AMA- Oxford Physics Undergrad
I’m an undergrad physicist and an international student at the University of Oxford. I managed to do quite well on the PAT (60-70) and on my interviews. I’m having a lot of fun and am thriving in Uni- academically and otherwise.
This post is to give everyone applying to do physics in the UK a chance to ask questions on any relevant topics- the admissions process, the PAT, preparation tips and guidelines, interviews and so on. Ask away!
This post is to give everyone applying to do physics in the UK a chance to ask questions on any relevant topics- the admissions process, the PAT, preparation tips and guidelines, interviews and so on. Ask away!
Reply 1
Hey, I'm a prospective applicant for next year 
How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!
How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!
Reply 2
Ujj D
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Original post
by nymeriaaHey, I'm a prospective applicant for next year
How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!
How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!
It totally depends on how confident you are! My advice would be to look at a PAT paper right now and just skim through it to see how hard it is for you. If you think you’d be able to manage 60+ then perhaps you don’t need a lot of preparation- a couple of weeks before the exam should do. Otherwise, you may need to spend a month or so.
I did a bunch of past papers and used a lot of UniAdmissions resources. I’ve linked them below, check them out. They’re cheap and super helpful. Hope that helps!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877
Reply 3
If you've considered life after uni yet, what kind of career prospects are there for physics?
Reply 4
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Original post
by penguingirl18If you've considered life after uni yet, what kind of career prospects are there for physics?
Most people who do physics and are genuinely passionate about getting into physics in the future do a PHD after completing their masters. This is to specialise in a field and then be able to enter academia.
However, a lot of people also transfer to other fields. Physicists are smart and the world knows that, so they’re hired in all sorts of industries- especially finance.
Reply 5
if someone missed Oxford physics place, is it worth taking a gap year? or accept durham or imperial physics place?
Reply 6
Original post
by Anonymous #1if someone missed Oxford physics place, is it worth taking a gap year? or accept durham or imperial physics place?
I would accept either Imperial or Durham.
Reply 7
Original post
by thegeek888I would accept either Imperial or Durham.
is it because there is not much difference in these uni courses? or there is less chance to be in oxford physics after gap year?
Reply 8
Original post
by Anonymous #1is it because there is not much difference in these uni courses? or there is less chance to be in oxford physics after gap year?
They are world famous universities. However, I would only re-apply to Oxford University if you achieve A star A star A grades in Maths, Physics and Further Maths. 🙂
Reply 9
Hi, I received a conditional offer 🥳 to study mphys at LMH. I am currently doing the IB and my HLs are Physics, Chem, MAA. I wanted to ask if there is anything I should do in advance to prepare—any readings/topics and resources recommended for practice. Also if there are any other physics offer holders for 2024 reading this please reach out, would love to connect.
(edited 2 years ago)
Reply 10
Original post
by yashvirtibHi, I received a conditional offer 🥳 to study mphys at LMH. I am currently doing the IB and my HLs are Physics, Chem, MAA. I wanted to ask if there is anything I should do in advance to prepare—any readings/topics and resources recommended for practice. Also if there are any other physics offer holders for 2024 reading this please reach out, would love to connect.
Hi, I also have an offer for physics at LMH!
Reply 11
Long wait now to see if I have done well enough in the PAT. Any advice on how to spend the next few weeks? Seems too much to prepare for an interview that might not happen.
Reply 12
Hi! I have lots of questions haha:
- Do you know anybody doing Physics and Philosophy? Can you tell me a bit about that and wether it is worth it?
- Any advice on applying to specific colleges?
- Is the personal statement very important for oxford?
- How would you say the workload is compared to school? For context, I'm international doing something quite different to A levels, like I have a mot more subjects (maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing, history, spanish language and literature, english, philosophy)
- Guy-girl ratio in physics?
- Do you have enough time while studying there to get into clubs and societies and stuff like that?
- Do you have to work a lot during breaks?
- Also, any PAT advice would be great.
Thank you so much!
- Do you know anybody doing Physics and Philosophy? Can you tell me a bit about that and wether it is worth it?
- Any advice on applying to specific colleges?
- Is the personal statement very important for oxford?
- How would you say the workload is compared to school? For context, I'm international doing something quite different to A levels, like I have a mot more subjects (maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing, history, spanish language and literature, english, philosophy)
- Guy-girl ratio in physics?
- Do you have enough time while studying there to get into clubs and societies and stuff like that?
- Do you have to work a lot during breaks?
- Also, any PAT advice would be great.
Thank you so much!
Reply 13
Original post
by curious_wisdomHi! I have lots of questions haha:
- Do you know anybody doing Physics and Philosophy? Can you tell me a bit about that and wether it is worth it?
- Any advice on applying to specific colleges?
- Is the personal statement very important for oxford?
- How would you say the workload is compared to school? For context, I'm international doing something quite different to A levels, like I have a mot more subjects (maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing, history, spanish language and literature, english, philosophy)
- Guy-girl ratio in physics?
- Do you have enough time while studying there to get into clubs and societies and stuff like that?
- Do you have to work a lot during breaks?
- Also, any PAT advice would be great.
Thank you so much!
- Do you know anybody doing Physics and Philosophy? Can you tell me a bit about that and wether it is worth it?
- Any advice on applying to specific colleges?
- Is the personal statement very important for oxford?
- How would you say the workload is compared to school? For context, I'm international doing something quite different to A levels, like I have a mot more subjects (maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing, history, spanish language and literature, english, philosophy)
- Guy-girl ratio in physics?
- Do you have enough time while studying there to get into clubs and societies and stuff like that?
- Do you have to work a lot during breaks?
- Also, any PAT advice would be great.
Thank you so much!
Hi are you applying to study Physics and Philosophy? And which college are you applying to? (Btw, we both are international!!! are you on reddit? dm me u/HelpmeOXFORD )
Reply 14
Original post
by helpmeOxfordHi are you applying to study Physics and Philosophy? And which college are you applying to? (Btw, we both are international!!! are you on reddit? dm me u/HelpmeOXFORD )
HIIIII you too?? I'm deciding between brasenose and oriel, you? No I'm not on reddit haha but it's nice to see I'm not the only one!
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