widening access

Whereas, naturally, you did a scientific study on the prejudice levels of state school candidates.

Reply 61

allymcb2

Whereas, naturally, you did a scientific study on the prejudice levels of state school candidates.

With all due respect, I think the 4 years I've spent in Cambridge as a state schooler from a much less than "upper class" background bares a little more brunt that your experience at some conference.

Reply 62

That isn't the only experience I have had of private school people and I know a lot of people who have similar experiences. And yes I have also noted the fact that some state school people voice concerns and relax a bit more around you if they know you are state school. But I think you are putting the blame a tad too heavily on one side.

And, yes you probably do have more experience, but your evidence is equally anecdotal, and I don't expect I will be the only person contributing to this thread. It is a debate comprising different evidence from numerous people, and I have no doubt a large number of other people will also have had experiences of private school people behaving in a similar way. And just because there are no posts, does not mean there are no private school people with that as a concern, especially if they are going to St Johns.

Reply 63

allymcb2

But I think you are putting the blame a tad too heavily on one side.

If you point me to the thread where private school pupils are expressing concerns about being surrounded by state school pupils, it would make life a lot easier. I'd perhaps have a little more sympathy for you.

Reply 64

Wrangler

When you put it like that, I see what you mean. Now I think about it, what I've said is wrong - I didn't account for the girls you met at some conference...

Error 407 - I'm afraid your browser does not support this level of sarcasm....

Haha.

Surely, going to Oxbridge from a state school is far more credible anyway?

Reply 65

puppy

Wrangler

Then take it upon yourself to bring the barrier down. Just because Bob's sister's friend's wife's dog said it, doesn't mean you should let it cloud your judgement.

But it is people like you who perpetuate this myth. I've been told.... teachers said.... friends said.... etc. How about reserving judgement and wait until you've actually spent a decent amount of time at the place and met a few people.

That's what I thought before I applied, thought all the class issues and public /state school stuff was rubbish. My friends all thought I was weird and it'd be fully of public school people that I had nothing in common with. I thought I was so great going off to destroy barriers and yet I'm just one other state schooler lost in a sea of people I can't get on with. All the 'cool' kids are posh and go off together and do 'posh' stuff. There really is no myth about the Oxbridge myth- it's everything everyone warned me it would be. In my first year I thought very seriously about leaving because I couldn't deal with it. I think it'd have been far happier if I'd been rejected when I applied. That said, I enjoy it now, but only after a lot of compromising on my part.

Reply 66

No way can it be that bad. There were some awkward moments with people I have met, but I can't imagine that carries on right the way through the first year. Which college did you go to?

Reply 67

puppy

I thought I was so great going off to destroy barriers and yet I'm just one other state schooler lost in a sea of people I can't get on with. All the 'cool' kids are posh and go off together and do 'posh' stuff. There really is no myth about the Oxbridge myth- it's everything everyone warned me it would be. In my first year I thought very seriously about leaving because I couldn't deal with it. I think it'd have been far happier if I'd been rejected when I applied. That said, I enjoy it now, but only after a lot of compromising on my part.

This might sound harsh - but I'd be far more inclined to believe the problem is with you, not the people around you. For ellaboration, see my earlier post regarding the pseudo chips.

Reply 68

I'd have to agree with wrangler. No-one I spoke to feels that way. Not after they have been there a bit.

Reply 69

puppy

allymcb2

No way can it be that bad. There were some awkward moments with people I have met, but I can't imagine that carries on right the way through the first year. Which college did you go to?

Trinity College Cambridge

Reply 70

I think I know someone who goes there from my state school and is having a wail of a time.

Reply 71

puppy

Wrangler

This might sound harsh - but I'd be far more inclined to believe the problem is with you, not the people around you. For ellaboration, see my earlier post regarding the pseudo chips.

Well thanks so much for your kind comments but that's the way I feel and I know I'm not alone. If you fit in really well then great, I'm glad it works for some people. Everyone is giving their success 'I fit in so well here and went to a state school' story, I'm just giving my side of it so I don't see the need to imply I'm socially inept.

Reply 72

allymcb2

I think I know someone who goes there from my state school and is having a wail of a time.

Or 'Whale of a time'.

:biggrin:

Reply 73

Platocrates

Or 'Whale of a time'.

:biggrin:

Can't believe how long it took for someone to notice that. I am going to stop using expressions. It always results in hilarity at my expense.

Reply 74

What does it matter? You're a Tab.

Reply 75

Platocrates

What does it matter? You're a Tab.

I'm not, I will be an oxonian in October.

Reply 76

See, I gave you one back!

Reply 77

puppy

Well thanks so much for your kind comments but that's the way I feel and I know I'm not alone. If you fit in really well then great, I'm glad it works for some people. Everyone is giving their success 'I fit in so well here and went to a state school' story, I'm just giving my side of it so I don't see the need to imply I'm socially inept.

Well, I wasn't going to sugar coat it for you. I know a fair few people at Trinity, and they're a good bunch. Perhaps you've been unlucky and only got to know a minority in which some of the stereotypes hold true, but that would be pretty improbable.

Reply 78