should I apply to Oxford?

I've just finished year 12 and I've got to start writing my personal statement and deciding where to apply (I've decided to do mech eng/ in the case of Oxford it would be engineering science) and I don't know whether I should go for Oxford or not (not interested in Cambridge as I already live there).

My predicted grades are:
Maths - A*
Physics - A*
Chemistry - A
I was originally on track to do further maths but decided to drop next year because I really need to focus on my 3 and also my predicted wasn't particularly great :/

It is for this reason that I'm not sure there's any point in even trying to apply because I know most successful applicants will have the further maths.

The other unis I'm looking at are Imperial, UCL, Bristol, Leeds and Southampton.

I went to the Oxford open day, it was nice but didn't wow me :/ I like the course and the department but I'm more of a big city gal and I absolutely hate the college system. I'm just not sure if there's any point in applying somewhere I don't LOVE especially since there's so much to do - apply early, do the test and interviews.. and it's very unlikely I'll even get in. I'm not a genius.

The only thing pushing me is that it's Oxford and as a kid it's always been my dream to go there - I just feel like if I don't try I'll regret it and that I stopped myself from aiming for the top just because I was too scared?

Reply 1

SkyRunner61

21

If you don’t have anywhere else that you want to apply to, then I guess why not apply? Not gonna lie though, if you don’t like the college and tutorial system then Oxford might not be the best fit for you given that that’s how they teach

Reply 2

username3941996

22

Maybe Oxford isn’t for you. There’s another unis which are close to Oxford standard and may suit your needs.

Reply 3

Beth_H

16

If you "absolutely hate" the college system, then you probably shouldn't go for it. College life is a big part of studying at Oxford, particularly in first year when most of your tutorials will probably be in your own college. There are plenty of excellent non-collegiate universities you can apply to (and collegiate ones which don't put as much emphasis on the college system, like Durham or York).

Just out of curiosity, can I ask why you dislike the college system so strongly?

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 4

Sinnoh

22

What engineering disciplines are you interested in?

Reply 5

peacheyroses

OP

14

Original post by Beth_H

If you "absolutely hate" the college system, then you probably shouldn't go for it. College life is a big part of studying at Oxford, particularly in first year when most of your tutorials will probably be in your own college. There are plenty of excellent non-collegiate universities you can apply to (and collegiate ones which don't put as much emphasis on the college system, like Durham or York).

Just out of curiosity, can I ask why you dislike the college system so strongly?

I don't mind the academic side of the way they have colleges etc. I just don't like it in terms of I feel like I'd be cooped up and separated idk. I just don't like the idea of everyone living in a college and that's where you eat and socialise with people. They're all also pretty much catered and I really want to self-cater (I know it's not much of a big deal haha but I really want to cook for myself). Also how some want you to live there all 3/4 years - I'm just not a fan. It all just seems to formal and posh and really oldey which isn't my thing haha

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 6

peacheyroses

OP

14

Original post by Sinnoh

What engineering disciplines are you interested in?

I like mech the most (it's what i'll most likely apply to the other unis for) mainly because it's pretty broad. I also like aero (was my original love because it's my dream to get a job in something space related) and I kind of like civil-ish.

I'm just really unsure which is why i like oxford's course being so broad.

Reply 7

Beth_H

16

Original post by peacheyroses

I don't mind the academic side of the way they have colleges etc. I just don't like it in terms of I feel like I'd be cooped up and separated idk. I just don't like the idea of everyone living in a college and that's where you eat and socialise with people. They're all also pretty much catered and I really want to self-cater (I know it's not much of a big deal haha but I really want to cook for myself). Also how some want you to live there all 3/4 years - I'm just not a fan. It all just seems to formal and posh and really oldey which isn't my thing haha

Fair enough. You can get round the feeling of being 'cooped up' by going for one of the bigger, more modern colleges, and by joining university-wide societies. There are also plenty that have good kitchens and a pay as you go system for meals, so you can cook for yourself as much or as little as you like.

To be honest, I don't think you should apply unless you're sure you want to study there. The admissions process is a lot more taxing than other universities', and there's a good chance that the interviewing tutors will pick up on a lack of enthusiasm. I met several people at interview who weren't actually that keen on Oxford, and I don't think it's a coincidence that none of them got offers.

Reply 8

Sinnoh

22

Original post by peacheyroses

I like mech the most (it's what i'll most likely apply to the other unis for) mainly because it's pretty broad. I also like aero (was my original love because it's my dream to get a job in something space related) and I kind of like civil-ish.

I'm just really unsure which is why i like oxford's course being so broad.

Okay, just remember that in Oxford you cannot specialise in aerospace

should I apply to Oxford?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you