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Hi everyone! My name is Holly and I study Law and Spanish Law at St Anne’s College, Oxford!
Why did you want to study your subject?
Law really encompasses such a diverse range of subjects that I enjoyed and I couldn’t really decide between my A-level subjects about which one I enjoyed the most. I had interests in international relations and gender based equality, so I sorted of wanted something that would make the most of my interest in public policy and individual’s rights and human rights and things like that.
Why Oxford?
Oxford is relatively close to my hometown, around a 40 minute drive so I was always aware of the city and went there sometimes for days out. I think because it took me so long to discover that law was my passion and where I wanted to work in consideration of Oxford and university in general wasn’t that prevalent until maybe this time (November) in year 12. I liked the look of the course, I had quite good grades and thought well I might as well give it a shot - what do I have to lose. I have a twin sister, and we researched universities together and she was quite invested in Oxford after looking at her chosen course so I sort of just heard things from her too.
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert (TV presenter etc)
I read up quite a bit on some trade union based law and had quite a bit of interest in that part of the Oxford course, so I actually read some of the Oxford tutors work! It was quite challenging at times but I was able to pick some things up which were quite handing in linking ideas and knowledge together. My teacher’s passions did spur my passions in certain areas, but law isn’t something widely covered at school and therefore I wasn’t really inspired by any teachers.
Why did you want to study your subject?
Law really encompasses such a diverse range of subjects that I enjoyed and I couldn’t really decide between my A-level subjects about which one I enjoyed the most. I had interests in international relations and gender based equality, so I sorted of wanted something that would make the most of my interest in public policy and individual’s rights and human rights and things like that.
Why Oxford?
Oxford is relatively close to my hometown, around a 40 minute drive so I was always aware of the city and went there sometimes for days out. I think because it took me so long to discover that law was my passion and where I wanted to work in consideration of Oxford and university in general wasn’t that prevalent until maybe this time (November) in year 12. I liked the look of the course, I had quite good grades and thought well I might as well give it a shot - what do I have to lose. I have a twin sister, and we researched universities together and she was quite invested in Oxford after looking at her chosen course so I sort of just heard things from her too.
Did any of your teachers inspire you? Or any other expert (TV presenter etc)
I read up quite a bit on some trade union based law and had quite a bit of interest in that part of the Oxford course, so I actually read some of the Oxford tutors work! It was quite challenging at times but I was able to pick some things up which were quite handing in linking ideas and knowledge together. My teacher’s passions did spur my passions in certain areas, but law isn’t something widely covered at school and therefore I wasn’t really inspired by any teachers.
Hi Holly!
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule, to write this longed-for chapter!
People are so caught up in the so called "prestige" of Oxford law, that they almost forget how interesting it can be, and how it can be an outlet for other interests, such as public policy and human rights. In the same way, medicine is great for students who like science and working with the public.
I am glad you applied to Oxford for learning's sake and because you were curious about the issues surrounding law. So many people apply for Oxford law because of the money they want to make.
It is interesting to note that you partly applied because your sister, Fleur was interested too.
I have a friend who studies economics at Cambridge. There was an open day where a private investment bank was holding discussions about internships. She had a friend who was interested in the internship. She wasn't aware of the event but allowed herself to be dragged there. In the end it was my friend who got the internship, then a job offer at the end of it. Never underestimate the power of fate.
It is interesting how you started off doing specialised research into trade union law straight off. This chimes with your interest in human rights. Even better if you can find a book on your favourite subject, written by the tutors! I am big on research and would recommend every candidate does this, even if you don't go as far as an EPQ. It shows intellectual curiosity and makes you stand out on your PS.
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule, to write this longed-for chapter!
People are so caught up in the so called "prestige" of Oxford law, that they almost forget how interesting it can be, and how it can be an outlet for other interests, such as public policy and human rights. In the same way, medicine is great for students who like science and working with the public.
I am glad you applied to Oxford for learning's sake and because you were curious about the issues surrounding law. So many people apply for Oxford law because of the money they want to make.
It is interesting to note that you partly applied because your sister, Fleur was interested too.
I have a friend who studies economics at Cambridge. There was an open day where a private investment bank was holding discussions about internships. She had a friend who was interested in the internship. She wasn't aware of the event but allowed herself to be dragged there. In the end it was my friend who got the internship, then a job offer at the end of it. Never underestimate the power of fate.
It is interesting how you started off doing specialised research into trade union law straight off. This chimes with your interest in human rights. Even better if you can find a book on your favourite subject, written by the tutors! I am big on research and would recommend every candidate does this, even if you don't go as far as an EPQ. It shows intellectual curiosity and makes you stand out on your PS.
Which resources did you use (please name as many as possible) Which books/journals did you read? Which did you like best, and why? What did they teach you?
As I said above, I did read some of the work of the Oxford Law department which was helpful in widening my ideas. I also listened a bunch of programmes on BBC 4’s Law in Action which I actually first saw on the Oxford recommendations for reading. It’s probably worth watching them and if you do see any interesting ideas you haven’t previously considered it’s worth noting them down because if you get to interview sometimes they just pop back into your memory.
I read a lot of spanish literature for the Spanish element of the course, as well as ensuring I was just up to date with movements or elements of Spanish law and jurisprudence - though I wouldn’t say this is essential it may be helpful. I don’t really think you can ever say a set list of things you must read, it’s most certainly a case of reading what you are interested in! If it becomes a task then I think it’s worth considering whether Oxford is the right place for you.
I read a couple of law-related ‘Very short introduction to..’ books and they were very good knowledge boosters at the start of my reading as well as just giving me a clearer perspective of what law actually is!!
Did you attend any lectures, or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Not really! I entered a few essay competitions for Spanish as that was what I initially imagined doing at university. I had considered some of the Cambridge college competitions but as bad as this sounds it was something that I just never got around to doing!
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
I’m not sure I’d call it work experience but one of the things that I’d view as the most significant contributor to the progression of my passion was the Bar Mock Trial run by my school. Taking part and understanding the rituals and the dynamics of a court room was so exciting and it made me realise it was what I wanted to do. Alongside this, I was very lucky to get work experience shadowing one solicitor for 3 days and another for 2 weeks! The experience was definitely interesting and at times noticeably intense but seeing the day to day life really did motivate me.
Did you have a specialist subject/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
I completed an EPQ with the title ‘To what extent is there a significant bias against men in custody cases and is this changing?’ The research process was very interesting but the whole project was very repetitive and I found the whole production log quite tedious hence why I got an A rather than an A* because it was a frustrating thing to get through when school life is already busy.
As I said above, I did read some of the work of the Oxford Law department which was helpful in widening my ideas. I also listened a bunch of programmes on BBC 4’s Law in Action which I actually first saw on the Oxford recommendations for reading. It’s probably worth watching them and if you do see any interesting ideas you haven’t previously considered it’s worth noting them down because if you get to interview sometimes they just pop back into your memory.
I read a lot of spanish literature for the Spanish element of the course, as well as ensuring I was just up to date with movements or elements of Spanish law and jurisprudence - though I wouldn’t say this is essential it may be helpful. I don’t really think you can ever say a set list of things you must read, it’s most certainly a case of reading what you are interested in! If it becomes a task then I think it’s worth considering whether Oxford is the right place for you.
I read a couple of law-related ‘Very short introduction to..’ books and they were very good knowledge boosters at the start of my reading as well as just giving me a clearer perspective of what law actually is!!
Did you attend any lectures, or take part in any competitions? If so, would you recommend them, and why?
Not really! I entered a few essay competitions for Spanish as that was what I initially imagined doing at university. I had considered some of the Cambridge college competitions but as bad as this sounds it was something that I just never got around to doing!
Did you have any work experience? If so, how did you find it?
I’m not sure I’d call it work experience but one of the things that I’d view as the most significant contributor to the progression of my passion was the Bar Mock Trial run by my school. Taking part and understanding the rituals and the dynamics of a court room was so exciting and it made me realise it was what I wanted to do. Alongside this, I was very lucky to get work experience shadowing one solicitor for 3 days and another for 2 weeks! The experience was definitely interesting and at times noticeably intense but seeing the day to day life really did motivate me.
Did you have a specialist subject/EPQ? What was it? How did you go about your research?
I completed an EPQ with the title ‘To what extent is there a significant bias against men in custody cases and is this changing?’ The research process was very interesting but the whole project was very repetitive and I found the whole production log quite tedious hence why I got an A rather than an A* because it was a frustrating thing to get through when school life is already busy.
I really recommend doing what you did, ie reading the "very short introduction to" books. They are, as they literally say in the title, short and to the point. They are written by very eminent people in their field and the idea is to give you a basic foundation knowledge about law and maybe give you some pointers regarding issues you would like to take further.
TV documentaries about current issues can help, as well as listening to Radio 4. Radio 4 is good for all kinds of things: even for talking about the latest medical developments, for prospective medical students!
Yes, to improve your Spanish it is important to read newspapers or literature. However you went one better and read up on Spanish law and jurisprudence. Where did you get that information by the way?
My son was going in for Law with German Law at first, so to give him some practice we found some articles about current cases in Bild newspaper:
https://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin/kolumne/es-gibt-richter-die-sind-zu-naiv-oder-zu-ignorant-fuer-diese-welt?tblci=GiDOHywRy8GmeoEFZMCT4uVLrHJ9mcZbnEdIvGVR0LZOSSDb1UY#tblciGiDOHywRy8GmeoEFZMCT4uVLrHJ9mcZbnEdIvGVR0LZOSSDb1UY
OK so it's a bit like the Sun newspaper here, but you get to learn German law vocabulary and a little bit about the basics. When the articles get too easy, you can always progress to "die Zeit" or the "Frankfurter Allgemeine".
Do you know what the Spanish equivalent would be?
It's great that you managed to get some work experience, but it is not essential for getting into Oxford.
My godfather was a solicitor. He told me that he used to give students work experience. However he said confidentiality was a problem. If something confidential was being discussed, he would have to send the student out of the room. In the end, he gave up with the work experience, as they would spend more time out of the room than in it!!!
One thing you can do when the virus is over, is to attend court cases yourself. You can either go to the magistrates' court (small, local cases) or the county court (larger cases). You can do this if you are 14 or over, but dress smartly. You can go and see most cases, apart from family law (divorce). My sons even saw a murder case at Nottingham crown court.
TV documentaries about current issues can help, as well as listening to Radio 4. Radio 4 is good for all kinds of things: even for talking about the latest medical developments, for prospective medical students!
Yes, to improve your Spanish it is important to read newspapers or literature. However you went one better and read up on Spanish law and jurisprudence. Where did you get that information by the way?
My son was going in for Law with German Law at first, so to give him some practice we found some articles about current cases in Bild newspaper:
https://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin/kolumne/es-gibt-richter-die-sind-zu-naiv-oder-zu-ignorant-fuer-diese-welt?tblci=GiDOHywRy8GmeoEFZMCT4uVLrHJ9mcZbnEdIvGVR0LZOSSDb1UY#tblciGiDOHywRy8GmeoEFZMCT4uVLrHJ9mcZbnEdIvGVR0LZOSSDb1UY
OK so it's a bit like the Sun newspaper here, but you get to learn German law vocabulary and a little bit about the basics. When the articles get too easy, you can always progress to "die Zeit" or the "Frankfurter Allgemeine".
Do you know what the Spanish equivalent would be?
It's great that you managed to get some work experience, but it is not essential for getting into Oxford.
My godfather was a solicitor. He told me that he used to give students work experience. However he said confidentiality was a problem. If something confidential was being discussed, he would have to send the student out of the room. In the end, he gave up with the work experience, as they would spend more time out of the room than in it!!!
One thing you can do when the virus is over, is to attend court cases yourself. You can either go to the magistrates' court (small, local cases) or the county court (larger cases). You can do this if you are 14 or over, but dress smartly. You can go and see most cases, apart from family law (divorce). My sons even saw a murder case at Nottingham crown court.
What did you mention in your personal statement and why?
I think it will be most helpful if I list the content to my PS to act as a guide!
why I chose to study Law and the influence of my A-Level subjects
Work experience and bar mock trial
Discussion of my thoughts about european law and my competencies in both spanish and english
Sentence on Extra curricular
Which techniques did you use for the entrance test?
I found the LNAT really really difficult, to such a great extent that I nearly decided to not apply to Oxford because I was hopeless!!
I used a few LNAT textbooks I found on amazon to grasp the content and worked hard to improve my MCQ score as I kept ‘failing’ practice papers. I worked tirelessly and it paid off in the end! Top tip - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE (did i say PRACTICE!!!!!). I honestly cannot stress that enough.
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
So my sister was quite certain on applying to Regent’s Park and it was good for her course (Theology and Religion), so we went to Oxford to have a look around that area in the hope that I may see somewhere I like too. On our walk towards RPC and the city centre we walked past loads of colleges and there were so many I liked, but I saw how quaint Jesus seemed and we spoke to the porter who was so friendly and that feel or ‘vibe’ was what I wanted from a college.
I think it will be most helpful if I list the content to my PS to act as a guide!
why I chose to study Law and the influence of my A-Level subjects
Work experience and bar mock trial
Discussion of my thoughts about european law and my competencies in both spanish and english
Sentence on Extra curricular
Which techniques did you use for the entrance test?
I found the LNAT really really difficult, to such a great extent that I nearly decided to not apply to Oxford because I was hopeless!!
I used a few LNAT textbooks I found on amazon to grasp the content and worked hard to improve my MCQ score as I kept ‘failing’ practice papers. I worked tirelessly and it paid off in the end! Top tip - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE (did i say PRACTICE!!!!!). I honestly cannot stress that enough.
How did you choose your college? Did you go to an open day and if so, did it help you to decide?
So my sister was quite certain on applying to Regent’s Park and it was good for her course (Theology and Religion), so we went to Oxford to have a look around that area in the hope that I may see somewhere I like too. On our walk towards RPC and the city centre we walked past loads of colleges and there were so many I liked, but I saw how quaint Jesus seemed and we spoke to the porter who was so friendly and that feel or ‘vibe’ was what I wanted from a college.
Thank you for listing the points you put in your PS. Note that PH did not spend ages talking about her hobbies. It is your intellectual keenness for the subject that will grab them.
The LNAT, the law entrance test (and used for several other unis) is designed to be difficult and challenging. You cannot look at a past paper and hope for the best. The canniest candidates will get a book and practice thoroughly, and under timed conditions (you are very likely to run short of time).
Nearly all the sucessful Oxford Demystified chapter writers practised their admissions tests again and again, and by the time they sat it they had a game plan. They knew their strengths and their weaknesses. They knew which were the sections where they could pick up and lose the most marks. They were used to the timings and how much time they could afford to take on each section.
It is interesting how your colleges changed. First you both went to Regent's Park, for your sister
http://www.rpc.ox.ac.uk/
Then you applied to Jesus:
https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/
And you ended up at St Annes
https://www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/
It is very important not to get over invested in one college, as you may not end up there. It doesn't matter, though, because Oxford is Oxford. There are good tutors and fantastic, friendly students at every single college. One you start there, your college will become your family and you will forget you even applied elsewhere!
The LNAT, the law entrance test (and used for several other unis) is designed to be difficult and challenging. You cannot look at a past paper and hope for the best. The canniest candidates will get a book and practice thoroughly, and under timed conditions (you are very likely to run short of time).
Nearly all the sucessful Oxford Demystified chapter writers practised their admissions tests again and again, and by the time they sat it they had a game plan. They knew their strengths and their weaknesses. They knew which were the sections where they could pick up and lose the most marks. They were used to the timings and how much time they could afford to take on each section.
It is interesting how your colleges changed. First you both went to Regent's Park, for your sister
http://www.rpc.ox.ac.uk/
Then you applied to Jesus:
https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/
And you ended up at St Annes
https://www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/
It is very important not to get over invested in one college, as you may not end up there. It doesn't matter, though, because Oxford is Oxford. There are good tutors and fantastic, friendly students at every single college. One you start there, your college will become your family and you will forget you even applied elsewhere!
(edited 3 years ago)
How did you find the interview process? (NO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS PLEASE - this is against TSR guidelines)
I was interviewed initially at Jesus and then St. Anne’s who offered me a place. The interviews themselves were quite daunting and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect really. I remember sitting on this sofa opposite the interviewers and actually being so frightened, not because of them but because I was just like oh my goodness I’ve actually got here and it all hit me at once. My interviews at Jesus were OK, but not brilliant - very discussion based but some of the things they asked I analysed way too much and just sort of answered questions directly rather than giving an explanation of my thoughts. I already knew the latter was what they were looking for. I just sort of forgot it in the Jesus interviews. Luckily, I was reallocated to St Anne’s for a second interview, and these interviews went much much better than the first ones. It was more of a discussion and it seemed like it was more interesting and I actually felt passionate even when discussing matters that aren’t really my favourite. I also liked St Anne’s generally and even though I didn’t stay there I really liked the feel of the place when I walked in - less of the traditional things too which in a way I wasn’t too bothered about.
Any interview tips?
Explain your thoughts - it doesn’t matter whether your ideas sound completely pathetic or irrelevant, just say it. Where possible try and consider multiple angles to a question rather than being focused on one set view, because the whole point of critical thinking is to understand and work with other’s ideas to shape your own. Also just remember it’s not the be all and end all - it’s an opportunity to learn whether you get an offer or not, and essentially just a good experience too.
Did you socialise during interview week? If so, what did you do?
Yes a little bit, but I was actually quite poorly with flu like symptoms at the time and I wasn’t up for going into the centre regularly. I did socialise when I felt more perky, and it was good because it took my mind off the process as a whole really.
How did you feel after the interviews?
To be honest, quite uneasy. The interviews were so different in how I felt they went that I felt as if I was constantly battling between the good and bad things that I did in my mind, but after a week or so I tried to set it to the back of my mind and just try and forget about it over the christmas break.
I was interviewed initially at Jesus and then St. Anne’s who offered me a place. The interviews themselves were quite daunting and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect really. I remember sitting on this sofa opposite the interviewers and actually being so frightened, not because of them but because I was just like oh my goodness I’ve actually got here and it all hit me at once. My interviews at Jesus were OK, but not brilliant - very discussion based but some of the things they asked I analysed way too much and just sort of answered questions directly rather than giving an explanation of my thoughts. I already knew the latter was what they were looking for. I just sort of forgot it in the Jesus interviews. Luckily, I was reallocated to St Anne’s for a second interview, and these interviews went much much better than the first ones. It was more of a discussion and it seemed like it was more interesting and I actually felt passionate even when discussing matters that aren’t really my favourite. I also liked St Anne’s generally and even though I didn’t stay there I really liked the feel of the place when I walked in - less of the traditional things too which in a way I wasn’t too bothered about.
Any interview tips?
Explain your thoughts - it doesn’t matter whether your ideas sound completely pathetic or irrelevant, just say it. Where possible try and consider multiple angles to a question rather than being focused on one set view, because the whole point of critical thinking is to understand and work with other’s ideas to shape your own. Also just remember it’s not the be all and end all - it’s an opportunity to learn whether you get an offer or not, and essentially just a good experience too.
Did you socialise during interview week? If so, what did you do?
Yes a little bit, but I was actually quite poorly with flu like symptoms at the time and I wasn’t up for going into the centre regularly. I did socialise when I felt more perky, and it was good because it took my mind off the process as a whole really.
How did you feel after the interviews?
To be honest, quite uneasy. The interviews were so different in how I felt they went that I felt as if I was constantly battling between the good and bad things that I did in my mind, but after a week or so I tried to set it to the back of my mind and just try and forget about it over the christmas break.
Thank you for explaining the interview process for us. It looks like a "tale of two interviews". During the first one at Jesus, you were scared and overwhelmed because you were aware of how crucial the interview was and you let it get on top of you. It is telling that you did not walk them through your thought process, so you felt it went badly. This is important, because the tutors not only want to know what you are thinking, but how you think. You could say something that is completely wrong, but if you went an interesting way about getting the idea in the first place, it may make the difference between getting a place and being rejected. It is even better if you can think of two sides to the same argument. It shows you can really think outside the box.
With the second interview at St Annes, you had already learned from your mistake. You really got "into" the interview and forgot all this "OMG I'm so frightened" stuff and started to enjoy yourself. This led to a place at a college you had not even considered before. I always say that when it comes to giving out offers, it is the college that chooses you, rather than the other way round.
I absolutely love this insight...
"the whole point of critical thinking is to understand and work with other’s ideas to shape your own"
This is the whole point of Oxford. We should all frame this sentence and hang it on our walls.
As for saying "it's not the be all and end all" to go to Oxford.. it's an oft-repeated sentence but it still holds true. Getting an offer from Oxford is a bonus rather than a right, and you can still become a great lawyer from another university.
Your experience after the interview is very, very common. I have not met a single Oxford student who thought they got a place straight after the interview.
Yes, to all interviewees, it will be a rubbish Christmas. Yes, I got told off by my sons every time I suggested watching an episode of Lewis during this very nail biting time. However there is nothing you can do about it except have another turkey sandwich and wait.
With the second interview at St Annes, you had already learned from your mistake. You really got "into" the interview and forgot all this "OMG I'm so frightened" stuff and started to enjoy yourself. This led to a place at a college you had not even considered before. I always say that when it comes to giving out offers, it is the college that chooses you, rather than the other way round.
I absolutely love this insight...
"the whole point of critical thinking is to understand and work with other’s ideas to shape your own"
This is the whole point of Oxford. We should all frame this sentence and hang it on our walls.
As for saying "it's not the be all and end all" to go to Oxford.. it's an oft-repeated sentence but it still holds true. Getting an offer from Oxford is a bonus rather than a right, and you can still become a great lawyer from another university.
Your experience after the interview is very, very common. I have not met a single Oxford student who thought they got a place straight after the interview.
Yes, to all interviewees, it will be a rubbish Christmas. Yes, I got told off by my sons every time I suggested watching an episode of Lewis during this very nail biting time. However there is nothing you can do about it except have another turkey sandwich and wait.
Where were you when you got your offer? How did you react?
At the time, I was in the middle of mock exams but on the day of Oxford decisions I actually had the day off exams. The postman came way earlier than usual so I actually received my letter at a very similar time to the UCAS track update. My sister also had the same, so it was good to have each other there to support the other. I honestly couldn’t believe it when I found out I got an offer, and it just didn’t feel real. I tried to be happy, but it was difficult because my sister was rejected and quite upset at the time because frankly I could not ever imagine anyone being more passionate about a subject than Fleur is about Theology, so it was hard. Initially, I was happy and of course Fleur was happy for me too but there was an underlying sense of guilt about bringing it up at times, especially when I know it meant so much to her. By the way she is reapplying this year, so you never know she may be with me in 2021!!
If anyone was interested in my stats:
I achieved A*A*A in Spanish, Religious Studies and Biology A-Level, with an A in my EPQ. Also an A in AS-Level Media Studies
At GCSE, I achieved:
9s in Spanish, RS, Biology and Chemistry
8s in Photography, Physics and Maths
7s in Geography, English Language and English Literature
A* in Media Studies
So overall 8 A*s 3 As
I hope this was helpful! If anyone has any questions please feel free to comment and I’ll answer them through Azby
At the time, I was in the middle of mock exams but on the day of Oxford decisions I actually had the day off exams. The postman came way earlier than usual so I actually received my letter at a very similar time to the UCAS track update. My sister also had the same, so it was good to have each other there to support the other. I honestly couldn’t believe it when I found out I got an offer, and it just didn’t feel real. I tried to be happy, but it was difficult because my sister was rejected and quite upset at the time because frankly I could not ever imagine anyone being more passionate about a subject than Fleur is about Theology, so it was hard. Initially, I was happy and of course Fleur was happy for me too but there was an underlying sense of guilt about bringing it up at times, especially when I know it meant so much to her. By the way she is reapplying this year, so you never know she may be with me in 2021!!
If anyone was interested in my stats:
I achieved A*A*A in Spanish, Religious Studies and Biology A-Level, with an A in my EPQ. Also an A in AS-Level Media Studies
At GCSE, I achieved:
9s in Spanish, RS, Biology and Chemistry
8s in Photography, Physics and Maths
7s in Geography, English Language and English Literature
A* in Media Studies
So overall 8 A*s 3 As
I hope this was helpful! If anyone has any questions please feel free to comment and I’ll answer them through Azby
It was thrilling reading how you felt when you got that offer. I cannot imagine, though, how bittersweet that moment was when you realised your sister, Fleur, did not get an offer for Theology. With so many excellent candidates, it is very hard for even the most perceptive teachers to guess who will get an offer and who won't. You say that Fleur is very keen on her subject and I am sure that she has been working very hard to, hopefully, get a better outcome this year. I wish her all the luck in the world.
It was particularly interesting to see that one of your GCSEs was in photography. It just goes to show you don't need a full gamut of 8/9s in traditional subjects to make it to Oxford.
Thank you, Holly, for giving us an insight into your fascinating journey to one of the most coveted courses at Oxford. I hope you will flourish there.
As you can see, I have posted this chapter for Holly, so if you have any questions to ask her, please message her via @azby1098
It was particularly interesting to see that one of your GCSEs was in photography. It just goes to show you don't need a full gamut of 8/9s in traditional subjects to make it to Oxford.
Thank you, Holly, for giving us an insight into your fascinating journey to one of the most coveted courses at Oxford. I hope you will flourish there.
As you can see, I have posted this chapter for Holly, so if you have any questions to ask her, please message her via @azby1098
Here are some resources to help law candidates:
Law faculty website
https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/
LNAT
https://lnat.ac.uk/
Sample Interview questions plus recommended books (but do try to specialise as well)
https://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/questions/law/
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/law
Youtube interview videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8w_BOzlk7E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Het8f7-_UUs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co--IyKJxmE
LNAT and interview guidance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvm-0TeBmqw
Law at Oxford University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ71KuCwhd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UVvapMZekI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiLQUv3E6Lk
Law faculty website
https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/
LNAT
https://lnat.ac.uk/
Sample Interview questions plus recommended books (but do try to specialise as well)
https://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/questions/law/
https://sites.google.com/site/oxbridgeinterviewquestions/law
Youtube interview videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8w_BOzlk7E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Het8f7-_UUs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co--IyKJxmE
LNAT and interview guidance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvm-0TeBmqw
Law at Oxford University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ71KuCwhd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UVvapMZekI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiLQUv3E6Lk
@azby1098
I have only posted this chapter half an hour ago and... 80 VIEWS
I have only posted this chapter half an hour ago and... 80 VIEWS
Original post by Oxford Mum
Woah that’s amazing!! (Holly)
Original post by azby1098
Woah that’s amazing!! (Holly)
@azby1098 It's 120 views now, Holly! You are helping so many people already!
Original post by Oxford Mum
@azby1098 It's 120 views now, Holly! You are helping so many people already!
I’m so glad to hear that!!
)
Hi, as another Oxford mum with a child reading Law & Law Studies Europe, can I also add something on the interview process for people interested in this specific program - as the poster didn't mention whether she tested her on her Spanish skills.
At my son's college, all applicants for the LSE program had to be assessed on the language of the country they chose (unless you are applying for the Netherlands where the LSE course is taught in English). His tutor opened the personal statement interview in French. They then switched to English for the case portion as soon as the tutor was satisfied with his language abilities.
At my son's college, all applicants for the LSE program had to be assessed on the language of the country they chose (unless you are applying for the Netherlands where the LSE course is taught in English). His tutor opened the personal statement interview in French. They then switched to English for the case portion as soon as the tutor was satisfied with his language abilities.
Hi
I know this is 2 years old but have an exact question on the language part at interview for Law with Spanish if anyone can help. I've one who has just finished Cambridge reading languages so know what that language test involved (had a test and a literature analysis section - this was in 2018 for 2019 entry) but my youngest is now looking at Oxford for Law and Spanish (just started L6). I understand they don't need to do the language test prior (they have to do the LNAT of course) but on at least one college website I've seen they will need to do a language and logic test at interview. Does anyone know what that involves and/or can point me to any websites? Also any tips on getting up to speed on Spanish legal issues - will try the newspaper route too. THANKS
I know this is 2 years old but have an exact question on the language part at interview for Law with Spanish if anyone can help. I've one who has just finished Cambridge reading languages so know what that language test involved (had a test and a literature analysis section - this was in 2018 for 2019 entry) but my youngest is now looking at Oxford for Law and Spanish (just started L6). I understand they don't need to do the language test prior (they have to do the LNAT of course) but on at least one college website I've seen they will need to do a language and logic test at interview. Does anyone know what that involves and/or can point me to any websites? Also any tips on getting up to speed on Spanish legal issues - will try the newspaper route too. THANKS
Original post by 3CMUMUK
Hi
I know this is 2 years old but have an exact question on the language part at interview for Law with Spanish if anyone can help. I've one who has just finished Cambridge reading languages so know what that language test involved (had a test and a literature analysis section - this was in 2018 for 2019 entry) but my youngest is now looking at Oxford for Law and Spanish (just started L6). I understand they don't need to do the language test prior (they have to do the LNAT of course) but on at least one college website I've seen they will need to do a language and logic test at interview. Does anyone know what that involves and/or can point me to any websites? Also any tips on getting up to speed on Spanish legal issues - will try the newspaper route too. THANKS
I know this is 2 years old but have an exact question on the language part at interview for Law with Spanish if anyone can help. I've one who has just finished Cambridge reading languages so know what that language test involved (had a test and a literature analysis section - this was in 2018 for 2019 entry) but my youngest is now looking at Oxford for Law and Spanish (just started L6). I understand they don't need to do the language test prior (they have to do the LNAT of course) but on at least one college website I've seen they will need to do a language and logic test at interview. Does anyone know what that involves and/or can point me to any websites? Also any tips on getting up to speed on Spanish legal issues - will try the newspaper route too. THANKS
Hi,
Unless things have changed in recent years...the language test my son took was very casual. He was interviewed in French on some (non-law) aspect of his personal statement by the tutor who is bilingual. When he was more or less satisfied that my son could converse quite fluently, they then switched to English to continue the rest of the interview on some law scenario. That was the extent of the language test. He was not asked about his knowledge of French law (he had none). Remember that the objective is first and foremost to determine whether they will be good law students. I would really focus time and energy on doing very well in the LNAT and reading up on UK law e.g. Guardian law, law in action et al (as that's what they'll be tested on in the interview).
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