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Oxford Demystified - How TSR, Parents and Teachers can help with your application
By Oxford Mum
CAVEAT: READING THIS BOOK DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A PLACE AT OXFORD
THESE IDEAS ARE MY OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
PLEASE CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE APPLYING
CAVEAT: READING THIS BOOK DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A PLACE AT OXFORD
THESE IDEAS ARE MY OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
PLEASE CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE APPLYING
Scroll to see replies
“They may be walking the tightrope
But you are the safety net”
Christopher Green, “Toddler Taming”
I just love Oxford graduations. They have not changed for centuries. How strange it is to sit in the Wren designed Sheldonian building, listening to the exclusively Latin ceremony, with its cap doffing and bowing. From the moment you sit down, to the final “do fidem” pronounced by the graduands, it feels as if you are in the middle of a time warp.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/graduation/ceremonies?wssl=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6KlEIxL6to
But my favourite moment was completely unexpected. The Vice Chancellor said to the students (not in Latin, thank goodness!) “I want you to give a round of applause to your parents, who’ve got you here”. As they all clapped, I felt yes, I’ve earned that.
You see, outsiders simply do not understand this essential fact. I often say “we got into Oxford”, and friends and family correct me, saying “no, they did it”. Boy, how wrong they are. If they could only guess at the motivation, the figurative hand holding, the frustration and the sacrifice involved, they would beg to differ.
The politician Michael Gove showed a deep appreciation of the financial sacrifices made by his adoptive father to get him into Lady Margaret Hall. He was so proud to say his father drove an old banger but, recognising what Oxford could do for young Gove, he put all his energies into ensuring he had a future. And just look at him now.
At Oxford it’s all about the students. But behind each and every one there is a silent mass of caring, concerned parents. They will have put their children first, and their own dreams and desires temporarily on the back burner.
I think back on the times I ended up going on holiday repeatedly to Germany when I would rather be in Paris, just because my son wanted to study German. I shop for clothes at Bon Marché, which means “cheap”. My house was a complete wreck, whilst all my money was going on medical books.
But you are the safety net”
Christopher Green, “Toddler Taming”
I just love Oxford graduations. They have not changed for centuries. How strange it is to sit in the Wren designed Sheldonian building, listening to the exclusively Latin ceremony, with its cap doffing and bowing. From the moment you sit down, to the final “do fidem” pronounced by the graduands, it feels as if you are in the middle of a time warp.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/graduation/ceremonies?wssl=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6KlEIxL6to
But my favourite moment was completely unexpected. The Vice Chancellor said to the students (not in Latin, thank goodness!) “I want you to give a round of applause to your parents, who’ve got you here”. As they all clapped, I felt yes, I’ve earned that.
You see, outsiders simply do not understand this essential fact. I often say “we got into Oxford”, and friends and family correct me, saying “no, they did it”. Boy, how wrong they are. If they could only guess at the motivation, the figurative hand holding, the frustration and the sacrifice involved, they would beg to differ.
The politician Michael Gove showed a deep appreciation of the financial sacrifices made by his adoptive father to get him into Lady Margaret Hall. He was so proud to say his father drove an old banger but, recognising what Oxford could do for young Gove, he put all his energies into ensuring he had a future. And just look at him now.
At Oxford it’s all about the students. But behind each and every one there is a silent mass of caring, concerned parents. They will have put their children first, and their own dreams and desires temporarily on the back burner.
I think back on the times I ended up going on holiday repeatedly to Germany when I would rather be in Paris, just because my son wanted to study German. I shop for clothes at Bon Marché, which means “cheap”. My house was a complete wreck, whilst all my money was going on medical books.
Determined would-be Oxford parents will soon turn into expert researchers, as often their children will not have the time to do everything themselves. There will be steam coming out of their computers as they research colleges, courses, science festivals and competitions. That is, when they can have access to the computer, as their child will be hogging it most of the day for their academic work.
I know this is not rocket science, but your son or daughter will need a quiet room with a desk to work on. They will need to concentrate. So if the TV needs turning down, then do so. Try to ensure they have few distractions. When M… had his first collections (tests) we parents were told by the college “treat them like royalty”. And I did. They need to come first if they are to achieve.
A parent from the Student Room told me she gives her daughter Kit-Kats whilst she is studying, because she likes them. She had just received an offer from Oxford, and, not coming from an academic background, the mother asked me how she could best help her. I asked my son (a second year medic) what the answer was. He replied that she seemed to have done okay on her own so far, so the remedy was just more Kit-Kats.
It is you, the parents, who will ensure your child will get to the Oxford open days and their accommodation is safely booked. Even though you are itching to attend yourself, you will have to back off if they say you are cramping their style and would rather make new friends in peace.
Every week, I would do what my children call “old lady circling”. I would take the TV guide and circle every documentary I thought would be relevant to their subject, record it and watch as it fed their curiosity. When we watched DVDs, I would put the German subtitles on if they were available, so that A… (my elder son) could widen his vocabulary.
Sometimes, even the most determined parent will need to look outside for help. I was fortunate to have a German neighbour, who would converse in the target language with A…. once a week. If I did not have this resource, I would have asked around, just in case someone knew a friend of a friend who was German. Do not be proud. Accept help wherever you can get it.
There is one approach, however, that parents need to avoid. Do not make the unilateral decision to make your child apply to Oxford. It does not matter if attending Oxford sounds posh to you, or to Mr Jones from next door but one. Studying for a degree is a long process (at least three years) and the last thing you will need is a child who is miserable and stressed because they are studying the wrong degree in the wrong place. Not to mention all the expense, and the resentment that it may cause.
No, our job is to follow our children’s own decision (and they have to be extremely motivated to want to get into Oxford). It’s being an “open purse”, as my children so rudely call me, it’s being their bag carriers, driving them around like a free taxi and oh, let’s not forget those Kit-Kats.
I know this is not rocket science, but your son or daughter will need a quiet room with a desk to work on. They will need to concentrate. So if the TV needs turning down, then do so. Try to ensure they have few distractions. When M… had his first collections (tests) we parents were told by the college “treat them like royalty”. And I did. They need to come first if they are to achieve.
A parent from the Student Room told me she gives her daughter Kit-Kats whilst she is studying, because she likes them. She had just received an offer from Oxford, and, not coming from an academic background, the mother asked me how she could best help her. I asked my son (a second year medic) what the answer was. He replied that she seemed to have done okay on her own so far, so the remedy was just more Kit-Kats.
It is you, the parents, who will ensure your child will get to the Oxford open days and their accommodation is safely booked. Even though you are itching to attend yourself, you will have to back off if they say you are cramping their style and would rather make new friends in peace.
Every week, I would do what my children call “old lady circling”. I would take the TV guide and circle every documentary I thought would be relevant to their subject, record it and watch as it fed their curiosity. When we watched DVDs, I would put the German subtitles on if they were available, so that A… (my elder son) could widen his vocabulary.
Sometimes, even the most determined parent will need to look outside for help. I was fortunate to have a German neighbour, who would converse in the target language with A…. once a week. If I did not have this resource, I would have asked around, just in case someone knew a friend of a friend who was German. Do not be proud. Accept help wherever you can get it.
There is one approach, however, that parents need to avoid. Do not make the unilateral decision to make your child apply to Oxford. It does not matter if attending Oxford sounds posh to you, or to Mr Jones from next door but one. Studying for a degree is a long process (at least three years) and the last thing you will need is a child who is miserable and stressed because they are studying the wrong degree in the wrong place. Not to mention all the expense, and the resentment that it may cause.
No, our job is to follow our children’s own decision (and they have to be extremely motivated to want to get into Oxford). It’s being an “open purse”, as my children so rudely call me, it’s being their bag carriers, driving them around like a free taxi and oh, let’s not forget those Kit-Kats.
Here is some handy advice and help that Oxford University have published for parents and carers.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/field/field_document/Parents%20%26%20Carers%20guide%202017.pdf
I am willing to bet that the vast majority of successful Oxford candidates benefited from inspirational teachers, who went that extra mile and believed in them. If my children were to thank those responsible for getting them in, they would need to thank an entire team of selfless supporters. Whether it’s the friend who motivates them when they are giving up hope, or the old lady next door who says she is thinking of them, I salute you.
The sixth form director of Brampton Manor Academy, Sam Dobin, spoke to the Evening Standard about their students from disadvantaged backgrounds who received offers from Oxbridge:
“Sometimes students think, am I good enough? Will my face fit? But it’s our job to dispel that.
When we show them photos of our 25 progressing last year, and half of them are black and all of them are ethnic minorities, that starts to dispel those concerns because they see that in reality”.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/stunningly-able-students-at-east-ham-state-school-offered-41-oxbridge-places-a4040246.html
Teachers need to identify gifted and talented pupils, and encourage them at every opportunity. If Oxford Outreach sends you a mailshot about an Oxbridge admissions evening, don’t throw it in the bin. Take this opportunity, and invite students from other schools in the area as well. The two events I have attended have been really interesting, as well as informative. There are some fantastic techniques for completing a personal statement and how to get the best out of your application. One admissions officer and two outreach officers (former Oxbridge students) will be there, to tell you what Oxbridge is really like from a student point of view.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/about/oxford-access/outreach
You never know, some of your students may be inspired to apply. If so, they will need your backing. If you teach at a state school, look at the schemes I have outlined in the Schemes for State School Students chapter to see if any apply, e.g. UNIQ summer school.
https://www.uniq.ox.ac.uk/
Or Oxford Pathways
https://www.pathways.ox.ac.uk/
https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/field/field_document/Parents%20%26%20Carers%20guide%202017.pdf
I am willing to bet that the vast majority of successful Oxford candidates benefited from inspirational teachers, who went that extra mile and believed in them. If my children were to thank those responsible for getting them in, they would need to thank an entire team of selfless supporters. Whether it’s the friend who motivates them when they are giving up hope, or the old lady next door who says she is thinking of them, I salute you.
The sixth form director of Brampton Manor Academy, Sam Dobin, spoke to the Evening Standard about their students from disadvantaged backgrounds who received offers from Oxbridge:
“Sometimes students think, am I good enough? Will my face fit? But it’s our job to dispel that.
When we show them photos of our 25 progressing last year, and half of them are black and all of them are ethnic minorities, that starts to dispel those concerns because they see that in reality”.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/stunningly-able-students-at-east-ham-state-school-offered-41-oxbridge-places-a4040246.html
Teachers need to identify gifted and talented pupils, and encourage them at every opportunity. If Oxford Outreach sends you a mailshot about an Oxbridge admissions evening, don’t throw it in the bin. Take this opportunity, and invite students from other schools in the area as well. The two events I have attended have been really interesting, as well as informative. There are some fantastic techniques for completing a personal statement and how to get the best out of your application. One admissions officer and two outreach officers (former Oxbridge students) will be there, to tell you what Oxbridge is really like from a student point of view.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/about/oxford-access/outreach
You never know, some of your students may be inspired to apply. If so, they will need your backing. If you teach at a state school, look at the schemes I have outlined in the Schemes for State School Students chapter to see if any apply, e.g. UNIQ summer school.
https://www.uniq.ox.ac.uk/
Or Oxford Pathways
https://www.pathways.ox.ac.uk/
Peruse the relevant Oxford subject reading list, and choose, with the students, which books may be a good starting point. You may have ideas of your own. Also they may need your help if they want to do an EPQ. Look at the interview questions below
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/
http://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/
Go through these with your students, and arrange a mock interview if possible. Find passages from literature or in text books that cover their degree subject and analyse them together, encouraging them to pick the ideas apart and give their own interpretations out loud.
Find out which Oxford college your school is linked to
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers/link-colleges
and phone to see if you can organise a visit. There may also be subject taster days, which I found really useful.
Here are further events for teachers:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers?wssl=1#content-tab--2
Teachers, here's another way you can really maximise your students' chances of getting into Oxbridge. There's a scheme called Zero Gravity, which gives free mentoring to state school students with GCSE grades of 7 x 8/9s and above. Every week, eligible students will get one hour per week phone mentoring sessions with a current Oxbridge student, doing their course! All mentors are screened to make sure they are studying at Oxbridge and calls are recorded for security. Students are given guidance on their personal statements, admissions tests, interviews and more! According to the mentors, it's not even about getting offers (although many do) it's about expanding their mentees' academic horizons, in much the same way as they are experiencing in their tutorial groups. Zero Gravity's reach goes way beyond Oxbridge and also covers Russell Group universities.
You can be a part of this exciting new venture, by becoming a Zero Gravity partner school. Here, former Labour leader Ed Milliband, a big fan of the scheme, tells you how:
https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/schools
As he so rightly says, "what have you got to lose?"
Here, in this webinar, he is joined by a (very enthusiastic) Doncaster County councillor, a current Cambridge student from Doncaster and founder Joe Seddon:
https://www.facebook.com/zerogravityapp/videos/665440337687002
In 2021, Zero Gravity helped 151 students from state school get into Oxbridge
https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/20751
The company is on course to become the UK’s largest social mobility organisation by the end of 2021. That's some achievement, especially to think that they launched during the first lockdown. In fact, because the mentoring is via mobile phone, it's popularity has soared, especially as students do not have access to "in person" courses.
As a parent, giving hope to your children is a very powerful thing. Every Oxford candidate has doubts now and then. I remember M… telling me “I wish I’d just applied to Edinburgh instead”. It is down to you to listen to your children when they find the going tough. It is you who will sit down and give them a hug at the end of the day. Ironically, Edinburgh was the only medical school he didn’t get into, so you never can tell!
I am a great fan of thestudentroom.co.uk.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk
My children thought TSR was really naff, and did not have time to have a look. For me, though, it was invaluable. When I last visited Oxford, all the students I asked said they had used TSR, and it had helped them with their application.
There is a whole massive section on revision and exams.
The revision guides have tips for staying calm during an exam, how to deal with exam stress, what you should do the night before an exam, and what to expect from certain papers.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/
You can ask revision questions
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/
http://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/
Go through these with your students, and arrange a mock interview if possible. Find passages from literature or in text books that cover their degree subject and analyse them together, encouraging them to pick the ideas apart and give their own interpretations out loud.
Find out which Oxford college your school is linked to
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers/link-colleges
and phone to see if you can organise a visit. There may also be subject taster days, which I found really useful.
Here are further events for teachers:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/teachers?wssl=1#content-tab--2
Teachers, here's another way you can really maximise your students' chances of getting into Oxbridge. There's a scheme called Zero Gravity, which gives free mentoring to state school students with GCSE grades of 7 x 8/9s and above. Every week, eligible students will get one hour per week phone mentoring sessions with a current Oxbridge student, doing their course! All mentors are screened to make sure they are studying at Oxbridge and calls are recorded for security. Students are given guidance on their personal statements, admissions tests, interviews and more! According to the mentors, it's not even about getting offers (although many do) it's about expanding their mentees' academic horizons, in much the same way as they are experiencing in their tutorial groups. Zero Gravity's reach goes way beyond Oxbridge and also covers Russell Group universities.
You can be a part of this exciting new venture, by becoming a Zero Gravity partner school. Here, former Labour leader Ed Milliband, a big fan of the scheme, tells you how:
https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/schools
As he so rightly says, "what have you got to lose?"
Here, in this webinar, he is joined by a (very enthusiastic) Doncaster County councillor, a current Cambridge student from Doncaster and founder Joe Seddon:
https://www.facebook.com/zerogravityapp/videos/665440337687002
In 2021, Zero Gravity helped 151 students from state school get into Oxbridge
https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/20751
The company is on course to become the UK’s largest social mobility organisation by the end of 2021. That's some achievement, especially to think that they launched during the first lockdown. In fact, because the mentoring is via mobile phone, it's popularity has soared, especially as students do not have access to "in person" courses.
As a parent, giving hope to your children is a very powerful thing. Every Oxford candidate has doubts now and then. I remember M… telling me “I wish I’d just applied to Edinburgh instead”. It is down to you to listen to your children when they find the going tough. It is you who will sit down and give them a hug at the end of the day. Ironically, Edinburgh was the only medical school he didn’t get into, so you never can tell!
I am a great fan of thestudentroom.co.uk.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk
My children thought TSR was really naff, and did not have time to have a look. For me, though, it was invaluable. When I last visited Oxford, all the students I asked said they had used TSR, and it had helped them with their application.
There is a whole massive section on revision and exams.
The revision guides have tips for staying calm during an exam, how to deal with exam stress, what you should do the night before an exam, and what to expect from certain papers.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/
You can ask revision questions
(edited 3 years ago)
Find past papers
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/g/past-papers/search?level=gcse&subject=mathematics&board=aqa
Evil Homer’s
GCSE discussion thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5835202
A and AS level discussion thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5827730
unofficial mark scheme thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5943066
There are even threads for individual papers
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5834084
On the right hand side I can see links to university open days (along with the dates, so I don’t forget!)
After individual exams you can take part in a poll, so you can see how others have reacted to them.
Look at all these study resources (notes, revision cards etc) 349,058 in all!
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/g/resources?q=
A favourite for every university applicant must be the personal statement section:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/personal-statements-by-subject
which contains many actual personal statements submitted by students. Just one tip. DO NOT PLAGIARISE OTHER PEOPLE’S PERSONAL STATEMENTS!
The personal statements have handy comments underneath. The student includes his/her achieved grades and the universities.
This section includes a personal statement builder to give you tips for writing an excellent PS.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, you can always create your own thread, e.g. how do I get a 9 in the French AQA speaking exam?
In reply, you will receive handy hints from people who have done well themselves in previous years. You may even hear from a French teacher!
One of the best TSR resources are the GYG (grow your grades) threads. They can either be about a certain A-Level or a personal GYG journey.
On the A-level GYG you can speak to other students who are following the same syllabus. You can meet new, like-minded people, console each other if you have an awful exam, share tips and knowledge and laugh at your previous attempts at an essay.
The personal GYGs follow an individual student through his or her journeys through GCSE, A-Level and into university. In true TSR fashion, the rest of us make encouraging comments and act as unofficial cheerleaders.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/g/past-papers/search?level=gcse&subject=mathematics&board=aqa
Evil Homer’s
GCSE discussion thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5835202
A and AS level discussion thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5827730
unofficial mark scheme thread
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5943066
There are even threads for individual papers
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5834084
On the right hand side I can see links to university open days (along with the dates, so I don’t forget!)
After individual exams you can take part in a poll, so you can see how others have reacted to them.
Look at all these study resources (notes, revision cards etc) 349,058 in all!
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/g/resources?q=
A favourite for every university applicant must be the personal statement section:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/personal-statements-by-subject
which contains many actual personal statements submitted by students. Just one tip. DO NOT PLAGIARISE OTHER PEOPLE’S PERSONAL STATEMENTS!
The personal statements have handy comments underneath. The student includes his/her achieved grades and the universities.
This section includes a personal statement builder to give you tips for writing an excellent PS.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, you can always create your own thread, e.g. how do I get a 9 in the French AQA speaking exam?
In reply, you will receive handy hints from people who have done well themselves in previous years. You may even hear from a French teacher!
One of the best TSR resources are the GYG (grow your grades) threads. They can either be about a certain A-Level or a personal GYG journey.
On the A-level GYG you can speak to other students who are following the same syllabus. You can meet new, like-minded people, console each other if you have an awful exam, share tips and knowledge and laugh at your previous attempts at an essay.
The personal GYGs follow an individual student through his or her journeys through GCSE, A-Level and into university. In true TSR fashion, the rest of us make encouraging comments and act as unofficial cheerleaders.
(edited 3 years ago)
Chat threads abound on TSR, but remember the golden rule about taking short breaks, but then getting back to your school/Oxford work!
If you’re a bit shy, like I was at first, you can “lurk”, i.e. look at the threads without commenting. But then if you have a burning question, you may want to create an account to ask it.
If you’re struggling to choose a college, look at the Oxford college pros and cons page. Colleges may all look the same and do the same job, but they are like people. They each have their own distinctive, lovable personalities. The pros and cons will tell it like it is.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Oxford_College_Pros_and_Cons
TSR also has some great general information about Oxford, including shops and restaurants
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/University_of_Oxford
On the Oxford prospective applicants thread, you will see comments from people who are applying to the same university, even the same course.
Sometimes the comments are from anxious parents. All are excited and scared in equal measure. Mostly the comments are from the kind of friendly people I would have liked to study with. Members encourage each other, exchange banter and explain any queries you may have about all things Oxford. It’s like being in a very sticky situation. You’re all in this together. Every year there are one or two “characters” who will brighten up the Oxford applicants thread with their eccentric wit or their kindly empathy.
Some comments are from specialists, who start threads and give valuable advice and support.
Occasionally, the admissions team at Brasenose College pops up to provide helpful guidance. They will obligingly let you know when they have sent out interview invitations for each subject, and which ones are likely to be sent the following day. Since all colleges work to broadly the same timetable, this helps everyone on TSR.
If you’re a bit shy, like I was at first, you can “lurk”, i.e. look at the threads without commenting. But then if you have a burning question, you may want to create an account to ask it.
If you’re struggling to choose a college, look at the Oxford college pros and cons page. Colleges may all look the same and do the same job, but they are like people. They each have their own distinctive, lovable personalities. The pros and cons will tell it like it is.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Oxford_College_Pros_and_Cons
TSR also has some great general information about Oxford, including shops and restaurants
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/University_of_Oxford
On the Oxford prospective applicants thread, you will see comments from people who are applying to the same university, even the same course.
Sometimes the comments are from anxious parents. All are excited and scared in equal measure. Mostly the comments are from the kind of friendly people I would have liked to study with. Members encourage each other, exchange banter and explain any queries you may have about all things Oxford. It’s like being in a very sticky situation. You’re all in this together. Every year there are one or two “characters” who will brighten up the Oxford applicants thread with their eccentric wit or their kindly empathy.
Some comments are from specialists, who start threads and give valuable advice and support.
Occasionally, the admissions team at Brasenose College pops up to provide helpful guidance. They will obligingly let you know when they have sent out interview invitations for each subject, and which ones are likely to be sent the following day. Since all colleges work to broadly the same timetable, this helps everyone on TSR.
(edited 3 years ago)
Let’s not neglect to mention the Student Room moderators, who are on hand to reassure us and answer our questions, as well as deleting any negative comments, or those likely to affect admissions. (It has not been unknown for students to post interview questions soon after their experience, thus unwittingly handing an advantage to others).
From time to time, a present Oxford student will appear for comment. To these people I am eternally grateful. My German angel was a Magdalen student called “Such a Lady”. If I recall correctly, she gave excellent advice, probably about the interview and the whole process in general. To this day, she has no idea how much better she made me feel. She talked about her own interview and told us about the amazing comment she made “I said I wanted Goethe to fall in love with me and write me love poetry”. Then she added “Still do.” Now, that’s loving your subject.
“Nexttime” also provided advice about medicine. Because of the competitive nature of the course, he sometimes had to get a bit tough with posters. To one applicant, who wanted to apply to three BMAT universities, he commented that she was “living on the edge”. Another person, who wanted to bring her mother to the interview, was discouraged by Nexttime in no uncertain terms. This produced a flurry of comments from angry snowflakes and supporters alike. Tough love it may be, but Nexttime has been there and done that. He is providing his advice for free, and out of the goodness of his informed, realistic heart. Thank you, Nexttime, from a grateful mother.
I only wish more current students would help by contributing to TSR once they have left Oxford.
For more opinions, I would also highly recommend going over to the Cambridge applicants’ thread. There you will find equally lovely though stressed prospective students.
The Peterhouse College Rep is always on hand to give valuable advice to the many applicants who have technical questions about the admissions process, or life in college.
The Oxford equivalent, “LMH Oxford: Ask us Anything”, is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of all things Oxford. Of course there are the inevitable questions such as “are my grades good enough for…” and “tell me about the foundation year”. Sometimes, though, there are some very useful answers to random questions you may not even have considered.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4103109&p=83867908&page=46&highlight=Ask+LMH#post83867908
If you are a fan of links and videos, look no further. There is information about:
Mock interviews
How to make an Oxford application
Oxford bursaries
LMH Foundation Year
Contextual data
Virtual LMH open day
LMH alternative prospectus
Taster days at LMH (these include Law, Classics, History)
Tips from Tutors
Day in the life of an LMH medic
Podcasts
Reading lists
TSA link
MAT preparation
From time to time, a present Oxford student will appear for comment. To these people I am eternally grateful. My German angel was a Magdalen student called “Such a Lady”. If I recall correctly, she gave excellent advice, probably about the interview and the whole process in general. To this day, she has no idea how much better she made me feel. She talked about her own interview and told us about the amazing comment she made “I said I wanted Goethe to fall in love with me and write me love poetry”. Then she added “Still do.” Now, that’s loving your subject.
“Nexttime” also provided advice about medicine. Because of the competitive nature of the course, he sometimes had to get a bit tough with posters. To one applicant, who wanted to apply to three BMAT universities, he commented that she was “living on the edge”. Another person, who wanted to bring her mother to the interview, was discouraged by Nexttime in no uncertain terms. This produced a flurry of comments from angry snowflakes and supporters alike. Tough love it may be, but Nexttime has been there and done that. He is providing his advice for free, and out of the goodness of his informed, realistic heart. Thank you, Nexttime, from a grateful mother.
I only wish more current students would help by contributing to TSR once they have left Oxford.
For more opinions, I would also highly recommend going over to the Cambridge applicants’ thread. There you will find equally lovely though stressed prospective students.
The Peterhouse College Rep is always on hand to give valuable advice to the many applicants who have technical questions about the admissions process, or life in college.
The Oxford equivalent, “LMH Oxford: Ask us Anything”, is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of all things Oxford. Of course there are the inevitable questions such as “are my grades good enough for…” and “tell me about the foundation year”. Sometimes, though, there are some very useful answers to random questions you may not even have considered.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4103109&p=83867908&page=46&highlight=Ask+LMH#post83867908
If you are a fan of links and videos, look no further. There is information about:
Mock interviews
How to make an Oxford application
Oxford bursaries
LMH Foundation Year
Contextual data
Virtual LMH open day
LMH alternative prospectus
Taster days at LMH (these include Law, Classics, History)
Tips from Tutors
Day in the life of an LMH medic
Podcasts
Reading lists
TSA link
MAT preparation
(edited 3 years ago)
I have my own little story about motivation. When I was fifteen, I wanted to become a Queen’s Guide.
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-badges-and-activities/badge-finder/queens-guide-award/
My Dad was a Queen’s Scout and a scout leader, and I longed to achieve the award too. But I was shy and didn’t believe in myself. When I looked at the amount of badges I needed, my heart sank.
The chief guide commissioner of the county paid me a surprise visit one day. She came to talk to me about my Queen’s Guide.
“I can’t do it, I just can’t” I mumbled, looking at the floor.
The kindly commissioner thought for a second. Then her eyes twinkled and she replied,
“Let’s do it together, then”.
Although I soon forgot this visit, I was suddenly imbued with a new keenness. My Dad taught me to put up a tent, make a camp fire and pass my backwoodsman badge, but the rest was down to me. Before I knew it, I was knitting some atrocious orange socks, cooking a three course meal that didn’t come out of a packet and even fitting a sling.
To my astonishment, I won my Queen’s Guide award.
The day I received my certificate, it seemed all the village had squeezed into our tiny memorial hall. Before long everyone was shouting “speech, speech!”
For a painfully shy girl like me, this was torture. I stood on the stage, knobbly knees knocking together in fear. Not a single word came out of my mouth. It would have been a disaster, but the commissioner came to my rescue. She told the audience our special story. She then added that even though we never saw each other again, the mere thought of her support had inspired me to carry on.
That story has often encouraged me to motivate others, if I have the opportunity. It is always in the back of my mind, buried in my subconscience. So if you are a parent, teacher or friend, please be like that wonderful commissioner. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.
After interview, the chances of getting into Oxford are one in three. As a parent, you may want to buy extra Kit-Kats at this point, just in case.
Before you know it, and after you have waded through a vale of blood, sweat and tears, the interviews are over and UCAS track makes its fateful update.
If your child does not get in, it’s not the end of the world. They can ask for feedback from the tutors:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/decisions/feedback?wssl=1
Listen to what your son or daughter has to say and help them make a plan for the future, whether it’s accepting an offer elsewhere or reapplying.
If your child gets in, my congratulations. You may now wish to go on a champagne buying rampage.
For more information regarding what to expect as an Oxford parent, you are welcome to join us on my Oxford Parents Association thread, here on the Student Room.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5893218&p=83952684&page=26&highlight=Oxford+parents+association#post83952684
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-badges-and-activities/badge-finder/queens-guide-award/
My Dad was a Queen’s Scout and a scout leader, and I longed to achieve the award too. But I was shy and didn’t believe in myself. When I looked at the amount of badges I needed, my heart sank.
The chief guide commissioner of the county paid me a surprise visit one day. She came to talk to me about my Queen’s Guide.
“I can’t do it, I just can’t” I mumbled, looking at the floor.
The kindly commissioner thought for a second. Then her eyes twinkled and she replied,
“Let’s do it together, then”.
Although I soon forgot this visit, I was suddenly imbued with a new keenness. My Dad taught me to put up a tent, make a camp fire and pass my backwoodsman badge, but the rest was down to me. Before I knew it, I was knitting some atrocious orange socks, cooking a three course meal that didn’t come out of a packet and even fitting a sling.
To my astonishment, I won my Queen’s Guide award.
The day I received my certificate, it seemed all the village had squeezed into our tiny memorial hall. Before long everyone was shouting “speech, speech!”
For a painfully shy girl like me, this was torture. I stood on the stage, knobbly knees knocking together in fear. Not a single word came out of my mouth. It would have been a disaster, but the commissioner came to my rescue. She told the audience our special story. She then added that even though we never saw each other again, the mere thought of her support had inspired me to carry on.
That story has often encouraged me to motivate others, if I have the opportunity. It is always in the back of my mind, buried in my subconscience. So if you are a parent, teacher or friend, please be like that wonderful commissioner. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.
After interview, the chances of getting into Oxford are one in three. As a parent, you may want to buy extra Kit-Kats at this point, just in case.
Before you know it, and after you have waded through a vale of blood, sweat and tears, the interviews are over and UCAS track makes its fateful update.
If your child does not get in, it’s not the end of the world. They can ask for feedback from the tutors:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/decisions/feedback?wssl=1
Listen to what your son or daughter has to say and help them make a plan for the future, whether it’s accepting an offer elsewhere or reapplying.
If your child gets in, my congratulations. You may now wish to go on a champagne buying rampage.
For more information regarding what to expect as an Oxford parent, you are welcome to join us on my Oxford Parents Association thread, here on the Student Room.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5893218&p=83952684&page=26&highlight=Oxford+parents+association#post83952684
amazing how much effort you put in❤️
Original post by NoTearsLeftToCry
amazing how much effort you put in❤️
This means so much to me, Chanel. I just keep my promise to you, to wear my crown every single day. Let's encourage the Oxford candidates to wear their crown of self esteem when they apply.
Original post by Oxford Mum
This means so much to me, Chanel. I just keep my promise to you, to wear my crown every single day. Let's encourage the Oxford candidates to wear their crown of self esteem when they apply.
Aww 💫 you’re amzing
Original post by syrup!
this chaper was fiyaaaah as always 
I think, @syrup! You are my biggest fan! Whenever I blog a chapter, I worry that people won't like it, so your comments always inspire me to keep soldiering on...
Original post by Obolinda
Great
PRSOM. I can probably win the award for TSR's biggest fan now...
I never get a cross word from my sons, because they know EXACTLY who got them to Oxford.
Original post by Oxford Mum
I have my own little story about motivation. When I was fifteen, I wanted to become a Queen’s Guide.
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-badges-and-activities/badge-finder/queens-guide-award/
My Dad was a Queen’s Scout and a scout leader, and I longed to achieve the award too. But I was shy and didn’t believe in myself. When I looked at the amount of badges I needed, my heart sank.
The chief guide commissioner of the county paid me a surprise visit one day. She came to talk to me about my Queen’s Guide.
“I can’t do it, I just can’t” I mumbled, looking at the floor.
The kindly commissioner thought for a second. Then her eyes twinkled and she replied,
“Let’s do it together, then”.
Although I soon forgot this visit, I was suddenly imbued with a new keenness. My Dad taught me to put up a tent, make a camp fire and pass my backwoodsman badge, but the rest was down to me. Before I knew it, I was knitting some atrocious orange socks, cooking a three course meal that didn’t come out of a packet and even fitting a sling.
To my astonishment, I won my Queen’s Guide award.
The day I received my certificate, it seemed all the village had squeezed into our tiny memorial hall. Before long everyone was shouting “speech, speech!”
For a painfully shy girl like me, this was torture. I stood on the stage, knobbly knees knocking together in fear. Not a single word came out of my mouth. It would have been a disaster, but the commissioner came to my rescue. She told the audience our special story. She then added that even though we never saw each other again, the mere thought of her support had inspired me to carry on.
That story has often encouraged me to motivate others, if I have the opportunity. It is always in the back of my mind, buried in my subconscience. So if you are a parent, teacher or friend, please be like that wonderful commissioner. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.
After interview, the chances of getting into Oxford are one in three. As a parent, you may want to buy extra Kit-Kats at this point, just in case.
Before you know it, and after you have waded through a vale of blood, sweat and tears, the interviews are over and UCAS track makes its fateful update.
If your child does not get in, it’s not the end of the world. They can ask for feedback from the tutors:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/decisions/feedback?wssl=1
Listen to what your son or daughter has to say and help them make a plan for the future, whether it’s accepting an offer elsewhere or reapplying.
If your child gets in, my congratulations. You may now wish to go on a champagne buying rampage.
For more information regarding what to expect as an Oxford parent, you are welcome to join us on my Oxford Parents Association thread, here on the Student Room.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5893218&p=83952684&page=26&highlight=Oxford+parents+association#post83952684
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-badges-and-activities/badge-finder/queens-guide-award/
My Dad was a Queen’s Scout and a scout leader, and I longed to achieve the award too. But I was shy and didn’t believe in myself. When I looked at the amount of badges I needed, my heart sank.
The chief guide commissioner of the county paid me a surprise visit one day. She came to talk to me about my Queen’s Guide.
“I can’t do it, I just can’t” I mumbled, looking at the floor.
The kindly commissioner thought for a second. Then her eyes twinkled and she replied,
“Let’s do it together, then”.
Although I soon forgot this visit, I was suddenly imbued with a new keenness. My Dad taught me to put up a tent, make a camp fire and pass my backwoodsman badge, but the rest was down to me. Before I knew it, I was knitting some atrocious orange socks, cooking a three course meal that didn’t come out of a packet and even fitting a sling.
To my astonishment, I won my Queen’s Guide award.
The day I received my certificate, it seemed all the village had squeezed into our tiny memorial hall. Before long everyone was shouting “speech, speech!”
For a painfully shy girl like me, this was torture. I stood on the stage, knobbly knees knocking together in fear. Not a single word came out of my mouth. It would have been a disaster, but the commissioner came to my rescue. She told the audience our special story. She then added that even though we never saw each other again, the mere thought of her support had inspired me to carry on.
That story has often encouraged me to motivate others, if I have the opportunity. It is always in the back of my mind, buried in my subconscience. So if you are a parent, teacher or friend, please be like that wonderful commissioner. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.
After interview, the chances of getting into Oxford are one in three. As a parent, you may want to buy extra Kit-Kats at this point, just in case.
Before you know it, and after you have waded through a vale of blood, sweat and tears, the interviews are over and UCAS track makes its fateful update.
If your child does not get in, it’s not the end of the world. They can ask for feedback from the tutors:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/decisions/feedback?wssl=1
Listen to what your son or daughter has to say and help them make a plan for the future, whether it’s accepting an offer elsewhere or reapplying.
If your child gets in, my congratulations. You may now wish to go on a champagne buying rampage.
For more information regarding what to expect as an Oxford parent, you are welcome to join us on my Oxford Parents Association thread, here on the Student Room.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5893218&p=83952684&page=26&highlight=Oxford+parents+association#post83952684
@TheMadNerd93 Rawan, you've changed your username, so couldn't tag you in at first
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