[Official] Oxford History Applicants 2021

OP

I'll start! I am an international student applying to read History & Politics.

Qualifications
Taken
AP: English Literature and Composition (5); French Language and Culture (5); U.S. History (4)
SAT II: French with Listening (720); Literature (700)

Predicted
SAT: 1470+
AP: European History (5); Comparative Government and Politics (5)
SAT II: U.S. History (700+); World History (700+)

Areas of interest: the Crusades; the history of international law; politics in Sub-Saharan Africa; the French Revolution; the Renaissance

Currently reading: Orientalism by Edward Said

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 2

marie12376987

11

Hi everyone, so glad someone made this thread!

A few questions:
Joint School or Straight History? Straight history (i'm not 100% sure i will apply at all but i thought i'd get involved anyway!)
College? LMH or Keble
What are your qualifications or predicted grades? GCSEs: 99988877776 (not amazing i know but i've been told that they place a lot of weighting on the HAT and i go to quite a low performing state school). A level predicted: not 100% confirmed but i think A*AA or A*A*A
Areas of Interest? Louis XIV's reign, revolutions (specifically France and Russia)
Favourite (history) book? Or currently reading...? I'm currently reading A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes

Reply 3

Original post by noireatoxford

I'll start! I am an international student applying to read History & Politics at Christ Church or Magdalen.

My (American) qualifications:
AP (All 5s but one 4) English Literature, French, U.S. History, European History, World History, Comparative Gov. & Politics, English Language
SAT Subject Tests (All 700+) French w/ Listening, Literature, U.S. History, World History

Areas of interest: the Crusades, the history of international law, and politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Currently reading: Orientalism by Edward Said

Glad to see you have some interest already. It will have been well worth setting up this thread, as more people will join it over time.

Reply 4

Original post by marie12376987

Hi everyone, so glad someone made this thread!

A few questions:
Joint School or Straight History? Straight history (i'm not 100% sure i will apply at all but i thought i'd get involved anyway!)
College? LMH or Keble
What are your qualifications or predicted grades? GCSEs: 99988877776 (not amazing i know but i've been told that they place a lot of weighting on the HAT and i go to quite a low performing state school). A level predicted: not 100% confirmed but i think A*AA or A*A*A
Areas of Interest? Louis XIV's reign, revolutions (specifically France and Russia)
Favourite (history) book? Or currently reading...? I'm currently reading A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes

I know of someone who got into history at Oxford with 2 x 8/9s. It's all about the HAT...

It also doesn't matter what kind of school you go to, if you are interested in history and prepared to go for it, why not?

My son went to a school where there was an Oxbridge specialist and she read history at Queens college.

She said the reason she was fascinated with history was because she was interested in why people like Stalin made the decisions he did. It's the why rather than the what that is the most amazing thing to me, too.

Here is my book about Oxford, Oxford Demystified, with handy hints for your application. Also my son's best friend has written the history chapter. He got a first and is now going to attend Cambridge for his masters.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6100480

Reply 5

nmah

12

@noireatoxford Thanks for starting this thread!

I am also international (looks like we are both from the US!) Unfortunately I am trying my best to apply but COVID may prevent me from doing so ultimately...

Anyways!
Joint School or Straight History? History & Politics
College? Univ
What are your qualifications or predicted grades?
AP's I have done: World History (5), US History (5), English Language and Comp (5), Spanish Language and Culture (4)
AP's I will take this year: US Politics & Gov, AP Literature, AP Stats, AP Biology ( I am predicting I will get 5's on all and maybe a 4 on bio)
Areas of Interest?
Reconstruction era, the Black experience, Jim Crow, fascism, history of fascist regimes
Favourite (history) book? Or currently reading...?

Currently reading Origins of Totalitarianism

Reply 6

OP

Original post by nmah

@noireatoxford Thanks for starting this thread!

I am also international (looks like we are both from the US!) Unfortunately I am trying my best to apply but COVID may prevent me from doing so ultimately...

Anyways!
Joint School or Straight History? History & Politics
College? Univ
What are your qualifications or predicted grades?
AP's I have done: World History (5), US History (5), English Language and Comp (5), Spanish Language and Culture (4)
AP's I will take this year: US Politics & Gov, AP Literature, AP Stats, AP Biology ( I am predicting I will get 5's on all and maybe a 4 on bio)
Areas of Interest?
Reconstruction era, the Black experience, Jim Crow, fascism, history of fascist regimes
Favourite (history) book? Or currently reading...?

Currently reading Origins of Totalitarianism

I've been searching TSR for crumbs of info on HisPol and History in general and the most recent thread was maybe active 3 years ago so, welcome. :smile:

Oh no! What about COVID-19 might prevent you from applying, if you feel comfortable sharing?

Personally, I keep second-guessing myself and my application because I feel like as an international student unfamiliar with the Oxford application system there is so much room for error between the Personal Statement, the Reference, the HAT, UCAS, and the written work. But I'll always regret it if I never do.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 7

Original post by noireatoxford

I've been searching TSR for crumbs of info on HisPol and History in general and the most recent thread was maybe active 3 years ago so, welcome. :smile:

Oh no! What about COVID-19 might prevent you from applying, if you feel comfortable sharing?

Personally, I keep second-guessing myself and my application because I feel like as an international student unfamiliar with the Oxford application system there is so much room for error between the Personal Statement, the Reference, the HAT, UCAS, and the written work. But I'll always regret it if I never do.

Make sure you practise the HAT. There is info on TSR on how to write a personal statement

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/apply/how-to-write-an-excellent-personal-statement-in-10-steps

As an international student, you have just as much of a chance of an Oxford place as UK students.

Just take a shot at it. What do you have to lose? Nearly all the Oxford Demystified chapter writers (offer holders) were state school pupils who were pretty shocked when they got their offers!

Reply 8

sadieallen

4

Hi guys! I'm gonna include myself in this thread!!

Joint or straight honours? Joint, I want to do History and French!
College? Literally no idea - any that will take me hahaha they're all so beautiful I can't choose!
Grades? 988887776 at GCSE - not crazy good, but hopefully enough? predicted A*AA for History, French and English Literature (haven't done mocks yet tho - hopefully might be able to boost myself up to A*A*A)
Area of interest? The British Empire, particularly in India/Pakistan
Currently reading: Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, by Niall Ferguson

Reply 9

Original post by sadieallen

Hi guys! I'm gonna include myself in this thread!!

Joint or straight honours? Joint, I want to do History and French!
College? Literally no idea - any that will take me hahaha they're all so beautiful I can't choose!
Grades? 988887776 at GCSE - not crazy good, but hopefully enough? predicted A*AA for History, French and English Literature (haven't done mocks yet tho - hopefully might be able to boost myself up to A*A*A)
Area of interest? The British Empire, particularly in India/Pakistan
Currently reading: Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, by Niall Ferguson

Here's a chapter from Oxford Demystified about choosing your Oxford college. Videos and websites included.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6468778&p=88379572#post88379572

Reply 10

nmah

12

Original post by noireatoxford

I've been searching TSR for crumbs of info on HisPol and History in general and the most recent thread was maybe active 3 years ago so, welcome. :smile:

Oh no! What about COVID-19 might prevent you from applying, if you feel comfortable sharing?

Personally, I keep second-guessing myself and my application because I feel like as an international student unfamiliar with the Oxford application system there is so much room for error between the Personal Statement, the Reference, the HAT, UCAS, and the written work. But I'll always regret it if I never do.

I don't mind sharing! To start, all of the test centers in my state (to take the HAT) are closed... so I would have to fly to a different state to take it. My parents are encouraging me to do so but I feel bad because I might not even get an interview lol. On top of that, US applicants are required to have a 1470 SAT and my latest score is 1400 (I am not a math person). I was signed up to take the August one but my test center cancelled it so I am going to try to take it in September/ October. If one of those isn't cancelled I am confident I can get a 1470 minimum but probably 1500+. It's just a lot of factors that keep changing so we shall see!

Also, don't second guess yourself! There is a lot to do for the Oxford app, but seeing your scores and just overall interest in Oxford, it already proves that you got the determination to do it. Try to find people that can help too! TSR has a (private) personal statement helper forums where knowledgable individuals can read your statement and help you out. As for the HAT, I really think the test is a lot like an AP History test combined with an AP English Lang rhetorical analysis essay, which you have succeeded on! So don't be discouraged, you got this!

Reply 11

OP

Original post by sadieallen

Hi guys! I'm gonna include myself in this thread!!

Joint or straight honours? Joint, I want to do History and French!
College? Literally no idea - any that will take me hahaha they're all so beautiful I can't choose!
Grades? 988887776 at GCSE - not crazy good, but hopefully enough? predicted A*AA for History, French and English Literature (haven't done mocks yet tho - hopefully might be able to boost myself up to A*A*A)
Area of interest? The British Empire, particularly in India/Pakistan
Currently reading: Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, by Niall Ferguson

It looks like we have similar interests! I'm quite interested in British Empire as well but in Africa more specifically. And I studied French (& French Literature) in secondary school.

Reply 12

OP

Original post by nmah

I don't mind sharing! To start, all of the test centers in my state (to take the HAT) are closed... so I would have to fly to a different state to take it. My parents are encouraging me to do so but I feel bad because I might not even get an interview lol. On top of that, US applicants are required to have a 1470 SAT and my latest score is 1400 (I am not a math person). I was signed up to take the August one but my test center cancelled it so I am going to try to take it in September/ October. If one of those isn't cancelled I am confident I can get a 1470 minimum but probably 1500+. It's just a lot of factors that keep changing so we shall see!

Also, don't second guess yourself! There is a lot to do for the Oxford app, but seeing your scores and just overall interest in Oxford, it already proves that you got the determination to do it. Try to find people that can help too! TSR has a (private) personal statement helper forums where knowledgable individuals can read your statement and help you out. As for the HAT, I really think the test is a lot like an AP History test combined with an AP English Lang rhetorical analysis essay, which you have succeeded on! So don't be discouraged, you got this!

So many different factors come into play, which can be quite stressful I imagine. I really hope it works out for you and you're able to take the HAT. I might be lucky as there are 2 or 3 test centers near me but I haven't yet checked if they will actually be open so fingers crossed.

I'm in the same boat as far as my SAT score as I am also not a Maths person. I am working on it though.

And thank you for such encouraging words! I've actually found an American who applied to Oxford (Law) but her Youtube channel has great general tips regarding the application.

(Personal Statement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok6FyEmCSOs

(Oxford App. Process)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNibOpXGE-8&t=14s

Reply 13

marie12376987

11

Has anyone started practising for the HAT?

Original post by noireatoxford

So many different factors come into play, which can be quite stressful I imagine. I really hope it works out for you and you're able to take the HAT. I might be lucky as there are 2 or 3 test centers near me but I haven't yet checked if they will actually be open so fingers crossed.

I'm in the same boat as far as my SAT score as I am also not a Maths person. I am working on it though.

And thank you for such encouraging words! I've actually found an American who applied to Oxford (Law) but her Youtube channel has great general tips regarding the application.

(Personal Statement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok6FyEmCSOs

(Oxford App. Process)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNibOpXGE-8&t=14s

Thank you so much for recommending that Youtube channel :heart:

Reply 15

OP

Original post by marie12376987

Has anyone started practising for the HAT?

Not yet. I don't think I'll start until I've confirmed that I can take the exam and finished my Personal Statement.

Reply 16

nmah

12

Original post by noireatoxford

So many different factors come into play, which can be quite stressful I imagine. I really hope it works out for you and you're able to take the HAT. I might be lucky as there are 2 or 3 test centers near me but I haven't yet checked if they will actually be open so fingers crossed.

I'm in the same boat as far as my SAT score as I am also not a Maths person. I am working on it though.

And thank you for such encouraging words! I've actually found an American who applied to Oxford (Law) but her Youtube channel has great general tips regarding the application.

(Personal Statement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok6FyEmCSOs

(Oxford App. Process)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNibOpXGE-8&t=14s

Thanks for that suggestion on the YouTube channel.. I have already watched her videos but I have a full list of super helpful videos that I will post here soon! I also started an American applicants (to Oxford) thread but its not really active, its here if you were curious though: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6482632

Reply 17

ellieT907

3

Joint School or Straight History? Straight History
College? Worcester
What are your qualifications or predicted grades? 9999999998 at GCSE and predicted A*A*A* [in History, English Lit and Politics)
Areas of Interest? Crusades and American History
Favourite (history) book? Or currently reading...? Currently reading Age of Extremes

Gonna give Oxford a go, not sure its for me though :smile:

Reply 18