2017 Oxford Prospective Students [part 2]

I'm still confused about not even getting an interview at Oxford but getting an offer for UCL. Or is that normal? Since biosci interviews about 70% it does feel a little weird

Reply 385

auburnstar

17

Original post by saes

I'm still confused about not even getting an interview at Oxford but getting an offer for UCL. Or is that normal? Since biosci interviews about 70% it does feel a little weird

No, it's not particularly weird. Most universities have different criteria from each other, with Oxbridge criteria being the most distinct (much stronger academic level, ability to cope with idiosyncracies of the tutorial system, passion in a highly focused way, fluidity in verbal discussion etc, etc). It may have been the fact that your grades were good enough for UCL but not for Oxford or there was something else in your app that Oxford didn't like (which can only be the reference or personal statement pre-interview).

Reply 386

Original post by auburnstar

No, it's not particularly weird. Most universities have different criteria from each other, with Oxbridge criteria being the most distinct (much stronger academic level, ability to cope with idiosyncracies of the tutorial system, passion in a highly focused way, fluidity in verbal discussion etc, etc). It may have been the fact that your grades were good enough for UCL but not for Oxford or there was something else in your app that Oxford didn't like (which can only be the reference or personal statement pre-interview).

My guess is they wanted predicted grades, which my reference could not provide at the time. However, UCL emailed my reference and eventually he gave them some form of prediction.
I exceeded the grades required by Oxford (on their website at least) so I've thought it was my ps that failed me but now I don't know? To reapply or not reapply... If feedback only was clearer!

Reply 387

Original post by saes

I'm still confused about not even getting an interview at Oxford but getting an offer for UCL. Or is that normal? Since biosci interviews about 70% it does feel a little weird

Are you Swedish? I am Norwegian, so I know the feeling of not having predicted grades to portray - however, neither Oxford nor UCL did ask me for any. The reason might be your subjects, seen as Oxford are very heavily science based. Did you have the requested/preferred subjects, with high enough grades? UCL do also seem to be interested in an international environment, and might have set the bar a little lower. It is still very weird that you were not even called for interview.

Reply 388

Original post by m1m2

Are you Swedish? I am Norwegian, so I know the feeling of not having predicted grades to portray - however, neither Oxford nor UCL did ask me for any. The reason might be your subjects, seen as Oxford are very heavily science based. Did you have the requested/preferred subjects, with high enough grades? UCL do also seem to be interested in an international environment, and might have set the bar a little lower. It is still very weird that you were not even called for interview.

Yes I'm Swedish! I'm studying the natural science program, so I take all sciences plus an extra course called "natural science specialisation". I also mentioned doing my diploma project in biology. Their requirements say "Avgångsbetyg with a total of 2500 points, with scores of MVG (excellent) or A or B in the majority of relevant subjects.", I have 12 A's and 4 B's (A in both bio courses). I didn't expect to get in but it was quite a let down not to be called for interview. I had just accepted that my application was a failure when I got my UCL offer, so that was a surprise 😂

Reply 389

Original post by saes

Yes I'm Swedish! I'm studying the natural science program, so I take all sciences plus an extra course called "natural science specialisation". I also mentioned doing my diploma project in biology. Their requirements say "Avgångsbetyg with a total of 2500 points, with scores of MVG (excellent) or A or B in the majority of relevant subjects.", I have 12 A's and 4 B's (A in both bio courses). I didn't expect to get in but it was quite a let down not to be called for interview. I had just accepted that my application was a failure when I got my UCL offer, so that was a surprise 😂

That is very strange, especially seeing as you have incredible results and I know a few swedes below your average who received interviews. It might be that the college was very over-applied to, and their threshold for inviting internationals is higher (due to costs). English language proficiency or generally bad recommendations might have played their role, but I really do not think that should be enough to deny you an interview.

Any how, UCL is amazing - especially for science. It is going to be my insurance, no doubt. I have a friend of mine who study biomed there at the moment, and doing bio-science seems like a dream. But do ask for feedback, if possible, and think about reapplying, because this doesn't make any sense.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 390

Original post by m1m2

That is very strange, especially seeing as you have incredible results and I know a few swedes below your average who received interviews. It might be that the college was very over-applied to, and their threshold for inviting internationals is higher (due to costs) - but then again, it really does not make any sense. English language proficiency or generally bad recommendations might have played their role, but I really do not think that should be enough to deny you an interview. Have you asked for feedback?

Any how, UCL is amazing - especially for science. It is going to be my insurance, no doubt. I have a friend of mine who study biomed there at the moment, and doing bio-science seems like a dream. But do ask for feedback, if possible, and think about reapplying, because this doesn't make any sense.

I was incredibly happy about my reference and I have A's in all former english courses + predicted A for the one I'm taking now (and I will sit the CAE exam) :frown:

I did ask for feedback and it pretty much said "we recieve for applications than we have places for interview ... it's difficult to compare students from different backgrounds and schooling systems etc etc"
I'm so confused about all this and whether I should reapply or not. I don't know how I feel about UCL, it's an amazing school but I'm not sure it's for me. I'm glad I don't have to decide just yet :wink:

So you got in to Oxford for biological sciences? Congrats!! I love seeing fellow scandinavians get in!

Reply 391

Original post by saes

I was incredibly happy about my reference and I have A's in all former english courses + predicted A for the one I'm taking now (and I will sit the CAE exam) :frown:

I did ask for feedback and it pretty much said "we recieve for applications than we have places for interview ... it's difficult to compare students from different backgrounds and schooling systems etc etc"
I'm so confused about all this and whether I should reapply or not. I don't know how I feel about UCL, it's an amazing school but I'm not sure it's for me. I'm glad I don't have to decide just yet :wink:

So you got in to Oxford for biological sciences? Congrats!! I love seeing fellow scandinavians get in!

I think that is very lazy of them. I do understand the difficulties of comparing students, and of course they had more applicants than what they were able to interview, but seeing as they usually interview almost 70% - and your grades are way above what is requested, they should not have turned you away like that. I would request further information, and maybe approach a few colleges (or take a look at Cambridge), and ask whether your grades are eligible and good enough for interview standards. Maybe take a look at some statistics and apply more strategically, seeing as your college must have been severely over-applied to.

I have an offer for Politics & History, actually. I am myself a reapplicant (however, I applied to Cambridge last year, and Oxford this year) - so I am beyond drilled in this system at this point, hehe.

Reply 392

Original post by m1m2

I think that is very lazy of them. I do understand the difficulties of comparing students, and of course they had more applicants than what they were able to interview, but seeing as they usually interview almost 70% - and your grades are way above what is requested, they should not have turned you away like that. I would request further information, and maybe approach a few colleges (or take a look at Cambridge), and ask whether your grades are eligible and good enough for interview standards. Maybe take a look at some statistics and apply more strategically, seeing as your college must have been severely over-applied to.

I have an offer for Politics & History, actually. I am myself a reapplicant (however, I applied to Cambridge last year, and Oxford this year) - so I am beyond drilled in this system at this point, hehe.

I think that's what I'll do, I'm not ready to give up on them yet haha. And huuuge congrats again, hopefully I'll see you next year :wink:

Reply 393

Original post by saes

I think that's what I'll do, I'm not ready to give up on them yet haha. And huuuge congrats again, hopefully I'll see you next year :wink:

Know the feeling! Fortunately you still have a long while to decide - and hopefully, I'll be your guide at interviews next November/December :daydreaming:

Reply 394

auburnstar

17

Original post by saes

I was incredibly happy about my reference and I have A's in all former english courses + predicted A for the one I'm taking now (and I will sit the CAE exam) :frown:

I did ask for feedback and it pretty much said "we recieve for applications than we have places for interview ... it's difficult to compare students from different backgrounds and schooling systems etc etc"
I'm so confused about all this and whether I should reapply or not. I don't know how I feel about UCL, it's an amazing school but I'm not sure it's for me. I'm glad I don't have to decide just yet :wink:

So you got in to Oxford for biological sciences? Congrats!! I love seeing fellow scandinavians get in!

that "it's difficult to compare students from different backgrounds and schooling systems" sort of sounds like... oh it's that weird swedish thing um wtf we're not sure so let's just reject cos there's a lot of applicants

are you absolutely sure there wasn't something in your personal statement that implied a lack of passion or interest? they don't really look at the PS so it would have to be major in that sense but since you've got far above the requirements and your reference was good it seems kind of odd.

Reply 395

auburnstar

17

Original post by m1m2

I have an offer for Politics & History, actually. I am myself a reapplicant (however, I applied to Cambridge last year, and Oxford this year) - so I am beyond drilled in this system at this point, hehe.

There's definitely something to be said for experience. I think a lot of people underestimate how much being familiar with the system can help you (less nerves at interview, more knowledge of what they want exactly etc). Especially true if someone knows where their app went wrong (grades being a key example of things you can objectively change but interviews can be improved too). The fact that some people do get in on reapplication (and some don't) shows that it's not really a locked system and not one you can't adapt to or improve for. Better grades, wider reading, practice with illustrating a point or argument, subject-specific extracurriculars/placements/training done on a gap year... All of those can do a lot (or even a little and sway a place). Of course, you have to be prepared for any outcome, but then again a life without risks isn't really a life at all is it? :P

Reply 396

Original post by auburnstar

There's definitely something to be said for experience. I think a lot of people underestimate how much being familiar with the system can help you (less nerves at interview, more knowledge of what they want exactly etc). Especially true if someone knows where their app went wrong (grades being a key example of things you can objectively change but interviews can be improved too). The fact that some people do get in on reapplication (and some don't) shows that it's not really a locked system and not one you can't adapt to or improve for. Better grades, wider reading, practice with illustrating a point or argument, subject-specific extracurriculars/placements/training done on a gap year... All of those can do a lot (or even a little and sway a place). Of course, you have to be prepared for any outcome, but then again a life without risks isn't really a life at all is it? :P

Absolutely! And I think this might be even more relevant for us international students, coming from academic background where the only thing associated with Oxbridge are big blockbuster movies and romanticized gothic buildings - and most of us end up doing the whole application process without guidance. Personally, I knew where I screwed up, and I even ended up changing my course. Nevertheless, you have to be sure that there is a chance, and that you are willing to spend a year taking that chance. It is not for everyone. Many people who are rejected post-interview are not rejected due to their academic incompetence, but rather because they do not fit the tutorial system, so I think you have to have a strong sense of integrity when taking the reapplying decision as well - don't go throwing yourself under the bus if you just dodged the bullet.

Reply 397

SonOfAGeek

10

@BrasenoseAdm would give the best information but I can see how a reapplicant who understood where they came up short initially and took specific measures to address that ( be it resits, work experience, wider reading, interview practice etc.) could easily become one of the best applicants second time round. At our age a year can make a big difference to experience, maturity and self-confidence as well.

If you really, truly believe you have what it takes and Oxford/Cambridge is what you want and need to blossom then having a second go (with a plan B) is surely a chance worth taking.

Reply 398

Original post by auburnstar

that "it's difficult to compare students from different backgrounds and schooling systems" sort of sounds like... oh it's that weird swedish thing um wtf we're not sure so let's just reject cos there's a lot of applicants

are you absolutely sure there wasn't something in your personal statement that implied a lack of passion or interest? they don't really look at the PS so it would have to be major in that sense but since you've got far above the requirements and your reference was good it seems kind of odd.

Yeah I read somewhere that the swedish school system is looked down on by other countries so I spent a few weeks regretting not doing IB 😂
Since I went through the whole process by myself (with emotional support from my teachers hahah) I'm not sure about my PS, I had no one, no "expert", to check it. It was also the first ps I wrote, ever (if you don't count all the times I rewrote it). But all things considered, I don't think it's that bad? But it's surely something I'll have to practise. (I could share it with you if you want to read it)

Original post by m1m2

Absolutely! And I think this might be even more relevant for us international students, coming from academic background where the only thing associated with Oxbridge are big blockbuster movies and romanticized gothic buildings - and most of us end up doing the whole application process without guidance. Personally, I knew where I screwed up, and I even ended up changing my course. Nevertheless, you have to be sure that there is a chance, and that you are willing to spend a year taking that chance. It is not for everyone. Many people who are rejected post-interview are not rejected due to their academic incompetence, but rather because they do not fit the tutorial system, so I think you have to have a strong sense of integrity when taking the reapplying decision as well - don't go throwing yourself under the bus if you just dodged the bullet.

I agree! When I tell someone about my goal to go to Oxford they are often very surprised, it's almost like Oxbridge is fictional for people here. Neither of my teachers had ever written an UCAS reference (but they managed very well) and knew nothing about the process. It is pretty though to go through the process without guidance so I see this round as a "practice round", although I did not succeed I learnt a lot!

Reply 399