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[Official] Oxford Law Applicants 2021

I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread now that we're getting closer to the UCAS deadline! I've seen a few other threads like this for other subjects but it seems like there isn't one currently in use for law

So here are a few questions so we can all introduce ourselves :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?
Which college?
GCSE (or equivalent) grades:
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades:
Why law?
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?
What other unis are you applying to?
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic :frown:

Hopefully this thread will be quite helpful for us all!
(edited 3 years ago)

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I'll start :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?: Law
Which college?: Magdalen
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 999999999A^ + A* in HPQ
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: history, latin, maths, further maths, and law-based EPQ, predicted A*A*A*A*A*
Why law?: I like how it uses a range of skills (essay writing, logic, analysis...) and how it involves interpreting legislation, applying it to the facts, and then arguing your reasoning
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken is a great book that raises a lot of good questions, and Eve Cornwell on Youtube is great to get an insight into life as a law student / solicitor
What other unis are you applying to?: LSE, UCL, King's, and Durham
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic: I'm feeling pretty good so far; I've booked the LNAT so that's currently my main focus, along with my virtual work experience with Linklaters; slightly disappointed about interviews being online this year as it would have been nice to visit Oxford and meet other law applicants if I got shortlisted!
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by ginevrafanshawe
I'll start :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?: Law
Which college?: Magdalen
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 999999999A^
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: history, latin, maths, and further maths, predicted A*A*A*A
Why law?: I like how it uses a range of skills (essay writing, logic, analysis...) and how it involves interpreting legislation, applying it to the facts, and then arguing your reasoning
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken is a great book that raises a lot of good questions, and Eve Cornwell on Youtube is great to get an insight into life as a law student / solicitor
What other unis are you applying to?: LSE, UCL, King's, and Durham
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic: I'm feeling pretty good so far; I've booked the LNAT so that's currently my main focus; slightly disappointed about interviews being online this year as it would have been nice to visit Oxford and meet other law applicants if I got shortlisted!

I highly recommend Cheslie Angeles - she's like my fav study youtuber (also law student well was one)
Hello!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? law
Which college? Worcester
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: I'm actually an Australian student and we don't do GCSEs or an equivalent so I don't have any.
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: (In Aus we do 6 subjects) - English, Literature, maths, Specialist maths (guessing this is like further maths), chemistry and Ancient History. In Aus we have an ATAR (number between 0 and 99.95) and I'm predicted around a 99 (my school hasn't confirmed yet).
Why law? I find legal theory really interesting - it combines ethics, philosophy, analysis and essay writing into one subject.
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? What about Law is a very good introduction to law
What other unis are you applying to? Australian ones - international fees is expensive so if I can't get into Oxford I'll just go to an AU university.
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic? Mainly Stressed. Because the school year ends in November over here it means I am currently trying to study for my final exams and do my Oxford application. Although I'm honestly relieved that all interviews are online because it means I won't have to buy an expensive plane ticket!
(edited 3 years ago)
Hi everyone! I’ve been on the Oxford applicants thread for a while and have yet to come across a law applicant on there which I thought was pretty weird so yey for this thread!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? Law
Which college? Pembroke probably but also torn with Worcester and Wadham
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 999999888D* (bad school too so hoping that’s a help)
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: English Lit, History, Law and EPQ - no predicteds yet but hoping for A*s and A in English
Why law? A long (and weird) story about being persuaded by my gcse history teacher, but I really love how everything can be interpreted differently and the philosophical approaches to law. Ive also been loving commercial law; strange mix.
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? Just starting the rule of law, hoping that’s good. I’ve found online work experience and essay comps to be very useful. I’ve been trying to read into more advanced topics as I feel the introductory books will be seen as a waste owing to me taking A-Level Law.
What other unis are you applying to? Definitely Warwick, Bristol and Leeds - the last one will either be LSE or UCL but I have yet to make a definitive decision.
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic absolutely awful! Booked my LNAT for October and bricking it. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety because I’m so freaking worried about everything, also recently ADHD which is completely unrelated but making my studies a lot harder. I’m really behind on my personal statement progress too. I have just got accepted onto the Clifford Chance insight day though which I’m really excited about :smile:
Original post by Elizabeth Choc
Hello!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? law
Which college? Worcester
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: I'm actually an Australian student and we don't do GCSEs or an equivalent so I don't have any.
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: (In Aus we do 6 subjects) - English, Literature, maths, Specialist maths (guessing this is like further maths), chemistry and Ancient History. In Aus we have an ATAR (number between 0 and 99.95) and I'm predicted around a 99 (my school hasn't confirmed yet).
Why law? I find legal theory really interesting - it combines ethics, philosophy, analysis and essay writing into one subject.
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? What about Law is a very good introduction to law
What other unis are you applying to? Australian ones - international fees is expensive so if I can't get into Oxford I'll just go to an AU university.
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic? Mainly Stressed. Because the school year ends in November over here it means I am currently trying to study for my final exams and do my Oxford application. Although I'm honestly relieved that all interviews are online because it means I won't have to buy an expensive plane ticket!

Hi! If you don’t mind me asking, which AU universities? If I don’t get into Oxford I’m really interested in doing a year abroad in Australia and maybe you’ll know more about which universities are good? I really like the look of UNSW and Sydney Uni but Brisbane looks good too :smile:
Original post by Ashstudent1
Hi! If you don’t mind me asking, which AU universities? If I don’t get into Oxford I’m really interested in doing a year abroad in Australia and maybe you’ll know more about which universities are good? I really like the look of UNSW and Sydney Uni but Brisbane looks good too :smile:

Hi! That's amazing you want to come to Australia (we've got great beaches). I'm applying to the University of Sydney as my first preference (it has the no. 2 law course in AU) and the University of Queensland because I actually live in Queensland, its not as good as Sydney but still a great course and no. 1 in Queensland. Although, personally I think Sydney is a bit more interesting than Brisbane, its just got more to see and do, like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour bridge, beaches, the blue mountains are also close by, and the buildings have more of an Oxford aesthetic if that's something you like - wow I sound like tourist guide!
I haven't decided where else I'm applying yet, possibly Monash in Melbourne. I don't know much about UNSW but I think its in the top 3. The university of Melbourne is the no.1 law school but you can only do law for post graduate. Monash university is also really good if you like Melbourne though.

I don't know how doing a year abroad works exactly but keep in mind that when you apply to Australia they only look at your grades so the entry requirements tend to be very high, especially for law, (I need a higher ATAR for Sydney than for Oxford), but definitely go for it!

Hope I've been somewhat helpful and if you have any other question let me know!
Original post by Elizabeth Choc
Hi! That's amazing you want to come to Australia (we've got great beaches). I'm applying to the University of Sydney as my first preference (it has the no. 2 law course in AU) and the University of Queensland because I actually live in Queensland, its not as good as Sydney but still a great course and no. 1 in Queensland. Although, personally I think Sydney is a bit more interesting than Brisbane, its just got more to see and do, like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour bridge, beaches, the blue mountains are also close by, and the buildings have more of an Oxford aesthetic if that's something you like - wow I sound like tourist guide!
I haven't decided where else I'm applying yet, possibly Monash in Melbourne. I don't know much about UNSW but I think its in the top 3. The university of Melbourne is the no.1 law school but you can only do law for post graduate. Monash university is also really good if you like Melbourne though.

I don't know how doing a year abroad works exactly but keep in mind that when you apply to Australia they only look at your grades so the entry requirements tend to be very high, especially for law, (I need a higher ATAR for Sydney than for Oxford), but definitely go for it!

Hope I've been somewhat helpful and if you have any other question let me know!


I’m gonna be honest, I’m liking the look of Sydney because I watch Bondi Rescue 😂 Year abroad has to be with a partner school, so I can’t just pick any uni but I think all the ones you mentioned are partnered with at least one of my options. I’m not sure how the grades work, but I’m pretty sure years abroad go on the basis of your work at university, not previously. So I’ll just have to make sure I do well on my degree :smile:
Hey!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? Law and French Law
Which college? Merton
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 9999999999 + A in FSMQ and A* in EPQ lvl 2
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: French, Maths, Further Maths, English. A*A*A*A* predicted
Why law? Inspired by my work experience
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? What about Law? (that's the book name)
What other unis are you applying to? UCL, Durham, LSE, KCL
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic Kinda nervous tbh
Original post by Lancelot19
Hey!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? Law and French Law
Which college? Merton
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 9999999999 + A in FSMQ and A* in EPQ lvl 2
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: French, Maths, Further Maths, English. A*A*A*A* predicted
Why law? Inspired by my work experience
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? What about Law? (that's the book name)
What other unis are you applying to? UCL, Durham, LSE, KCL
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic Kinda nervous tbh

You can do an EPQ at level 2?? You learn something new every day
Original post by Ashstudent1
You can do an EPQ at level 2?? You learn something new every day

Yep haha! My school has this thing called enrichment where you can do food studies, debating, some sports thing or EPQ level 2 in year 10. The qualification is only worth half a GCSE though, so kind of like the A-level level 3 project in that respect?

We were encouraged to give it a go for fun though (there were literally 4 of us lol) so it's not that deep compared to an A-level one. It's also not really taken seriously by anyone. I did mine on the relationship between maths and music because I was interested in it at the time, but I'd def go for something more legal if I could redo it!!
Original post by Lancelot19
Yep haha! My school has this thing called enrichment where you can do food studies, debating, some sports thing or EPQ level 2 in year 10. The qualification is only worth half a GCSE though, so kind of like the A-level level 3 project in that respect?

We were encouraged to give it a go for fun though (there were literally 4 of us lol) so it's not that deep compared to an A-level one. It's also not really taken seriously by anyone. I did mine on the relationship between maths and music because I was interested in it at the time, but I'd def go for something more legal if I could redo it!!

we do enrichment at college but my nasty state school didn’t have anything like that lol. i’m still on the research and planning phase of my epq now as my college starts it in summer term of year 12 but i’m doing the consequences of wrongful convictions and the reparations that can be made basically. it’s not the most legal topic ever but i’m exploring things like legal aid cuts and lack of judicial diversity so it all fits :smile:
Original post by Vladimir Poutine
Law or law with law studies in Europe?: Law with Law studies in Europe (France)
Which college?: Magdalen also!
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: AAAAAAA in National 5s
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: In this year’s Highers I got AAAAA, though all grades are devalued due to the shambles created by ScotGov and SQA. For Advanced Higher I will be studying English, Modern Studies and French.
Why law?: Important subject to society, the detailed study and practice of which is essential.
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?: Arbitio for the LNAT is useful. I enjoyed reading The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham, which is a classic prospective-law-student favourite. ‘Undergraduate Admissions PodOxford’ is a good podcast series for getting to grips with applying to Oxford, if the process is foreign to you as it is to me.
What other unis are you applying to?: Glasgow, Leeds, Aberdeen and (Durham / Manchester)
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic: Very stressed. Have gotten into a bit of a slump during lockdown (think due to the ‘oh well there’s always tomorrow’ attitude) and the deadlines are creeping up around me. Have booked the LNAT for 5th October and forked up the 50£ even though I could have waited to be approved for a full bursary.

i’m applying to leeds too! i live there and it’s a great student city if you were wondering :smile:
Original post by Ashstudent1
i’m applying to leeds too! i live there and it’s a great student city if you were wondering

Yeah, I’ve heard a few people say that - I’ll admit that was a lot of the appeal. It’s also not too far from home for me too which is always nice. The North is the best part of England!
Reply 14
Original post by Vladimir Poutine
Yeah, I’ve heard a few people say that - I’ll admit that was a lot of the appeal. It’s also not too far from home for me too which is always nice. The North is the best part of England!

I have to agree :wink:
Original post by Tommcbridee
I have to agree :wink:

people with taste 😂
Law or law with law studies in Europe? Law (probably I'll doing extra law ISP course at UW/UJ)

Which college? Wadham/Jesus

GCSE (or equivalent) grades: -

A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: [IB] 38 - 677HLs: English, Polish Literature and Philosophy

Why law? Inspired by prof. Zoll's lecture for UD as a kid, I decided to spend entire life crusading for justice, searching for the truth. The political situation in my country taught me to fight for the rule of law, whatever it cost. I hope that Oxford will allow me to understand 'the real' philosophy of law and teach me an ethical approach, outstanding thinking process, and the reality of law-related working professions

Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by D. Kahneman, "On crimes and punishments" by Cesare Beccaria, "Eve was framed: women and British justice" by H. Kennedy, Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" by D. Acemoglu and J.A. Robinson. For polish-speakers I recommend law courses by Copernicus College

What other unis are you applying to? law: Kings College London
Scots Law with British Law: University of Aberdeen, University of Strathclyde and University of Dundee

I'm a little stressed out, but who's not? What will be will be. No worries, guys, we can do this! I truly believe you all will smash LNAT!
Original post by ginevrafanshawe
I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread now that we're getting closer to the UCAS deadline! I've seen a few other threads like this for other subjects but it seems like there isn't one currently in use for law

So here are a few questions so we can all introduce ourselves :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?
Which college?
GCSE (or equivalent) grades:
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades:
Why law?
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?
What other unis are you applying to?
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic :frown:

Hopefully this thread will be quite helpful for us all!


Original post by ginevrafanshawe
I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread now that we're getting closer to the UCAS deadline! I've seen a few other threads like this for other subjects but it seems like there isn't one currently in use for law

So here are a few questions so we can all introduce ourselves :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?
Which college?
GCSE (or equivalent) grades:
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades:
Why law?
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?
What other unis are you applying to?
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic :frown:

Hopefully this thread will be quite helpful for us all!


Law or law with law studies in Europe?: Law.
Which college? : LMH/New.
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 9888877776 (i know they’re not the best but i’ve been reassured by a teacher that they won’t be as bad when taken in context of the school)
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: English lang, psychology, sociology + predicted A*A*A*.
Why law? like many of you have said, i like the idea of legal theory, especially the way oxford has such a emphasis on legal philosophy.
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?: Law In Action podcasts, LinkedIn always shows good resources/opportunities for sixth formers and InsideSherpa for virtual work experience.
What other unis are you applying to?: LSE, Notts, Birmingham and Leicester.
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic: i feel like i’ve done all i can, i’m very worried about my gcse grades but i hope it works out. i’m now practicing my lnat so it hopefully makes up for it a bit. it’s just a scary but exciting experience!
Original post by ginevrafanshawe
I thought it would be a good idea to start this thread now that we're getting closer to the UCAS deadline! I've seen a few other threads like this for other subjects but it seems like there isn't one currently in use for law

So here are a few questions so we can all introduce ourselves :smile:

Law or law with law studies in Europe?
Which college?
GCSE (or equivalent) grades:
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades:
Why law?
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend?
What other unis are you applying to?
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic :frown:

Hopefully this thread will be quite helpful for us all!

Law or law with law studies in Europe? Law
Which college? Haven't decided yet
GCSE (or equivalent) grades: 99888A (as an international I did one-year iGCSEs in which we were only able to pick 6 subjects max)
A-level (or equivalent) subjects and predicted grades: A*A*A* in Maths, Economics and History (also hoping for an A*/A in EPQ)
Why law? Simply interested in it, a course that combines history, politics and economics, all areas that I absolutely enjoy
Any good books, resources, etc that you'd recommend? What about Law (being recommended so many times lol)
What other unis are you applying to? LSE UCL Warwick Durham
And how are you feeling about your application so far, both in general and in relation to the pandemic :frown: I'm currently using Arbitio to prepare for the LNAT but feeling anxious because I only got around 24 which was not good.
I keep getting 20 on Arbitio with one 25, so you’re doing better than me.

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