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College Ideas?
Hello there!
I'm applying to Oxford this september to study physics. Problem is, not got much of an idea which college to apply to. From looking through the prospectus and other bits of info, I've picked out these top three:
Magdalen
New College
St Hughs
It seems from reading other posts that Magdalen is super popular, but I couldn't find much about the other two. I'm really into music, both classical on the cello and jazz and blues on the piano. Does anyone have any suggestions about these colleges (or any other ones, for that matter!
)
Thanks
I'm applying to Oxford this september to study physics. Problem is, not got much of an idea which college to apply to. From looking through the prospectus and other bits of info, I've picked out these top three:
Magdalen
New College
St Hughs
It seems from reading other posts that Magdalen is super popular, but I couldn't find much about the other two. I'm really into music, both classical on the cello and jazz and blues on the piano. Does anyone have any suggestions about these colleges (or any other ones, for that matter!
)Thanks
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For a subject like physics, you have to appreciate how relatively unimportant the interview is probably going to be. Most of the time- I have been told- it is merely used as a screening tool to prevent people who aren't enthusiastic for the subject getting in (i.e. a lot of private schools try to push students away from more competitive to less competitive subjects). Another reason for this is that the criteria for admission, such as Maths and Physics A Level weed a lot of people out! Really though most of it will come down to your GCSE score, AS score and the test sat at interview [which is purely mathematical and apparently further maths really helps, but I know someone who has just graduated with a 1st who didn't have fm]. In subjects such as physics the popularity of the college you've applied for is unimportant as the colleges collaboarate extensively, and I assume (as this is the case for bio, biochem and maths) that everyone is automatically seen by two colleges.
So if you want to go for Magdalen- put it down, but think about these factors:
1. Magdalen is proposing to hike accomodation charges massively in the next three years, and the problem is that we will not receive any of the accompanying maintenance grants as we won't be paying top-up fees.
2. Magdalen is quite a distance from the centre of Oxford (in Oxford terms) and from the faculty.
3. Magdalen's accomodation, whilst excellent, is almost always booked for conferences making it harder to get vacation residence.
But on the other hand:
1. Magdalen has the best accomodation in the world- for a university!
2. Deer
3. Magdalen is stinking rich and gives out a lot of grants etc.
4. The college is committed to tutorials, and the girl I know there doing law has only ever had 1-1 tutorials, along with a weekly college class.
5. The college gets excellent exam results.
You have made an excellent list of colleges to choose though, and any of those would be an excellent place to study at.
So if you want to go for Magdalen- put it down, but think about these factors:
1. Magdalen is proposing to hike accomodation charges massively in the next three years, and the problem is that we will not receive any of the accompanying maintenance grants as we won't be paying top-up fees.
2. Magdalen is quite a distance from the centre of Oxford (in Oxford terms) and from the faculty.
3. Magdalen's accomodation, whilst excellent, is almost always booked for conferences making it harder to get vacation residence.
But on the other hand:
1. Magdalen has the best accomodation in the world- for a university!
2. Deer
3. Magdalen is stinking rich and gives out a lot of grants etc.
4. The college is committed to tutorials, and the girl I know there doing law has only ever had 1-1 tutorials, along with a weekly college class.
5. The college gets excellent exam results.
You have made an excellent list of colleges to choose though, and any of those would be an excellent place to study at.
If you get any chance at all, visit them. It's the only way you will decide whether a place is for you or not!
Thanks all.
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
nice_guy_eddie
Thanks all.
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
Well, what for? It's not as bad for Physics as, say, English, but it's still a bit of a trek. It depends whether you object to spending much time travelling I guess.
And some people probably like being off the tourist trail.
nice_guy_eddie
Thanks all.
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
Is the location of St Hugh's a real problem? (it appears to be some way from the centre)
It's a long way out, how big a problem that is depends on the individual. Put it this way, most students at any normal university would kill to be within a 20 minues walk of the main teaching facilities.
tomcoolinguk
apparently further maths really helps, but I know someone who has just graduated with a 1st who didn't have fm
That's the exception rather than the norm. Doing Physics without A-Level Further Maths is pretty tough, and you'd need to do a lot of catch-up work independently.
tomcoolinguk
2. Magdalen is quite a distance from the centre of Oxford (in Oxford terms) and from the faculty.
Not that bad really, especially when he's considering St Hughs. Magdalen's at the end of the High Street so a 5 minute walk gets you into the centre. And if you cut through the RadCam / Hertford area it's not too far from the faculty either.
Vasconcellos Scholarship
Every year an award can be made to a student (not necessarily a music student) who wishes to have private lessons in singing or instrumental performance. This scholarship yields nearly £500 and has been endowed in memory of Domingos Vasconcellos, a former Magdalen student who perished in the Marchioness disaster in the Thames.
http://www.magd.ox.ac.uk/college_life/awards.shtml
The musical and theatrical lives of the college are particularly strong and there is a new state-of-the-art auditorium with full-scale film projection facilities. We possess our own dark room, two music practice rooms, and a new modern languages room. Musical opportunities abound - as well as the famous Magdalen Choir, the Magdalen Singers, the Magdalen Orchestra, student bands and jazz groups are active.
http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/colleges/magd.shtml
Every year an award can be made to a student (not necessarily a music student) who wishes to have private lessons in singing or instrumental performance. This scholarship yields nearly £500 and has been endowed in memory of Domingos Vasconcellos, a former Magdalen student who perished in the Marchioness disaster in the Thames.
http://www.magd.ox.ac.uk/college_life/awards.shtml
The musical and theatrical lives of the college are particularly strong and there is a new state-of-the-art auditorium with full-scale film projection facilities. We possess our own dark room, two music practice rooms, and a new modern languages room. Musical opportunities abound - as well as the famous Magdalen Choir, the Magdalen Singers, the Magdalen Orchestra, student bands and jazz groups are active.
http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/colleges/magd.shtml
tomcoolinguk
For a subject like physics, you have to appreciate how relatively unimportant the interview is probably going to be.
I applied for Physics last October to New College (v.gd college can definitely recommend it!) and feel that the interviews were actually quite important. We had 2 spread over 2days (Sun & Mon) with a total of 3different tutors in all and they didnt ask anything about "why oxford/college/physics?" we just got strate into the maths and physics questions and for a good 30-40mins that was all we were grilled on. The maths test we had was very important I feel but it was do-able! I don't know much about the other colleges but New is within easy walking distance of everything and is quite well known for their music - they have lovely cloisters were they hold xmas concerts where evryone drinks egg nog and listens to carols!
If you need any more advice, contact me as I received an Open Offer for MPhys this year (New college had no room, so sent me to St Hilda's for 2 more interviews, who couldn't take me so I got an Open Offer!) WITHOUT Further Maths as well!
Hoofbeat
I applied for Physics last October to New College (v.gd college can definitely recommend it!) and feel that the interviews were actually quite important. We had 2 spread over 2days (Sun & Mon) with a total of 3different tutors in all and they didnt ask anything about "why oxford/college/physics?" we just got strate into the maths and physics questions and for a good 30-40mins that was all we were grilled on. The maths test we had was very important I feel but it was do-able! I don't know much about the other colleges but New is within easy walking distance of everything and is quite well known for their music - they have lovely cloisters were they hold xmas concerts where evryone drinks egg nog and listens to carols!
If you need any more advice, contact me as I received an Open Offer for MPhys this year (New college had no room, so sent me to St Hilda's for 2 more interviews, who couldn't take me so I got an Open Offer!) WITHOUT Further Maths as well!
If you need any more advice, contact me as I received an Open Offer for MPhys this year (New college had no room, so sent me to St Hilda's for 2 more interviews, who couldn't take me so I got an Open Offer!) WITHOUT Further Maths as well!
Yeah I apologise for generalising about the interview stuff, having just flicked through the prospectus I see the success rate has plummetted in the past few years- when Chris (he is 6 years older than me) went it was 1 in 2! So are you glad you missed out on Hilda's??
It's funny- although I'm leaning more towards Cam at the moment, New is also a college (a long with merton) i'm considering at Oxford. I love it so much!
To Jools- the forum is meant to be encouraging and positive! People can do Physics at Oxford without Further Mathematics, and many people distinguish themselves in doing so.
tomcoolinguk
To Jools- the forum is meant to be encouraging and positive! People can do Physics at Oxford without Further Mathematics, and many people distinguish themselves in doing so.
I prefer realistic. If you want "positive and encouraging" read the prospectus or any other form of propaganda the university chose to release; whereas here, and it's very much a good thing, prospective students have the chance to ask current or past Oxonians question and get the HONEST answer. The Further Maths and Physics scenario is like the Economics and Maths one: of course some people get invited to read Physics without Further Maths, and some of those individuals do really well; but it still stands that a healthy proportion of student have Further Maths, and a noticeable majority of those students who go on to get Firsts have studied Further Maths.
BazTheMoney
I prefer realistic. If you want "positive and encouraging" read the prospectus or any other form of propaganda the university chose to release; whereas here, and it's very much a good thing, prospective students have the chance to ask current or past Oxonians question and get the HONEST answer. The Further Maths and Physics scenario is like the Economics and Maths one: of course some people get invited to read Physics without Further Maths, and some of those individuals do really well; but it still stands that a healthy proportion of student have Further Maths, and a noticeable majority of those students who go on to get Firsts have studied Further Maths.
Points I'd like to make:
1.) I feel that doing 6 pure modules before you start university Physics is really helpful, and obviously important - I reckon if you do the right modules, AS Further Maths is adequate.
2.) I agree with Baz, that saying not doing more Maths than the standard A-Level is "fine" for Ox Physics, is being naive. However, I wouldn't say it's that big a dilemma.
3.) "The Further Maths and Physics scenario is like the Economics and Maths one:" - Incorrect.
Oxford website: For Physics - "An AS Level in Further Mathematics or more, is considered helpful for some parts of the course."
For Economics - "A Full A-Level is Mathematics is highly recommended; ask the college you apply to regarding this issue if you son't have it."
In no way is that a balanced analogy...
Invisible
3.) "The Further Maths and Physics scenario is like the Economics and Maths one:" - Incorrect.
Oxford website: For Physics - "An AS Level in Further Mathematics or more, is considered helpful for some parts of the course."
For Economics - "A Full A-Level is Mathematics is highly recommended; ask the college you apply to regarding this issue if you son't have it."
In no way is that a balanced analogy...
Oxford website: For Physics - "An AS Level in Further Mathematics or more, is considered helpful for some parts of the course."
For Economics - "A Full A-Level is Mathematics is highly recommended; ask the college you apply to regarding this issue if you son't have it."
In no way is that a balanced analogy...
It wasn't an analogy, I was just saying that statically the amount of non F. Maths Physists who gets firsts is similar to the amout of non-maths Economists that obtain Firsts; basically not very many. As for Economics the website is useless, unlike Physics there is no (at best limited) departmental cooperation, some college very keen on Maths, others are don't considet it as important; the departemnt don't really have a stance on the issue
BazTheMoney
It wasn't an analogy, I was just saying that statically the amount of non F. Maths Physists who gets firsts is similar to the amout of non-maths Economists that obtain Firsts; basically not very many. As for Economics the website is useless, unlike Physics there is no (at best limited) departmental cooperation, some college very keen on Maths, others are don't considet it as important; the departemnt don't really have a stance on the issue
The website says that Further Maths isn't too important for Ox Physics, whereas it says that A-Level Maths is pretty much a necessity for Economics, else ask the college.
That's all I was referring to. You made the analogy between the two situations, but they weren't too similar; the analogy wasn't just regarding the % of firsts obtained, read back. Maths is definitely more important for Econ than F. Maths is for Physics, that's all I was saying.
Invisible
The website says that Further Maths isn't too important for Ox Physics, whereas it says that A-Level Maths is pretty much a necessity for Economics, else ask the college.
That's all I was referring to. You made the analogy between the two situations, but they weren't too similar; the analogy wasn't just regarding the % of firsts obtained, read back. Maths is definitely more important for Econ than F. Maths is for Physics, that's all I was saying.
That's all I was referring to. You made the analogy between the two situations, but they weren't too similar; the analogy wasn't just regarding the % of firsts obtained, read back. Maths is definitely more important for Econ than F. Maths is for Physics, that's all I was saying.
Hang on a minute, you've never studied Physics at Oxford, how do you know. You're going on what is said on a website; and Oxford try to play down everything so no one is put off applying; whereas I'm coming from 3 years experience! About 90% of all Physics Students I have spoken too, or heard speak about the matter have said Further is a big help, they may all be talking out their arse, who knows; but I'd rather trust a Finalist, than a bias website put together to attract applicants.
BazTheMoney
Hang on a minute, you've never studied Physics at Oxford, how do you know. You're going on what is said on a website; and Oxford try to play down everything so no one is put off applying; whereas I'm coming from 3 years experience! About 90% of all Physics Students I have spoken too, or heard speak about the matter have said Further is a big help, they may all be talking out their arse, who knows; but I'd rather trust a Finalist, than a bias website put together to attract applicants.
"Hang on a minute, you've never studied Physics at Oxford, how do you know." - Ahh, but you know everything, that's how it works. Have you studied it Baz? Well? Ahh, you haven't. OK.
"You're going on what is said on a website" - And what other physics students have said, what Oxford Physics proffesors have said, the Oxford Phys department and what UKL members such as elpaw and Hoofbeat have said.
And anyway; if the website is slightly biased, why would the amount of bias be more for Physics than Economics? It would still be biased on both accounts, but with Further Maths being less important for Phys than Econ is for Maths, whatever the extent.
Invisible
"Hang on a minute, you've never studied Physics at Oxford, how do you know." - Ahh, but you know everything, that's how it works. Have you studied it Baz? Well? Ahh, you haven't. OK.
"You're going on what is said on a website" - And what other physics students have said, what Oxford Physics professors have said, the Oxford Phys department and what UKL members such as elpaw and Hoofbeat have said.
I've worked on Open days, and what everyone from my college was told to do was go with the department or college stance on the matter; which often isn't completely true. Remember people are paid to do they things, most students are willing to pull the party line when such incentives are offered. AS for the Department and Professors, naturally they are going to say exactly the same they do on their website, you've got too, credibility counts. As for elpaw, that's only one student (albeit a very good one) out of 800, I could find you an equally good students (eg, got a First) who is adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended".
And anyway; if the website is slightly biased, why would the amount of bias be more for Physics than Economics? It would still be biased on both accounts, but with Further Maths being less important for Phys than Econ is for Maths, whatever the extent.
When have a ever quoted a website? For Economics I going on my experience and for Physics I going on what I've been told; all the websites are promotional, thus they all down play things that may but off candidates.
BazTheMoney
No, but I was there for 3 years, and considering my 2 best friends happened to have studied the subject, and I know a hell of a lot of them, I hope I can speak with some credibility. These aren't my opinions, I couldn't care less, I'm just being a parrot and saying exactly what I have been told.
I've worked on Open days, and what everyone from my college was told to do was go with the department or college stance on the matter; which often isn't completely true. Remember people are paid to do they things, most students are willing to pull the party line when such incentives are offered. AS for the Department and Professors, naturally they are going to say exactly the same they do on their website, you've got too, credibility counts. As for elpaw, that's only one student (albeit a very good one) out of 800, I could find you an equally good students (eg, got a First) who is adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended".
When have a ever quoted a website? For Economics I going on my experience and for Physics I going on what I've been told; all the websites are promotional, thus they all down play things that may but off candidates.
I've worked on Open days, and what everyone from my college was told to do was go with the department or college stance on the matter; which often isn't completely true. Remember people are paid to do they things, most students are willing to pull the party line when such incentives are offered. AS for the Department and Professors, naturally they are going to say exactly the same they do on their website, you've got too, credibility counts. As for elpaw, that's only one student (albeit a very good one) out of 800, I could find you an equally good students (eg, got a First) who is adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended".
When have a ever quoted a website? For Economics I going on my experience and for Physics I going on what I've been told; all the websites are promotional, thus they all down play things that may but off candidates.
"No, but I was there for 3 years" - You attempted to dismiss my views as I hadn't studied Physics there, yet you hadn't either. Interesting. I've also talked to Physics students as well, so no/little difference there then.
"When have a ever quoted a website? For Economics I going on my experience and for Physics I going on what I've been told; all the websites are promotional, thus they all down play things that may but off candidates." - You used the website bias argument to dismiss my claim that your analogy was unbalanced between FM and Phys, and Econ and Maths. I don't see how it does, the amount of bias would be the same for each, hence despitte the bias from the Ox website, the differences would remain nevertheless...
"As for elpaw, that's only one student (albeit a very good one) out of 800, I could find you an equally good students (eg, got a First) who is adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended"." - elpaw says that if your normal maths is strong enough, Further Maths isn't required; and he studies there. Hoofbeat got a Physics offer, she does single Maths.
"adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended"." - In terms of admissions criteria, that wouldn't be true though.
Anyway, I'm off to bed now. Night night.
Invisible
"No, but I was there for 3 years" - You attempted to dismiss my views as I hadn't studied Physics there, yet you hadn't either. Interesting. I've also talked to Physics students as well, so no/little difference there then.
I agree with you there. If this was really important I could say I've probable spoken to more, especially because I quite like Physics and considering doing it many moons ago; but there's no need for that.
"When have a ever quoted a website? For Economics I going on my experience and for Physics I going on what I've been told; all the websites are promotional, thus they all down play things that may but off candidates." - You used the website bias argument to dismiss my claim that your analogy was unbalanced between FM and Phys, and Econ and Maths. I don't see how it does, the amount of bias would be the same for each, hence despitte the bias from the Ox website, the differences would remain nevertheless...
"As for elpaw, that's only one student (albeit a very good one) out of 800, I could find you an equally good students (eg, got a First) who is adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended"." - elpaw says that if your normal maths is strong enough, Further Maths isn't required; and he studies there. Hoofbeat got a Physics offer, she does single Maths.
Yes, I'm aware elpaw studies there, that why I said "out of 800 students" (Actually it's about 650, I think). And I also said it was possible to get an offer if you only did single maths.
"adamant that Further Maths should be moved up from "Helpful" to "Recommended"." - In terms of admissions criteria, that wouldn't be true though.
He got a First, and he obvious believes that the importance isn't stressed enough; I can't argue with him.
Anyway, I'm off to bed now. Night night.
Night
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