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Oxbridge Applications
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miltonkeynes
I can't stand this company and their stalkerish, spamming nature as well as their preying on applicants' fears. Some of their employees post on here, so no doubt they will attempt to defend this ridiculous service.
And I'll give them a nice red warning sticker if they do
miltonkeynes
I can't stand this company and their stalkerish, spamming nature as well as their preying on applicants' fears. Some of their employees post on here, so no doubt they will attempt to defend this ridiculous service.
- i literally could not have put it better my self, i bet many people reading this and who are applying to Oxbridge will think this service will vastly help them which is seriously not the case to any great extent..........Niccolo
No. You are quite simply completely wrong. TSR is full of people who don't know what they are talking about, current applicants getting too big for their boots who don't have a clue, or current students with an agenda which usually distorts the truth.
What the hell are you on about? What agenda? TSR is full of people who do know what they're talking about!
Oxbridge Applications gives a one on one interview and written feedback with a current student who will have been through the process
Not current students. The website says graduate students. Ie, people who went the process many years ago. As opposed to people on here who went through it within the last 3 years.
SsEe
What the hell are you on about? What agenda? TSR is full of people who do know what they're talking about!
Not current students. The website says graduate students. Ie, people who went the process many years ago. As opposed to people on here who went through it within the last 3 years.
Not current students. The website says graduate students. Ie, people who went the process many years ago. As opposed to people on here who went through it within the last 3 years.
Mate, quit while you're ahead. Writing that sort of thing just makes you look like a gullible moron. The ratio of 'people who know what they're taking about' to people with an agenda/plain old idiots is about 1/8, I would guess.
And OA does indeed prey on applicants' fears, IS stalkerish, and is NOT a golden ticket or guarantee. But only a fool would dismiss it as completely useless, because it patently isn't, despite a lot of the general unpleasantness that seems to be a hallmark of the company and the smarmy weirdo toff who runs the whole show. Again, I am not suggesting you go ahead and fork out for it out of your own pocket; I really wouldn't like to try and place a monetary value on the advice they dispense, in any case. Try and get the school to do it, if possible.
Niccolo
Mate, quit while you're ahead. Writing that sort of thing just makes you look like a gullible moron. The ratio of 'people who know what they're taking about' to people with an agenda/plain old idiots is about 1/8, I would guess.
I never said it's only people who know what they talk about around here. But generally, people who've been through the system make sense. As someone who's not only been through the system but had many a frank discussion with admissions tutors about the system over drinks in the bar, I know sense when I see it!!
There was some event at my school put on by them; focusing on interview technique etc. I thought it would be a good idea to get in some interview practice but afterwards I felt that it really didn't live up to the 60ish quid I think it had cost. There were a couple of sessions on general interview technique, which were okay I guess, and then two interviews. But they were with recent graduates and although one of mine was quite good, the other guy clearly didn't know much about my subjects at all. You got pretty detailed feedback afterwards but to be honest I think they make people worry TOO much about things like presentation/body language etc. Yes, they matter, but at the end of the day the interviewer knows you're nervous. A few weeks ago I found a huge pack they gave us afterwards about interviews and just laughed as I read through it and was glad that I hadn't read it in detail before because it would have just scared me.
I also kept getting emails from them for aaages afterwards.
The interview practice IS quite good even though it doesn't resemble the real interviews, because it's definitely good practice just to talk on the spot about your subject. But let's face it, the practice interviews I had with teachers were just as good, and these were FREE.
I also kept getting emails from them for aaages afterwards.
The interview practice IS quite good even though it doesn't resemble the real interviews, because it's definitely good practice just to talk on the spot about your subject. But let's face it, the practice interviews I had with teachers were just as good, and these were FREE.
Niccolo
No. You are quite simply completely wrong. TSR is full of people who don't know what they are talking about, current applicants getting too big for their boots who don't have a clue, or current students with an agenda which usually distorts the truth.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'agenda' here, but surely the graduates who work for Oxbridge Applications would have an agenda (i.e. to convince applicants that they'll benefit from their invaluable advice) as well?
Niccolo
No. You are quite simply completely wrong. TSR is full of people who don't know what they are talking about, current applicants getting too big for their boots who don't have a clue, or current students with an agenda which usually distorts the truth.
Would you include yourself in that statement at all?
I'm sorry but as much as I can see why people would use Oxbridge Applications I feel it will only help those who would of had a good shot anyways have more of a confidence boost.
I didn't use them, and I am glad that I did not, the whole experience of getting and making my offer has been certainly a beneficial one. In my case I think making the offer was actually the hardest part, and somehow I don't think that Oxbridge Applications can help with that.
TSR has been perhaps one of the most useful sources I found for preparing for my interview. There are people who have been through the process, and hence know what it is like.
Oxbridge Applications prides itself on having people who have been through the process, and hence know what it is like.
Since they are both the same, guess which I woud rather use and why!
Andy H
Since they are both the same, guess which I woud rather use and why!
Can I use 50/50?
This company could be seen as something of a scam. It's to be paid money for something that's individual and subjective; to try and turn people who don't believe they'd get in into what it believes (and it is unconnected with oxbridge admissions in the same way as, say, the Access schemes are as they are part of the universities and it isn't) will fit the mould of what admissions tutors are looking for.
In short, there's no real requirement that they have that much success. You cna hardly sue them for breach of contract or whatever if you don't get in; as Niccolo says, you're not paying for a golden ticket that guarentees entry, you're paying for advice which can't guarentee it; they can state that it makes applications more likely to be successful, but that's not something you can rely on or that guarentees anything.
I think to sum up the opinions of the Cambridge people above, interview preparation can be useful, and help with the application process makes it a lot easier- though it isn't vital. However, the opinion on here is that Oxbridge Applications is a waste of money, possibly dodgy, and is preying off the fears and expectations of people. Not so much a problem with what they do, as the way they do it and the fact that they're doing it commercially.
In short, there's no real requirement that they have that much success. You cna hardly sue them for breach of contract or whatever if you don't get in; as Niccolo says, you're not paying for a golden ticket that guarentees entry, you're paying for advice which can't guarentee it; they can state that it makes applications more likely to be successful, but that's not something you can rely on or that guarentees anything.
I think to sum up the opinions of the Cambridge people above, interview preparation can be useful, and help with the application process makes it a lot easier- though it isn't vital. However, the opinion on here is that Oxbridge Applications is a waste of money, possibly dodgy, and is preying off the fears and expectations of people. Not so much a problem with what they do, as the way they do it and the fact that they're doing it commercially.
Niccolo
No. You are quite simply completely wrong. TSR is full of people who don't know what they are talking about, current applicants getting too big for their boots who don't have a clue, or current students with an agenda which usually distorts the truth. In general, this website is as useful as a cock-flavoured lolipop.
Oxbridge Applications gives a one on one interview and written feedback with a current student who will have been through the process as well as a series of useful classes. The 'useful' to 'pointless' ratio of the day is about 70/30. Make of that what you will. I am positive it confers a fairly large advantage, at least for people not applying for maths or a physical science (where it basically comes down to 'get the problems they set you at the interview right, you're in; get them wrong, you're out'). This is in spite of what people cheerfully preach on here, and the advice of Cambridge and Oxford that these sort of things should be avoided. If you have even the slightest bit of intelligence, you will be able to nuance the advice and model answers you have been given by OA to suit your own needs and convey a sense of original thought. Anyone with half a brain cell need not look like a 'robot.'
The morality of the whole enterprise, however, is a whole different issue. I tend to think it is deeply unfair on poorer applicants who can't afford/have never heard of this type of thing. As such, I wouldn't be averse to some sort of ban on it. But then, this may be a bit of a case of 'it's easy for him to say, now he's used it and got in.' In addition, it does distort the academic nature and ultimately the whole point of the inteview process. Tough one. The overall conclusion is probably 'useful and effective, but morally dubious to say the least.'
Oxbridge Applications gives a one on one interview and written feedback with a current student who will have been through the process as well as a series of useful classes. The 'useful' to 'pointless' ratio of the day is about 70/30. Make of that what you will. I am positive it confers a fairly large advantage, at least for people not applying for maths or a physical science (where it basically comes down to 'get the problems they set you at the interview right, you're in; get them wrong, you're out'). This is in spite of what people cheerfully preach on here, and the advice of Cambridge and Oxford that these sort of things should be avoided. If you have even the slightest bit of intelligence, you will be able to nuance the advice and model answers you have been given by OA to suit your own needs and convey a sense of original thought. Anyone with half a brain cell need not look like a 'robot.'
The morality of the whole enterprise, however, is a whole different issue. I tend to think it is deeply unfair on poorer applicants who can't afford/have never heard of this type of thing. As such, I wouldn't be averse to some sort of ban on it. But then, this may be a bit of a case of 'it's easy for him to say, now he's used it and got in.' In addition, it does distort the academic nature and ultimately the whole point of the inteview process. Tough one. The overall conclusion is probably 'useful and effective, but morally dubious to say the least.'
Excuse me if I am wrong but are you paid to do this?
brighthw
Excuse me if I am wrong but are you paid to do this?
If you read my posts, you will have seen that I am not defending the company, merely suggesting that it a) offers a service which may prove useful and b) is at the same time rather cretinous and loathesome, on a number of levels. I certainly do not want to present it as being respectable in any way. But if you're gimpy enough to be absolutely OBSESSED with getting into Oxbridge-that is, you are sad enough to have the 'fears' upon which this company supposedly preys in the first place-then I feel no moral obligation to vehemently insist that you don't touch it with a bargepole, as many of the spluttering, inarticulate replies to this thread have done.
THIS COMPANY IS SUCH A JOKE!!!.....WHO EVER SAID THEY PRAY ON FEARS OF PARENTS (and students) is 100% RIGHT!!!
I AM FUMING WITH THEM!!!
Story
Basically OA did some presentation thing at our school and gave us 'tips' (and I use this term loosely as literally all of what they said could be found on the Oxbridge websites for application, which I later discovered)...............and then after we left, OA got details of the students who will be applying to Oxbridge this year from our teachers (including our addresses), saying to them that 'we will send the STUDENT useful information' (i.e. as in the actual student themselves, and no crap promoting OA)..........
I get home today and my DAD (yes a letter addressed specifically for my dad, i.e. with his first name etc) was sent by OA to him..............
I WILL SCAN THE LETTER AND POST IT AS IT LITERALLY IS THAT RIDUCLOUS.....
First they start with statistics saying how many AAA Students get rejected from Oxbridge each etc (basically scaring the parent about there son/daughters chances) and then say that A WAY AROUND this is to send your daughter/son to a Interview Weekend which Costs........(Take a guess first, as I literally was astounded when I read the actual figure)...................
850 Quid - Yes I've Written That Correctly
I mean THE *****G CHEEK of this of this company, I mean praying on the fears of parents so that they can fork out tons of money, so that OA can make a **** load of profit...............;upyours;
- PS. Sorry for all the swearing lol, It's just that I literally feel so violated by this..........complaints will be made at school tomorrow, they got our information under false pretences
I AM FUMING WITH THEM!!!
Story
Basically OA did some presentation thing at our school and gave us 'tips' (and I use this term loosely as literally all of what they said could be found on the Oxbridge websites for application, which I later discovered)...............and then after we left, OA got details of the students who will be applying to Oxbridge this year from our teachers (including our addresses), saying to them that 'we will send the STUDENT useful information' (i.e. as in the actual student themselves, and no crap promoting OA)..........
I get home today and my DAD (yes a letter addressed specifically for my dad, i.e. with his first name etc) was sent by OA to him..............
I WILL SCAN THE LETTER AND POST IT AS IT LITERALLY IS THAT RIDUCLOUS.....
First they start with statistics saying how many AAA Students get rejected from Oxbridge each etc (basically scaring the parent about there son/daughters chances) and then say that A WAY AROUND this is to send your daughter/son to a Interview Weekend which Costs........(Take a guess first, as I literally was astounded when I read the actual figure)...................
850 Quid - Yes I've Written That Correctly
I mean THE *****G CHEEK of this of this company, I mean praying on the fears of parents so that they can fork out tons of money, so that OA can make a **** load of profit...............;upyours;
- PS. Sorry for all the swearing lol, It's just that I literally feel so violated by this..........complaints will be made at school tomorrow, they got our information under false pretences
Haha. £850. What a joke. They seem to be like "AAA students get rejected but you can get around this con the universities run by paying us money for training".
Also, they advertise about a 50% success rate compared to 25% ish average. A few years back I seem to remember about 70% of TSR applicants getting offers. Does that mean TSR can advertise that and start charging for the help it gives? Of course not. It's just that people on here are generally smarter than average anyway. Similarly, I suspect that the parents who fork out hundreds of pounds for OA are the parents who fork out to send their kid to a better school (not wanting to start an state vs private argument there).
Also, they advertise about a 50% success rate compared to 25% ish average. A few years back I seem to remember about 70% of TSR applicants getting offers. Does that mean TSR can advertise that and start charging for the help it gives? Of course not. It's just that people on here are generally smarter than average anyway. Similarly, I suspect that the parents who fork out hundreds of pounds for OA are the parents who fork out to send their kid to a better school (not wanting to start an state vs private argument there).
akademic
THIS COMPANY IS SUCH A JOKE!!!.....WHO EVER SAID THEY PRAY ON FEARS OF PARENTS (and students) is 100% RIGHT!!!
Heh, I just had the mental image of a slightly dodgy company that charges for their professional praying services, which supposedly increase chances of the applicant's salvation and/or gaining a place by up to 20%...
akademic
THIS COMPANY IS SUCH A JOKE!!!.....WHO EVER SAID THEY PRAY ON FEARS OF PARENTS (and students) is 100% RIGHT!!!
I AM FUMING WITH THEM!!!
Story
I AM FUMING WITH THEM!!!
Story
Oh Dear. Moron alert. They aren't doing anything coercive, beyond some mildly irritating 'stalker-ish' advertising which, whilst annoying, does nobody any real harm beyond stoking one's irritation a bit. I repeat: IF YOU ARE SAD ENOUGH TO BE OBSESSED WITH OXBRIDGE AND THINK IT IT WILL BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU DON'T GET IN THEN YOU DESERVE WHATEVER YOU GET. If someone sees OA's dodgy statistics, goes into a blind panic and decides to fork out the best part of a grand for the training weekend, then that is UP TO THEM AND NOT SOME SPLUTTERING IDIOT ON TSR.
Do you have such a low opinion of people's intelligence that you think they need to be protected from this sick, exploitative filth, a la The Daily Mail? Hmm.
Niccolo
If you read my posts, you will have seen that I am not defending the company, merely suggesting that it a) offers a service which may prove useful and b) is at the same time rather cretinous and loathesome, on a number of levels. I certainly do not want to present it as being respectable in any way. But if you're gimpy enough to be absolutely OBSESSED with getting into Oxbridge-that is, you are sad enough to have the 'fears' upon which this company supposedly preys in the first place-then I feel no moral obligation to vehemently insist that you don't touch it with a bargepole, as many of the spluttering, inarticulate replies to this thread have done.
For maths students, I can provide a sheet of 100 past interview questions, and with about 20 minutes thought make up more and more practice questions. I can provide a reading list of useful books, I can provide a mock interview if needed. Is this worth £200? Maybe, because it would actually help you greatly.
BUT, all of these things can be found on this website, and mock interviews can be held with your teachers, for free. If you had any questions about anything, you could ask them here, in the maths forum. I can't vouch for any other subject areas, but the help I received here was probably a huge factor in me getting an offer.
I appreciate that you haven't denied any of these facts, but why are you so adamantly insisting we shouldn't do our best to dissuade people from going?
Alive
BUT, all of these things can be found on this website, and mock interviews can be held with your teachers, for free. If you had any questions about anything, you could ask them here, in the maths forum. I can't vouch for any other subject areas, but the help I received here was probably a huge factor in me getting an offer.
I appreciate that you haven't denied any of these facts, but why are you so adamantly insisting we shouldn't do our best to dissuade people from going?[/QUOTE]
I am certainly not suggesting you shouldn't. I just think that most of the people on here doing it are merely gobby current applicants shouting their mouths off without having any real idea of what it entails, or who are scared that others in the same position may be 'getting ahead of them.' Hypocrites, in other words. But, feel free to continue saying people shouldn't use the company, once again, I suggest that it is not a pleasant entity to deal with anyway.
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