The Student Room Group

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Reply 1
I don't know, but I do know a lot of applicants have those so they aren't at all unique.
Reply 2
so what would be unique and exclusive to put forward for an oxbridge application
If known
Much Appreciated
From what I've heard at conferences and open days, admissions tutors couldn't really care less about things like Duke of Edinburgh and Young Enterprise, and since so many people do them, they're nothing special anyway. They like you to have some extra-curricular activities to show you're human and don't spend all day with your head in a textbook, but they don't really care what you do unless you're applying for medicine or law, in which case you need relevant work experience. By far the most important part of your application is the academic part- GCSE grades, AS grades and marks, A2 predictions, reference, personal statement, interviews, written tests and submitted written work.
Reply 4
Remember that extra-curriculars are only there to enhance your application and you are almost entirely assessed on your academic ability when applying to Oxford or Cambridge. However, I agree that it is extremely important to participate in some 'unique' activities as these will distinguish you from other candidates. For example, here are a few things I have done which I will mention in my application next year (NB. on UCAS form not Ox/Cam form):

Indian Himalaya Trek (climbed to 5000m to a pass of Kangchenjunga)
Climbed Mont Blanc
Private Pilots Licence
ProShare Student Investor
National Debating Competitions
'cello, singing, orchestras, choirs
sailing

These are just a few of the kind of things that show you are a well-rounded person. Anything unusual/wacky is sure to benefit your application!

I am currently trying to think of some bizarre things to do during my Gap-Year (apart from work, which will take up a portion of it). Any suggestions?!
Reply 5
NEED-A*
how much of the aplication is the Duke of Edinburgh award and Young Enterprise considered in an Oxbridge application.


You can always put any/everything you have done or will be doing as long as their are enough spaces for them. You can never tell how your interviewer would see them. Just make sure you can relate them on how it is going to help you with what you want to study in the university. Good communication skills and time management are very essential in any degree.

manifest
Reply 6
jamierwilliams
Remember that extra-curriculars are only there to enhance your application and you are almost entirely assessed on your academic ability when applying to Oxford or Cambridge. However, I agree that it is extremely important to participate in some 'unique' activities as these will distinguish you from other candidates. For example, here are a few things I have done which I will mention in my application next year (NB. on UCAS form not Ox/Cam form):

Indian Himalaya Trek (climbed to 5000m to a pass of Kangchenjunga)
Climbed Mont Blanc
Private Pilots Licence
ProShare Student Investor
National Debating Competitions
'cello, singing, orchestras, choirs
sailing

These are just a few of the kind of things that show you are a well-rounded person. Anything unusual/wacky is sure to benefit your application!

I am currently trying to think of some bizarre things to do during my Gap-Year (apart from work, which will take up a portion of it). Any suggestions?!
Nice list except for ProShare Student Investor. That's not unique.
Reply 7
N9ne
Nice list except for ProShare Student Investor. That's not unique.
neither is the cello mate
Reply 8
notyourpunk
neither is the cello mate
Agreed, but the cello is much more unique than being a "ProShare Student Investor".
Reply 9
i'm not claiming for any of them being unique...in fact, I will probably not mention ProShare next year because everyone does it. It's just the principle that it's important to do plenty of other activities other than work!
Reply 10
jamierwilliams
i'm not claiming for any of them being unique...in fact, I will probably not mention ProShare next year because everyone does it. It's just the principle that it's important to do plenty of other activities other than work!
I'm not sure I agree with you that it's important to do plenty of other activities. Some activites of interest is usually sufficient I would imagine.
Reply 11
Oh stop nitpicking N9ne :rolleyes:. It's a pretty impressive list.

Those things are useful but not essential; they might tip the balance between two applicants who are rated almost identically academically. But don't worry if you haven't done anything particularly unique or praiseworthy. I haven't, and I got in.

Just be good at your subject. That's what Oxford/Cambridge care about.
Reply 12
Indian Himalaya Trek (climbed to 5000m to a pass of Kangchenjunga)
Climbed Mont Blanc
Private Pilots Licence


Nice if you've got the money... Especially the latter!

And as for my extra-curriculars they consist of playing Water Polo once a week for an hour and completing a life-guarding qualification (NPLQ). Thats it.
Reply 13
kellywood_5
From what I've heard at conferences and open days, admissions tutors couldn't really care less about things like Duke of Edinburgh and Young Enterprise, and since so many people do them, they're nothing special anyway. They like you to have some extra-curricular activities to show you're human and don't spend all day with your head in a textbook, but they don't really care what you do unless you're applying for medicine or law, in which case you need relevant work experience. By far the most important part of your application is the academic part- GCSE grades, AS grades and marks, A2 predictions, reference, personal statement, interviews, written tests and submitted written work.



'relevant work experience' isn't important for law - they don't care how much you want to practise as a lawyer - it's the *academic* side that you should be interested in. After all, there's no need to do a law degree to be a lawyer.
Hmm. So in general, would you say that academic achievement is more important than extra curricular activities - and they are really only used to distinguish between two very similar candidates? :smile: I have done some stuff at school but nothing entirely unique yet.
I did them but didn't put them down, so I guess it doesn't matter.
Reply 16
jamierwilliams
I am currently trying to think of some bizarre things to do during my Gap-Year (apart from work, which will take up a portion of it). Any suggestions?!


Milk camels? Well that's wot i wud do
Hmm i think it's really difficult for some people to find the opportunities to actually do all these extra curricular activities that universities so desperately want to see.

It's all very well and good being able to climb mont Blanc and jet off to India to do a trek but what about for the poorer students amongst us who literally can't afford all these experiences?

I think it's an unfair system... and even a bit far-fetched.. i mean sometimes A-level students just need time to relax rather than run around everywhere to keep up with all their commitments.... Anyway I kind of went off the point sorry! x
Reply 18
farfalla4
Hmm i think it's really difficult for some people to find the opportunities to actually do all these extra curricular activities that universities so desperately want to see.

It's all very well and good being able to climb mont Blanc and jet off to India to do a trek but what about for the poorer students amongst us who literally can't afford all these experiences?

I think it's an unfair system... and even a bit far-fetched.. i mean sometimes A-level students just need time to relax rather than run around everywhere to keep up with all their commitments.... Anyway I kind of went off the point sorry! x


I couldn't agree more. I find that my life is nearly always too hectic!

I think it is completely unfair that poorer students are not given the same opportunities and I think this is something the government seriously needs to address i.e. increase funding.
Reply 19
everyone has time for extra curricular stuff - it dosnt have to cost nething either - young enterprise is free, there is a BAR mock national trial competition for free, there are sporting activities, counsiling courses etc. there is always an opportunity to do extra stuff!