[shoshin]

(Original post by milanista25)
...Though I have not yet decided for an exact college, I am considering New College as first option. But what I am concerned about is whether Oxford will prefer mature students...

I'm a mature student at Oxford, reading History. We are welcome but not preferred; we go through the same application/interview process with the same chances of success.

While all colleges accept mature students, one college - Harris Manchester - takes mature applicants only. Mature applicants to other colleges for courses that are offered by Harris Manchester (which is the case for PPE) are often redirected there, either before or during the interview process. Harris Manchester therefore has lots of experience with unusual mature student entry paths and qualifications, so may be a good initial contact point for your main query.

Good luck

[brstc]

Many thanks for all the replies regarding the involvement of Mathe in PPE. I'm quite curious as to what careers that you guys doing PPE have in mind after Oxford.

Do most people go into politics or are there other people who go into finance/law?

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by brstc)
Many thanks for all the replies regarding the involvement of Mathe in PPE. I'm quite curious as to what careers that you guys doing PPE have in mind after Oxford.

Do most people go into politics or are there other people who go into finance/law?

hahaha.

No a significant number go into investment banking or management consultancy.

Obviously people do go into politics, but often they go off and do a masters first. Or I suppose Civil Service Faststream, if you're counting that as politics.

Lots of people are lured into the relatively obvious process of applying for a grad scheme - mainly because from the moment you arrive at Oxford you are bombarded with invites to events hosted by the big banks and consultancy firms.

Then of course there's the professional services people (accountancy etc), law people, Teach First/PGCE people, postgrad people (which is quite a few in my experience)...

And finally there are the people like me who are hoping to go into an industry that doesn't attract too many PPE graduates.

PPE is a degree that has a lot of transferable skills... But then again lots of degrees at Oxford do. There's not one career path that dominates.

I guess finance/consultancy is the most prevalent path. Doesn't mean PPE grads do that forever.

[idreamofoxford]

Hey Everyone!
I have a very important question. Oxford has a list of 'recommended books' on their website for PPE. However, is it advisable to mention those books in the PS or should I develop a specific interest to read around and mention that in my PS? If you think the specific interest please give me some examples. I am very confused.

[hBreadman]

Sorry if this has been already asked - so many pages on this thread!
Current PPE students (or students with offers) - what A levels did you take and what did you achieve?

[coastbeats]

Hi,

What do Oxford especially look for in students who are applying to PPE?
I'm doing my further reading, volunteering and hopefully will receive the grades.

But what do they actually want? I keep on getting generic answers like a person who has a "well-rounded" character - I swear if I hear that one more time I will go crazy.

Thanks and also any advice from people who have been accepted would be much appreciated.

[abbycarroll94]

Hi,

What do Oxford especially look for in students who are applying to PPE?
I'm doing my further reading, volunteering and hopefully will receive the grades.

But what do they actually want? I keep on getting generic answers like a person who has a "well-rounded" character - I swear if I hear that one more time I will go crazy.

Thanks and also any advice from people who have been accepted would be much appreciated.

Hi, I applied last year for 2012 entry. I got my A-Level results last year, for none of the PPE subjects, so I took a year out and did 4AS levels, Maths, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Maths AS level is pretty much a must, they did ask some maths-y questions at interview. The others aren't necessary, but you have to show you have a genuine interest. My personal statement was ALL about books I'd read and then their practical application (I think I wrote predominantly about politics, as it's my main interest). Then I read whatever I could get my hands on for about 3 months, I think I read about 12 books, which was exhausting, and I really had to push myself, but also ridiculously interesting. (Let me know if you want a list of books).

I think they want people who can think for themselves. The interview was a bit of a haze to be honest, but they did situational things, and asked how you'd react, and if you can justify all your answers they seemed to be impressed. Don't be afraid to say when you don't know something, or identify where the conundrum is (especially for philosophy).

For Oxford generally, they want people who can articulate themselves, due to the tutorial format, and this will require some confidence. Practice debating with your family and friends (this is fun to do for politics and philosophy especially) and you'll be able to justify and defend your viewpoints better.

That's all I have really, just remember I was relatively clueless but for some reason they gave me an offer. I just kept reiterating how enthusiastic I was, and why.

Good Luck!

[NapoleonXV]

I am not sure about the mature student bit, but SAT and AP is definitely fine.

I applied with SAT (730 800 740) and AP (5*5), so your stats should place you in the shortlist, if you get a fair score in TSA.

But I would say in order to get an offer, you really need to perform well in interview, and that is the most important part I should say. Good luck

[subhankar94]

Hi,Could you send me the list of the books you read? Extremely keen on applying for PPE, and haven't been able to find Wolff's book, and can't figure out where to start reading.Many thanks in advance

[coastbeats]

(Original post by abbycarroll94)
Hi, I applied last year for 2012 entry. I got my A-Level results last year, for none of the PPE subjects, so I took a year out and did 4AS levels, Maths, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Maths AS level is pretty much a must, they did ask some maths-y questions at interview. The others aren't necessary, but you have to show you have a genuine interest. My personal statement was ALL about books I'd read and then their practical application (I think I wrote predominantly about politics, as it's my main interest). Then I read whatever I could get my hands on for about 3 months, I think I read about 12 books, which was exhausting, and I really had to push myself, but also ridiculously interesting. (Let me know if you want a list of books).

I think they want people who can think for themselves. The interview was a bit of a haze to be honest, but they did situational things, and asked how you'd react, and if you can justify all your answers they seemed to be impressed. Don't be afraid to say when you don't know something, or identify where the conundrum is (especially for philosophy).

For Oxford generally, they want people who can articulate themselves, due to the tutorial format, and this will require some confidence. Practice debating with your family and friends (this is fun to do for politics and philosophy especially) and you'll be able to justify and defend your viewpoints better.

That's all I have really, just remember I was relatively clueless but for some reason they gave me an offer. I just kept reiterating how enthusiastic I was, and why.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the reply, that's definitely more helpful than the garbage I've heard recently. Im more of an economics guy so do you have a list of books specifically fopr economics and philosophy. Also one amazing book for politics too would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help

[abbycarroll94]

The books I read were:

Politics
An Introduction to Political Philosophy by David Miller
The Communist Manifesto by Marx & Engels
Anarchy, State and Utopia by Robert Nozick

Philosophy
Think by Simon Blackburn
On Liberty by JS Mill

Economics
Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt
Superfreakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith


I don't think it matters too much about getting Wolff's book specifically, any introduction to political philosophy will do I heard, and the VSI was pretty good. As far as Nozick goes, I wouldn't recommend reading it, at such an amateur level I took very little away from it and found the writing style demoralising; looking up every other word was depressing. On Liberty was very good (if you know nothing about Utilitarianism, Mill's book of that name may be useful, as it's on the reading list for university I think, and it's interesting stuff). Think was boring, I'd find a better introduction online if I were you, simply had to drag myself through that book. I found Bertrand Russell's 'The Problems with Philosophy' which I read later to be more exciting, but you have to recognise it's going to be less neutral than an overview like Blackburn's.

The Communist Manifesto is good, but make sure you understand what you're reading, I had to read it twice. The Freakonomics books are excellent for behavioural economics. You might not think you're really learning anything (in fact I'm still unsure) but it will make you more excited about economics, they're easy to read and you start thinking about motives etc which can't be a bad thing. Smith's Wealth of Nations got boring again, when he starts talking about currencies that no longer exist, and markets that we don't use so much now. However, as such an economic masterpiece, I think they'll appreciate that you tried to read a challenging text. I bought a book for kindle this week that was 20p, called '50 economics ideas you really need to know' and it explains a lot of things that other texts assume you'll know. I found this really interesting and useful, I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you've never done economics before.

Just so you know, these books are invaluable for your overall knowledge, but at the college I interviewed at (Somerville) they didn't actually ask me anything about my reading, I just used it to inform my answers.

Abby

[benq]

Hello

I am starting sixth form this September however i am already very keen on doing PPE at Oxford. At A-levels i decided to do Maths,Economics,English Literature and History. I created this thread to ask Oxford PPE students such questions:

What subjects you did at A-levels? Why do you think you get a place? What helped you to stand out over other applicants? What kind of activities you did beyond school curriculum?

And the most important:

What would you advice to a person who is very enthusiastic on PPE specifically at Oxford?


All help is highly appreciated!

[BJack]

Have you checked out the main PPE thread? These are the sort of questions that I'm sure must have been asked and answered before.

[benq]

(Original post by BJack)
Have you checked out the main PPE thread? These are the sort of questions that I'm sure must have been asked and answered before.

I am aware of that thread but thanks anyway

[Questions questi]

Hi,

I also want to study PPE at Oxford and I would like some opinions on whether I could have any chances of getting in.

IGCSEs: 5 A* s , 3As and 1 B

IB Prediction: 40 + points

Economics Higher Level : 7
Maths Standard Level: 6

Extra info in Personal Statement:

- Headboy / Chair of Student Council and organised Amnesty international Group and debating club.
- Vice- President of local Conservative Association (I think this is my biggest achievment).
- Not very sporty
- I perform active charity work locally + Nepal
- Not "public school boy" although I study in a private school.
- Passion for Politics + Economics (not so much for Phil.)
- Work with local MPs on a regular basis.
- Written articles for local newspaper, organised debates inside and outside school.
- MUN (once) + invited to go to GYLC /but unable to go.
- Books + interests eg. fervent interest for British politics, haven´t missed a session of PMQs since 2009 (not British).
- Not excessively academic, but academic.
- 1/2 Ecological projects
- Internship at KPMG

I don´t mean to sound cocky or anything, I´ve just listed what I consider are my achievments. I would be very grateful if I receive any advice or help.

Thankyou

[NotYourAverage']

The entrance exam involves covering yourself in jelly under 5minutes.

[Questions questi]

Hi,

I also want to study PPE at Oxford and I would like some opinions on whether I could have any chances of getting in.

IGCSEs: 5 A* s , 3As and 1 B

IB Prediction: 40 + points

Economics Higher Level : 7
Maths Standard Level: 6
History Higher Level: 7

Extra info in Personal Statement:

- Headboy / Chair of Student Council and organised Amnesty international Group and debating club.
- Vice- President of local Conservative Association (I think this is my biggest achievment).
- Not very sporty
- I perform active charity work locally + Nepal
- Not "public school boy" although I study in a private school.
- Passion for Politics + Economics (not so much for Phil.)
- Work with local MPs on a regular basis.
- Written articles for local newspaper, organised debates inside and outside school.
- MUN (once) + invited to go to GYLC /but unable to go.
- Books + interests eg. fervent interest for British politics, haven´t missed a session of PMQs since 2009 (not British).
- Not excessively academic, but academic.
- 1/2 Ecological projects
- Internship at KPMG
- Not musical in any way.

I don´t mean to sound cocky or anything, I´ve just listed what I consider are my achievments. I would be very grateful if I receive any advice or help.
Thankyou

[Questions questi]

Hi,

I also want to study PPE at Oxford and I would like some opinions on whether I could have any chances of getting in.

IGCSEs: 5 A* s , 3As and 1 B

IB Prediction: 40 + points

Economics Higher Level : 7
Maths Standard Level: 6
History Higher Level: 7

Extra info in Personal Statement:

- Headboy / Chair of Student Council and organised Amnesty international Group and debating club.
- Vice- President of local Conservative Association (I think this is my biggest achievement).
- Not very sporty
- I perform active charity work locally + Nepal
- Not "public school boy" although I study in a private school.
- Passion for Politics + Economics (not so much for Phil.)
- Work with local MPs on a regular basis.
- Written articles for local newspaper, organised debates inside and outside school.
- MUN (once) + invited to go to GYLC /but unable to go.
- Books + interests eg. fervent interest for British politics, haven´t missed a session of PMQs since 2009 (not British).
- Not excessively academic, but academic.
- 1/2 Ecological projects
- Internship at KPMG
- Not musical in any way.

I don´t mean to sound cocky or anything, I´ve just listed what I consider are my achievments. I would be very grateful if I receive any advice or help.
Thankyou

[TopHat]

(Original post by Questions questi)
Hi,

I also want to study PPE at Oxford and I would like some opinions on whether I could have any chances of getting in.

IGCSEs: 5 A* s , 3As and 1 B

While the the raw grades are helpful, it's also good to know what subjects they're in. Assuming all of those are in strong subjects, that's a good set of grades to have, although they may wonder why you've taken only 9.

IB Prediction: 40 + points

Par for the course, really. 39 is the minimum, most of the IB students I met who were applying were hitting the 41/42 mark, with a some below. 40 is neither exceptional nor poor; it's definitely in the range you could consider applying in.

Economics Higher Level : 7
Maths Standard Level: 6
History Higher Level: 7

A good set of subjects at a strong level.

Extra info in Personal Statement:

- Headboy / Chair of Student Council and organised Amnesty international Group and debating club.

I think the fact you're in a debate club will interest them, as the core abilities required in debate are useful for the course. They really won't care about whether you are a Head Boy or not, though.

- Vice- President of local Conservative Association (I think this is my biggest achievement).

I very much doubt they will care. Junior politicians applying to PPE are two a penny.

- Not very sporty

They won't care.

- I perform active charity work locally + Nepal

They won't care.

- Not "public school boy" although I study in a private school.

They won't care.

- Passion for Politics + Economics (not so much for Phil.)

I know a fair few people who applied knowing they'd drop one of the subjects after the first year. It's good you have a passion, although don't just say "I have a passion for blah blah blah" - the old adage of show, not tell comes to mind. Make an effort with the philosophy for the interviews, and don't throw it away. When I first decided on PPE, I was much the same - didn't really care for "Philosophy" as I saw it. However, it's such a huge subject with so many different disciplines and branches that there's almost certainly an area you'll find interesting if you come across it. If you want a philosophy book that's a little more "alive", so to speak, try "Gödel, Escher, Bach: Eternal Golden Braids", by Douglas Hofstadter. Great read and should make philosophy that little bit more exciting. After all, you do have to study it for a year, and your application is reviewed by all three departments, so appearing disinterested may not be the best policy.

- Work with local MPs on a regular basis.

They won't care.

- Written articles for local newspaper, organised debates inside and outside school.

Again, as said above, they'll be moderately interested by this as many of the skills used in writing articles and taking part in debates are transferable to PPE, but it's not going to be a critical factor by any means.

- MUN (once) + invited to go to GYLC /but unable to go.

They won't care.

- Books + interests eg. fervent interest for British politics, haven´t missed a session of PMQs since 2009 (not British).

Again, same as "I have a passion for".

- Not excessively academic, but academic.

They won't care.

- 1/2 Ecological projects

They won't care.

- Internship at KPMG

They won't care.

- Not musical in any way.

They won't care.

I don´t mean to sound cocky or anything, I´ve just listed what I consider are my achievments. I would be very grateful if I receive any advice or help.

Thank you

Your achievements are great, and I don't mean to downplay them, but the vast majority of them are completely unessential to your Oxford application. Applying to Oxford is not like applying to American university, or even some British universities - Oxford is essentially exclusively focused on how well you'll perform in your subject, and whether you've made coffee for your local MP or raised a thousand quid for charity doesn't really matter to them. A good 85%+ (I went for 90%+, but I was solely Oxford focused. Other universities do like PS stuff, so you may want to keep that in mind) of the characters in your personal statement should be specifically focused on the subject of PPE itself - why you enjoy it, what you've read relating to it, how you've formed your opinions (and note the difference between "I think this" and "I think this because"). Of the material not relating to your subject, stress the debating and the article writing above the work experience with MPs and so on. Most of the other stuff you can just cut (the ecological projects and so on). My personal statement is not perhaps the best example, and I'd rewrite large parts of it now in hindsight, but if you want a copy just ask and I can also point out which bits I'd have changed.

Overall, I'd say you have a reasonably strong application. I hated being told this last year (I think there's an embarrassing post somewhere in this topic where I just had a good moan about it all ), but there's no such thing as a guaranteed application. If you can make it to the interview process, most of the early details of your application (especially your personal statement) will end up having basically no impact, so all you can really do now is just focus on getting those good grades.

[Questions questi]

Thankyou very much TopHat!

You gave me a very detailed answer I wasn´t expecting to get!

Everyone in my school did 9 IGCSEs, I think its because I did co-ordinated sciences which counts as 2 subjects and not 3.

I also thought about scrapping the whole Ecological stuff. Did you get into Oxford? Could I also have a read at your PS?

I thought that being Vice- President of my local Conservative Association was my "x-factor". Its the biggest junior political organisation in the whole country and most members are in their mid/late 20s while I´m 17. I was disappointed to hear that.

What I do with MPs is not exactly work experience. As Vice- President I have a few priviledges such as I have a more frequent contact with them. I ask them to attend debates or write one or two articles for the Party newspaper, I campaign with them during elections and stuff like that. + I also work with Right- wing students´ unions locally- will that have an effect?

Thankyou very much once again for a very detailed answer!!