how worth it is an epq for oxford
hi,
i’m currently doing 3 a levels; politics, philosophy and english literature. to be honest, i am not really interested in doing an epq and i would much rather focus on getting good grades in my a levels. this probably answers my question for me but i just wanted to ask; does doing an epq strengthen one’s application. i know oxford take a holistic approach but i just wanted to know if the qualification holds any weight to admissions?
i’m currently doing 3 a levels; politics, philosophy and english literature. to be honest, i am not really interested in doing an epq and i would much rather focus on getting good grades in my a levels. this probably answers my question for me but i just wanted to ask; does doing an epq strengthen one’s application. i know oxford take a holistic approach but i just wanted to know if the qualification holds any weight to admissions?
It won't make any direct difference. It can be a good opportunity to explore a topic beyond the core curriculum in more detail which may serve as a basis of something to write about in your PS and may be discussed in interview, but there are plenty of other "supercurricular activities" you could do and achieve the same outcome with (including just wider reading).
Generally unless you have a specific project in mind and it fits the requirements of the EPQ rubric, it's not worth bothering with one. It's not going to give you "bonus points" in admissions. It's much the same as DofE at this point - not really a factor in admissions but just something people may wish to do for their own interests. Don't do it if the only reason you're doing it is to add "CV fodder" for your UCAS application.
Generally unless you have a specific project in mind and it fits the requirements of the EPQ rubric, it's not worth bothering with one. It's not going to give you "bonus points" in admissions. It's much the same as DofE at this point - not really a factor in admissions but just something people may wish to do for their own interests. Don't do it if the only reason you're doing it is to add "CV fodder" for your UCAS application.
On the uni of oxford website it says:
Where applicants have undertaken the EPQ, this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the EPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EPQ experience when writing their personal statement.
so no, they will not offer you a reduced offer/special consideration if that’s what you’re asking - but generally speaking having an EPQ demonstrates a variety of skills, and assuming if it’s about something that you’re extremely passionate about, then you’ll have a lot to say about it on your personal statement.
obviously it will strengthen your application against other applicants without an EPQ, since it is an activity you do outside of the classroom. however not doing an EPQ is not the end of the world since there’s many supercurriculars that you can do that will strengthen your application equally as well
i applied for uni last year and i didn’t bother doing an EPQ because i heard that is was a drag and not really worth it. you’re better off doing MOOCs or watching specialised lectures about a subject you’re interested in, which will give you a lot to talk about in your PS and your interview if you manage to get one
good luck on your application!!
you’ll smash it
Where applicants have undertaken the EPQ, this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the EPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EPQ experience when writing their personal statement.
so no, they will not offer you a reduced offer/special consideration if that’s what you’re asking - but generally speaking having an EPQ demonstrates a variety of skills, and assuming if it’s about something that you’re extremely passionate about, then you’ll have a lot to say about it on your personal statement.
obviously it will strengthen your application against other applicants without an EPQ, since it is an activity you do outside of the classroom. however not doing an EPQ is not the end of the world since there’s many supercurriculars that you can do that will strengthen your application equally as well
i applied for uni last year and i didn’t bother doing an EPQ because i heard that is was a drag and not really worth it. you’re better off doing MOOCs or watching specialised lectures about a subject you’re interested in, which will give you a lot to talk about in your PS and your interview if you manage to get one
good luck on your application!!
you’ll smash itOriginal post by flabman
On the uni of oxford website it says:
Where applicants have undertaken the EPQ, this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the EPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EPQ experience when writing their personal statement.
so no, they will not offer you a reduced offer/special consideration if that’s what you’re asking - but generally speaking having an EPQ demonstrates a variety of skills, and assuming if it’s about something that you’re extremely passionate about, then you’ll have a lot to say about it on your personal statement.
obviously it will strengthen your application against other applicants without an EPQ, since it is an activity you do outside of the classroom. however not doing an EPQ is not the end of the world since there’s many supercurriculars that you can do that will strengthen your application equally as well
i applied for uni last year and i didn’t bother doing an EPQ because i heard that is was a drag and not really worth it. you’re better off doing MOOCs or watching specialised lectures about a subject you’re interested in, which will give you a lot to talk about in your PS and your interview if you manage to get one
good luck on your application!! you’ll smash it
Where applicants have undertaken the EPQ, this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the EPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant EPQ experience when writing their personal statement.
so no, they will not offer you a reduced offer/special consideration if that’s what you’re asking - but generally speaking having an EPQ demonstrates a variety of skills, and assuming if it’s about something that you’re extremely passionate about, then you’ll have a lot to say about it on your personal statement.
obviously it will strengthen your application against other applicants without an EPQ, since it is an activity you do outside of the classroom. however not doing an EPQ is not the end of the world since there’s many supercurriculars that you can do that will strengthen your application equally as well
i applied for uni last year and i didn’t bother doing an EPQ because i heard that is was a drag and not really worth it. you’re better off doing MOOCs or watching specialised lectures about a subject you’re interested in, which will give you a lot to talk about in your PS and your interview if you manage to get one
good luck on your application!!
you’ll smash itthank you!!!
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