However, you may get to uni and cope wonderfully! But if you don't, you certainly won't be alone. Good luck with your A levels!
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Merton Oxford or St John's Cambridge
- Is it ok to reject Oxford?
- I graduated from Oxford, AMA
- Is a post-A level application for Oxford a good idea?
- Immerse education - is it legit or scam??
- Having one grade 5 (C) when applying for Oxford
- Can I still get into oxbridge if I take a non-facilitating subject?
- Should I reject oxford?
- Oxford vs Cambridge Psychology
- Has anyone ever rejected Oxbridge?
- The Official "Oxford or Cambridge?" Thread
- Oxford Demystified – Physics and Philosophy
- MSc Oxford, MPhil Cambridge
- questions about oxford...
- BA (Hons) - Law (Jurisprudence) at Oxford only allows choice of 2 optional papers?
- Last minute-ish advice for Oxford????? +also are my GCSE grades good enough
- Classics- Oxford or Cambridge?
- Masters is learning and teaching at oxford
- Self-doubting myself for Oxford
- Egyptology at Oxford
Latest
Trending
Last reply 13 hours ago
Weidenfeld Hoffmann Trust (WHT) Scholarship Notification (2024-2025)Last reply 18 hours ago
Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)Last reply 1 week ago
Will I get into Oxford with my GCSE results? - EngineeringLast reply 3 weeks ago
will 5 a levels give me a better chance at getting into oxford?Trending
Last reply 13 hours ago
Weidenfeld Hoffmann Trust (WHT) Scholarship Notification (2024-2025)Last reply 18 hours ago
Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)Last reply 1 week ago
Will I get into Oxford with my GCSE results? - EngineeringLast reply 3 weeks ago
will 5 a levels give me a better chance at getting into oxford?
