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Oxford Demystified - Engineering

OXFORD DEMYSTIFIED - ENGINEERING

Introduction
A little intro to myself and my academic background. I am an Oxford engineering offer holder for 2020 from Manchester and have attended non-selective state schools all my life. I currently study maths, further maths and physics being predicted A*A*A*. At GCSE, I got nine 9s, one 8, one A* and one A. I also got offers for Durham, Imperial, Warwick and Bristol, being interviewed at Imperial for mechanical engineering as part of their process.

My article “How To Get An Oxford Engineering Offer” is now online. If this is my personal experience of the process, the “How To” guide is an abstraction of everything I’ve learned. It goes in depth on writing your personal statement, tackling the PAT, and lays out more exact skills to work on for interview. Find it here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6459286

Why do you want to study your subject?

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Why Oxford?

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Did any of your teachers inspire you?

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What resources did you use?

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Did you attend any lectures or take part in any competitions?

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Did you have any work experience?

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Did you do any summer schools?

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Did you do an EPQ?

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What did you mention in your personal statement and why?

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How did you prepare for your admissions test (PAT)?

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How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?

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How did you find the interview process?

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Any interview tips?

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Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?

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Are you looking forward to coming up to Oxford?

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If you are an engineering student reading this, feeling doubtful about whether to apply, I say to give it a shot. I believe Oxford genuinely care about access for state schools and underrepresented groups; they aren’t just looking for who knows the most now or who’s had the best coaching, they’re looking for passionate students with potential and a clear strategy to approaching unfamiliar scenarios. With hard work, and a little luck, you too can earn a place at Oxford!

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Thank you to @Oxford Mum for compiling this resource of perspectives; it's a fantastic thing with so much detailed information for applicants that I'm thrilled to have been able contributed to.

If my mention of choral auditions has you intrigued, here was my experience during the auditions (more general info on music scholarships is on the Oxford website): https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6326982
(edited 4 years ago)

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Original post by NemesisRider
A PSA before I get started: This will likely not be the only Engineering demystified post I do. At some point within the near future, I will finish and post my comprehensive guide “How To Get An Oxford Engineering Offer”. If this is my personal experience of the process, the “How To” guide is an abstraction of everything I’ve learned. It goes in depth on writing your personal statement, tackling the PAT, and lays out more exact skills to work on for interview.

I think you should ‘set the scene’. Talk who you are, your background, some tips and then some key oxford info. Then people can read and ask follow up questions.

Some examples are:

1. How to select a College
2. How to prepare your application
3. How to prepare for interviews
4. Life on the course
5. How to navigate the process
6. Advice for re-applicants.
Original post by Wired_1800
I think you should ‘set the scene’. Talk who you are, your background, some tips and then some key oxford info. Then people can read and ask follow up questions.

Some examples are:

1. How to select a College
2. How to prepare your application
3. How to prepare for interviews
4. Life on the course
5. How to navigate the process
6. Advice for re-applicants.

Thanks for dropping by, Wired. I believe you are an engineer yourself, aren't you?
@Wired_1800
Hi OP, your user name is NemesisRider. I assuming you are referring to this little beauty at Alton Towers, lol

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Nemesis+Alton+Towers&docid=608039121026351640&mid=730C9522A2688426142F730C9522A2688426142F&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
@NemesisRider
(edited 4 years ago)
Fantastic thread, and good luck with your guide! Hopefully see you in Oxford this year :h:
@A.Bsmi
Anything to add?
It's nice to see, OP, that you are from Manchester. I lived there for many years, and my sons also loved the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry!

Also that you are northern, and have always been to state, non selective schools. Many of our chapter writers come from a state school background, which proves the stereotype of posh public school Oxford students in boaters does not always apply!

The start of your journey is really eye catching. Who would believe that a backstage tour of Alton Towers would lead to an Oxford place? A lot of the chapters also contain such a eureka moment, along with the ability to find out all you can about your new passion. Also, like the OP, don't be afraid to approach your dream company and ask for work experience. It's only the price of a stamp/email and the worst they can do is ignore your request, or decline politely.

I see you are keen on the political side of Oxford, and in particular the Oxford Union. My son went to one of the Union debates. He was able to put questions to a real MP! One of his friends also asked a question, and because it was a particularly good one, he was given a voucher for dinner for two at a good Oxford restaurant!

Have a look at some past speakers

https://www.oxford-union.org/

I can remember Psy coming to the union, and teaching gown wearing students how to dance Gangnam Style!

Also with the BAE taster days you got to see the CEO as well! And it introduced you to a new branch of engineering.

This is why it's so important to be proactive like OP. These schemes don't apply for themselves!

UNIQ is also a recurring theme in many chapters. Please apply for this if you are state schooled, however as OP's brother illustrates, you don't have to be on a scheme to get in!

I am sure when the tutors read your personal statement, they would have been bowled over the sheer lengths you went to with your roller coaster interest. Not only is it a very unusual hobby, but it makes your PS stand out from so many other generic ones, which may mention the same books and the same activities.

Also thanks for passing on the rubber duck theory as well!

I am glad you enjoyed meeting the other students during the interview period, and that you found them friendly (a common theme in this book). Also the conversation at dinner doesn't have to be genius level, either!

I hope you enjoy being in the choir. Not only does it provide a welcome break from studies, but you get to travel all over the world and sing in some incredible places.

Good luck at Oxford!
This thread is soo useful, thank you! I'm in y12 and am thinking of doing engineering after a level
Original post by Emerald engineer
This thread is soo useful, thank you! I'm in y12 and am thinking of doing engineering after a level

Great, this thread should give you some handy hints!
Thank you for the kind words, @Oxford Mum! You're exactly right - Nemesis at Alton Towers is my favourite UK coaster, my most ridden ride of all time and the inspiration behind my username. There are so many talented state school students with Oxbridge potential who lose out either by not applying at all or circumstances they cannot change - I remember hearing a horror story from one of the Sutton Trust students applying for NatSci at Cambridge who's school were so not used to dealing with Oxbridge applicants they missed the early application deadline. Hopefully in the near future almost all state schools will have ample awareness of Oxbridge to ensure everyone can access these opportunities.

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If anyone is more interested in the roller coaster content I do, you can visit my channel on YouTube: here's one of my coasters from last year inspired by ICON at Blackpool. (Utterly shameless self-promo, but it might give people an idea of the coaster work I'm talking about!)

One more handy link for now:
Here's an example engineering interview at Trinity College Cambridge - it's a really useful insight into what the interviews can be like, though the Oxford ones are definitely somewhat different. Would highly recommend giving it a watch! - https://youtu.be/f3lYdO0XYL4

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Footnote regarding my political work experience:
Whilst I didn't ultimately include this on my personal statement, I did 4 days of work experience down in Parliament back in 2018. I'd met my local MP one or two times before, so when in October 2017 I was unsure what to do with my next summer it seemed like political work experience could be an interesting activity to pursue. I emailed him directly with a letter discussing my qualifications and why I would be a suitable candidate; not too long afterwards he responded to say he would be more than happy to help. After a brief back and forth regarding exact dates it was organised for after GCSEs. The experience was really eye-opening; I got to spend time in meetings, committees and in the office with my MP and his assistants. The highlight had to be getting in the private gallery and watching PMQs, which was a really nice touch! Some MPs have official schemes for over the summer which you can apply too, for other MPs you may have to reach out to them directly as I did (you can find their details online). I did have to pay for accommodation in London for a couple of nights but by getting it booked well in advance it was much more affordable, and only 25 minutes walk from Parliament! If you have the chance I would wholeheartedly recommend the experience!
I include this footnote is to encourage experimentation - if you have the time and the opportunity, indulge your interests to get a sense of what would be the right path for you. Even if it's not the one for you in the end, valuable skills will be learned and great memories will be made.
I also have to add that our mp also offered my elder son work experience- well worth a try if you are interested.

Also the whole point of this book is to help state school students and their schools if they are not familiar with the process. I want to give them exactly the same type of advice as someone from, say, eton. Oxford should be accessible for all intelligent people, no matter what their background
Very interesting and thank you for writing this for the benefit of other students @NemesisRider
Original post by Oxford Mum
Thanks for dropping by, Wired. I believe you are an engineer yourself, aren't you?
@Wired_1800

Hi, yes, I am. :smile:
Original post by Wired_1800
Hi, yes, I am. :smile:

And this is why your interest in this chapter is very much appreciated.

:heart:
The most in depth dive I will ever do on the subject, How To Get An Oxford Engineering Offer, is now online. Find the index here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6459286

This thread has been a long undertaking and synthesises all I learned from the application process.
(edited 4 years ago)
Fantastic! We appreciate you diving for us.
Reply 17
Original post by Oxford Mum
@A.Bsmi
Anything to add?

Hello, cheers for tagging me in!

I'm also an Engineering Science offer holder for 2020 from Wadham College. I'm also a part of the Opportunity Oxford cohort for next year, which is an amazing program for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to have a strong start to university. I can talk more about this if any of you reading are interested. I've also attended state schools all my life. I have also applied to Sheffield, Southampton, Bristol and Loughborough, with Sheffield as my insurance.

I do Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level and my predicted grades were A*AAA with A* in Computer Science. I took Maths A-Level in my first year and missed the A* by two marks, which also had an effect in my predicted grades.

This set of predicted grades are lower than my actual offer but I still applied to Oxford because I had a strong set of GCSEs and thought I could prove myself in the PAT, which worked out in the end for my case.

I haven't done much work experience but have done a lot for my extra-curriculars in first year of college. I was the leader of my college Greenpower team and was responsible with the design and building of a new car. I also worked on a beach pollution presentation in a Digital Festival and got to present our idea to the council after a few months. I have also set up the robotics teams for my Computer Science department with a plan to attend the The Big Bang Challenge which didn't fall through due to timing and exams at the time, I eventually decided to hand over my leadership as I couldn't manage it all but will come back for visits to help the new team members. I was given the chance to attend Engineering Masterclass at Cambridge as well.

So from all this I had a pretty decent personal statement and got a lot of help from my teachers and friends when writing it. For the PAT test I basically did all the past papers I could find to practice although I do wish I had started earlier. I found this year's PAT horrible but still got an interview.

I was interviewed at Wadham and Oriel, one at Wadham went really well, the tutors were lovely and gave you good tips when you get stuck, you should really listen to them. The one at Oriel didn't go as well as I wanted. The questions you get test your understanding of maths and physics and whether you can apply them.

In the end I did get an offer to my surprise even though my predicted grades were not up to par as some of the other applicants.

My best advice for all applicants is to just give it a try, I didn't apply thinking I would get an offer I just gave it a go. You've got nothing to lose, engineering is an amazing subject and wherever you go, you will be in demand.
Original post by A.Bsmi
Hello, cheers for tagging me in!

I'm also an Engineering Science offer holder for 2020 from Wadham College. I'm also a part of the Opportunity Oxford cohort for next year, which is an amazing program for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to have a strong start to university. I can talk more about this if any of you reading are interested. I've also attended state schools all my life. I have also applied to Sheffield, Southampton, Bristol and Loughborough, with Sheffield as my insurance.

I do Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level and my predicted grades were A*AAA with A* in Computer Science. I took Maths A-Level in my first year and missed the A* by two marks, which also had an effect in my predicted grades.

This set of predicted grades are lower than my actual offer but I still applied to Oxford because I had a strong set of GCSEs and thought I could prove myself in the PAT, which worked out in the end for my case.

I haven't done much work experience but have done a lot for my extra-curriculars in first year of college. I was the leader of my college Greenpower team and was responsible with the design and building of a new car. I also worked on a beach pollution presentation in a Digital Festival and got to present our idea to the council after a few months. I have also set up the robotics teams for my Computer Science department with a plan to attend the The Big Bang Challenge which didn't fall through due to timing and exams at the time, I eventually decided to hand over my leadership as I couldn't manage it all but will come back for visits to help the new team members. I was given the chance to attend Engineering Masterclass at Cambridge as well.

So from all this I had a pretty decent personal statement and got a lot of help from my teachers and friends when writing it. For the PAT test I basically did all the past papers I could find to practice although I do wish I had started earlier. I found this year's PAT horrible but still got an interview.

I was interviewed at Wadham and Oriel, one at Wadham went really well, the tutors were lovely and gave you good tips when you get stuck, you should really listen to them. The one at Oriel didn't go as well as I wanted. The questions you get test your understanding of maths and physics and whether you can apply them.

In the end I did get an offer to my surprise even though my predicted grades were not up to par as some of the other applicants.

My best advice for all applicants is to just give it a try, I didn't apply thinking I would get an offer I just gave it a go. You've got nothing to lose, engineering is an amazing subject and wherever you go, you will be in demand.

Thank you, it's lovely to hear from you!

I am pleased to see that your experience permits us to showcase yet another Oxford scheme for state school students: Opportunity Oxford

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/increasing-access/opportunity-oxford?wssl=1

It's great to see that more and more Oxford schemes are available for people from under represented backgrounds, who may not normally consider Oxford. I love this sentence "I didn't apply thinking I would get an offer I just gave it a go. You've nothing to lose ". Well, you've just proved you haven't.

Wadham, in particular, is a very forward thinking college. They saw your potential, and wanted you there. They knew that the road to Oxford is not always made smooth, and someone getting a B from comprehensive has made as much effort as someone getting an A* from a top public school.

Greenpower is an exciting initiative I have never heard of

https://www.greenpower.co.uk/

and the Big Bang challenge

https://competition.thebigbangfair.co.uk/

It's also worthwhile looking at a competition my son won (Teentech):

https://www.teentech.com/

Also take a look at the Cambridge masterclasses

www.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/year-12-engineering-masterclass

I am glad you highlighted how hard you must work at the PAT, as this is very important in securing an interview at Oxford.

Also you said you must "you should really listen to them" (the tutors) at the interviews, as they will be giving you clues. It's so easy to panic and cut yourself off from the process. Keep going! You may have done better than you think. Even if you answer the questions wrong, they may have liked the way you thought!

Thank you for giving us even more information about how to apply successfully for Oxford engineering.
Even though I'm applying for medicine, I have a fascination for rollercoasters too, especially the mechanical "ins-n-outs" of them. Was really interesting to hear your fascination with rollercoasters too.

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