Starting Oxford Earth Sciences in October AMA
Hi guys, got accepted into Oxford starting in October 2024.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
What will you be looking for in the Earth Sciences course?
Reply 2
Original post by BetaVersion2.9
What will you be looking for in the Earth Sciences course?
lots of rocks I hope
seriously though, as I took geology alevel I expect first year to be pretty similar, but I am looking forwards to plenty of field trips. The fourth year research project also, as I’ve applied to the combined masters.
Honestly I haven’t thought too far ahead yet as I know I’ll need to pass year 1 to even get onto the rest of the course.
Reply 3
Sorry to disappoint but they don't look at many rocks at Oxford. They stopped running the second year practical exam a while back, replacing it with "continuous assessment". You'll be taught that a mineral like glauconite is an important palaeo-environment indicator, but can go through the entire 4 years without being able to identify it in either hand specimen or thin section. Most 4th years I've talked to are unable to recognize granite. lol.
Nevertheless, you'll be taught a little bit about many, many topics. The course is v broad. And you'll have a fun time at the Colleges. Do get to know our lovely librarian early on, she's a positive asset to the course. Good luck!
Nevertheless, you'll be taught a little bit about many, many topics. The course is v broad. And you'll have a fun time at the Colleges. Do get to know our lovely librarian early on, she's a positive asset to the course. Good luck!
Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous
Hi guys, got accepted into Oxford starting in October 2024.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Hi thanks for opening up this post for questions. Could I please ask what other universities you applied and why you chose Oxford? And what did you think helped you securing the offer, apart from the grades?
Reply 5
Original post by Dongdongda
Hi thanks for opening up this post for questions. Could I please ask what other universities you applied and why you chose Oxford? And what did you think helped you securing the offer, apart from the grades?
No problemo buddy, be warned this is pretty long and in depth. I hope the formatting won't be weird.
University Course (offer): reason for rejecting
UoExeter Geology (BBC): too far away, difficult to get to from my city
ICL Earth&Planetary Science w Year Abroad (AAA): didn't want to live in London, felt offer was too high to have as a strategic insurance (thought if I didn't get the grades for Oxford I probably wouldn't for Imperial either)
UoBristol Geology w Study Abroad (BBC): was my INSURANCE as I liked it on the open day, however felt department put too much emphasis on climate change studies for me. Also very expensive, with very low student mental health stats and high drug use. Not for me, was planning to reject and go through clearing on results day if I didn't make Oxford.
UoEdinburgh Geophysics and Geology w Placement (ABB): was too far away, couldn't make it to open day.
Why I chose Oxford
•
Reputation/ranking, and was achieving good enough grades in year 12 to think I might have a chance
•
Was also something my parents encouraged me to aim for when I was younger (again due to reputation)
•
True interest in Oxford was sparked when I attended the geology department talks during the open day. The passion everyone had in the department was clear and one of the speakers just blew me away.
•
Funding/scholarships. Oxford has money so I knew if I was struggling I would have a decent support network
•
Tutorial/college system, although a few universities apply a similar tutorial system throughout the UK now
•
Oxford community felt very welcoming, even during my interviews
Securing the Offer
Personal statement: I was instructed to write the most academic/scientific a personal statement I could (based on my knowledge of geology). Was asked about this at both Imperial and Oxford during my interviews. Although I can't know exactly why, they liked my personal statement enough to interview me.
I think it showed a genuine interest in the subject, as I mentioned specific examples from topics that interested me (interpreting modes of life from fossils, pterosaur flight mechanics, earthquake prediction, effect of geomagnetism on organisms, geothermal systems). I also mentioned correspondence I had had with two researchers about their papers to do with two of these topics.
I took part in the Peterhouse Kelvin Science Essay competition, I did not win it lol. BUT the topic of my essay I did talk about to the interviewers.
During my interviews, I tried my best to express everything I was thinking verbally, and show both enthusiasm and knowledge. DO NOT write things on your personal statement that you do not know well, they will ask you about them.
I also did work experience in a local geological museum. This was not mentioned in my personal statement however I think it allowed me to have a place to practice talking about geology, which helped with writing my PS and in interviews.
Let me know if you have any other questions, hope this helps.
Reply 6
Original post by Anonymous
No problemo buddy, be warned this is pretty long and in depth. I hope the formatting won't be weird.
University Course (offer): reason for rejecting
UoExeter Geology (BBC): too far away, difficult to get to from my city
ICL Earth&Planetary Science w Year Abroad (AAA): didn't want to live in London, felt offer was too high to have as a strategic insurance (thought if I didn't get the grades for Oxford I probably wouldn't for Imperial either)
UoBristol Geology w Study Abroad (BBC): was my INSURANCE as I liked it on the open day, however felt department put too much emphasis on climate change studies for me. Also very expensive, with very low student mental health stats and high drug use. Not for me, was planning to reject and go through clearing on results day if I didn't make Oxford.
UoEdinburgh Geophysics and Geology w Placement (ABB): was too far away, couldn't make it to open day.
Why I chose Oxford
Securing the Offer
Personal statement: I was instructed to write the most academic/scientific a personal statement I could (based on my knowledge of geology). Was asked about this at both Imperial and Oxford during my interviews. Although I can't know exactly why, they liked my personal statement enough to interview me.
I think it showed a genuine interest in the subject, as I mentioned specific examples from topics that interested me (interpreting modes of life from fossils, pterosaur flight mechanics, earthquake prediction, effect of geomagnetism on organisms, geothermal systems). I also mentioned correspondence I had had with two researchers about their papers to do with two of these topics.
I took part in the Peterhouse Kelvin Science Essay competition, I did not win it lol. BUT the topic of my essay I did talk about to the interviewers.
During my interviews, I tried my best to express everything I was thinking verbally, and show both enthusiasm and knowledge. DO NOT write things on your personal statement that you do not know well, they will ask you about them.
I also did work experience in a local geological museum. This was not mentioned in my personal statement however I think it allowed me to have a place to practice talking about geology, which helped with writing my PS and in interviews.
Let me know if you have any other questions, hope this helps.
University Course (offer): reason for rejecting
UoExeter Geology (BBC): too far away, difficult to get to from my city
ICL Earth&Planetary Science w Year Abroad (AAA): didn't want to live in London, felt offer was too high to have as a strategic insurance (thought if I didn't get the grades for Oxford I probably wouldn't for Imperial either)
UoBristol Geology w Study Abroad (BBC): was my INSURANCE as I liked it on the open day, however felt department put too much emphasis on climate change studies for me. Also very expensive, with very low student mental health stats and high drug use. Not for me, was planning to reject and go through clearing on results day if I didn't make Oxford.
UoEdinburgh Geophysics and Geology w Placement (ABB): was too far away, couldn't make it to open day.
Why I chose Oxford
•
Reputation/ranking, and was achieving good enough grades in year 12 to think I might have a chance
•
Was also something my parents encouraged me to aim for when I was younger (again due to reputation)
•
True interest in Oxford was sparked when I attended the geology department talks during the open day. The passion everyone had in the department was clear and one of the speakers just blew me away.
•
Funding/scholarships. Oxford has money so I knew if I was struggling I would have a decent support network
•
Tutorial/college system, although a few universities apply a similar tutorial system throughout the UK now
•
Oxford community felt very welcoming, even during my interviews
Securing the Offer
Personal statement: I was instructed to write the most academic/scientific a personal statement I could (based on my knowledge of geology). Was asked about this at both Imperial and Oxford during my interviews. Although I can't know exactly why, they liked my personal statement enough to interview me.
I think it showed a genuine interest in the subject, as I mentioned specific examples from topics that interested me (interpreting modes of life from fossils, pterosaur flight mechanics, earthquake prediction, effect of geomagnetism on organisms, geothermal systems). I also mentioned correspondence I had had with two researchers about their papers to do with two of these topics.
I took part in the Peterhouse Kelvin Science Essay competition, I did not win it lol. BUT the topic of my essay I did talk about to the interviewers.
During my interviews, I tried my best to express everything I was thinking verbally, and show both enthusiasm and knowledge. DO NOT write things on your personal statement that you do not know well, they will ask you about them.
I also did work experience in a local geological museum. This was not mentioned in my personal statement however I think it allowed me to have a place to practice talking about geology, which helped with writing my PS and in interviews.
Let me know if you have any other questions, hope this helps.
Thank you very much for sharing all your experience. So insightful. And congratulations on the offer!! We like Oxford University too and Earth science is also the course we are applying for. We met the A*AA requirement- Math and Physics and Further Maths, but not on the recommended Chemistry and Geography. We are not sure if these will be impacting us very negatively. And as we are writing up PS, I wonder if you used professional people to proof read your PS and make suggestions. Oh we are looking at Oxford, ICL, UCL on this subject, but haven’t looked at other universities yet. Is there any other universities on Earth Science (Geology) that you wished you might have applied? 🙏🏽
Reply 7
Original post by Dongdongda
Thank you very much for sharing all your experience. So insightful. And congratulations on the offer!! We like Oxford University too and Earth science is also the course we are applying for. We met the A*AA requirement- Math and Physics and Further Maths, but not on the recommended Chemistry and Geography. We are not sure if these will be impacting us very negatively. And as we are writing up PS, I wonder if you used professional people to proof read your PS and make suggestions. Oh we are looking at Oxford, ICL, UCL on this subject, but haven’t looked at other universities yet. Is there any other universities on Earth Science (Geology) that you wished you might have applied? 🙏🏽
Hey dudes
As long as you meet the requirements and have science/maths subjects you should be good! Your interview will most likely be more physics based but make sure to go over some gcse chem stuff just to get a grip on basics.
The only people who proof read my PS were my teachers, the head of Oxbridge applications at my college and I did ask for advice from the geologist who managed my volunteering at a museum. Idk anything about any paid for proof reading offered online.
I would definitely go to their open days if you can. I unfortunately did not do much uni research but I did know people who applied to unis down south near the coast such as Plymouth because a lot of those do paleotology focused courses.
Best advice i think is to pick whether you want a more general geology experience or youd like something more specialist from the get go and research courses from there,
Best of luck!
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous
Hey dudes
As long as you meet the requirements and have science/maths subjects you should be good! Your interview will most likely be more physics based but make sure to go over some gcse chem stuff just to get a grip on basics.
The only people who proof read my PS were my teachers, the head of Oxbridge applications at my college and I did ask for advice from the geologist who managed my volunteering at a museum. Idk anything about any paid for proof reading offered online.
I would definitely go to their open days if you can. I unfortunately did not do much uni research but I did know people who applied to unis down south near the coast such as Plymouth because a lot of those do paleotology focused courses.
Best advice i think is to pick whether you want a more general geology experience or youd like something more specialist from the get go and research courses from there,
Best of luck!
As long as you meet the requirements and have science/maths subjects you should be good! Your interview will most likely be more physics based but make sure to go over some gcse chem stuff just to get a grip on basics.
The only people who proof read my PS were my teachers, the head of Oxbridge applications at my college and I did ask for advice from the geologist who managed my volunteering at a museum. Idk anything about any paid for proof reading offered online.
I would definitely go to their open days if you can. I unfortunately did not do much uni research but I did know people who applied to unis down south near the coast such as Plymouth because a lot of those do paleotology focused courses.
Best advice i think is to pick whether you want a more general geology experience or youd like something more specialist from the get go and research courses from there,
Best of luck!
Thanks for the advice! Will need to write up PS and get an interview invite first😌. Hope we can get interviews and then will consult you further. Many thanks again
Reply 9
Original post by Anonymous
Hi guys, got accepted into Oxford starting in October 2024.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
You missed your offer but they still took you?
Reply 10
Original post by Muttley79
You missed your offer but they still took you?
They sure did
I was 4 marks off an A* in geology and had a lot of prayer from a lot of people lol
Honestly though I think its an Earth Sciences thing since the department is so small, they were evidently able to afford to have me there
Reply 11
Original post by Anonymous
They sure did
I was 4 marks off an A* in geology and had a lot of prayer from a lot of people lol
Honestly though I think its an Earth Sciences thing since the department is so small, they were evidently able to afford to have me there
I was 4 marks off an A* in geology and had a lot of prayer from a lot of people lol
Honestly though I think its an Earth Sciences thing since the department is so small, they were evidently able to afford to have me there
It's good to hear they can be flexible - you obviously impressed at interview.
Reply 12
Original post by Muttley79
You missed your offer but they still took you?
That happens quite often, in all subjects. The subject tutors at the offer holder's college take a view, and they either say "yes, come anyway", or "no, close but no cigar".
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 13
Original post by Stiffy Byng
That happens quite often, in all subjects. The subject tutors at the offer holder's college take a view, and they either says "yes, come anyway", or "no, close but no cigar".
It doesn't happen often - I know admissions people too. It has to be a 'close miss' with enough places to do this.
Reply 14
"Often " is hard to define. Admission with a dropped grade happens more than once, and less than a thousand times in any given year. The place at a college is always available. The question is will the offer holder be allowed to take up the place, and the answer to that is always "it depends...".
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 15
According to my source, Oxf Earth Sciences only interviewed 2 applicants for every place last year, and given their current finances the dept can't afford to lose too many people through missed grades.
Reply 16
Original post by Anonymous
No problemo buddy, be warned this is pretty long and in depth. I hope the formatting won't be weird.
University Course (offer): reason for rejecting
UoExeter Geology (BBC): too far away, difficult to get to from my city
ICL Earth&Planetary Science w Year Abroad (AAA): didn't want to live in London, felt offer was too high to have as a strategic insurance (thought if I didn't get the grades for Oxford I probably wouldn't for Imperial either)
UoBristol Geology w Study Abroad (BBC): was my INSURANCE as I liked it on the open day, however felt department put too much emphasis on climate change studies for me. Also very expensive, with very low student mental health stats and high drug use. Not for me, was planning to reject and go through clearing on results day if I didn't make Oxford.
UoEdinburgh Geophysics and Geology w Placement (ABB): was too far away, couldn't make it to open day.
Why I chose Oxford
Securing the Offer
Personal statement: I was instructed to write the most academic/scientific a personal statement I could (based on my knowledge of geology). Was asked about this at both Imperial and Oxford during my interviews. Although I can't know exactly why, they liked my personal statement enough to interview me.
I think it showed a genuine interest in the subject, as I mentioned specific examples from topics that interested me (interpreting modes of life from fossils, pterosaur flight mechanics, earthquake prediction, effect of geomagnetism on organisms, geothermal systems). I also mentioned correspondence I had had with two researchers about their papers to do with two of these topics.
I took part in the Peterhouse Kelvin Science Essay competition, I did not win it lol. BUT the topic of my essay I did talk about to the interviewers.
During my interviews, I tried my best to express everything I was thinking verbally, and show both enthusiasm and knowledge. DO NOT write things on your personal statement that you do not know well, they will ask you about them.
I also did work experience in a local geological museum. This was not mentioned in my personal statement however I think it allowed me to have a place to practice talking about geology, which helped with writing my PS and in interviews.
Let me know if you have any other questions, hope this helps.
University Course (offer): reason for rejecting
UoExeter Geology (BBC): too far away, difficult to get to from my city
ICL Earth&Planetary Science w Year Abroad (AAA): didn't want to live in London, felt offer was too high to have as a strategic insurance (thought if I didn't get the grades for Oxford I probably wouldn't for Imperial either)
UoBristol Geology w Study Abroad (BBC): was my INSURANCE as I liked it on the open day, however felt department put too much emphasis on climate change studies for me. Also very expensive, with very low student mental health stats and high drug use. Not for me, was planning to reject and go through clearing on results day if I didn't make Oxford.
UoEdinburgh Geophysics and Geology w Placement (ABB): was too far away, couldn't make it to open day.
Why I chose Oxford
•
Reputation/ranking, and was achieving good enough grades in year 12 to think I might have a chance
•
Was also something my parents encouraged me to aim for when I was younger (again due to reputation)
•
True interest in Oxford was sparked when I attended the geology department talks during the open day. The passion everyone had in the department was clear and one of the speakers just blew me away.
•
Funding/scholarships. Oxford has money so I knew if I was struggling I would have a decent support network
•
Tutorial/college system, although a few universities apply a similar tutorial system throughout the UK now
•
Oxford community felt very welcoming, even during my interviews
Securing the Offer
Personal statement: I was instructed to write the most academic/scientific a personal statement I could (based on my knowledge of geology). Was asked about this at both Imperial and Oxford during my interviews. Although I can't know exactly why, they liked my personal statement enough to interview me.
I think it showed a genuine interest in the subject, as I mentioned specific examples from topics that interested me (interpreting modes of life from fossils, pterosaur flight mechanics, earthquake prediction, effect of geomagnetism on organisms, geothermal systems). I also mentioned correspondence I had had with two researchers about their papers to do with two of these topics.
I took part in the Peterhouse Kelvin Science Essay competition, I did not win it lol. BUT the topic of my essay I did talk about to the interviewers.
During my interviews, I tried my best to express everything I was thinking verbally, and show both enthusiasm and knowledge. DO NOT write things on your personal statement that you do not know well, they will ask you about them.
I also did work experience in a local geological museum. This was not mentioned in my personal statement however I think it allowed me to have a place to practice talking about geology, which helped with writing my PS and in interviews.
Let me know if you have any other questions, hope this helps.
Hello, not entirely related but why did you choose to apply to ICL? I'm currently considering it (Chemistry) but only because I wanted another aspirational choice to be honest. Like you, I'm not keen on living in London, but I have heard they provide more bursaries and grants
Also, top tips for the interview and interview prep?
Reply 17
Original post by Anonymous
Hi guys, got accepted into Oxford starting in October 2024.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
Offer: A*AA
Predicteds: A*AA
Actual grades and subjects: AAA in geology, maths and physics (sat all three this year)
Realised theres very little info on earth sciences online so anyone interested in studying it, applying for it, or want any general info about the Oxford application process ask away.
What were your GCSEs? I'm thinking of applying to ox earth sci but i feel like mine are too average
Reply 18
Original post by Anonymous
What were your GCSEs? I'm thinking of applying to ox earth sci but i feel like mine are too average
Maths: 8
Triple sciences: 888
Eng Lan: 8
Eng Lit: 7
RS: 8
Art: 9
German: 8
Latin: 8
Reply 19
Original post by Anonymous
Hello, not entirely related but why did you choose to apply to ICL? I'm currently considering it (Chemistry) but only because I wanted another aspirational choice to be honest. Like you, I'm not keen on living in London, but I have heard they provide more bursaries and grants
Also, top tips for the interview and interview prep?
Also, top tips for the interview and interview prep?
Honestly I didnt do much research, it was aspirational for my course
For interviews I would contact a chemistry student or smth because they are department specific. My ICL one was just a tutor asking questions about my personal statement, it felt pretty straightforward, and at the end i was told that he wouldnt be making the decisions however I "would definitely fit in on this course". Much easier than the Oxford one, was kinda underwhelming but got a free lunch.
Make sure you know everything on your PS and can speak extensively about each topic, have a genuine interest and practice talking about your subject/topics to people who know them (eg teachers). Practice solving chemistry questions out loud so you can actually put your point across and show that you know how to do it
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