Official Oxford 2022 Postgraduate Applicants Thread

Hello, can someone with an experience of the admission process assist me with this: I got in last year but had to withdraw my application due to last minute personal reasons. I am applying again with the same personal statement and statement of purpose just with minor edits and revisions. Is that okay? Or do I have to write a new PS/ SOP? ( I already did) but I am still quite passionate about what was written in my last one and will like to explore the research I planned on studying.

Thank you.

I just submitted my application for a DPhil in the History of Art. I have 2 masters degrees, one in Art History and one in Adult and Higher Education, both with a 4.0 gpa (I am in the USA). My undergraduate degree from over 20 years ago is not so great at a 3.25 gpa. I did reach out to the department a while ago to see if I would be considered a competitive applicant because of my undergrad gpa. Luckily, they said that it would be considered and I should apply. However, I did not contact a potential supervisor as they said on the website that it was not necessary. I hope that does not hurt my chances. Does anyone know if it does? I also chose Magdalen as my college because they offer 2 years of guaranteed graduate student accommodation. Being from the USA, living in a college is pretty important. Good luck to all who have applied!

Hi, I am also reapplying this year however am in a slightly different position as I didn't get a place, only onto the waiting list. I've changed my application materials quite a bit, mainly because my research interests changed and became more relevant to the course since my first application. Also, because I only got onto the waiting list, I requested a copy of my assessment form, which had some limited feedback, which I have tried to improve upon this time round. Most of these things are particular to my situation and so my advice would be that, if there are things that have changed to make you a more competitive candidate then it is definitely worth updating your application materials with that information. I'd also recommend asking others to look at your materials (particularly academics that taught you and know your research) in case they spot anything that they think is worth adding in or editing slightly. But otherwise, I think you should be confident with the work that you submitted last year because that got you onto the course in the first place. So don't feel like you need to change it for the sake of changing it.

Best of luck with your application!

Hi, I am also reapplying this year however am in a slightly different position as I didn't get a place, only onto the waiting list. I've changed my application materials quite a bit, mainly because my research interests changed and became more relevant to the course since my first application. Also, because I only got onto the waiting list, I requested a copy of my assessment form, which had some limited feedback, which I have tried to improve upon this time round. Most of these things are particular to my situation and so my advice would be that, if there are things that have changed to make you a more competitive candidate then it is definitely worth updating your application materials with that information. I'd also recommend asking others to look at your materials (particularly academics that taught you and know your research) in case they spot anything that they think is worth adding in or editing slightly. But otherwise, I think you should be confident with the work that you submitted last year because that got you onto the course in the first place. So don't feel like you need to change it for the sake of changing it.

Best of luck with your application!

Can you tell us about that limited feedback?

Just got an email from Oxford graduate admissions notifying that oriental studies has changed their policy on interviews (at least for the DPhil) this year and applicants might be invited for an interview. I don't know when was the last time they interviewed people, but if anyone has had interview experiences with this faculty or other departments as well, could they share some thoughts on interviews for DPhil applications?

Hi, this might not be relevant but just in case it is I thought I'd mention it. I currently work for a university's careers service and we offer interview practice for students up to three years after they've graduated. I imagine that this sort of thing would be offered by most careers services and so it could be a good idea to check out what the university that you attend(ed) offers in terms of interview support as it could be useful.

Prospective course: MSt Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Achieved (or expected) grade: First Class
Nationality: British
Current (or last) university: University of Nottingham
Current (or last) course: BSc Psychology and Philosophy
College preferences: Jesus College
Other universities you’re applying to: UCL, LSE

Has anyone submitted their DPhil application for the December deadline? Just submitted my application on Thursday, so nervous!

Mine is January deadline, but yes I have submitted the application! Can I ask what your area is?