[rofflewaffle]

(Original post by tooambitious)
I'm applying for E&M too

(Original post by berryripple)
Well hello thar

Oh hai (I've returned briefly to avoid doing revision).

[berryripple]

(Original post by rofflewaffle)


Oh hai (I've returned briefly to avoid doing revision).

I saw your username on the stalking page and I was like

[Abc1234x]

(Original post by Peachy800)
Hello! Sorry I've only just seen this. You know what it's like, balancing an excessive work load with excessive socialising :P

The ELAT is really something I wouldn't underestimate. My result was in the second band even though the past questions I was doing for my teacher were always over 90%. The mark scheme is very vague though- even my teacher said so. I'd try not to worry about it though because essentially the bands are a guideline for the examiners to keep in mind (i.e where band 1 is excellent, band 2 is good/very good I think). The thing that helped me was that I said to myself I'll always answer the poetry questions because I had a set structure in my mind and it would give me more time to read through the two poems and collect my thoughts rather than reading through 6 odd sources and wasting time deciding. I was just a little unlucky that the two poems on the paper were pre 1800 (whereas on every paper available to me there'd been at least one modern one).

My question was on poverty and destitution. I think it was a poem by John Donne (I can't remember which though) and an extract from Wordsworth's The Prelude. I actually quite enjoyed it but I was thrown by the fact I was having to analyse two fairly old poems so try not to make assumptions about the test. I much preferred the specimen paper with the poem Carousel and the theme of transience and mortality. Wow, I'm getting side tracked :P basically ELAT wise try and prepare well in advance (which I didn't) and have a set procedure in your head. At the end of the day though, it's not your whole application and at interview you're examined on unseen aspects anyway. When I got my feedback, my interviews were 'strong' and my ELAT score was 'average' in relation to other applicants and I was in band 2. So basically as long as you don't bomb the ELAT and have a good application, you should be fine.

I'll try and be more concise now :P for GCSE I got 7 A*s, 1 A and 1B. At AS I got 5 As (including full marks in English Lit). My predicted grades for A2 are 4 A*s and 1 A. I study English, Maths, History, Geography and General Studies so while the vast majority are humanities, they don't really mind about your subject combination. In my interview, the tutor actually asked me about Maths since it's so different from my other choices but they weren't bothered. I just said I chose subjects I enjoyed and found myself to be good at. They seemed happy enough with that ;D if you have any other questions, let me know... Sorry for the mahoosive essay

Thanks for the reply- it's much appreciated
So, how exactly do you prepare for the ELAT? And how is english at university?I love it at the moment at a level, but is it similar at university? I mean, are you actually happy studying english at oxford?
Thank you soo much- this is very reassuring

[Kimiechi]

(Original post by thesmiter)
Hi guys. I'm an oddball American student looking to apply to Oxford. What should I know about the school itself? I won't be able to visit before applying, of course, so please tell me about the things that the website won't show you.

In return, don't hesitate to ask me about American schools, but UCs in particular, as I am a native Californian and can tell you a lot about the general feeling of a college.

Hi, what are you applying for? I don't know if I can help you much, since I've never been to Oxford yet myself, but there are people on here who have
Are you applying to both UK and American unis/colleges? I'm considering applying to America as well as UK, probably not UC though cos of the lack of international financial aid :L

[CrazyK17]

Hi all,
I'm completely new to tsr, and have only just begun to consider studying at Oxford!
Regarding PPE, I know that Maths A/AS level is 'helpful' for the economics aspect of the course, but I would really like to know if I would be at an actual disadvantage to other applicants, in not having the qaualification. Also coupled with the fact that my GCSE'S are not very impressive ( 1*, 5 As, 3Bs and 3Cs), is there even any point in applying for Oxford.
I take Politics, Classics, English Literature and RS for AS, and I am hoping/expecting to get 3 As and B, dropping the B for A level.
Do I have any chance of getting into Oxford?
Thanks in advance

[Llewellyn]

(Original post by thesmiter)
Hi guys. I'm an oddball American student looking to apply to Oxford. What should I know about the school itself? I won't be able to visit before applying, of course, so please tell me about the things that the website won't show you.

In return, don't hesitate to ask me about American schools, but UCs in particular, as I am a native Californian and can tell you a lot about the general feeling of a college.

The most you can probably do without actually visiting, is to look at Oxford University's website and read up on what it's like, what it looks like, what it offers its students, etc. There's quite a lot of information on their website, it may be worth looking at each College's or even Department's websites also.

You could also probe around on this forum and find some other users who study/ studied at Oxford and barrage them with questions. You could probably find an American Oxford student on here as well (with a bit of luck).

[tinytadpoletim]

(Original post by CrazyK17)
Hi all,
I'm completely new to tsr, and have only just begun to consider studying at Oxford!
Regarding PPE, I know that Maths A/AS level is 'helpful' for the economics aspect of the course, but I would really like to know if I would be at an actual disadvantage to other applicants, in not having the qaualification. Also coupled with the fact that my GCSE'S are not very impressive ( 1*, 5 As, 3Bs and 3Cs), is there even any point in applying for Oxford.
I take Politics, Classics, English Literature and RS for AS, and I am hoping/expecting to get 3 As and B, dropping the B for A level.
Do I have any chance of getting into Oxford?
Thanks in advance

Everyone has a chance, and the fact that you are expected to get three As at A level (which is the requirement for PPE) means that you should not be put off applying.
Having said that, you may be considered to be at a disadvantage due to your GCSE results.

There is no harm in applying though

[CrazyK17]

Everyone has a chance, and the fact that you are expected to get three As at A level (which is the requirement for PPE) means that you should not be put off applying.
Having said that, you may be considered to be at a disadvantage due to your GCSE results.

There is no harm in applying though

- not sure if I've got the quoting technique right!

I hope to get 3As at AS, and think that I have a chance of getting an A* in politics for A2, I also have experience in politics; I have campaingned with my local councillor and have work experience scheduled with an MP later in the year, do you think this will increase my chances?
Studying PPE at Oxford is my dream, so if I would do anything possible to increase my chances

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by CrazyK17)
- not sure if I've got the quoting technique right!

I hope to get 3As at AS, and think that I have a chance of getting an A* in politics for A2, I also have experience in politics; I have campaingned with my local councillor and have work experience scheduled with an MP later in the year, do you think this will increase my chances?
Studying PPE at Oxford is my dream, so if I would do anything possible to increase my chances

Oxford don't really care about extra curriculars or work experience.

What grade did you get in your Maths GCSE?

[qwertyuiop1993]

(Original post by thesmiter)
Hi guys. I'm an oddball American student looking to apply to Oxford. What should I know about the school itself? I won't be able to visit before applying, of course, so please tell me about the things that the website won't show you.

In return, don't hesitate to ask me about American schools, but UCs in particular, as I am a native Californian and can tell you a lot about the general feeling of a college.

What subject would you be applying for? In the UK we don't have a major/minor system so you have to choose your degree before applying. This is important as it makes your subject choices really important (in your case your SAT II or AP choices)

Another difference is the college system at Oxford: a college is an academic community within the university. You will have tutorials there and a lot of your social life will revolve around the college, but lectures, labs and exams are organised by the university as a whole and there are loads of societies to join that allow you to meet people from outside your college. College choice is important because it's where you will live for the next three or four years. Bear in mind that not all colleges teach all subjects - a list will be available somewhere on the Oxford website.

As for getting a feel for the university, on the Oxford website there will be lots of information for applicants.
A good introduction to the university (like the college system/info on specific colleges and profiles on different subjects) is the Alternative Prospectus: do bear in mind that the figures they give for various costs (dinner/accommodation etc) at different colleges might be a bit suspect.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1w0...refid%3D106862

Also, though you shouldn't really choose a college based only on looks, it's also quite a big factor.
Here is a useful virtual tour resource which gives you a feel for what the colleges look like: http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/oxfordtour/tours.html

Hope this helps

[Lorem Ipsum]

(Original post by Poppyxx)
Oxford don't really care about extra curriculars or work experience.

What grade did you get in your Maths GCSE?

[tinytadpoletim]

(Original post by Lorem Ipsum)

It's true...

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by Lorem Ipsum)

How I understand it from (my) is that they care about you having a life outside of books and studying.

For most subjects (excluding the likes of Medicine I think) what those extra curriculars are is irrelevant.

You could spend your weekends in drama productions, playing in a band, debating, campaigning for your MP...

It doesn't matter what it is - it's just showing (a) that you can manage your time - you get good grades and have a life, and (b) that you have some sort of personality.

Tutors like personalities.

In my experience they don't like people who never look outside of the library.

[CrazyK17]

Oxford don't really care about extra curriculars or work experience.

What grade did you get in your Maths GCSE?

I got a B in my GCSE Maths, predicted an A

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by CrazyK17)
I got a B in my GCSE Maths, predicted an A

The reason why Maths is a recommended subject for PPE is that the Maths involved just in first year Economics is at the top end of AS level Maths, if not slightly beyond that.

There are lectures for those without Maths beyond GCSE, and depending on your college there may be Maths classes as well.

However, you need to have the aptitude and ability to do this level of Maths. It also makes your first term/year a lot harder than those with the AS level because you have another lot of work on top of everything else to come to grips with.

At my school you were heavily advised against taking AS Maths unless you achieved a minimum of an A at GCSE. Excluding the rare case when a B was totally unexpected and the teachers knew the student was capable of the AS course.

So you need to have a think about whether you will be able to cope with the Maths involved in PPE at Oxford, not just whether you are at a disadvantage on application without Maths beyond GCSE.

[CrazyK17]

There are lectures for those without Maths beyond GCSE, and depending on your college there may be Maths classes as well.

Do you know how I would go about finding out what these colleges are?

So you need to have a think about whether you will be able to cope with the Maths involved in PPE at Oxford, not just whether you are at a disadvantage on application without Maths beyond GCSE.

I understand what you're saying. Upon entering college, I picked all my courses in the intention of studying law at university and didn't contemplate that I would ever possibly change my mind, as I have done. I feel that the Philosophy and Politics aspects of the degree suit me perfectly, as I have a passion for politics, and all of the courses that I do at AS are essay writing subjects.
I also know that some PPE applicants took up AS maths in year 13 especially for the course, and am wondering if that is something that I could do? Though, with a B at GCSE I'm not sure if thats wise.
I have also been advised to look at the Human, Social and Political Sciences course at Cambridge as an alternative, but I've got my heart set on PPE at Oxford now!

[thesaintx]

Hai all.. have come with a small question;

Its almost certain I'll be applying for Oxford... (most likely Christ's/St.Johns), however I'm not altogether too sure whether to apply for classics or law.

bit of background, if someone wants to add me to the stalking page..;

GCSE's: 12A*s (and an A in FSMQ)
AS level predictions: AAAA (Greek, Latin, Maths, Politics) + an A* in my EPQ
A2 predictions: A*A*A*A*
Other notes: Uhm.. represented midlands at water polo, have played 1st team water polo at school.. captained the U16 rugby team & hopefully will play 1sts next year.. county athletics (etc.) taking grade 7 in piano, quit violin after grade 5, self-taught guitarist playing with the schools' award winning jazz band etc. Editing a book by Douglas Hurd, part of the schools CCF. Can't really think of anything else right now..

However, as to the main point of the post... Classics or law? I'm writing an EPQ on Jurisprudence which is pretty interesting, and so I'm slightly inclined towards law.. but my latin and greek teachers at school both are quite heavily advocating doing the Greats course at Oxford. However, I have a slight love-hate relationship with classics; the way they teach literature in school is horrifically boring, and I'm not sure if i want to do it for the next 4 years (despite the fact that the philosophy part of greats looks interesting). So... any advice?

[Rennit]

(Original post by thesaintx)
Hai all.. have come with a small question;

Its almost certain I'll be applying for Oxford... (most likely Christ's/St.Johns), however I'm not altogether too sure whether to apply for classics or law.

bit of background, if someone wants to add me to the stalking page..;

GCSE's: 12A*s (and an A in FSMQ)
AS level predictions: AAAA (Greek, Latin, Maths, Politics) + an A* in my EPQ
A2 predictions: A*A*A*A*
Other notes: Uhm.. represented midlands at water polo, have played 1st team water polo at school.. captained the U16 rugby team & hopefully will play 1sts next year.. county athletics (etc.) taking grade 7 in piano, quit violin after grade 5, self-taught guitarist playing with the schools' award winning jazz band etc. Editing a book by Douglas Hurd, part of the schools CCF. Can't really think of anything else right now..

However, as to the main point of the post... Classics or law? I'm writing an EPQ on Jurisprudence which is pretty interesting, and so I'm slightly inclined towards law.. but my latin and greek teachers at school both are quite heavily advocating doing the Greats course at Oxford. However, I have a slight love-hate relationship with classics; the way they teach literature in school is horrifically boring, and I'm not sure if i want to do it for the next 4 years (despite the fact that the philosophy part of greats looks interesting). So... any advice?

How can you be predicted A2's when you haven't even finished AS levels? I was predicted CCCCC for my AS levels and got A*A*A*AA for my A2s....

If you are applying to Oxford, you don't apply to Oxford just to go to Oxford, you apply for your subject. Oxford want people that are passionate about their subject; not their university. The admissions tutors will see straight through you if you aren't 100% on either law or classics.

The people that get into Oxford are the people that have loved their subject for 5+ years or more, not those that have selected a subject just to go to Oxford.

[thesaintx]

(Original post by Rennit)
How can you be predicted A2's when you haven't even finished AS levels? I was predicted CCCCC for my AS levels and got A*A*A*AA for my A2s....

If you are applying to Oxford, you don't apply to Oxford just to go to Oxford, you apply for your subject. Oxford want people that are passionate about their subject; not their university. The admissions tutors will see straight through you if you aren't 100% on either law or classics.

The people that get into Oxford are the people that have loved their subject for 5+ years or more, not those that have selected a subject just to go to Oxford.

I think you're being a tad cynical here... however to address your questions;

You don't get an official prediction, I understand that, however after discussions with my teachers, they all say yeah you should be an A* candidate.

Secondly, I also understand that you don't apply to Oxford, you apply for your subject. However, since Oxford is the best university for both law and classics, since I am applying for either course, it doesn't make an enormous difference that I haven't decided on which one yet.

Thirdly; it would be extremely surprising for me if you found someone who has 'loved' law since they were 12 (given that I'm 17, that would be 5 years ago). With the limited information I have been given (the EPQ on jurisprudence), I have enjoyed that, but I also understand that that is only a small element of the law course at oxford, and hence my hesitation to apply for it..

Classics, on the other hand, I do enjoy, and then I don't enjoy, however, as I said, the teaching in schools is totally different to that in Oxford (having spoken to many people there), and thus I'm a bit confused as to how much I will enjoy the Oxford course, and whether I would prefer law..

[shoshin]

(Original post by Lorem Ipsum)

Never mind the lolwut, Poppy's right

This link sums up Oxford's views on ECs (with History mentioned as a case in point):

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6055922


Good luck

p.s. Medicine is an exception and there may be one or two others. But you're applying for History I believe (my subject)