This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- Oxford University: Your Guide to Oxford Interviews
- what does cambridge actually want from a medical applicant?
- Does Oxford mind if your supercurriculars are to do with Cambridge?
- Oxford super/extracurricals
- Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)
- Geography: Oxford or Cambridge?
- Which university, Oxford or Cambridge cares more about GCSE grades?
- Oxbridge Medicine Extracurriculars
- State school
- University of Oxford 2025 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- Oxford Demystified - Engineering
- Oxford Demystified - Law and Spanish Law
- Stop slacking, C4H4AsH! | TypicalNerd’s first year undergrad GYG (2023 - 2024)
- Oxford medical school application
- Oxford personal statement
- Cambridge Demystified - Law
- Oxford Demystified – Physics and Philosophy
- Oxford Law GCSE Grades
- Oxford Demystified - Chapter 1 - Should I apply?
- TSR Honorary Degrees - Congratulations to the winners!
Oxford Demystified - Chemistry
I’m an offer holder for Chemistry for 2020 entry. I’m a reapplicant, and I’m autistic and have a chronic pain condition. In terms of A-Level grades, I applied with 4 A*s in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and a language. At GCSE, I got 10 A*s, an A* in the HPQ (GCSE equivalent of the EPQ) and an A (highest grade possible) in Additional Maths.
Why did you want to study your subject?
Why Oxford?
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert?
Which resources did you use? Which books did you read? Which did you like best, and why? What did they teach you?
Did you attend any lectures or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
Did you have a specialist interest/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
What did you mention in your personal statement and why?
What techniques did you use for the entrance test?
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
How did you find the interview process in Year 13, and what did you do outside of interviews? How did you feel after the interviews and when you got rejected?
How did you find interviews in Year 14?
Why do you think that you were successful this time?
What tips do you have for interviews?
Do you have any advice for reapplicants?
Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?
Are you looking forward to going up to Oxford?
Why did you want to study your subject?
Spoiler
Why Oxford?
Spoiler
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert?
Spoiler
Which resources did you use? Which books did you read? Which did you like best, and why? What did they teach you?
Spoiler
Did you attend any lectures or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Spoiler
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
Spoiler
Did you have a specialist interest/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
Spoiler
What did you mention in your personal statement and why?
Spoiler
What techniques did you use for the entrance test?
Spoiler
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
Spoiler
How did you find the interview process in Year 13, and what did you do outside of interviews? How did you feel after the interviews and when you got rejected?
Spoiler
How did you find interviews in Year 14?
Spoiler
Why do you think that you were successful this time?
Spoiler
What tips do you have for interviews?
Spoiler
Do you have any advice for reapplicants?
Spoiler
Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?
Spoiler
Are you looking forward to going up to Oxford?
Spoiler
(edited 4 years ago)
Wow, SkyRunner, that's amazing!
I know I'm not supposed to have favourite chapters, but this is it! By the end I was actually wiping tears from my eyes.
You are full to the brim with the very top quality you need to get an Oxford offer. TRUE GRIT.
Despite all the adversity you went through, being bedridden, all the pain (literally) and the rejection, and the overwork, you never gave up, did you?
You are the kind of candidate who loves their subject so much they can't stop themselves. Look at this quote:
"I do have a habit of just making documents about things I'm interested in"
And helping other students to share your passion. Brilliant.
Also it's very telling that your teacher was a massive source of support. My son needed to be great at literature to get in for German. He didn't get an A* for GCSE English literature, but in the sixth form, he had an amazing teacher who really believed in him. As a result, he got 100 UMS for one of the English literature AS level papers. Inspirational teachers are far more important than they think they are.
And then lady luck gave you a helping hand by steering you towards chemistry.
I will be adding some more resources for this chapter in a minute.
I hope Oxford is everything you dream it will be, SkyRunner.
I know I'm not supposed to have favourite chapters, but this is it! By the end I was actually wiping tears from my eyes.
You are full to the brim with the very top quality you need to get an Oxford offer. TRUE GRIT.
Despite all the adversity you went through, being bedridden, all the pain (literally) and the rejection, and the overwork, you never gave up, did you?
You are the kind of candidate who loves their subject so much they can't stop themselves. Look at this quote:
"I do have a habit of just making documents about things I'm interested in"
And helping other students to share your passion. Brilliant.
Also it's very telling that your teacher was a massive source of support. My son needed to be great at literature to get in for German. He didn't get an A* for GCSE English literature, but in the sixth form, he had an amazing teacher who really believed in him. As a result, he got 100 UMS for one of the English literature AS level papers. Inspirational teachers are far more important than they think they are.
And then lady luck gave you a helping hand by steering you towards chemistry.
I will be adding some more resources for this chapter in a minute.
I hope Oxford is everything you dream it will be, SkyRunner.
So here are some sample interview questions, and youtube videos:
Interview questions:
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/chemistry
https://doxa.co.uk/undergraduateresources/guide-to-chemistry-interviews
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-10-18-how-can-we-estimate-mass-atmosphere-oxford-interview-questions-explained
This is a great site for recommended books and sheer number of sample questions
https://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/questions/chemistry/
apply.oxfordsu.org/courses/chemistry/interviews/
www.gurume.co.uk/en/blogs/57
And youtube interview videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ulc5q2bvI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ubGNhVH4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-KK3_lHu4o
Interview questions:
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/chemistry
https://doxa.co.uk/undergraduateresources/guide-to-chemistry-interviews
www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-10-18-how-can-we-estimate-mass-atmosphere-oxford-interview-questions-explained
This is a great site for recommended books and sheer number of sample questions
https://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/questions/chemistry/
apply.oxfordsu.org/courses/chemistry/interviews/
www.gurume.co.uk/en/blogs/57
And youtube interview videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ulc5q2bvI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ubGNhVH4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-KK3_lHu4o
Wow! Just read this and it’s amazing, fantastic job @SkyRunner61! Your journey to Oxford just highlights your true dedication and love for your subject and for Oxford. I’m sure so many people will find this advice incredibly helpful. Thank you! I hope you have the most awesome time at Oxford 
And mona, sky runner has also read your chapter!
I hope both of you have a wonderful time at Oxford and thank you again for your help, the pair of you xx
I hope both of you have a wonderful time at Oxford and thank you again for your help, the pair of you xx
Original post by SkyRunner61
I’m an offer holder for Chemistry for 2020 entry. I’m a reapplicant, and I’m autistic and have a chronic pain condition. In terms of A-Level grades, I applied with 4 A*s in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and a language. At GCSE, I got 10 A*s, an A* in the HPQ (GCSE equivalent of the EPQ) and an A (highest grade possible) in Additional Maths.
Why did you want to study your subject?
Why Oxford?
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert?
Which resources did you use? Which books did you read? Which did you like best, and why? What did they teach you?
Did you attend any lectures or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
Did you have a specialist interest/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
What did you mention in your personal statement and why?
What techniques did you use for the entrance test?
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
How did you find the interview process in Year 13, and what did you do outside of interviews? How did you feel after the interviews and when you got rejected?
How did you find interviews in Year 14?
Why do you think that you were successful this time?
What tips do you have for interviews?
Do you have any advice for reapplicants?
Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?
Are you looking forward to going up to Oxford?
Why did you want to study your subject?
Spoiler
Why Oxford?
Spoiler
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert?
Spoiler
Which resources did you use? Which books did you read? Which did you like best, and why? What did they teach you?
Spoiler
Did you attend any lectures or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Spoiler
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
Spoiler
Did you have a specialist interest/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
Spoiler
What did you mention in your personal statement and why?
Spoiler
What techniques did you use for the entrance test?
Spoiler
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
Spoiler
How did you find the interview process in Year 13, and what did you do outside of interviews? How did you feel after the interviews and when you got rejected?
Spoiler
How did you find interviews in Year 14?
Spoiler
Why do you think that you were successful this time?
Spoiler
What tips do you have for interviews?
Spoiler
Do you have any advice for reapplicants?
Spoiler
Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?
Spoiler
Are you looking forward to going up to Oxford?
Spoiler
Sky Runner - a massive 90 people have read your Chemistry chapter! That's amazing considering it was posted less than 24 hours ago!
You are helping a lot of people already!
Original post by Oxford Mum
Wow, SkyRunner, that's amazing!
I know I'm not supposed to have favourite chapters, but this is it! By the end I was actually wiping tears from my eyes.
You are full to the brim with the very top quality you need to get an Oxford offer. TRUE GRIT.
Despite all the adversity you went through, being bedridden, all the pain (literally) and the rejection, and the overwork, you never gave up, did you?
You are the kind of candidate who loves their subject so much they can't stop themselves. Look at this quote:
"I do have a habit of just making documents about things I'm interested in"
And helping other students to share your passion. Brilliant.
Also it's very telling that your teacher was a massive source of support. My son needed to be great at literature to get in for German. He didn't get an A* for GCSE English literature, but in the sixth form, he had an amazing teacher who really believed in him. As a result, he got 100 UMS for one of the English literature AS level papers. Inspirational teachers are far more important than they think they are.
And then lady luck gave you a helping hand by steering you towards chemistry.
I will be adding some more resources for this chapter in a minute.
I hope Oxford is everything you dream it will be, SkyRunner.
I know I'm not supposed to have favourite chapters, but this is it! By the end I was actually wiping tears from my eyes.
You are full to the brim with the very top quality you need to get an Oxford offer. TRUE GRIT.
Despite all the adversity you went through, being bedridden, all the pain (literally) and the rejection, and the overwork, you never gave up, did you?
You are the kind of candidate who loves their subject so much they can't stop themselves. Look at this quote:
"I do have a habit of just making documents about things I'm interested in"
And helping other students to share your passion. Brilliant.
Also it's very telling that your teacher was a massive source of support. My son needed to be great at literature to get in for German. He didn't get an A* for GCSE English literature, but in the sixth form, he had an amazing teacher who really believed in him. As a result, he got 100 UMS for one of the English literature AS level papers. Inspirational teachers are far more important than they think they are.
And then lady luck gave you a helping hand by steering you towards chemistry.
I will be adding some more resources for this chapter in a minute.
I hope Oxford is everything you dream it will be, SkyRunner.
Thank you - you’re too kind ☺️
I'm so tempted to type in all caps because this is SO helpful - I'm predicted 10 9s at GCSE (A*s), am doing Additional Maths, and at A-level I want to do Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Spanish, and the dream is Chemistry at Oxford! Going to read all your tips now
Original post by apolaroidofus
I'm so tempted to type in all caps because this is SO helpful - I'm predicted 10 9s at GCSE (A*s), am doing Additional Maths, and at A-level I want to do Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Spanish, and the dream is Chemistry at Oxford! Going to read all your tips now
So many parallels wow! I'm glad that you'll find this helpful - if you have any further questions feel free to ask me either here or over PM
Original post by apolaroidofus
i'm so tempted to type in all caps because this is so helpful - i'm predicted 10 9s at gcse (a*s), am doing additional maths, and at a-level i want to do chemistry, maths, further maths and spanish, and the dream is chemistry at oxford! Going to read all your tips now
I was going to type in caps then, but TSR is changing it all to lower case, lol
But yeah, I'm so glad you found it helpful! You and people like you are the very reason why these helpful students are writing chapters.
(edited 4 years ago)
@SkyRunner61
Wow, now your chapter has been viewed 200 times!
Wow, now your chapter has been viewed 200 times!
Original post by Oxford Mum
I've just been reading all the new Oxford Demystified chapters - not because I am applying to Oxford but out of curiousity and they are all amazing. The young people writing them are all so fantastic and generous with their time, Oxford are lucky to have them. And I will direct anyone interested in applying to Oxford for their subjects this way. Thank you everyone
Yes I have been absolutely bowled over by the response to my appeal.
There are also chapters coming up for
History and economics
Law
Engineering
Experimental psychology ( and another offer holder wants to include her take on this as well)
English
Human science
Maths and philosophy
This is shaping up to be the best Oxford resource in the world, so I am extremely proud of the students xxx
There are also chapters coming up for
History and economics
Law
Engineering
Experimental psychology ( and another offer holder wants to include her take on this as well)
English
Human science
Maths and philosophy
This is shaping up to be the best Oxford resource in the world, so I am extremely proud of the students xxx
Original post by Oxford Mum
Yes I have been absolutely bowled over by the response to my appeal.
There are also chapters coming up for
History and economics
Law
Engineering
Experimental psychology ( and another offer holder wants to include her take on this as well)
English
Human science
Maths and philosophy
This is shaping up to be the best Oxford resource in the world, so I am extremely proud of the students xxx
There are also chapters coming up for
History and economics
Law
Engineering
Experimental psychology ( and another offer holder wants to include her take on this as well)
English
Human science
Maths and philosophy
This is shaping up to be the best Oxford resource in the world, so I am extremely proud of the students xxx
I will definitely want to post a link to the Law one on the Law forum for the benefit of current Year 11/12 students wondering if Oxford is an option for them
Original post by harrysbar
I will definitely want to post a link to the Law one on the Law forum for the benefit of current Year 11/12 students wondering if Oxford is an option for them
What a fantastic idea, Harrys! Many, many people ask me about law (second only to medicine), so this chapter will be really popular!
Original post by Oxford Mum
What a fantastic idea, Harrys! Many, many people ask me about law (second only to medicine), so this chapter will be really popular!
Yes I know in this year's cycle we had quite a few people who applied to Oxford as one of their 5 choices - it seemed more popular than Cambridge for some reason
@SkyRunner61
and now your chapter has been viewed 280 times!
and now your chapter has been viewed 280 times!
Related discussions
- Oxford University: Your Guide to Oxford Interviews
- what does cambridge actually want from a medical applicant?
- Does Oxford mind if your supercurriculars are to do with Cambridge?
- Oxford super/extracurricals
- Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)
- Geography: Oxford or Cambridge?
- Which university, Oxford or Cambridge cares more about GCSE grades?
- Oxbridge Medicine Extracurriculars
- State school
- University of Oxford 2025 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- Oxford Demystified - Engineering
- Oxford Demystified - Law and Spanish Law
- Stop slacking, C4H4AsH! | TypicalNerd’s first year undergrad GYG (2023 - 2024)
- Oxford medical school application
- Oxford personal statement
- Cambridge Demystified - Law
- Oxford Demystified – Physics and Philosophy
- Oxford Law GCSE Grades
- Oxford Demystified - Chapter 1 - Should I apply?
- TSR Honorary Degrees - Congratulations to the winners!
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
The fate of my Oxford applications is in the hands of my teacherLast reply 1 week ago
Oxbridge applicants for modern languages - 2025 entry (applying in 2024)Last reply 1 week ago
CMV: One should be allowed to apply to both Oxford and Camrbdige for undergrad
