Reapplying to Oxford? (PPL)
I applied for the PPL course this year (psychology & linguistics) because of my strong interest in both subjects, which I’ve pursued both in school and independently. Since this course isn’t available in my country or nearby, I focused on the UK and specifically Oxford.
I planned my application thoroughly, with predicted grades well above the minimum for my country, a personal statement I was proud of, and what I felt was a strong reference. Unfortunately, I became extremely sick with my chronic illness right before the TSA. Despite scoring within the offer-holders range on past papers, I only managed a 60 this year (compared to the 67 average for offer holders). I took the test with a fever and other severe symptoms, which I disclosed to my chosen college.
I had one interview there and two at my second college, where I felt things went particularly well. Despite this, I was recently rejected, which was, of course, disappointing. I suspect the TSA score played a significant role, but I’ve requested feedback to have further confirmation.
I’m pretty set on reapplying, as I already planned for a gap year, but I’d love advice on improving my application this time around—especially for re applicants and retaking the TSA. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Reply 1
I applied for the PPL course this year (psychology & linguistics) because of my strong interest in both subjects, which I’ve pursued both in school and independently. Since this course isn’t available in my country or nearby, I focused on the UK and specifically Oxford.
I planned my application thoroughly, with predicted grades well above the minimum for my country, a personal statement I was proud of, and what I felt was a strong reference. Unfortunately, I became extremely sick with my chronic illness right before the TSA. Despite scoring within the offer-holders range on past papers, I only managed a 60 this year (compared to the 67 average for offer holders). I took the test with a fever and other severe symptoms, which I disclosed to my chosen college.
I had one interview there and two at my second college, where I felt things went particularly well. Despite this, I was recently rejected, which was, of course, disappointing. I suspect the TSA score played a significant role, but I’ve requested feedback to have further confirmation.
I’m pretty set on reapplying, as I already planned for a gap year, but I’d love advice on improving my application this time around—especially for re applicants and retaking the TSA. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Here some shggestion:
• If you can, get some feedback from Oxford. This would help with your reapplication
• Apply to a different college
• Consider what you will do for your gap year and make it relevant to uni as much as possible
• Continue to practice for the TSA and other tests.
Reply 2
• If you can, get some feedback from Oxford. This would help with your reapplication
• Apply to a different college
• Consider what you will do for your gap year and make it relevant to uni as much as possible
• Continue to practice for the TSA and other tests.
Thank you for the reply. I requested feedback, I’ll try to put it to as much use as possible. I have some further questions if that is alright.
•
Would it be too risky to apply to the second college, as I really liked the tutors and college itself? Or should I do a whole third one, who hasn’t “seen” me before?
•
Do you have any suggestions for ways to engage in my subject during my gap year? I recently won an academic competition that gave me resources and funds to conduct research in sociolinguistics. I am planning to reflect on that process and incorporate that in my future application.
•
When is a good time to start working on my application? I am currently in my last 5 months of senior high school, so there is high pressure. My grades shouldn’t be a problem, but I’m planning to slowly start preparing once I’ve reflected on my feedback.
Reply 3
•
Would it be too risky to apply to the second college, as I really liked the tutors and college itself? Or should I do a whole third one, who hasn’t “seen” me before?
•
Do you have any suggestions for ways to engage in my subject during my gap year? I recently won an academic competition that gave me resources and funds to conduct research in sociolinguistics. I am planning to reflect on that process and incorporate that in my future application.
•
When is a good time to start working on my application? I am currently in my last 5 months of senior high school, so there is high pressure. My grades shouldn’t be a problem, but I’m planning to slowly start preparing once I’ve reflected on my feedback.
hello
• I honestly do not know whether you can stick with the second college. The general advice is to apply to a different college to avoid any lingering potential bias against your application (if any).
• if there are local research centres or universities near you, you could visit a local department and work with some members of staff there or ask for some resources for research. You could also consider psychology research or studies that you could participate in.
• i think your preparation can start slowly from now where you are piecing together a new application through your reading and other activities. Your prep should be formally in full swing in the summer so you are ready by September.
Here are some Super-curricular suggestions from Cambridge. You can look at the Psychology and Linguistics/Languages sections
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf#page37
Good luck
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