Magdalen Oxford gets rejection letter from student
Scroll to see replies
Original post by NietzschanGuy
I made myself chuckle with that on realising as I read it my instinctive response to this self-professed academic would be:
'What are you an effin dunce or something? It's to tell the time you ridiculous person, you don't ask me for pseudo-philosophical reasoning behind my wearing a shirt do you? No, it's a simple, obvious reason. There's a difference between being intellectually curious and wasting your time on utterly ridiculous crap. This is why ordinary people think intellectuals are *******s, because they spend more time saying 'is a table really a table' than they do coming up with practical, simple solutions to complicated social issues.'
'What are you an effin dunce or something? It's to tell the time you ridiculous person, you don't ask me for pseudo-philosophical reasoning behind my wearing a shirt do you? No, it's a simple, obvious reason. There's a difference between being intellectually curious and wasting your time on utterly ridiculous crap. This is why ordinary people think intellectuals are *******s, because they spend more time saying 'is a table really a table' than they do coming up with practical, simple solutions to complicated social issues.'
That made me laugh
Original post by The BigET
Personally I prefer Cambridge. And I can see where she's coming from. BUT it was very stupid! She's damaging her prospects of becoming a lawyer, AND getting into UCL, by this publicity stunt. AND she's already an Oxbridge reject, so surely she knew what it was like. It seems a bit like she was bitter after the Cambridge rejection, and decided to take it out on Oxford. Admittedly elitism is wrong, but she just seems like an inverse snob herself!
Hardly considering lawyers need to have some guts to them to be able to spin stuff in court
Original post by Kalliope
It caught mine too! Especially as I saw the comment on the Guardian when it first appeared and was perplexed as to what the interviewers could have been asking instead. Clearly I'm not Oxbridge material 
I think they may be hinting at societal and cultural reasons, especially when most people now use mobile phones to tell the time. I wouldn't worry too much about questions like these, generally there is a context behind them
Original post by mrshinyshoes
I would rep you but I've ran out! 
*bows* don't worry, I repped you to make up for it
Original post by medbh4805
I think they may be hinting at societal and cultural reasons, especially when most people now use mobile phones to tell the time. I wouldn't worry too much about questions like these, generally there is a context behind them
Yes, as soon as I read the article I kept coming up with lots of those sort of reasons - it's a hugely interesting question really. I just hope you're right and there is some context in the interview!
Original post by Veronique:-)
Dude, apply to Oxford next year? Like seriously.
If you want it, then go for it Don't keep regretting something.
And yes, Cambridge made a mistake, so yeah. Their loss
(Never trust anything with a name that starts with Cam and ends with Bridge)
Dude, apply to Oxford next year? Like seriously.
If you want it, then go for it
Don't keep regretting something.And yes, Cambridge made a mistake, so yeah. Their loss
(Never trust anything with a name that starts with Cam and ends with Bridge)
Scoring highly in a-levels isnt amazing, obviously it is youre doing some horrific ammount but Excluding art visual and audible, perhaps. Elsewise its really all about memory. That and i had a lot of memory on my hands. Amazing is someone I know who`s going for his second degree. Hes 18.
Ive got a place at Sheffield that I intend to take up. But ill be applying for Oxford. Its my contingency incase i get home sick LOL
Original post by Mike93L
I like the idea of so much flexibility in America but then I questioned if it would be worth the extra fees even if I got into one of the best since I'd need to do a master's anyway to specialise.
I gave up on the process very early haha. I decided if I didn't get into any unis in the UK I would take a gap year, focus on ECs and SATs and reapply to the States which I don't need to do now luckily and in hindsight it was a really good decision.
Harvard seemed to be saying they offered full financial aid to those who had a certain income or less, regardless of whether home or international? I'm not sure though.
I gave up on the process very early haha. I decided if I didn't get into any unis in the UK I would take a gap year, focus on ECs and SATs and reapply to the States which I don't need to do now luckily and in hindsight it was a really good decision.
Harvard seemed to be saying they offered full financial aid to those who had a certain income or less, regardless of whether home or international? I'm not sure though.
Yes, Harvard is indeed one of those colleges who are both need-blind (i.e, when looking at applicants, they do not consider the amount of money they can pay) and full-need (i.e, they meet the full need that the applicant requires in case they are admitted). The remaining five are MIT, Amherst College (note: Not UMass Amherst), Dartmouth, Yale and Princeton. There are also a number of colleges that are need aware, in that whether one can pay their own way is considered during the admissions process, but are full need, like Columbia. Theoretically, if Columbia badly wants to admit that dude from Zimbabwe, they will offer him the financial aid he needs.
A good way to go around the admissions process if one needs aid is to apply to as many colleges which are full-need as possible. All of that is very random and it all comes down to whether a given college wants you or not. There is a point, however, where an applicant can be "objectively great", in that, most places would want to have them, because of their academic performance and performance in extra curricular activities or their own special circumstances. The wikihow page on "how to get into Stanford" provides some interesting insight. A girl who got accepted, on top of being great academically, raised funds to bring water to rural India by organising a fashion show! If one can talk about the things they do outside of class with enough conviction, it can take them a long way!
In any case, I think you have a lot of flexibility with the Natural Sciences degree. If you're interested in humanities, you can always read on those independently on your free time or you can sit on lectures or even take a course with the Open University! In some respect, you'd be "losing a year" if you went to the USA. In my books though, you wouldn't, as I think that time spent acquiring knowledge, is not time that's wasted.
You can always take the GRE tests (general and subject) and apply to graduate school in the USA. It might actually be more appealing to you, seeing as one can take more than 5 years to finish the PhD. (two years' worth of grad courses + 3 years of research and dissertation writing) I know of people who took 6+ years!
To get an idea of what to do/what not to do, you could look into www.physicsgre.com. Last year, or the year before that, a guy who "ranked" (you should look for his post, if you're interested) among the best of his year in Part III Mathematics at Cambridge was rejected from most places he applied to in the USA, except for a self-funded place at Stony Brook, I think. Ironically enough, he got funding for a DPhil at Oxford. Go figure...
I saw this article on the internet and found it very amusing:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
Original post by Francesca-Fogg
I saw this article on the internet and found it very amusing:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
I'm afraid you're a little late to the party - there is already a massive thread on this in this very forum.
Original post by Francesca-Fogg
I saw this article on the internet and found it very amusing:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088710/Elly-Nowell-sends-Oxford-OWN-rejection-letter-criticising-grand-interview-setting.html
As an Oxford reject, I couldn't help but cheer a little at them getting a taste of their own medicine. But however amusing it is, I felt she expressed herself a little arrogantly. And I could never turn down Oxford. Ever.
What do you guys think? Was she striking a blow for all us hard-pressed uni applicants or just being immature and petulant? Do you think she was right about the elitist admissions procedures?
Oh, and while I'm here, I would also like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my blog: http://francesca-fogg.blogspot.com, which is honestly vaguely related, as it's to do with my Oxford rejection, among other things. And it's just been updated.
That is all. Thank you
A little bit of a timing fail there.
I saw this a couple of days ago, I also found her a little annoying, if she'd turned it down after getting an offer it would have made more sense, but doing it a day after an interview spoils her sentiment, as it insinuates she thought she'd get an offer regardless...
Nevertheless, she did manage to get an article in the Grauniad, so maybe she benefited from not going to Oxford.
Nevertheless, she did manage to get an article in the Grauniad, so maybe she benefited from not going to Oxford.
lol
I think she is too clever for Oxford
I think she is too clever for Oxford
Loool oops. Must have missed it. Apologies for the repitition....
Original post by VaVe
Lack of confidence isn't really the fault of Oxbridge though. This girl hasn't helped by saying that the stereotypes are true. I don't believe public school students are given a better chance, they may have one because of grades and confidence and teaching but in the interview I believe that the candidates are treated equally.
I'm not going to comment of whether or not you had a chance etc. since I don't really know you at all. I know that if I hadn't hadn't needed an A* I wouldn't have got one.
I'm not going to comment of whether or not you had a chance etc. since I don't really know you at all. I know that if I hadn't hadn't needed an A* I wouldn't have got one.
But they could and should make the effort to let state sixth form students know that even if they are not on A*A*A* predictions they still have a chance.
Original post by Jeester
But they could and should make the effort to let state sixth form students know that even if they are not on A*A*A* predictions they still have a chance.
But they
I go to Cambridge not Oxford so can't comment on Oxford but I assume that it is similar to Cambridge. I get emails almost daily from the access programs about going to speak in state 6th forms. There is a shadowing scheme that has hundreds of year 12s from backgrounds that have very little experience of university (let alone Oxbridge) follow students around for a few days and see what Cambridge is really like. There is a ton of information on the website about Access schemes and required grades for courses so it's not exactly like they're being secretive about it.
Original post by PhateGBR
A friend of mine has decided, after interview, to withdraw her application to read Law at Oxford. Here's the rejection letter she sent to the university:
She is so right about the water! They were so rude sipping from their glasses whilst you talk yourself hoarse with an already dry mouth from nerves. The doors were ridiculous too! I finished my interview and then was stuck unable to leave the room because I couldn't work the handle. You might think that I'm an idiot (after all opening doors is a pretty basic skill) but when they saw I was struggling they didn't offer to help but commented that "everyone always has trouble opening the door". If everyone always has trouble why not open it for them?! Rant over.
But really, I don't think people should take this seriously. It's a joke, and a funny one too. Plus I liked her comment in the Times article that being at Magdalen made her feel "like the only atheist in a gigantic monastery". So apt!
Original post by VaVe
But they could Can and should do make the effort to let state sixth form students know that even if they are not on A*A*A* predictions they still have a chance.
I go to Cambridge not Oxford so can't comment on Oxford but I assume that it is similar to Cambridge. I get emails almost daily from the access programs about going to speak in state 6th forms. There is a shadowing scheme that has hundreds of year 12s from backgrounds that have very little experience of university (let alone Oxbridge) follow students around for a few days and see what Cambridge is really like. There is a ton of information on the website about Access schemes and required grades for courses so it's not exactly like they're being secretive about it.
I go to Cambridge not Oxford so can't comment on Oxford but I assume that it is similar to Cambridge. I get emails almost daily from the access programs about going to speak in state 6th forms. There is a shadowing scheme that has hundreds of year 12s from backgrounds that have very little experience of university (let alone Oxbridge) follow students around for a few days and see what Cambridge is really like. There is a ton of information on the website about Access schemes and required grades for courses so it's not exactly like they're being secretive about it.
No one ever came to my sixth form.
No one ever said I had a chance of getting in. (I'm now hoping to go to Oxbridge for an MSci or PhD.)
Original post by Zoe >.<
She is so right about the water! They were so rude sipping from their glasses whilst you talk yourself hoarse with an already dry mouth from nerves. The doors were ridiculous too! I finished my interview and then was stuck unable to leave the room because I couldn't work the handle. You might think that I'm an idiot (after all opening doors is a pretty basic skill) but when they saw I was struggling they didn't offer to help but commented that "everyone always has trouble opening the door". If everyone always has trouble why not open it for them?! Rant over.
But really, I don't think people should take this seriously. It's a joke, and a funny one too. Plus I liked her comment in the Times article that being at Magdalen made her feel "like the only atheist in a gigantic monastery". So apt!
But really, I don't think people should take this seriously. It's a joke, and a funny one too. Plus I liked her comment in the Times article that being at Magdalen made her feel "like the only atheist in a gigantic monastery". So apt!
Well the first thing they asked me in my interview was whether or not I wanted some water. And if you need some water just ask for it for gods sake.
Original post by Clare~Bear
They gave her an offer but she then sent the letter saying she didn't want to get there anymore, assuming we're talking about the girl who I read about in the guardian I think . . .
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that she didn't wait to hear back from them before sending the letter, though? Although you've got me doubting my memory now
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- When are most answers about Oxford funding given?
- Oxford University - A-Level Entry Requirements
- Human Sciences Oxford applicants 2023-2024
- St Peter's College (Oxford) Students and Applicants
- Oxford college for PPE
- oxford english interviews
- Should I take a gap year to apply to Oxbridge?
- Oxford interview offers for English
- Human Sciences Applicants
- Applying to universities with mitigating circumstances
- Oxford 2020 Applicants official thread! (PART 2)
- How competitive is trinity college Cambridge for law?
- Human Sciences Applicants 2023
- Oxford Postgraduate Offer Holders 2023
- Magdalen, New College and Worcester college comparison.
- Official Oxford 2022 Postgraduate Applicants Thread
- reapplying to oxford
- Oxford Chemistry 2024 Entry
- Has anyone ever rejected Oxbridge?
- Too old to start studying?
Latest
Last reply 1 minute ago
Official University of Edinburgh Applicant Thread for 2024Last reply 12 minutes ago
Official UCL Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryPosted 40 minutes ago
Should I accept my offer at LCF or wait another year and apply for CSM again?Last reply 51 minutes ago
Virgin/O2 Technology Placement - Virtual Assessment and embarrassing questionLast reply 1 hour ago
What games did everybody play on their computers at school or when they were youngerGaming
11
Trending
Last reply 9 hours ago
Weidenfeld Hoffmann Trust (WHT) Scholarship Notification (2024-2025)Last reply 12 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 2 weeks ago
will 5 a levels give me a better chance at getting into oxford?Trending
Last reply 9 hours ago
Weidenfeld Hoffmann Trust (WHT) Scholarship Notification (2024-2025)Last reply 12 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 2 weeks ago
will 5 a levels give me a better chance at getting into oxford?
