PPE Or English

3

So I need advice, I went to a underperforming secondary school and got 5 9's, 5 8's and a 7, and got a scholarship to a private school for sixth form. I do English Lit, Maths, History and RS for A Levels. I want to become a Solicitor, but don't know if I should apply for PPE or English at Oxford. I'm currently predicted for all A*, with English being my best subject. I don't do econ or politics which a LOT of the offered people have. I think I have better chances for Oxford with English, and I think I would enjoy it more, but PPE would be better for the type of Law I want to go for (Corporate or Human Rights)

Reply 1

ember1

6

I think I have better chances for Oxford with English, and I think I would enjoy it more - DEFINITELY go for the subject you would enjoy more and have more passion for, the subject you are more likely to get 2:1 or 1st in. You will get better grades and be a more competitive candidate for selection by magic circle law firms specialising in Corporate or Human Rights.

The actual relevant stage to demonstrate ability for Corporate or Human Rights would be during your conversion course to law (GDL - Graduate Diploma in Law) followed by the solicitors exams after.

On another note, very well done on your GCSEs and scholarship to a private school.

Reply 2

thegeek888

18

Original post

by iwillbeadoc21

So I need advice, I went to a underperforming secondary school and got 5 9's, 5 8's and a 7, and got a scholarship to a private school for sixth form. I do English Lit, Maths, History and RS for A Levels. I want to become a Solicitor, but don't know if I should apply for PPE or English at Oxford. I'm currently predicted for all A*, with English being my best subject. I don't do econ or politics which a LOT of the offered people have. I think I have better chances for Oxford with English, and I think I would enjoy it more, but PPE would be better for the type of Law I want to go for (Corporate or Human Rights)

You could sit the the LNAT and if you're set on applying for Law perhaps?

But your passion is English, so you should apply for English. But firms who hire graduates would expect a high 2.1 or even a 1st as competition is 'fierce' for training contracts and much more of a lottery for barrister pupillages.

Reply 3

sophiashade

2

Original post

by iwillbeadoc21

So I need advice, I went to a underperforming secondary school and got 5 9's, 5 8's and a 7, and got a scholarship to a private school for sixth form. I do English Lit, Maths, History and RS for A Levels. I want to become a Solicitor, but don't know if I should apply for PPE or English at Oxford. I'm currently predicted for all A*, with English being my best subject. I don't do econ or politics which a LOT of the offered people have. I think I have better chances for Oxford with English, and I think I would enjoy it more, but PPE would be better for the type of Law I want to go for (Corporate or Human Rights)

hi! currently have a PPE offer from oxford so hopefully can help - i don’t do any of philosophy, politics, or economics A Levels either so i wouldn’t worry (we do v similar a levels - i do maths, RS, history, and art!)
if you think you’d enjoy english more then that seems like the best choice - i would just say look at the course and modules for both PPE and Eng to see if what is covered matches your areas of interest; i know that for Eng specifically the modules can vary a lot depending on what uni you’re at!
if you don’t do ppe there will still be ways of engaging with the subject through societies etc, and if you have the oxford stamp on your cv i doubt having a PPE degree over an Eng degree would make the world of a difference to employers.
hope this is helpful - good luck with your application/a levels!

Reply 4

xyz1234567

11

Apply for the course you are best at and enjoy.
Doing English is not a barrier to law if that is what you still want to do at the end of your course.

Reply 5

Stiffy Byng

19

Original post

by thegeek888

You could sit the the LNAT and if you're set on applying for Law perhaps?
But your passion is English, so you should apply for English. But firms who hire graduates would expect a high 2.1 or even a 1st as competition is 'fierce' for training contracts and much more of a lottery for barrister pupillages.

Why would the OP sit the LNAT when he or she does not intend to study law as an undergraduate?

Overall, there are approximately ten applicants for every training contract, and approximately four applicants for every pupillage. The numbers applying for training contracts at the best known firms and for pupillages at the best known chambers will be greater than that.

OP, as others have said, study the subject which most interests you. A degree in PPE and a degree in English will have equal value when you are applying for professional courses and training positions.

Reply 6

emmag258

6

Original post

by sophiashade

hi! currently have a PPE offer from oxford so hopefully can help - i don’t do any of philosophy, politics, or economics A Levels either so i wouldn’t worry (we do v similar a levels - i do maths, RS, history, and art!)
if you think you’d enjoy english more then that seems like the best choice - i would just say look at the course and modules for both PPE and Eng to see if what is covered matches your areas of interest; i know that for Eng specifically the modules can vary a lot depending on what uni you’re at!
if you don’t do ppe there will still be ways of engaging with the subject through societies etc, and if you have the oxford stamp on your cv i doubt having a PPE degree over an Eng degree would make the world of a difference to employers.
hope this is helpful - good luck with your application/a levels!

congrats on your offer!! would you have any advice for the Oxford PPE application?-i'm hoping to apply next year :smile:

Reply 7

sophiashade

2

Original post

by emmag258

congrats on your offer!! would you have any advice for the Oxford PPE application?-i'm hoping to apply next year :smile:

thank you! my main tips for application is to practise the TSA over and over again. i practically forgot about my school work and just did TSA prep from September until the test date at the end of October - this seemed to work really well for me, it helps you get used to the kinds of Qs they ask/timing and gives you enough time to iron out any weak areas (you want to be aiming for 70+ in Section 1). then if you progress to interview stage make sure it doesn't feel like a performance; the tutors want to see you work stuff out in real time and think through your answers verbally so I'd say its best not to have any robotic pre-prepared answers! i was surprised by how much i actually enjoyed the interviews, while it can feel daunting the tutors put you at ease so you can do your best - again, good luck with your application!

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