[Defragmentation]

(Original post by michael321)
x

Yeah, it was definitely on my reading list, but didn't quite realise it's importance aha. Just ordered a copy from Amazon!

The structure certainly seems like a sound way of approaching the essay, so I think I may adapt that style!

[KingMessi]

(Original post by such_a_lady)
Prepare yourselves for the fact that "How's your UCAS?" will soon replace "How are you?" in general conversation and that "Where else did you apply?" becomes a way of gauging someone's character


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I can second this.

Oh, and no matter which number you put Oxford in your list of choices, people will inevitably react to that, so you may as well just say it first.

[such_a_lady]

(Original post by KingMessi)
I can second this.

Oh, and no matter which number you put Oxford in your list of choices, people will inevitably react to that, so you may as well just say it first.

I've tried that and you're right, it never works neither does saying it really fast


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[ChocoholicPolyglot]

Is anyone here applying for Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Oriental Studies)? Or do you know anyone? It's not a common course and I can hardly find any student experiences about it... I'm hoping to apply for it at University College for 2013 entry.

[KingMessi]

(Original post by ChocoholicPolyglot)
Is anyone here applying for Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (Oriental Studies)? Or do you know anyone? It's not a common course and I can hardly find any student experiences about it... I'm hoping to apply for it at University College for 2013 entry.

I don't know anyone, unfortunately, but you could always go to the Open Day and ask? Some students there would probably be able to help you and inform you.

[brendan.]

(Original post by ChrisE2)
Im not talking from experience and I wish to study Biological sciences at oxford (close enough), having done absolutely no essays since gcse's I'm also a little bit daunted by the thought of rolling out essays on a weekly basis, but then the content wont be as far fetched from whatever I am doing in my science subjects at the moment, I will just be writing out a longer and more structured answer (and definitely improving my punctuation and grammer, they seem to go to pot in exams as I mainly focus on getting as much info down as possible).
So overall I wouldnt get worried, but that perception is my own.

(Original post by strifelight)
Hey everyone, again, sorry for changing the subject, but I was thinking earlier- I want to study Biomedical Sciences, but since Oxford focuses so much on essays, do you think it matters that I have so little practice writing them? Because my a levels never require written essays (except coursework for biology), and I worry that I'll be a disadvantage with my lack of essay skills? :/

Sorry for butting in, and apologies if this has already been cleared up - but..
I've just finished my first year studying Biochemistry, and I'm assuming that workload will be similar among the biology related sciences.
I'm not entirely sure how similar the essays are between the sciences, but for my tutorials the essays that I've been expected to write were more of a consolidated account of the information found in textbooks.
Think notes, but structured in an essay format. I wouldn't worry if you feel like your first few essays are not quite up to the correct standard - writing them becomes much easier over the course of time, and you begin to learn how to ensure only the relevant information is included, which is essential for when prelims/mods come around.
In short, I wouldn't worry about it. Most of the scientist freshers are likely to have limited experience in writing essays, so everyone will be in the same boat!

[strifelight]

(Original post by brendan.)
x

Thanks a lot, it's good to hear from someone who's got experience If its very much note based, I should be fine

[brendan.]

(Original post by strifelight)
Thanks a lot, it's good to hear from someone who's got experience If its very much note based, I should be fine

No problem. At first anyway, it's really only note based, with the addition of historical experiments for higher marks. It might be slightly different for Biological Sciences or Biomedical Sciences, but I'd assume that they're more or less similar. From second year onwards, tutors would expect much more personal insight regarding the topics given.

[teek]

Anyone else in upper sixth and taking a gap year next year?

Or just me, as I'm guessing ahaha

[ChrisE2]

(Original post by teek)
Anyone else in upper sixth and taking a gap year next year?

Or just me, as I'm guessing ahaha

Your not alone, what are you doing during your gap year?


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[teek]

(Original post by ChrisE2)
Your not alone, what are you doing during your gap year?


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internship for the first half, travelling for the second how about you? what subject you applying for?

[_becca]

(Original post by teek)
Anyone else in upper sixth and taking a gap year next year?

Or just me, as I'm guessing ahaha

I am! Over the gap year I'm gonna be working in Oxford, not really a traveller
where's the internship?

[teek]

(Original post by _becca)
I am! Over the gap year I'm gonna be working in Oxford, not really a traveller
where's the internship?

National Institute for Medical Research I'm applying for chemistry though haha, I'm working in the physical biochemistry labs.

How about you?

[_becca]

(Original post by teek)
National Institute for Medical Research I'm applying for chemistry though haha, I'm working in the physical biochemistry labs.

How about you?

Oh wow, that sounds sweet!Especially since ti'll look great on your PS.

I haven't decided yet. I'm working at Queens college library over summer on a conservation project and then afterwards maybe one of the college libraries need an assistant alternatively I've always thought it'd be cool to be a tour guide! haha

[ChrisE2]

(Original post by teek)
internship for the first half, travelling for the second how about you? what subject you applying for?

Computer engineering and programming, financial trading, getting a job, clarinet grade 8, italian, a few exhibitions selling artwork, a level maths and a load of car boot sales to get rid of a load of junk!

I reckon this should entertain me for a year!
I am applying for Biological sciences, which leads into a wide range of careers so I can at least justify some of my gap year items.

Where you travelling to?

[teek]

(Original post by _becca)
Oh wow, that sounds sweet!Especially since ti'll look great on your PS.

I haven't decided yet. I'm working at Queens college library over summer on a conservation project and then afterwards maybe one of the college libraries need an assistant alternatively I've always thought it'd be cool to be a tour guide! haha

Ah right sounds cool! Yeah and it'll be really good practical experience I think, I was there a couple of weeks ago for a 2 week placement and really enjoyed it

(Original post by ChrisE2)
Computer engineering and programming, financial trading, getting a job, clarinet grade 8, italian, a few exhibitions selling artwork, a level maths and a load of car boot sales to get rid of a load of junk!

I reckon this should entertain me for a year!
I am applying for Biological sciences, which leads into a wide range of careers so I can at least justify some of my gap year items.

Where you travelling to?

ahaha yeah that sounds like enough!

South Americaaaaaa

[emilyjcastles]

Hey guys!!!!

Basically I have just completed my AS levels, all of which I am predicted A's in. I just wanted to ask (if anyone knows), that although I got A* (which was in english lan) 6 A's and 2 B's (which I know is lower than most applicants) at gcse- this was actually the highest in the year. Does this make a difference? I am applying for English and am also doing an EPQ and have lots of other things I can say I've done....

Thanks!

[bíborcsiga]

(Original post by emilyjcastles)
Hey guys!!!!

Basically I have just completed my AS levels, all of which I am predicted A's in. I just wanted to ask (if anyone knows), that although I got A* (which was in english lan) 6 A's and 2 B's (which I know is lower than most applicants) at gcse- this was actually the highest in the year. Does this make a difference? I am applying for English and am also doing an EPQ and have lots of other things I can say I've done....

Thanks!

All we can know for sure is that they contextualise your grades, so they'll probably take into account how well you did compared to your school. GCSEs are only one factor, so you can improve your application by a good ELAT score for example, so practise those tests, if you can.
An impressive personal statement cannot hurt, either.

(They say Oxford puts more emphasis on GCSEs and Cambridge on UMS, so if you achieve high UMS you might want to consider applying there. But I'm not an expert, only reciting suggestions I've read on this site, so if you're set on Oxford, then by all means choose Oxford, GCSEs are not the be all and end all.)

[Placebo101]

Hey, do they care about how many A*s you've got if when you apply, you've already gotten your grades?

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[Maxima]

Anyone here thinking about doing an EPQ? It sounds quite interesting and would definitely be worth it but if it doesn't really help my cause any more then I won't really bother, would much rather continue reading books by Richard Feynman and co