Oxford Demystified - making a successful reapplication
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History - BB
My road to Oxford was long-winded and unconventional. I first applied in Year 13 for Magdalen College and got an offer. However, I then missed the grades for that offer (I needed AAA and got A*A*B) and decided to take a gap year and reapply for New College. I managed to get an offer and then re-sat the subject I had gotten a B in (philosophy) and managed to get an A.
Because history is such a vast topic and people will always have their own favourite time periods and topics, there aren’t really any ‘universal’ textbooks that you have to have read. By far the best thing you can do to prepare is to think about what particular topics and subjects you enjoy and then try to pursue your interest in them. For instance some of my favourite subjects at the time of applying were in medieval and Japanese history, so I read up on these subjects.
More generally, it’s a good idea to read one or two books on Historiography (the theory behind history, which asks questions like ‘why study history?’ ‘what should historians study?’ and ‘how should historians study history?’).
Admissions test: Oxford aren’t looking to see how many facts, dates and figures you know, but rather to see how you think when confronted with new ideas. This is true in the HAT and also in the interview.
In both sets of interviews, one of my interviews was on the essay I had submitted as part of my application. In light of this I’d say it’s really important to think carefully about the essay you want to submit: it doesn’t necessarily have to be an essay you’ve done really well on but it should be on a topic that you found interesting and will feel comfortable talking more about in interview.
As I’ve said before, the interviewers are looking to see how you think and respond to new ideas, rather than to see what you know. So just reeling off loads of facts or quotes won’t impress them, much better to say what your views on a topic are and explain them, backing yourself up where necessary with some evidence. The interviewers will be looking to push your argument and so don’t take it as a bad sign if they start disagreeing with something you’ve written: they’re looking to see how you argue.
The interviews are designed to be hard, not scary, so if an interviewer really starts pushing you on a certain issue then don’t take that as a sign that they’re looking to traumatise you, they just want to see how you respond to academically challenging situations. If they disagree with something you’ve written then don’t automatically feel that obliged to disown your argument: if you genuinely think that there is a case to be made then make that case. At the same time though, don’t carry on defending your argument pigheadedly even after they have brought up some evidence/argument which disproves your view, all that shows is that you're stubborn and proud. Additionally, if you’ve changed your mind on what you’ve written between writing the essay and interviews that’s absolutely fine! From experience I can say that I found both of these interviews hard but enjoyable: you get an opportunity to talk with a leading expert on a topic they know a lot about and if you find the interview stimulating but challenging then that’s a good indicator that you’ll enjoy tutorials, two-on-one hour length sessions with an academic which are the principal way in which you’ll be taught at Oxford.
My road to Oxford was long-winded and unconventional. I first applied in Year 13 for Magdalen College and got an offer. However, I then missed the grades for that offer (I needed AAA and got A*A*B) and decided to take a gap year and reapply for New College. I managed to get an offer and then re-sat the subject I had gotten a B in (philosophy) and managed to get an A.
Because history is such a vast topic and people will always have their own favourite time periods and topics, there aren’t really any ‘universal’ textbooks that you have to have read. By far the best thing you can do to prepare is to think about what particular topics and subjects you enjoy and then try to pursue your interest in them. For instance some of my favourite subjects at the time of applying were in medieval and Japanese history, so I read up on these subjects.
More generally, it’s a good idea to read one or two books on Historiography (the theory behind history, which asks questions like ‘why study history?’ ‘what should historians study?’ and ‘how should historians study history?’).
Admissions test: Oxford aren’t looking to see how many facts, dates and figures you know, but rather to see how you think when confronted with new ideas. This is true in the HAT and also in the interview.
In both sets of interviews, one of my interviews was on the essay I had submitted as part of my application. In light of this I’d say it’s really important to think carefully about the essay you want to submit: it doesn’t necessarily have to be an essay you’ve done really well on but it should be on a topic that you found interesting and will feel comfortable talking more about in interview.
As I’ve said before, the interviewers are looking to see how you think and respond to new ideas, rather than to see what you know. So just reeling off loads of facts or quotes won’t impress them, much better to say what your views on a topic are and explain them, backing yourself up where necessary with some evidence. The interviewers will be looking to push your argument and so don’t take it as a bad sign if they start disagreeing with something you’ve written: they’re looking to see how you argue.
The interviews are designed to be hard, not scary, so if an interviewer really starts pushing you on a certain issue then don’t take that as a sign that they’re looking to traumatise you, they just want to see how you respond to academically challenging situations. If they disagree with something you’ve written then don’t automatically feel that obliged to disown your argument: if you genuinely think that there is a case to be made then make that case. At the same time though, don’t carry on defending your argument pigheadedly even after they have brought up some evidence/argument which disproves your view, all that shows is that you're stubborn and proud. Additionally, if you’ve changed your mind on what you’ve written between writing the essay and interviews that’s absolutely fine! From experience I can say that I found both of these interviews hard but enjoyable: you get an opportunity to talk with a leading expert on a topic they know a lot about and if you find the interview stimulating but challenging then that’s a good indicator that you’ll enjoy tutorials, two-on-one hour length sessions with an academic which are the principal way in which you’ll be taught at Oxford.
History and Politics - HisMajesty_Kwabz
Probably the most important advice I would give when writing a personal statement is to be honest. Look at your life in its entirety and pick out the bits that sparked your interest in the subject you've chosen. But I don't mean 'ever since I was young, I've always wanted to do sports science with a foundation year', cos, like... no, you didn't. Shut up.
But I mean mentioning topics that you are 100% sure you are passionate about. This is particularly important because if you are invited to an interview at Oxford, chances are it's because they liked what you wrote on your personal statement, and they want to discuss it with you. Therefore, you need to be able to talk about it!
Admissions test: In terms of techniques and tips for preparing, I would say, first of all, make sure you are familiar with the layout of the exam, as this will definitely help on the day. Make sure you know how long you have to answer the question, as well as how much to write and how long you have to read and annotate the extract.
Whilst you are reading and annotating the extract, make sure to pick out the pieces of the extract that could potentially be the strongest points of your answer. Make sure to give these points the most weight when you are writing - they should be your 1st/2nd main paragraphs. From there, you can write about points that are also interesting, but less relevant. DO NOT try to link to any outside historical knowledge - you will be penalised for this. Only work within the confines of the question.
What was helpful for me was actually doing some of the Cambridge exam past papers! These I found to be much harder than the Oxford ones, as you have to read and analyse two extracts at once and make comparisons between them in order to answer the question. The reason I say this is effective preparation is that this type of exams makes you better at spotting things within the extract you will be given within the HAT test; it sharpens your analysis skills and also allows you to spot similarities and differences within the same extract.
Interviews: - Try and invite different ways of thinking when answering a question - but don't be a pushover and immediately agree with what the interviewer is saying. It's awesome if you can use different theories and interpretations (e.g. Marxist, feminist, liberal) for your answers, but don't religiously stick to them, because you will be expected to think about the merits and flaws of any theory/interpretation you bring up.
- Don't feel pressured to name-drop or talk about any books if you genuinely can't remember anything about them. In my History interview, I was asked a question from my personal statement, and I think they wanted me to talk about a book I had read in order to back up my points. However, I didn't - I used my EPQ instead because I knew much more about that and was more confident talking about it. It proved to be a much better way of answering the question.
Feeling you are not good enough: Out of the 6 people that were applying for History and Politics, I had the lowest predicted grades (AAA). My impostor syndrome came knocking as I began to question myself. I wasn't nearly as accomplished as some of the people I was up against. They all had straight A*A*A* predicted, came from upper-middle-class backgrounds with parents who had previously gone to Oxbridge, and seemed so clued up on historical and political events. When they spoke about politics, they spoke with such conviction and passion that it made me believe I should have just taken that BBB offer from Birmingham, because somewhere like Oxford wasn't for me.
However, I remember the History tutors taking everyone into a room before the interviews and saying 'Well done for believing in yourself and believing you were good enough to apply because so many bright people don't.' Looking at the amazing 4 days I had in Oxford during my interview, it made me realise that, yes, I can make friends here. I can thrive in a place like Oxford, and despite society dictating that someone from my background shouldn't be in a place like this, at the same time, society does not dictate what I believe to be possible for myself. The interviews showed that I was an inch away from getting into one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world, and the overwhelmingly positive experience I had made me hope more and more that I would receive an offer.
Probably the most important advice I would give when writing a personal statement is to be honest. Look at your life in its entirety and pick out the bits that sparked your interest in the subject you've chosen. But I don't mean 'ever since I was young, I've always wanted to do sports science with a foundation year', cos, like... no, you didn't. Shut up.
But I mean mentioning topics that you are 100% sure you are passionate about. This is particularly important because if you are invited to an interview at Oxford, chances are it's because they liked what you wrote on your personal statement, and they want to discuss it with you. Therefore, you need to be able to talk about it!
Admissions test: In terms of techniques and tips for preparing, I would say, first of all, make sure you are familiar with the layout of the exam, as this will definitely help on the day. Make sure you know how long you have to answer the question, as well as how much to write and how long you have to read and annotate the extract.
Whilst you are reading and annotating the extract, make sure to pick out the pieces of the extract that could potentially be the strongest points of your answer. Make sure to give these points the most weight when you are writing - they should be your 1st/2nd main paragraphs. From there, you can write about points that are also interesting, but less relevant. DO NOT try to link to any outside historical knowledge - you will be penalised for this. Only work within the confines of the question.
What was helpful for me was actually doing some of the Cambridge exam past papers! These I found to be much harder than the Oxford ones, as you have to read and analyse two extracts at once and make comparisons between them in order to answer the question. The reason I say this is effective preparation is that this type of exams makes you better at spotting things within the extract you will be given within the HAT test; it sharpens your analysis skills and also allows you to spot similarities and differences within the same extract.
Interviews: - Try and invite different ways of thinking when answering a question - but don't be a pushover and immediately agree with what the interviewer is saying. It's awesome if you can use different theories and interpretations (e.g. Marxist, feminist, liberal) for your answers, but don't religiously stick to them, because you will be expected to think about the merits and flaws of any theory/interpretation you bring up.
- Don't feel pressured to name-drop or talk about any books if you genuinely can't remember anything about them. In my History interview, I was asked a question from my personal statement, and I think they wanted me to talk about a book I had read in order to back up my points. However, I didn't - I used my EPQ instead because I knew much more about that and was more confident talking about it. It proved to be a much better way of answering the question.
Feeling you are not good enough: Out of the 6 people that were applying for History and Politics, I had the lowest predicted grades (AAA). My impostor syndrome came knocking as I began to question myself. I wasn't nearly as accomplished as some of the people I was up against. They all had straight A*A*A* predicted, came from upper-middle-class backgrounds with parents who had previously gone to Oxbridge, and seemed so clued up on historical and political events. When they spoke about politics, they spoke with such conviction and passion that it made me believe I should have just taken that BBB offer from Birmingham, because somewhere like Oxford wasn't for me.
However, I remember the History tutors taking everyone into a room before the interviews and saying 'Well done for believing in yourself and believing you were good enough to apply because so many bright people don't.' Looking at the amazing 4 days I had in Oxford during my interview, it made me realise that, yes, I can make friends here. I can thrive in a place like Oxford, and despite society dictating that someone from my background shouldn't be in a place like this, at the same time, society does not dictate what I believe to be possible for myself. The interviews showed that I was an inch away from getting into one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world, and the overwhelmingly positive experience I had made me hope more and more that I would receive an offer.
Economics and Management - Mona123456
On current affairs: Try and keep up with current affairs and have a general knowledge of big areas of economics, as looking at past papers indicates that most years have had one essay question which is economics based. Big areas of economics in my opinion, that are worth knowing about specifically for the TSA, would be trade, unemployment, tax/benefit systems and fiscal policy, the financial crisis, and inequality. I would personally advise against using too many technical theories or examples/statistics – although these are helpful to include, in the short 30 minutes you have, it’s really important to focus on the exact question they’re asking, so don’t get distracted by including things you’ve memorised, unless they’re fully relevant to your argument. Ensure you take a few minutes to plan the essay and your message/overall argument, and write with that purpose in mind.
On interviews: It was nothing like I expected and exactly like I expected at the same time… this sounds a bit odd, but that’s honestly the best way I can explain it! It was great fun getting to stay in the college and meet fellow interviewees; lots of people were incredibly friendly and the student ambassadors were always on hand to help. There were events on, like games nights and film nights, which were lovely chances to socialise, and the general atmosphere was really pleasant; I’d expected it to be a bit tense/competitive, but it wasn’t like that at all!
I really enjoyed my interviews; parts of them were like a conversation, and contrary to typical myths, there were no horrendously abstract questions at all or anything unreasonable. When I was going down the wrong path, the tutors made suggestions and helped guide me, and when I was doing well, they pushed me to go further and further and explore different ideas I hadn’t considered. I found it a really rewarding and exciting chance to talk to people who were passionate about the same things I was. Granted, I had done lots of reading and kept up with current affairs, but as long as you’re open minded and willing to think out loud and give things a go, I would guess that more often than not, interviews won’t be as bad as you think. You don't need to be an expert and know everything to do well.
On current affairs: Try and keep up with current affairs and have a general knowledge of big areas of economics, as looking at past papers indicates that most years have had one essay question which is economics based. Big areas of economics in my opinion, that are worth knowing about specifically for the TSA, would be trade, unemployment, tax/benefit systems and fiscal policy, the financial crisis, and inequality. I would personally advise against using too many technical theories or examples/statistics – although these are helpful to include, in the short 30 minutes you have, it’s really important to focus on the exact question they’re asking, so don’t get distracted by including things you’ve memorised, unless they’re fully relevant to your argument. Ensure you take a few minutes to plan the essay and your message/overall argument, and write with that purpose in mind.
On interviews: It was nothing like I expected and exactly like I expected at the same time… this sounds a bit odd, but that’s honestly the best way I can explain it! It was great fun getting to stay in the college and meet fellow interviewees; lots of people were incredibly friendly and the student ambassadors were always on hand to help. There were events on, like games nights and film nights, which were lovely chances to socialise, and the general atmosphere was really pleasant; I’d expected it to be a bit tense/competitive, but it wasn’t like that at all!
I really enjoyed my interviews; parts of them were like a conversation, and contrary to typical myths, there were no horrendously abstract questions at all or anything unreasonable. When I was going down the wrong path, the tutors made suggestions and helped guide me, and when I was doing well, they pushed me to go further and further and explore different ideas I hadn’t considered. I found it a really rewarding and exciting chance to talk to people who were passionate about the same things I was. Granted, I had done lots of reading and kept up with current affairs, but as long as you’re open minded and willing to think out loud and give things a go, I would guess that more often than not, interviews won’t be as bad as you think. You don't need to be an expert and know everything to do well.
Chemistry - Skyrunner61
On being rejected
I wasn’t surprised when I got a rejection. I was actually relieved: I knew that had I gotten an offer, I would have felt forced to accept it, and the fact that I had had such a terrible interview experience showed me that Oxford wasn’t the right place for me at that point in time. Interestingly, I later found out that I was borderline (somehow) and that this was the rationale behind my rejection.
As an example, the first time I was interviewing, I was dressed in clothes which were formal but uncomfortable. The second time, I was dressed in my favourite casual outfit.
I had changed my attitude towards Oxford.
In Year 13, I had originally viewed the idea of getting an offer as the ultimate proof I was intelligent, hardworking and loved my subject. This is not true - your worth does not come from the validation of an Oxbridge offer and a rejection isn’t a reflection on your intelligence or your work ethic. Maybe the Oxford tutorial just isn’t the best method of teaching for you, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
In Year 14, I thought of Oxbridge applications more like a roll of the dice. You can do things to weight your application, such as supercurricular activities, but that just increases your chance of success and there’s no way to guarantee that you’re a shoo-in. You never know what the skill level of your competition is, and you might have a bad day. That isn’t to say that Oxford offer holders don’t deserve their offers, more that there are too many qualified applicants and they have to narrow them down based on the information they have.
I had more time to develop my passion for Chemistry.
I wasn’t always set on Chemistry. Although once I fell for it, I fell hard, it doesn’t change the fact that it was a relatively recent interest: it had only been eight months after that point that I had submitted my UCAS application in Year 13. It was 20 months by the second time, so I had more than double the time to make sure it was what I wanted for myself and accumulate experiences. In the course of that year, I had done so many new things that I only kept around a fifth of my original personal statement! That was before anything had really happened on my gap year as well, and a lot happened during that term that I could have added to it.
General advice for reapplicants:
Request feedback and reflect on the experience. Even if the feedback isn’t helpful, try and evaluate how your application could be strengthened and if there’s anything you can improve. You’ve been through the process once before, so you have a better understanding of how it works.
Do something useful with your gap year. Obviously for some subjects it’s harder to do relevant things than for others, but I definitely recommend getting a job of some description for some savings and general life experience. Make sure to study on the side as well so that you don’t get rusty on any relevant skills or knowledge and continue to learn more beyond A-Level.
Most importantly, make sure that you really want to take a gap year and reapply. Applying while not in school is very different to applying in Year 13. You don’t have the same level of support from teachers, your family may not support your decision, and it can be lonely on a gap year while all of your friends are off at uni - this is said by someone who had no choice but to take a gap year! Also, you could still get a rejection in the end. You have to make sure that you can cope with that and that it doesn’t just feel like you’ve wasted a year of your life.
On being rejected
I wasn’t surprised when I got a rejection. I was actually relieved: I knew that had I gotten an offer, I would have felt forced to accept it, and the fact that I had had such a terrible interview experience showed me that Oxford wasn’t the right place for me at that point in time. Interestingly, I later found out that I was borderline (somehow) and that this was the rationale behind my rejection.
As an example, the first time I was interviewing, I was dressed in clothes which were formal but uncomfortable. The second time, I was dressed in my favourite casual outfit.
I had changed my attitude towards Oxford.
In Year 13, I had originally viewed the idea of getting an offer as the ultimate proof I was intelligent, hardworking and loved my subject. This is not true - your worth does not come from the validation of an Oxbridge offer and a rejection isn’t a reflection on your intelligence or your work ethic. Maybe the Oxford tutorial just isn’t the best method of teaching for you, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
In Year 14, I thought of Oxbridge applications more like a roll of the dice. You can do things to weight your application, such as supercurricular activities, but that just increases your chance of success and there’s no way to guarantee that you’re a shoo-in. You never know what the skill level of your competition is, and you might have a bad day. That isn’t to say that Oxford offer holders don’t deserve their offers, more that there are too many qualified applicants and they have to narrow them down based on the information they have.
I had more time to develop my passion for Chemistry.
I wasn’t always set on Chemistry. Although once I fell for it, I fell hard, it doesn’t change the fact that it was a relatively recent interest: it had only been eight months after that point that I had submitted my UCAS application in Year 13. It was 20 months by the second time, so I had more than double the time to make sure it was what I wanted for myself and accumulate experiences. In the course of that year, I had done so many new things that I only kept around a fifth of my original personal statement! That was before anything had really happened on my gap year as well, and a lot happened during that term that I could have added to it.
General advice for reapplicants:
Request feedback and reflect on the experience. Even if the feedback isn’t helpful, try and evaluate how your application could be strengthened and if there’s anything you can improve. You’ve been through the process once before, so you have a better understanding of how it works.
Do something useful with your gap year. Obviously for some subjects it’s harder to do relevant things than for others, but I definitely recommend getting a job of some description for some savings and general life experience. Make sure to study on the side as well so that you don’t get rusty on any relevant skills or knowledge and continue to learn more beyond A-Level.
Most importantly, make sure that you really want to take a gap year and reapply. Applying while not in school is very different to applying in Year 13. You don’t have the same level of support from teachers, your family may not support your decision, and it can be lonely on a gap year while all of your friends are off at uni - this is said by someone who had no choice but to take a gap year! Also, you could still get a rejection in the end. You have to make sure that you can cope with that and that it doesn’t just feel like you’ve wasted a year of your life.
(edited 3 years ago)
Biochemistry - Diamantes
On the personal statement: From everything I mentioned, I made sure to link it back to biochemistry, why I find it interesting and what I learnt from it - one thing they really like to see is that you've decided to look further into something, for example you read a book and one topic in it really sparked your interest, so you decided to watch a documentary on that topic to learn more about it and then after that perhaps decided to make it your EPQ topic! This thought process shows your motivation in your subject and shows you have the capability for independent study and research that you'll need when studying at degree level, particularly at Oxford.
Interviews: I was originally quite stressed, after being initially in shock about getting an interview, I began to panic about what to wear, how I'd be expected to act, whether everyone would be from a fancy private school and I'd look terribly out of place, whether I'd be the only black person at the college for interviews at the time etc etc. As I mentioned earlier, I almost didn't go to my interviews because of all of this but I could not have been more wrong! All the interviewees were so diverse and friendly and I felt very welcome instantly - I did get asked a few times "what school I went to" as if the expectation was that it would be a well known private school one but people are just trying to make conversation, they don't mean any harm by it!
Don't feel the need to prepare an amazing question for the end of the interview when they ask if you have any questions - I didn't ask any and didn't know this was a thing until I got there.
On the personal statement: From everything I mentioned, I made sure to link it back to biochemistry, why I find it interesting and what I learnt from it - one thing they really like to see is that you've decided to look further into something, for example you read a book and one topic in it really sparked your interest, so you decided to watch a documentary on that topic to learn more about it and then after that perhaps decided to make it your EPQ topic! This thought process shows your motivation in your subject and shows you have the capability for independent study and research that you'll need when studying at degree level, particularly at Oxford.
Interviews: I was originally quite stressed, after being initially in shock about getting an interview, I began to panic about what to wear, how I'd be expected to act, whether everyone would be from a fancy private school and I'd look terribly out of place, whether I'd be the only black person at the college for interviews at the time etc etc. As I mentioned earlier, I almost didn't go to my interviews because of all of this but I could not have been more wrong! All the interviewees were so diverse and friendly and I felt very welcome instantly - I did get asked a few times "what school I went to" as if the expectation was that it would be a well known private school one but people are just trying to make conversation, they don't mean any harm by it!
Don't feel the need to prepare an amazing question for the end of the interview when they ask if you have any questions - I didn't ask any and didn't know this was a thing until I got there.
Original post by azby1098
Ahh Dobbo & OM!! Thank you so much this is brilliant
our pleasure
PPE - Utilitarianism
On enjoying the interviews - I LOVED it! The interviews made me fall in love with my subject and Oxford even more. I was terrified beforehand, but after my first interview, I was so excited for the rest of them – there is such a thrill to thinking on your feet and sparring with an esteemed academic about the most bizarre questions. I could not really have prepared for any of the questions – as soon as the interviewers thought I had read about a topic before, they moved onto something else. Therefore, the interviews were mostly based on problem solving and thinking skills, but my preparation did help me feel relaxed and confident in that I had done all I could to succeed.
On enjoying the interviews - I LOVED it! The interviews made me fall in love with my subject and Oxford even more. I was terrified beforehand, but after my first interview, I was so excited for the rest of them – there is such a thrill to thinking on your feet and sparring with an esteemed academic about the most bizarre questions. I could not really have prepared for any of the questions – as soon as the interviewers thought I had read about a topic before, they moved onto something else. Therefore, the interviews were mostly based on problem solving and thinking skills, but my preparation did help me feel relaxed and confident in that I had done all I could to succeed.
Whilst I commend Dobbo for his perseverance, and congratulate him on it paying off, I think this thread promotes an unhealthy narrative. I was rejected from Oxford and ended up studying elsewhere, and in the long run it has paid off - the study of the classics at Oxford is very much rooted in the past, I ended up at another university where the course allowed me to engage with the reception of the classical world in modern day society. This has informed much of my research interests, and opened doors for me to apply to 'Oxbridge' for postgraduate degrees if I choose to in the future.
Oxford is undoubtedly an amazing institution and would offer a brilliant educational experience, but lots of other universities would too - in my case I was able to study areas of my interest that I wouldn't have been able to at Oxford. Reapply once if you have your heart set on it, but reapplying multiple times, changing course/ colleges until you are offered a place is not a healthy approach. Rejection happens for a reason - imagine putting your life on hold for years for one university, going to that university and hating it or not doing very well. I can see the reasons behind this thread, but I think it is also important to shed positivity on the other universities in the UK.
I don't think it is wise to suggest to impressionable young people to change courses until they can get into Oxford. Going to university is all about expanding your horizons/ extending your depth of understanding in your chosen subject, its not about doing a subject you're not that passionate about so you can go to a university with a big name. I would much rather do my favourite subject at another university, than have to compromise and do another subject just so I can get into Oxford, even if it is Oxford.
To anyone who has been rejected from Oxford: your life isn't over just because you didn't get in. You don't have to go to Oxford to be successful. University is what you make it, don't fall into the trap of thinking its Oxbridge or nothing.
Oxford is undoubtedly an amazing institution and would offer a brilliant educational experience, but lots of other universities would too - in my case I was able to study areas of my interest that I wouldn't have been able to at Oxford. Reapply once if you have your heart set on it, but reapplying multiple times, changing course/ colleges until you are offered a place is not a healthy approach. Rejection happens for a reason - imagine putting your life on hold for years for one university, going to that university and hating it or not doing very well. I can see the reasons behind this thread, but I think it is also important to shed positivity on the other universities in the UK.
I don't think it is wise to suggest to impressionable young people to change courses until they can get into Oxford. Going to university is all about expanding your horizons/ extending your depth of understanding in your chosen subject, its not about doing a subject you're not that passionate about so you can go to a university with a big name. I would much rather do my favourite subject at another university, than have to compromise and do another subject just so I can get into Oxford, even if it is Oxford.
To anyone who has been rejected from Oxford: your life isn't over just because you didn't get in. You don't have to go to Oxford to be successful. University is what you make it, don't fall into the trap of thinking its Oxbridge or nothing.
(edited 3 years ago)
Experimental Psychology - Edgelord123
On using persistence to get work:
I should mention that I had no contacts with anyone to do with psychology/psychiatry so it was challenging to find people to talk to. I’ve emailed about 40 different people asking for work experience and about 4 said yes. So just keep trying! Someone will reply.
On speaking to experts: About this time last year I read a book called Stutter by Marc Shell in which Shell talked about his own experiences as a stutter and the social stigma surrounding speech impediments. I managed to find his email address and I had a skype call with him! This was very inspiring as I felt like we could connect due to our shared experience of stuttering. I learned so much and was challenged on so many of my opinions/preconceptions. If you can contact an author you love, I would highly recommend doing it! There will be someone out there willing to discuss their work with you.
On enjoying the interview: I feel strange saying this but I really enjoyed the interview process. Yes it was very stressful, and I found myself on the brink of tears a couple of times (although I managed to stop myself). But it was amazing to have such complex discussions with professionals about a subject I love so much. I learned so many things and was really challenged in my thinking, but I decided beforehand to try and take being challenged positively rather than being threatened in my viewpoint. It actually goes so quickly, and you might come out feeling like you didn’t get to say everything you wanted to say, or at least that’s what I found. Generally it was different to what I expected, but in a good way!
Comments by EL_21 on interview:
Don’t be put off for not being an “Oxford type”, I went down there for interviews and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all (although I did get lost due to an archway looking like a dead end and showed up late to the introductory thing, very embarrassing, like I had to knock on the door which was answered by one of the interviewers (who was really nice) and walk in while the room of people stared at me ), and I completely forgot I was at such a prestigious uni as everyone I talked to was friendly and down to earth.
Comments by eaa about personal statement:
I think this is important as talking about too many books in a PS may often seem as if you are reciting what the tutors may already know, discussing your standpoint shows that you can think critically and you aren’t just reading for the sake of it.
My main tips for personal statements is to not be afraid of redoing and redoing (I had about 17 drafts), to take to a teacher that you know will be harsh and to make sure that every sentence conveys your love for the subject without you saying “I am passionate”. Also, try to link psychology to things that my not seem to blatantly link.
On the TSA score: I was actually below the mean which shows that the TSA isn’t everything.
On using persistence to get work:
I should mention that I had no contacts with anyone to do with psychology/psychiatry so it was challenging to find people to talk to. I’ve emailed about 40 different people asking for work experience and about 4 said yes. So just keep trying! Someone will reply.
On speaking to experts: About this time last year I read a book called Stutter by Marc Shell in which Shell talked about his own experiences as a stutter and the social stigma surrounding speech impediments. I managed to find his email address and I had a skype call with him! This was very inspiring as I felt like we could connect due to our shared experience of stuttering. I learned so much and was challenged on so many of my opinions/preconceptions. If you can contact an author you love, I would highly recommend doing it! There will be someone out there willing to discuss their work with you.
On enjoying the interview: I feel strange saying this but I really enjoyed the interview process. Yes it was very stressful, and I found myself on the brink of tears a couple of times (although I managed to stop myself). But it was amazing to have such complex discussions with professionals about a subject I love so much. I learned so many things and was really challenged in my thinking, but I decided beforehand to try and take being challenged positively rather than being threatened in my viewpoint. It actually goes so quickly, and you might come out feeling like you didn’t get to say everything you wanted to say, or at least that’s what I found. Generally it was different to what I expected, but in a good way!
Comments by EL_21 on interview:
Don’t be put off for not being an “Oxford type”, I went down there for interviews and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all (although I did get lost due to an archway looking like a dead end and showed up late to the introductory thing, very embarrassing, like I had to knock on the door which was answered by one of the interviewers (who was really nice) and walk in while the room of people stared at me ), and I completely forgot I was at such a prestigious uni as everyone I talked to was friendly and down to earth.
Comments by eaa about personal statement:
I think this is important as talking about too many books in a PS may often seem as if you are reciting what the tutors may already know, discussing your standpoint shows that you can think critically and you aren’t just reading for the sake of it.
My main tips for personal statements is to not be afraid of redoing and redoing (I had about 17 drafts), to take to a teacher that you know will be harsh and to make sure that every sentence conveys your love for the subject without you saying “I am passionate”. Also, try to link psychology to things that my not seem to blatantly link.
On the TSA score: I was actually below the mean which shows that the TSA isn’t everything.
History and Economics - Historicism
On interviews: My main advice for the interviews would be to try as hard as possible to relax, think logically and aloud if possible, and to avoid over-analysing your own performance. I think I tailed off towards the end of my History interview because I was so convinced that I'd completely thrown my chances of admission away. It's important to remember that, while the interviews can seem like the "final hurdle", your performance at interview is just one of many factors that the tutors will use to assess your application. After all, how much of the decision can reasonably be based on what, in my case, was 40 minutes in total of conversation?
On interviews: My main advice for the interviews would be to try as hard as possible to relax, think logically and aloud if possible, and to avoid over-analysing your own performance. I think I tailed off towards the end of my History interview because I was so convinced that I'd completely thrown my chances of admission away. It's important to remember that, while the interviews can seem like the "final hurdle", your performance at interview is just one of many factors that the tutors will use to assess your application. After all, how much of the decision can reasonably be based on what, in my case, was 40 minutes in total of conversation?
Physics and Philosophy - Petrolhead 008
On interviews - If you answer a question without any help, that’s great and will certainly look good. But in my opinion, the interview only really starts when they ask you something which you have no idea how to tackle. Then they give you a few hints and they want to see how you use them. They want to see how teachable you are, how you react to help, whether when you’re stuck you know why you’re stuck (e.g. what piece of information might you need to solve this problem?).
On interviews - If you answer a question without any help, that’s great and will certainly look good. But in my opinion, the interview only really starts when they ask you something which you have no idea how to tackle. Then they give you a few hints and they want to see how you use them. They want to see how teachable you are, how you react to help, whether when you’re stuck you know why you’re stuck (e.g. what piece of information might you need to solve this problem?).
Maths sole - Darth Caedus
On personal statement: Mainly, make sure it’s your personal statement. It doesn’t matter what other people write in theirs, or what the internet Maths example personal statements say - your personal statement should put across who you are, and what you think Maths is about, not anyone else’s opinions. However, as it doesn’t seem to be a huge part of the application process for Maths, don’t prioritise it - once you’re happy, don’t worry, because MAT and interview prep will make much more of a difference to your application.
On personal statement: Mainly, make sure it’s your personal statement. It doesn’t matter what other people write in theirs, or what the internet Maths example personal statements say - your personal statement should put across who you are, and what you think Maths is about, not anyone else’s opinions. However, as it doesn’t seem to be a huge part of the application process for Maths, don’t prioritise it - once you’re happy, don’t worry, because MAT and interview prep will make much more of a difference to your application.
Human Sciences - Siobha
On personal statement: They know you are applying to other universities and probably other courses. Writing a statement for HumSci can feel confusing because of the diversity of the course itself and how very few people apply for it at all 5 universities. If, for example, you are applying to four psychology courses but human sciences at Oxford, write about psychology. If you are applying to anthropology, neuroscience, genetics, biology, you name it… write about it. You don’t have to even name human sciences in your personal statement. Having a niche interest can actually really help focus your statement and cut out waffle.
(Personally, I did mention Human Sciences in my statement, but a lot of what I wrote was anthropological and I only had a small section dedicated to science.)
Show rather than tell. Whenever you want to make a statement such as “I am passionate about Human Sciences”, take a moment to consider WHY you are. Once you have done that, take the sentence out and write your reasons. Empty statements don’t benefit you, and the admissions team will have no more idea about why they should choose you for this subject than they did before they started reading.
Get others to read through it. They don’t have to be experts in your subject to be helpful, but I can guarantee they will spot errors that you will have missed. Whether it’s a teacher, a parent or a friend, hand it over and just let them read. I would advise caution here though; constructive criticism is great, and it will improve your PS. However, the more alterations and different opinions you take on board, the more your statement will deviate from your own voice. You don’t want to sound like a robot!
On interviews: I had been warned by other applicants that my second interviewer would be acting as the ‘bad cop’- aka, he would be pushing me much harder than the other had. I found that hard to believe because he was so lovely in our briefing, but once I got in there it was a different ballgame! I tried not to let it get to me and continued to approach the questions in the same way as I would for any other interviewer, and clearly it must have gone better than I thought it had. I did make a very silly mistake in this one, calling South America ‘South Africa’ by accident, and it preyed on my mind for far too long! Everyone else I spoke to had said things they thought were silly as well though. It is ok to slip up and it proves you are human.
On personal statement: They know you are applying to other universities and probably other courses. Writing a statement for HumSci can feel confusing because of the diversity of the course itself and how very few people apply for it at all 5 universities. If, for example, you are applying to four psychology courses but human sciences at Oxford, write about psychology. If you are applying to anthropology, neuroscience, genetics, biology, you name it… write about it. You don’t have to even name human sciences in your personal statement. Having a niche interest can actually really help focus your statement and cut out waffle.
(Personally, I did mention Human Sciences in my statement, but a lot of what I wrote was anthropological and I only had a small section dedicated to science.)
Show rather than tell. Whenever you want to make a statement such as “I am passionate about Human Sciences”, take a moment to consider WHY you are. Once you have done that, take the sentence out and write your reasons. Empty statements don’t benefit you, and the admissions team will have no more idea about why they should choose you for this subject than they did before they started reading.
Get others to read through it. They don’t have to be experts in your subject to be helpful, but I can guarantee they will spot errors that you will have missed. Whether it’s a teacher, a parent or a friend, hand it over and just let them read. I would advise caution here though; constructive criticism is great, and it will improve your PS. However, the more alterations and different opinions you take on board, the more your statement will deviate from your own voice. You don’t want to sound like a robot!
On interviews: I had been warned by other applicants that my second interviewer would be acting as the ‘bad cop’- aka, he would be pushing me much harder than the other had. I found that hard to believe because he was so lovely in our briefing, but once I got in there it was a different ballgame! I tried not to let it get to me and continued to approach the questions in the same way as I would for any other interviewer, and clearly it must have gone better than I thought it had. I did make a very silly mistake in this one, calling South America ‘South Africa’ by accident, and it preyed on my mind for far too long! Everyone else I spoke to had said things they thought were silly as well though. It is ok to slip up and it proves you are human.
Music - The_Lonely_Goatherd
Interview tips
Always be yourself at the interviews and in the personal statement. If they don’t like you, then **** them – that’s the attitude you need to have
Don't be afraid of applying to competitive colleges, and don't let the competition at interviews faze you. I was up against the BBC Young Musician/Young Composer of the Year, Mark Simpson, but he didn't get in and I did
Re-read your personal statement and written work before you head to Oxford for your interviews. I’d recommend taking printed copies so that it’s all fresh in your memory
Think aloud and don’t be afraid of getting the answer wrong. Tutors are less interested in whether the answer is right, than the journey your mind went on to come to that conclusion
The performance test at interview is nothing to worry about: it’s just a formality. Oxford don’t care whether you’re a good performer or not
So no need to get nervous!
Interview tips
Always be yourself at the interviews and in the personal statement. If they don’t like you, then **** them – that’s the attitude you need to have
Don't be afraid of applying to competitive colleges, and don't let the competition at interviews faze you. I was up against the BBC Young Musician/Young Composer of the Year, Mark Simpson, but he didn't get in and I did
Re-read your personal statement and written work before you head to Oxford for your interviews. I’d recommend taking printed copies so that it’s all fresh in your memory
Think aloud and don’t be afraid of getting the answer wrong. Tutors are less interested in whether the answer is right, than the journey your mind went on to come to that conclusion
The performance test at interview is nothing to worry about: it’s just a formality. Oxford don’t care whether you’re a good performer or not
So no need to get nervous!Engineering - Nemesis Rider
One anecdote from the process: use the rubber duck test. In my final statement, I alluded to some sensitive subject matter regarding ethics within engineering, but initially went into too much detail. Thankfully, on the UNIQ course I talked to the group leader who gave me some good advice which encouraged me to tone down this aspect. Pretend you have, or acquire, a rubber duck: do you feel comfortable reading aloud this part of your personal statement to your rubber duck? If the answer is no, then it could be too controversial and may be of greater risk than benefit to your application. Alternatively, consult teachers/subject specialists to see their views.
Admissions test: If you have just completed a PAT paper (or the real exam) and found it hard, do not be worried! Public domain statistics indicate that Oxford require higher scores on the PAT from physics applicants than engineering. Whilst it is still important, engineering applicants have greater room for error on the paper. Personally, I walked out of my PAT in an awful state of mind. I thought it had gone at best below average despite my large volume of preparation and was concerned it might jeopardize my chances. Yet, I was still able to obtain an offer.
Interview: A general piece of advice from my application: any time you spend worrying could be spent studying. Often applicants aren’t quite sure how to practice for admissions tests and interviews, so they don’t practice and are left feeling slightly helpless when the day comes. If the practice feels like hard work or a struggle, it’s probably an indicator that you’re studying the right things and improving yourself. Don’t feel ashamed if you get stuck and have to reach out to peers, parents or teachers for support with work – this is totally normal and will help you learn.
One anecdote from the process: use the rubber duck test. In my final statement, I alluded to some sensitive subject matter regarding ethics within engineering, but initially went into too much detail. Thankfully, on the UNIQ course I talked to the group leader who gave me some good advice which encouraged me to tone down this aspect. Pretend you have, or acquire, a rubber duck: do you feel comfortable reading aloud this part of your personal statement to your rubber duck? If the answer is no, then it could be too controversial and may be of greater risk than benefit to your application. Alternatively, consult teachers/subject specialists to see their views.
Admissions test: If you have just completed a PAT paper (or the real exam) and found it hard, do not be worried! Public domain statistics indicate that Oxford require higher scores on the PAT from physics applicants than engineering. Whilst it is still important, engineering applicants have greater room for error on the paper. Personally, I walked out of my PAT in an awful state of mind. I thought it had gone at best below average despite my large volume of preparation and was concerned it might jeopardize my chances. Yet, I was still able to obtain an offer.
Interview: A general piece of advice from my application: any time you spend worrying could be spent studying. Often applicants aren’t quite sure how to practice for admissions tests and interviews, so they don’t practice and are left feeling slightly helpless when the day comes. If the practice feels like hard work or a struggle, it’s probably an indicator that you’re studying the right things and improving yourself. Don’t feel ashamed if you get stuck and have to reach out to peers, parents or teachers for support with work – this is totally normal and will help you learn.
Maths and Computer Science - Drummersbrother
On interviews: Don’t be afraid to try multiple approaches! A risk when trying to solve a problem is getting “stuck” in some single way of thinking about it. When this happens the interviewers will usually give you a hint/clue to let you progress, but by reframing the problem/choosing another way of attacking it you show even greater mathematical understanding. Don’t let this hinder you from properly trying to solve the problem though.
On interviews: Don’t be afraid to try multiple approaches! A risk when trying to solve a problem is getting “stuck” in some single way of thinking about it. When this happens the interviewers will usually give you a hint/clue to let you progress, but by reframing the problem/choosing another way of attacking it you show even greater mathematical understanding. Don’t let this hinder you from properly trying to solve the problem though.
Oriental Studies - Japanese - Idunnwithlife
Top Tips:
TIPS:
Read what interests you, as you most likely won’t remember what doesn’t interest you.
If you’re doing an online course, pick one interests you, as they are a lot of commitment.
Always read critical/ scholarly articles/ book reviews after reading a book you plan to discuss. you can access them easily on google
https://www.reddit.com/r/IllegalLife...t_free_ebooks/
Make sure you actually read your books, as if you get asked about it, they will challenge your knowledge.
Start building a portfolio as soon as you can. Compile all useful information you gather, as this saves a lot of time later on when you need to recall something.
Top Tips:
TIPS:
Read what interests you, as you most likely won’t remember what doesn’t interest you.
If you’re doing an online course, pick one interests you, as they are a lot of commitment.
Always read critical/ scholarly articles/ book reviews after reading a book you plan to discuss. you can access them easily on google
https://www.reddit.com/r/IllegalLife...t_free_ebooks/
Make sure you actually read your books, as if you get asked about it, they will challenge your knowledge.
Start building a portfolio as soon as you can. Compile all useful information you gather, as this saves a lot of time later on when you need to recall something.
Original post by lilydrinkwater
Whilst I commend Dobbo for his perseverance, and congratulate him on it paying off, I think this thread promotes an unhealthy narrative. I was rejected from Oxford and ended up studying elsewhere, and in the long run it has paid off - the study of the classics at Oxford is very much rooted in the past, I ended up at another university where the course allowed me to engage with the reception of the classical world in modern day society. This has informed much of my research interests, and opened doors for me to apply to 'Oxbridge' for postgraduate degrees if I choose to in the future.
Oxford is undoubtedly an amazing institution and would offer a brilliant educational experience, but lots of other universities would too - in my case I was able to study areas of my interest that I wouldn't have been able to at Oxford. Reapply once if you have your heart set on it, but reapplying multiple times, changing course/ colleges until you are offered a place is not a healthy approach. Rejection happens for a reason - imagine putting your life on hold for years for one university, going to that university and hating it or not doing very well. I can see the reasons behind this thread, but I think it is also important to shed positivity on the other universities in the UK.
I don't think it is wise to suggest to impressionable young people to change courses until they can get into Oxford. Going to university is all about expanding your horizons/ extending your depth of understanding in your chosen subject, its not about doing a subject you're not that passionate about so you can go to a university with a big name. I would much rather do my favourite subject at another university, than have to compromise and do another subject just so I can get into Oxford, even if it is Oxford.
To anyone who has been rejected from Oxford: your life isn't over just because you didn't get in. You don't have to go to Oxford to be successful. University is what you make it, don't fall into the trap of thinking its Oxbridge or nothing.
Oxford is undoubtedly an amazing institution and would offer a brilliant educational experience, but lots of other universities would too - in my case I was able to study areas of my interest that I wouldn't have been able to at Oxford. Reapply once if you have your heart set on it, but reapplying multiple times, changing course/ colleges until you are offered a place is not a healthy approach. Rejection happens for a reason - imagine putting your life on hold for years for one university, going to that university and hating it or not doing very well. I can see the reasons behind this thread, but I think it is also important to shed positivity on the other universities in the UK.
I don't think it is wise to suggest to impressionable young people to change courses until they can get into Oxford. Going to university is all about expanding your horizons/ extending your depth of understanding in your chosen subject, its not about doing a subject you're not that passionate about so you can go to a university with a big name. I would much rather do my favourite subject at another university, than have to compromise and do another subject just so I can get into Oxford, even if it is Oxford.
To anyone who has been rejected from Oxford: your life isn't over just because you didn't get in. You don't have to go to Oxford to be successful. University is what you make it, don't fall into the trap of thinking its Oxbridge or nothing.
I can understand your point of view. My sons were aware that I did not have the financial resources to keep them at home for another year. We had discussed this, and also because of the stress they went through first time (especially the medic) we all came to the sensible point of view that if they did not get an offer, they should accept their offer elsewhere. Both sons had absolutely no problem with this.
However I have heard from many people in younger son's college who either reapplied themselves, or knew someone who had, successfully. 13 people this year alone, on the Oxford 2021 thread, have re-applied successfully to Oxford.
Yes, some apply for a different subject, but if they enjoy that other subject, why not? As Dobbo so rightly says, on reflection there were parts of the PPE syllabus he was not sure he liked. He had always enjoyed his Theology debates at school and he really loved the look of the Theology and Religion course. After he had changed course, he actually felt that it was a better fit.
Also my elder son wanted to apply to Law with Law Studies in Europe (German). To be honest, he had no real interest in the law, but only really applied there because he thought it sounded prestigious, and that it was going to get him a well paid job (the very worst reasons, I am sure you will agree, to apply).
In the end, his brother demonstrated to him that he was, in actual fact, fantastic at literature (he got 100 UMS at AS level in one of the two English papers). Furthermore he pointed out the acceptance rates for both courses, and that helped to cement his decision to swap to German sole. He still loves watching costume dramas etc on TV and critiques them like a good 'un all the way through. Never, in all his four years at Oxford, did he say he missed the chance to study law there.
I agree that people shouldn't change to another course just for the sake of it. If they do not have any interest in the new course, it will shine (or rather not shine) through on their PS and every other aspect of their application.
Switching courses really is a "thing" on SOME reapplications. For example I know people who
Switched from Cambridge Law to Oxford History and Politics
Switched from Latin to Law (both at Oxford)
Switched colleges but same subject (much more common approach).
All of those who switched to another subject concluded that they are now much happier with their new subject.
Yes, Dobbo applied many times. However he has some excellent tips on how to change your application, which he only really twigged at the last moment between the fourth and the fifth times. This is the information he is posting here. It will help many reapplicants. He was supported and cheered all the way through the Oxford 2021 thread and there were tears of joy from him, me and many others when he received an unconditional offer. The important thing is he did not do the same thing, time after time, expecting a different result (to paraphrase Einstein)
Of course, nobody is guaranteed an offer, whether they are applying for the first, or second time.
All of the above views are valid and need to be explained for all those who are applying again.
It is risky to reapply, and is not easy at all on the mental health, but there are still those who wish to do so, and I am using the Oxford Demystified chapters (most of whom got in first time) to help reapplicants to get the fullest help possible. Also the information on this thread can certainly be helpful for first time applicants as well as re-applicants.
I am glad that you are excited about your new course. This is a healthy attitude to have. However those who really insist on reapplying are those people that we are writing this chapter for.
@9dobbo1
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by Axispower1
Can I ask about postgraduate reapplications?
I am sorry, I only have resources about undergraduate applications, which I have used for this chapter.
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