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Insecure about Oxford

Hello. So last week I received an offer from Oxford but I am feeling a bit insecure about my offer. Some part of me feels that I did not deserve me place…

First of all, I was given an offer with a place on Opportunity Oxford (Oppox). Therefore, I felt like one of the main reasons I was given a place with due to some contextual information about me (such as the previous school I went to). I was almost certain I had not gotten an offer after my third interview (which I believe I did not perform too well on) and therefore I feel like Opportunity Oxford was the only reason why I got an offer at this university. This is also supported by the fact that I am an ethnic minority so maybe the admission tutors had sympathy for me and despite my bad third interview still wanted to give me a place because I fit some of the criteria for Opportunity Oxford. Therefore, even though there may have been much stronger applicants for the course I applied to, they may have got rejected yet I got an offer.

Additionally, I got an open offer. I have read a lot of discussions about an open offer on TSR so now I do not feel so worried about it. However, a part of me still believes that this is what happened prior to getting the open offer: I was interviewed, the admission tutors were not too sure about me so they put me in the pool; and then my underwriting college took me out of the pool because I fit the criteria for Opportunity Oxford.

I am really sorry if I come across as being ungrateful I’m struggling to not have these thoughts especially since I was preparing myself for rejection from the moment I applied to the university, and made myself believe I had been rejected after my third interview. Or perhaps there may be some truth in what I’m saying.

Also, I have a question: Oxford says that Oppox is in place to help to “support talented UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in the transition from school or college to university”. Therefore, is it valid to say that, if someone was from an underrepresented background, even if their overall application was not so strong, then they still have a high chance of getting an offer because they fit the criteria for Oppox?

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Please trust the judgments of the experienced academics who have offered you a place at Oxford. Nobody is offered such a place out of sympathy. Nobody is offered a place to fill any quota. You have earned your place on your own merits. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your offer. This post is to subscribe to this thread! I want to provide you with reassurance, but am lacking brain power to formulate my words properly atm :colondollar: so will post a proper reply, a bit later! :yes:
People don’t make open offers to weak or borderline candidates. Someone who gets an open offer has to be agreed by a wide group of tutors to be a good candidate.

Please try to see OpOx as a scheme to give you some extra support over the time before you start at Oxford rather than indicating that you didn’t earn your place. It is meant to help people from under represented backgrounds get off to a good start, not to offer pity places to people who aren’t up to it.

What you are feeling is not abnormal (lots of offer-holders experience imposter syndrome) but it isn’t correct- you have earned your place and deserve to go to Oxford just as much as anyone else.
Reply 4
Well what are your expected A Level grades?
Reply 5
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Please trust the judgments of the experienced academics who have offered you a place at Oxford. Nobody is offered such a place out of sympathy. Nobody is offered a place to fill any quota. You have earned your place on your own merits. Congratulations!

Thank you. I will try my best to trust their judgement….
Reply 6
Original post by xyz1234567
People don’t make open offers to weak or borderline candidates. Someone who gets an open offer has to be agreed by a wide group of tutors to be a good candidate.
Please try to see OpOx as a scheme to give you some extra support over the time before you start at Oxford rather than indicating that you didn’t earn your place. It is meant to help people from under represented backgrounds get off to a good start, not to offer pity places to people who aren’t up to it.
What you are feeling is not abnormal (lots of offer-holders experience imposter syndrome) but it isn’t correct- you have earned your place and deserve to go to Oxford just as much as anyone else.

You are very kind! I did not consider the last point you made about open offers before so thank you for that! However, for my course more than one open offer was made so can't colleges just pick and choose? About Oppox it will be hard but I will try to think of it by the perspective you recommended. Hopefully by the time I sit my A Levels my mindset about Oppox would be better. I did suspect that I had a bit of Imposter Syndrome 😕.
Reply 7
Original post by Picnicl
Well what are your expected A Level grades?

Um I don't really like sharing my grades. Either way I don't that Oxford put a great emphasis on it compared to other parts of the application
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you. I will try my best to trust their judgement….

The people who made the decision are experienced in assessing promising candidates, regardless of the candidate's background. Those highly qualified and experienced people think that you have the attributes of a successful Oxford undergraduate. Please don't doubt the decision, or doubt yourself. When you applied you must have thought that you had at least some chance of success. You were right, and now you have an offer. I hope that you can now meet any conditions of the offer and take up your place in October. I hope that you will enjoy your time at university.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello. So last week I received an offer from Oxford but I am feeling a bit insecure about my offer. Some part of me feels that I did not deserve me place…
First of all, I was given an offer with a place on Opportunity Oxford (Oppox). Therefore, I felt like one of the main reasons I was given a place with due to some contextual information about me (such as the previous school I went to). I was almost certain I had not gotten an offer after my third interview (which I believe I did not perform too well on) and therefore I feel like Opportunity Oxford was the only reason why I got an offer at this university. This is also supported by the fact that I am an ethnic minority so maybe the admission tutors had sympathy for me and despite my bad third interview still wanted to give me a place because I fit some of the criteria for Opportunity Oxford. Therefore, even though there may have been much stronger applicants for the course I applied to, they may have got rejected yet I got an offer.
Additionally, I got an open offer. I have read a lot of discussions about an open offer on TSR so now I do not feel so worried about it. However, a part of me still believes that this is what happened prior to getting the open offer: I was interviewed, the admission tutors were not too sure about me so they put me in the pool; and then my underwriting college took me out of the pool because I fit the criteria for Opportunity Oxford.
I am really sorry if I come across as being ungrateful I’m struggling to not have these thoughts especially since I was preparing myself for rejection from the moment I applied to the university, and made myself believe I had been rejected after my third interview. Or perhaps there may be some truth in what I’m saying.
Also, I have a question: Oxford says that Oppox is in place to help to “support talented UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in the transition from school or college to university”. Therefore, is it valid to say that, if someone was from an underrepresented background, even if their overall application was not so strong, then they still have a high chance of getting an offer because they fit the criteria for Oppox?

No-one gets an offer through 'box ticking'.

Clearly you demonstrated exactly what Oxford are looking for and so, well done!

Talk to your teachers about how you are feeling - they must have written supportive references for you.

What you are feeling is not uncommon but try to focus on your A levels now :smile:
Original post by Anonymous
Hello. So last week I received an offer from Oxford but I am feeling a bit insecure about my offer. Some part of me feels that I did not deserve me place…
First of all, I was given an offer with a place on Opportunity Oxford (Oppox). Therefore, I felt like one of the main reasons I was given a place with due to some contextual information about me (such as the previous school I went to). I was almost certain I had not gotten an offer after my third interview (which I believe I did not perform too well on) and therefore I feel like Opportunity Oxford was the only reason why I got an offer at this university. This is also supported by the fact that I am an ethnic minority so maybe the admission tutors had sympathy for me and despite my bad third interview still wanted to give me a place because I fit some of the criteria for Opportunity Oxford. Therefore, even though there may have been much stronger applicants for the course I applied to, they may have got rejected yet I got an offer.
Additionally, I got an open offer. I have read a lot of discussions about an open offer on TSR so now I do not feel so worried about it. However, a part of me still believes that this is what happened prior to getting the open offer: I was interviewed, the admission tutors were not too sure about me so they put me in the pool; and then my underwriting college took me out of the pool because I fit the criteria for Opportunity Oxford.
I am really sorry if I come across as being ungrateful I’m struggling to not have these thoughts especially since I was preparing myself for rejection from the moment I applied to the university, and made myself believe I had been rejected after my third interview. Or perhaps there may be some truth in what I’m saying.
Also, I have a question: Oxford says that Oppox is in place to help to “support talented UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in the transition from school or college to university”. Therefore, is it valid to say that, if someone was from an underrepresented background, even if their overall application was not so strong, then they still have a high chance of getting an offer because they fit the criteria for Oppox?

I mean I got an OppOx offer as well and they do say in the email, that your application went through the same standards as any other person. They only give OppOx offers after they decided who they are actually going to give a standard offer too. (It's a retrospective thing rather than them actually looking for 'weaker' applicants during the admissions process). Be Proud!
Congrats on your offer 😀
Original post by Anonymous
Hello. So last week I received an offer from Oxford but I am feeling a bit insecure about my offer. Some part of me feels that I did not deserve me place…
First of all, I was given an offer with a place on Opportunity Oxford (Oppox). Therefore, I felt like one of the main reasons I was given a place with due to some contextual information about me (such as the previous school I went to). I was almost certain I had not gotten an offer after my third interview (which I believe I did not perform too well on) and therefore I feel like Opportunity Oxford was the only reason why I got an offer at this university. This is also supported by the fact that I am an ethnic minority so maybe the admission tutors had sympathy for me and despite my bad third interview still wanted to give me a place because I fit some of the criteria for Opportunity Oxford. Therefore, even though there may have been much stronger applicants for the course I applied to, they may have got rejected yet I got an offer.
Additionally, I got an open offer. I have read a lot of discussions about an open offer on TSR so now I do not feel so worried about it. However, a part of me still believes that this is what happened prior to getting the open offer: I was interviewed, the admission tutors were not too sure about me so they put me in the pool; and then my underwriting college took me out of the pool because I fit the criteria for Opportunity Oxford.
I am really sorry if I come across as being ungrateful I’m struggling to not have these thoughts especially since I was preparing myself for rejection from the moment I applied to the university, and made myself believe I had been rejected after my third interview. Or perhaps there may be some truth in what I’m saying.
Also, I have a question: Oxford says that Oppox is in place to help to “support talented UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in the transition from school or college to university”. Therefore, is it valid to say that, if someone was from an underrepresented background, even if their overall application was not so strong, then they still have a high chance of getting an offer because they fit the criteria for Oppox?
Hello I am quite familiar with the Oxford admissions system through a close connect. Being given an interview from Oxford, let alone an offer, is a huge achievement. Oxford turns away many applicants they know would have thrived at the uni, so if you're in you're in. Opportunity Oxford is designed to adjust for the fact that some applicants have much more resources than others, but it definitely won't have been the only reason you got in, so you deserved that place!
Many congrats again.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
The people who made the decision are experienced in assessing promising candidates, regardless of the candidate's background. Those highly qualified and experienced people think that you have the attributes of a successful Oxford undergraduate. Please don't doubt the decision, or doubt yourself. When you applied you must have thought that you had at least some chance of success. You were right, and now you have an offer. I hope that you can now meet any conditions of the offer and take up your place in October. I hope that you will enjoy your time at university.

Thank you for this. Yes I guess the admission tutors have been doing this for many years.
Original post by Muttley79
No-one gets an offer through 'box ticking'.
Clearly you demonstrated exactly what Oxford are looking for and so, well done!
Talk to your teachers about how you are feeling - they must have written supportive references for you.
What you are feeling is not uncommon but try to focus on your A levels now :smile:

Thank you for this! I think I would feel a bit uncomfortable speaking to my teachers about this. But I have read my references from my teachers and they were decent.
Original post by JQ2neeky
I mean I got an OppOx offer as well and they do say in the email, that your application went through the same standards as any other person. They only give OppOx offers after they decided who they are actually going to give a standard offer too. (It's a retrospective thing rather than them actually looking for 'weaker' applicants during the admissions process). Be Proud!
Congrats on your offer 😀

Well done to you too! Yes they did mention the same standards thing in the email but me being me I had seeds of doubt. What I wasn’t entirely sure about is when they chose people for Oppox (my mind was thinking during the admissions process rather than after) but you have cleared it up for me. Thank you!
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you for this. Yes I guess the admission tutors have been doing this for many years.

They have. It takes years of academic work to become a tutorial fellow of an Oxford college, and each year several academics, senior and junior, take part in the admission process. I have seen it suggested that each applicant has twenty person-hours spent on his or her application. Even the newest and most junior participant in a selection panel is highly qualified in the subject which you applied to study.

The tutors make an effort to get admissions decisions right for, I suggest, at least three reasons. First, they wish to maintain the standards of the institution which they work in. Secondly, they wish to be fair. Thirdly, they have an interest in teaching the most suitable students. Tutors are human and wish to have a rewarding time at work. They don't always get the decision right, but you shouldn't assume that they have erred in your case.

You aimed at a target and you hit it. You're entitled to congratulate yourself.
(edited 3 weeks ago)
Original post by fergalsharky
Hello I am quite familiar with the Oxford admissions system through a close connect. Being given an interview from Oxford, let alone an offer, is a huge achievement. Oxford turns away many applicants they know would have thrived at the uni, so if you're in you're in. Opportunity Oxford is designed to adjust for the fact that some applicants have much more resources than others, but it definitely won't have been the only reason you got in, so you deserved that place!
Many congrats again.

Thank you! But you said that Oxford rejects people who would have done well at the university. Why? Also sorry I’m being picky - you mentioned that Oppox was not the only reason why I would have got an offer so therefore it would have been one of the reasons used by the admissions team in determining whether or not I received an offer?
Original post by Anonymous
Hello. So last week I received an offer from Oxford but I am feeling a bit insecure about my offer. Some part of me feels that I did not deserve me place…
First of all, I was given an offer with a place on Opportunity Oxford (Oppox). Therefore, I felt like one of the main reasons I was given a place with due to some contextual information about me (such as the previous school I went to). I was almost certain I had not gotten an offer after my third interview (which I believe I did not perform too well on) and therefore I feel like Opportunity Oxford was the only reason why I got an offer at this university. This is also supported by the fact that I am an ethnic minority so maybe the admission tutors had sympathy for me and despite my bad third interview still wanted to give me a place because I fit some of the criteria for Opportunity Oxford. Therefore, even though there may have been much stronger applicants for the course I applied to, they may have got rejected yet I got an offer.
Additionally, I got an open offer. I have read a lot of discussions about an open offer on TSR so now I do not feel so worried about it. However, a part of me still believes that this is what happened prior to getting the open offer: I was interviewed, the admission tutors were not too sure about me so they put me in the pool; and then my underwriting college took me out of the pool because I fit the criteria for Opportunity Oxford.
I am really sorry if I come across as being ungrateful I’m struggling to not have these thoughts especially since I was preparing myself for rejection from the moment I applied to the university, and made myself believe I had been rejected after my third interview. Or perhaps there may be some truth in what I’m saying.
Also, I have a question: Oxford says that Oppox is in place to help to “support talented UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in the transition from school or college to university”. Therefore, is it valid to say that, if someone was from an underrepresented background, even if their overall application was not so strong, then they still have a high chance of getting an offer because they fit the criteria for Oppox?

As an Oxford graduate who married into a family of Oxford graduates I can gaurantee you, Oxford does not make mistakes. If they've given you an offer, you fully deserve it. Oh, and your feelings are entirely normal. Some call it imposter sydrome but whatever it is, please don't let a lack of self believe hold you back.
Original post by Picnicl
Your call but if you are expecting less than AAB at A Level, yes you got given a favour by being considered at all.

Sorry what I was meant to say is that, say the entry requirement was AAA and there were two applicants: one with A*A*A predicted and the other withA*A*A* predicted. Therefore because they both meet the requirements for the course I wouldn’t think that one grade difference between them would determine who would get an offer. Also I don’t think it would have been possible for me to get to the interview stage unless I had met the minimum entry requirements in terms of my predicted grades…
Original post by Stiffy Byng
They have. It takes years of academic work to become a tutorial fellow of an Oxford college, and each year academic, senior and junior, take part in the admission process. I have seen it suggested that each applicant has twenty person-hours spent on his or her application. Even the newest and most junior participant in a selection panel is highly qualified in the subject which you applied to study.
The tutors make an effort to get admissions decisions right for, I suggest, at least three reasons. First, they wish to maintain the standards of the institution which they work in. Secondly, they wish to be fair. Thirdly, they have an interest in teaching the most suitable students. Tutors are human and wish to have a rewarding time at work. They don't always get the decision right, but you shouldn't assume that they have erred in your case.
You aimed at a target and you hit it. You're entitled to congratulate yourself.

I think you have convinced me a bit🥲. Thank you and nice metaphor!

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