Oxford Applicants 2016 Entry &amp; Interview chat

http://www.merton.ox.ac.uk/admissions-feedback-ppe
This here says that shortlisting was not based on the personal statement. Is it really that insignificant for Oxbridge?

Reply 2842

Original post by PlaneovertheSea

http://www.merton.ox.ac.uk/admissions-feedback-ppe
This here says that shortlisting was not based on the personal statement. Is it really that insignificant for Oxbridge?

Really depends on the tutor, tbh. Some tutors may not even read your personal statement, whereas others may want to use it as a starting point for the interview, and then there's everything in between those two opposites!

Reply 2843

Not even read? Thats insane.

Reply 2844

Original post by PlaneovertheSea

Not even read? Thats insane.

Not really, when you think about all the work they have to do in term time, then adding admissions stuff on top of that. There's so much to do and so little time :eek:

Besides, there is a pre-admissions test for PPE, so more emphasis is naturally going to go on that rather than something like a PS :yes:

Reply 2845

Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd

Not really, when you think about all the work they have to do in term time, then adding admissions stuff on top of that. There's so much to do and so little time :eek:

Besides, there is a pre-admissions test for PPE, so more emphasis is naturally going to go on that rather than something like a PS :yes:

Yes, time wise this is definitely understandable. I still believe though that a reference and grades cannot paint the full picture. The TSA is a good indicator but additional reading and work surrounding a subject is just as important in my eyes. A german applicant (who can barely choose different subjects) might basically apply for anything with this approach and wouldn't really need to show special interest, if good performance in a related subject is mentioned in the reference.

Reply 2846

student0042

7

Well today I sent off my application to study Mathematics at Somerville college Oxford. Good luck to everyone else hoping to get a place at Oxford.

Reply 2847

Original post by PlaneovertheSea

Yes, time wise this is definitely understandable. I still believe though that a reference and grades cannot paint the full picture. The TSA is a good indicator but additional reading and work surrounding a subject is just as important in my eyes. A german applicant (who can barely choose different subjects) might basically apply for anything with this approach and wouldn't really need to show special interest, if good performance in a related subject is mentioned in the reference.

I personally agree with you. Just answering your question, which includes pointing out that some tutors don't even read the PS, that's all! :smile:

Reply 2848

Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd

I personally agree with you. Just answering your question, which includes pointing out that some tutors don't even read the PS, that's all! :smile:

Sorry, wasn't meant personal if that came across :O

Reply 2849

Original post by PlaneovertheSea

Sorry, wasn't meant personal if that came across :O

That's OK! I can see why applicants would find it strange, especially as so much effort goes into the personal statement! Rest assured all non-interview unis in the UK will read it properly though, plus many Oxford tutors DO read them, so it's not a wasted exercise :biggrin:

Reply 2850

googolplexity

Sent off my app for Chinese @ Wadham:-)

Reply 2851

charleethompson

5

Original post by kitchentowel1

Ive completed everything but my school seem to be holding my application hostage for some reason :frown:

they send them out in batches on Tuesday and Thursday but they haven't sent it off yet :frown:

Have you?

Aaaah that's so annoying for you :frown:

I know I had to really push my school to get mine off early, they just wait till closer till the deadline because they say it doesn't overly matter how early you get it in, I'd just rather have it sent off
I sent mine off last Wednesday but have only received welcome emails from two universities so far :frown:

Constantly checking my emails 😓

Reply 2852

Doones

21

Original post by PlaneovertheSea

Not even read? Thats insane.

Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd

Not really, when you think about all the work they have to do in term time, then adding admissions stuff on top of that. There's so much to do and so little time :eek:

Besides, there is a pre-admissions test for PPE, so more emphasis is naturally going to go on that rather than something like a PS :yes:

I really doubt they don't read them. The tutors may not give them any weight but they do often, for example, use them as a source to prime some interview questions.

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Reply 2853

Ivoryfall

9

Got my application received email today :smile:

getting excited about hearing from the college itself now about what work to submit!

Reply 2854

Original post by Ivoryfall

Got my application received email today :smile:

getting excited about hearing from the college itself now about what work to submit!

Me too!

Reply 2855

Regarding written work, will the college send out an email later on about how they would like to receive it?

Reply 2856

username738914

21

Original post by antigone-

Me too!

Original post by Ivoryfall

Got my application received email today :smile:

getting excited about hearing from the college itself now about what work to submit!

Whaaaaatt?! When did you guys submit? I still haven't gotten an acknowledgement and I sent mine on the 16th of Sept.

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Reply 2857

Original post by Princepieman

Whaaaaatt?! When did you guys submit? I still haven't gotten an acknowledgement and I sent mine on the 16th of Sept.

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September 18th, literally just came through! You should get it at some point today

Reply 2858

username738914

21

Original post by antigone-

September 18th, literally just came through! You should get it at some point today

Ah, fair enough! *eagerly awaits an email*

On another note, I got my MAT entry confirmed today.

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Reply 2859