Applying to Oxford - are hobbies etc that important?!

I know this is a small subject to start a whole thread on, but I've been thinking about it a lot. I'm hoping to apply to Lincoln College, Oxford next year (for 2012 entry) to read English. I'm an AS-Level English Literature, French, German, and History student at an average state school that doesn't have a particularly extensive history of sending students to Oxbridge. I got 7 A*s, 2 As and 2 Bs at GCSE and I'm hoping for at least A*AA at A-Level, as well as an A at History AS-Level. I've always got involved in the school orchestra and choir and I play clarinet in the Lincolnshire Youth Symphonic Wind Band; I was in the school council for five years and was chair during Year 11. In Year 10 I stood for the Lincolnshire Youth Cabinet. I've done volunteer work at a local special school and basically I've always been willing to put extra effort in.

I applied to be a House Captain in September and, after a really successful interview in which the coordinator acted as if I'd got the job, I was rejected because she was concerned that I took too much on. This was really frustrating because I know my limits and it feels like she was standing in my way. I'm not very confident about getting into Oxford as it is, because the thought of the interview terrifies me. I'm fed up of teachers who don't really know me pretending that they know best. I missed the school council elections in a Sixth Form council meeting (I had to speak to a teacher for 10 minutes during lunch and didn't realise they were on that day) and now I've missed out on being in school council for a whole year. It makes me look like I'm being really lazy, but I hardly have any opportunities. I'm not sporty, so music is the only extra-curricular thing I have. Are hobbies and extra participation that important when applying to Oxford?

Also, does anyone have any interview tips? I don't have a lot of experience in analysing previously unseen texts, especially pre-18th century. Should I ask my English teacher to do some sessions with me, so I get used to it?

Thanks

while ECs aren't necessarily you should still do some stuff for your own sake, rather than for some silly Oxbridge 'requirement'. Firstly you'll enjoy doing something if you want to do it, secondly I guess it shows you're a well balanced and cultured person, and if you stay on top of your work, it'll show that you can manage your time efficiently.

If you want to do ECs to achieve some sort of quota, don't bother.

I think your extra curriculars are impressive as they stand. From what I've heard, it's mainly US unis that are interested in "extra" things and general activity. I don't really know why Oxford should even care whether someone is well-rounded or active in their community or not. It's the subject (as in your ability to study it at such a level) that truly seems to count. I'm a concrete example: I have no real hobbies, extra commitments, notable non-academic achievements or awards, but apparently they didn't care and I got an offer.

No, they really don't give a ****.

I was surprised really... at interview, Cambridge confirmed my name and went straight into questions.

They don't care who you are, where you come from, how nice or interesting a person you are.

All they care about is how good you are at your subject.

In one of my interviews, I wasn't even said "Hello" to, and was asked a question about prime numbers before I even took my coat off and sat down.

that can only be a good thing! I walked in and dropped something. My tutor laughed and said 'oops, there goes your place' :O

Oh also, well done on your offer!Q

Did you actually get rejected?

Oh my gosh, how did you react with regards to that?