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Who has applied to Oxford in the third gathered field?

One question for all those accepted - what was your second year mark, and predicted final degree?

Still floating several inches above the ground...

Agreed, Salt -- The letter was both convoluted and short! I didn't expect it to be only eight short sentences. Nonetheless, my complaints are few :smile:

And congrats to you, too, Danileigh. We'll be coursemates in a few short months! In past years there have been only 14 or so in Comp. Gov., so I'm sure we'll get to know each other once at Oxford. I'll send you a PM with my email address. Don't imagine I'll be checking these boards as often any more, but it would be great to stay in touch and compare notes over the coming months.

But to answer your question: my area of interest is African politics and democratic development. I'd welcome a private exchange about both of backgrounds and interests, so let's connect on email.

Reply 102

passthesaltplease

OP

5

symun

One question for all those accepted - what was your second year mark, and predicted final degree?

I've been lecturing at the university where I qualified for a while so (obviously) had all my marks on my transcript from both my degrees when I applied.

My first degree was a 2:1 generally not great, my second I did some actual work and got a 1st and got my degree with distinction.

I'm changing field, so was quite worried in some aspects that my dodgy undergrad would make it look like I hadn't done as well as I actually had. Thats why I'm a fan of publications, awards and other cool stuff on your cv as the equivilent of a face lift for your application.

Reply 103

The Boosh

17

hey salt - i know what you mean. Ive been boosting my cv with as many publications, conference papers, awards, scholarships, research and lecturing opportunities as possible. Like you, I had a 2:1 undergrad degree (which I was rather pleased with though) but as a postgrad with 30 other postgrads you really need to stand out from the crowd and define yourself from others. Those distinctions help too - shows how well you can do in contrast with others!

Were you employed as a lecturer, or were you like an assistant lecturer? ive been a research assistant for a couple of years and have been asked to give the odd lecture here and there to cover for absent staff etc.

Reply 104

skegs

Got an unconditional acceptance for my PhD at Oxford! It is quite a feeling. Now all I need is funding and that library seat is all mine!

Reply 105

passthesaltplease

OP

5

The Boosh

hey salt - i know what you mean. Ive been boosting my cv with as many publications, conference papers, awards, scholarships, research and lecturing opportunities as possible. Like you, I had a 2:1 undergrad degree (which I was rather pleased with though) but as a postgrad with 30 other postgrads you really need to stand out from the crowd and define yourself from others. Those distinctions help too - shows how well you can do in contrast with others!

Were you employed as a lecturer, or were you like an assistant lecturer? ive been a research assistant for a couple of years and have been asked to give the odd lecture here and there to cover for absent staff etc.

I know 2:1 isn't bad, but I knew I could do better. :wink:

All the opportunities you take and recognition you get makes you into someone who looks like they know what they want, and that other people trust you and think you're on your way to getting it.

I had a student assistantship when I was studying for two years and had an r.a. job too. Now I'm a part-time 'full' lecturer (I only teach one course) and do the odd guest lecture for other programmes. Its great - gives me time to practice also and do the odd paper.

Reply 106

The Boosh

17

heeheehee nice :smile:

Are you nervous when lecturing? I'm really nervous. I presented a paper in hongkong about 6 months ago and was terrified. Hopefully one day the jitters will go away!

Reply 107

passthesaltplease

OP

5

Studying architecture gave me really good training for presenting and speaking in front of hostile audiences, jury panels and so on, so I don't get terrible nerves.

I find it quite off putting when I've done guest lecturing and people interrogate you on why you're qualified to lecture them etc. before the lecture, but usually I just get on with it and it becomes apparent why I'm doing the lecture.

Not helped by the fact that on some days I look like I'm about 15 years old of course!

I think the more you do it the easier it gets. I often find encouraging debate amongst the students takes the pressure off a lot... (sneaky tricks)