Is Oxford just a no-brainer to study at??

I'm in Year 12 and in the process of looking at universities to apply. I'm fairly certain I want to study Chemistry but I really don't know about which uni. I went on a college trip to Oxford last week and it looked really nice and my parents are determined for me to go, but I'm not sure?? I feel like I should get a feel for everywhere else first (interested in Manchester) but would it be stupid of me not to go to Oxford if I somehow did get in? (for context I'm doing chem maths fmaths and psychology a level)

Reply 1

Tulipbloom

12

Original post by ravioliii

I'm in Year 12 and in the process of looking at universities to apply. I'm fairly certain I want to study Chemistry but I really don't know about which uni. I went on a college trip to Oxford last week and it looked really nice and my parents are determined for me to go, but I'm not sure?? I feel like I should get a feel for everywhere else first (interested in Manchester) but would it be stupid of me not to go to Oxford if I somehow did get in? (for context I'm doing chem maths fmaths and psychology a level)

Nope it ain’t stupid. If Oxford ain’t where you wanna be then you shouldn’t force it just because of its prestige. They say it is equally important to consider how at home you feel at a particular uni. If you feel like Manchester for example, upon visiting it, is the place for you then if you happen to get into both Oxford and Manchester, choose Manchester. You are the only one who can determine your success regardless of the institution you choose to go to. Believe me I’ve been there. Got into med school in the UK and a T10 school in the US. Many family members of mine looked down upon my decision to go to med school saying: what’s the use? You threw away the opportunity to attend a top US school where you could have easily flourished and secure a well paying job? But at what cost? If I had to spend 4 years somewhere, I better enjoy the whole 4 years. It’s reputation for being a top school ain’t gonna make me happy for long. But yeah visit as many unis as possible and I hope you find 5 that would really suit you.

Reply 2

BetaVersion2.9

9

Oxford's style of teaching is different from all other UK universities (apart from Cambridge) and you should consider whether tutorial teaching is the best way for you to learn. There's no doubt that the standard of teaching and research should be taken in to consideration and a degree with the Oxford brand name can unlock many doors. Nevertheless if you feel more comfortable at another university you visit then thats something to think about. Compare the course prospectus between Oxford and elsewhere to find the topics that you're interested in. Putting down Oxford as one of your 5 UCAS choices is no guarantee fo an offer.

Reply 3

JamieJacks

8

chemistry at oxford is probably the most rigorous course they have at the undergraduate level, and is likely one of the 5 hardest courses in the country.

Don't underestimate how difficult university-level chemistry (oxford especially) can be for chemists. Some of these topics are very abstract and the courseload is immense. Chemists will spend the most time studying at Oxford.

Reply 4

Stiffy Byng

19

Things to consider are -

(1) whether you would like to take on the industrious ethos of Oxford, where contact hours with academics are high, workload is heavy, and your peers will be people who were at the top of their school's ability range;

and

(2) whether you like the idea of a college, which is a small self governing academic community and not, as some people who may not have been undergraduates at Oxford or Cambridge may suggest, a hall of residence with extras.

Chemistry students at Oxford have a busy schedule, and students of every subject are expected to perform to high standards, but Oxford undergraduates also have time to make friends and have fun.

Manchester is a good university in an interesting big City. Oxford is Oxford. Visit both and try to get a feel of which you might enjoy most.

Please don't let parents or anyone else choose for you. Do what seems best to you.

Good luck, whatever path you take.

Reply 5

ravioliii

OP

2

Original post by Tulipbloom

Nope it ain’t stupid. If Oxford ain’t where you wanna be then you shouldn’t force it just because of its prestige. They say it is equally important to consider how at home you feel at a particular uni. If you feel like Manchester for example, upon visiting it, is the place for you then if you happen to get into both Oxford and Manchester, choose Manchester. You are the only one who can determine your success regardless of the institution you choose to go to. Believe me I’ve been there. Got into med school in the UK and a T10 school in the US. Many family members of mine looked down upon my decision to go to med school saying: what’s the use? You threw away the opportunity to attend a top US school where you could have easily flourished and secure a well paying job? But at what cost? If I had to spend 4 years somewhere, I better enjoy the whole 4 years. It’s reputation for being a top school ain’t gonna make me happy for long. But yeah visit as many unis as possible and I hope you find 5 that would really suit you.

Thank youu I'm def going to keep this in mind when I visit Manchester, it really helped! :biggrin:

Reply 6

lalexm

16

Original post by ravioliii

I'm in Year 12 and in the process of looking at universities to apply. I'm fairly certain I want to study Chemistry but I really don't know about which uni. I went on a college trip to Oxford last week and it looked really nice and my parents are determined for me to go, but I'm not sure?? I feel like I should get a feel for everywhere else first (interested in Manchester) but would it be stupid of me not to go to Oxford if I somehow did get in? (for context I'm doing chem maths fmaths and psychology a level)

Even if you were 100% set on going to Oxford, you should still get the feel of other places by going to visit them, as no one can be sure they will get get in, however brilliant they are. Go see maybe 7 or 8 unis, choose your top 5, and apply to them. You only need to decide on your firm and insurance this time next year. There is no rush.

Reply 7

thegeek888

18

Original post by ravioliii

I'm in Year 12 and in the process of looking at universities to apply. I'm fairly certain I want to study Chemistry but I really don't know about which uni. I went on a college trip to Oxford last week and it looked really nice and my parents are determined for me to go, but I'm not sure?? I feel like I should get a feel for everywhere else first (interested in Manchester) but would it be stupid of me not to go to Oxford if I somehow did get in? (for context I'm doing chem maths fmaths and psychology a level)

You will be required to achieve A star A star A in Maths, Chemistry and Further Maths!!! 🙂

Also, please take a look at: "The Oxford University Alternative Prospectus"

Home - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus (oxfordsu.org)

Reply 8

mysteryboy

1

Original post by ravioliii

I'm in Year 12 and in the process of looking at universities to apply. I'm fairly certain I want to study Chemistry but I really don't know about which uni. I went on a college trip to Oxford last week and it looked really nice and my parents are determined for me to go, but I'm not sure?? I feel like I should get a feel for everywhere else first (interested in Manchester) but would it be stupid of me not to go to Oxford if I somehow did get in? (for context I'm doing chem maths fmaths and psychology a level)

DONT GO TO OXFORD UNIVERISITY, went for a term, came back with bad bacne and chronic pain!.

Is Oxford just a no-brainer to study at??

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