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Keble Ppe Interviewers

Hey all,

Anyone know who will be interviewing prospective PPEists at Keble? If so, any info on what they're like and what they specialise in, as I'm sure this is the best way to prepare...

Thanks a lot :smile:

Reply 1

apple tree

erm... it's probably not the best way to prepare :redface:

Reply 2

nik89

I'm sure its on the Keble college website...

Reply 3

F1 fanatic

16

I agree with apple tree, it's probably not a good idea to gen up on interviewers too much, as even if you do they'll know a lot more about it than you do!

However, http://www.keble.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/subjects/philosophy-politics-and-economics-ppe

should contain all you need, if you follow the various links. It usually is a good idea to have a close look at the college websites, if you are applying there. They have a lot of useful info about what the college is like.

Reply 4

Poops

OP

No, of course I'm not just going to read up on the profs' specialities; I just want that extra edge on top of the standard prep of various books and background knowledge. Is it not good to at least have a basic idea of what the interviewiers are in to, if not just to show common interest? I have no plans to start arguing with political or economic experts on the intricacies of the decline of globalisation, I just thought that if I am going to read up more on something, it should be something that the interviewers will like as that is their area of interest...?

Thanks for your help! :s-smilie:

Reply 5

MatthewH

3

Gonna get stung...

Reply 6

mikeyT

2

The interview is focused on you not them. They want to see how you think about topics that they'll give you. If you genuinely have any questions about the course or college then ask them when they say "Have you got any question?". If you even hinted at taking an interest in their areas of speciality then you would either get shot down or you'll sit there in silence which doesn't give a good impression, and especially since this will happen at the end of the interview they'll carry that image of you when deciding who to get offers to.

Reply 7

kizer

15

Poops

No, of course I'm not just going to read up on the profs' specialities; I just want that extra edge on top of the standard prep of various books and background knowledge. Is it not good to at least have a basic idea of what the interviewiers are in to, if not just to show common interest? I have no plans to start arguing with political or economic experts on the intricacies of the decline of globalisation, I just thought that if I am going to read up more on something, it should be something that the interviewers will like as that is their area of interest...?

Thanks for your help! :s-smilie:

No. I would suggest, bluntly, this is a very bad plan. It will look very suspicious to them.

Not a risk worth taking. Answer the questions they ask you as well as you can, and don't worry about them.

Reply 8

F1 fanatic

16

Ditto the advice that's been given. You'd be better up reading up on the subject more, than on the interviewers. Stick to what you know, and to what you like.. not what they know and like! Besides, trying to bring in their field into the discussion probably cannot be done in an unobvious manner.

Reply 9

WokSz

17

Yeah, but isn't it likely they will ask you questions on which they are the most interested in? Meaning if a law tutor is interested in Roman law, chances are he might ask about that?

Reply 10

kizer

15

^^ Even if that's true, so what? They aren't interested in what you know, only how you think. It's much better to go into an interview with a totally open mind about what might come at you, and try to distinguish yourself at whatever that is, rather than probably unsubtley making it obvious to someone who is a) an expert and b) most likely an experienced interviewer that you have tried to wing the interview on some crap you read up on.

Reply 11

tNa

5

Every single one of them I've spoken to said that rather than thinking of it as the applicant going that extra mile, they just find it creepy to have this stalker sat infront of them who they've never met being able to receit their date of birth and what they specialised in at Uni. :rolleyes:

Reply 12

Poops

OP

lol ok ok chill!!!!

I only suggested the idea cos a friend of mine doing classics learnt a particular topic he knew the interviewer had written a book on, and they spent the whole interview just talking about it. He got a call the next week from the tutor confirming his place...
Luck maybe... :wink:

Reply 13

F1 fanatic

16

Poops

lol ok ok chill!!!!

I only suggested the idea cos a friend of mine doing classics learnt a particular topic he knew the interviewer had written a book on, and they spent the whole interview just talking about it. He got a call the next week from the tutor confirming his place...
Luck maybe... :wink:

or perhaps talent. You can talk about a field all you like, but if you aren't good enough you won't get in. Just be natural and try to do your best.

Reply 14

WokSz

17

How are the tutors for law there? nice? mean? Murderers?

Reply 15

andy_cole2

14

tell them you post on a forum under the name poops i think that should see you right in :p:

Reply 16

Anarchy Everywhere

2

How about mentioning a book that I've read that is written by an Oxford lecturer (but not at my college) and saying something like 'To have scholars like Mr X around is a great incentive to come to Oxford'. Will the interviewer feel offended/insulted/belittled :biggrin:

that I have highlighted someone in particular? or if I make it a bit more general like 'The fact that I have read texts written by lecturers here etc etc' will either method be any useful or is it just better to shut the hell up, answer concisely and to the point and refrain from any brown-nosing?

Reply 17

F1 fanatic

16

tazmanmaniac

How about mentioning a book that I've read that is written by an Oxford lecturer (but not at my college) and saying something like 'To have scholars like Mr X around is a great incentive to come to Oxford'. Will the interviewer feel offended/insulted/belittled :biggrin:

that I have highlighted someone in particular? or if I make it a bit more general like 'The fact that I have read texts written by lecturers here etc etc' will either method be any useful or is it just better to shut the hell up, answer concisely and to the point and refrain from any brown-nosing?

If it's true then for sure, say it, should the opportunity arise. I'd keep it general though, and then mention specifics if it is asked. Most of the lecturers/tutors write books!

Reply 18

Poops

OP

andy_cole2

tell them you post on a forum under the name poops i think that should see you right in :p:

I'm gonna wear a t-shirt with POOPS written in flourescent green writing across the chest!! or should i wear something slightly more conservative...?

Keble Ppe Interviewers

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