Does your college really matter- Oxbridge application?
I’m planning to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge (for Classics) this October, and have a few confusions about the college system.
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Reply 1
I can tell you about Cambridge, not Oxford.
Your lectures and the course you study are all centrally managed by the Faculty. Your college choice does not matter for this. Your college does organise Supervisions (classes) and you will likely be taught by Fellows from your own college. At undergrad this doesn't matter a great deal, so you should choose your college based on its location and whether or not you like the college grounds and living areas.
Your pastoral care, your accommodation, and any other non-academic needs will (for the most part) be organised by your college. So as an undergrad you'll be living on the property of your own college. You'll also get discounts and such for your own canteen and formal halls. If you can, you should visit some colleges to see if you like them.
In terms of your application, your choice of college does matter, but you can't really game the system. Your application will be reviewed by the people who will teach you at your own college. So you'll get different people looking at your application (and a different approach to the interview) depending on where you apply. There are tables that rank how 'difficult' it is to get into each college, but it's pretty volatile. People see colleges that are the 'easiest' to get into and they shoot up the next year because everyone applies to them. My advice is not to pay this too much attention.
In terms of pooling, Cambridge will only pool you if your chosen college doesn't have space for you, but recommends your application for further review. Then other colleges will have the chance to look at your application and accept you if they think you're a good fit. If you don't specify a college preference then you'll be randomly allocated to one to go through the application process.
Hope that helps!
Your lectures and the course you study are all centrally managed by the Faculty. Your college choice does not matter for this. Your college does organise Supervisions (classes) and you will likely be taught by Fellows from your own college. At undergrad this doesn't matter a great deal, so you should choose your college based on its location and whether or not you like the college grounds and living areas.
Your pastoral care, your accommodation, and any other non-academic needs will (for the most part) be organised by your college. So as an undergrad you'll be living on the property of your own college. You'll also get discounts and such for your own canteen and formal halls. If you can, you should visit some colleges to see if you like them.
In terms of your application, your choice of college does matter, but you can't really game the system. Your application will be reviewed by the people who will teach you at your own college. So you'll get different people looking at your application (and a different approach to the interview) depending on where you apply. There are tables that rank how 'difficult' it is to get into each college, but it's pretty volatile. People see colleges that are the 'easiest' to get into and they shoot up the next year because everyone applies to them. My advice is not to pay this too much attention.
In terms of pooling, Cambridge will only pool you if your chosen college doesn't have space for you, but recommends your application for further review. Then other colleges will have the chance to look at your application and accept you if they think you're a good fit. If you don't specify a college preference then you'll be randomly allocated to one to go through the application process.
Hope that helps!
Reply 2
It only makes a difference to your uni experience not how easy it is to get in or the opportunities you’ll have after uni
Original post
by AnonymousI’m planning to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge (for Classics) this October, and have a few confusions about the college system.
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
"Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?" - Nope. One important thing to consider is that the admissions directors have access to way more information that any applicant ever could. They make sure this isn't the case, specifically via the pooling system.
This is just the system that ensures that the college you apply to doesn't affect your overall likelihood of getting in to the university overall. Some colleges tend to receive a proportionately higher number of applicants and some receive a lower proportion of applicants. To make sure that applicants aren't penalised by their college of choice, colleges that receive more applicants will put some applicants into the 'pool', so that their additional good applicants can be picked up by other colleges. Colleges would much rather pick up a better applicant from the pool than a worse direct applicant.
Reply 4
For Cambridge, you can search for admissions statistics by college and course here. Some colleges interview in person, others online (searchable in advance), so that might affect your choice, too.
When you're choosing between Cambridge & Oxford for Classics specifically, it's worth bearing in mind that the Oxford admissions test (CAT or CLAT) is a written one, taken around the third week in October, and used - along with the usual other evidence, like grades and personal statement - to determine whether you progress to the interview stage. Cambridge's assessment, meanwhile, takes place during the interview itself in early December (and can be "live" rather than written).
Source: I'm a Classics tutor (former teacher) and regularly support uni applicants. Wishing you all the best 🙂
When you're choosing between Cambridge & Oxford for Classics specifically, it's worth bearing in mind that the Oxford admissions test (CAT or CLAT) is a written one, taken around the third week in October, and used - along with the usual other evidence, like grades and personal statement - to determine whether you progress to the interview stage. Cambridge's assessment, meanwhile, takes place during the interview itself in early December (and can be "live" rather than written).
Source: I'm a Classics tutor (former teacher) and regularly support uni applicants. Wishing you all the best 🙂
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousI’m planning to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge (for Classics) this October, and have a few confusions about the college system.
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
The college you choose for Oxbridge matters a bit in terms of vibe and experience, but not much for getting in — admissions are mainly based on your academic ability. Whether you're applying for history or something like https://ebookwritings.com/3D architecture, strong applicants can be reallocated to other colleges. Focus more on your course and application than the college.
Reply 6
The college you choose for Oxbridge matters a bit in terms of vibe and experience, but not much for getting in — admissions are mainly based on your academic ability. Whether you're applying for history or something like https://ebookwritings.com/3D architecture design, strong applicants can be reallocated to other colleges. Focus more on your course and application than the college.
Original post
by snailspace12For Cambridge, you can search for admissions statistics by college and course here. Some colleges interview in person, others online (searchable in advance), so that might affect your choice, too.
When you're choosing between Cambridge & Oxford for Classics specifically, it's worth bearing in mind that the Oxford admissions test (CAT or CLAT) is a written one, taken around the third week in October, and used - along with the usual other evidence, like grades and personal statement - to determine whether you progress to the interview stage. Cambridge's assessment, meanwhile, takes place during the interview itself in early December (and can be "live" rather than written).
Source: I'm a Classics tutor (former teacher) and regularly support uni applicants. Wishing you all the best 🙂
When you're choosing between Cambridge & Oxford for Classics specifically, it's worth bearing in mind that the Oxford admissions test (CAT or CLAT) is a written one, taken around the third week in October, and used - along with the usual other evidence, like grades and personal statement - to determine whether you progress to the interview stage. Cambridge's assessment, meanwhile, takes place during the interview itself in early December (and can be "live" rather than written).
Source: I'm a Classics tutor (former teacher) and regularly support uni applicants. Wishing you all the best 🙂
Just to note, I would honestly avoid looking at admissions statistics when making your decision. They won't provide you with any meaningful information and Cambridge applications are treated very holistically.
Reply 8
Original post
by melancollegeJust to note, I would honestly avoid looking at admissions statistics when making your decision. They won't provide you with any meaningful information and Cambridge applications are treated very holistically.
Absolutely agree, and thanks for pointing this out. For an interdisciplinary subject like Classics, OP could look at the research specialisms (ancient history, Greek/Roman verse/prose, philosophy, linguistics, art & archaeology) of the Fellows at a given college, to find one or two who match their own interests. Along with any other considerations that go into choosing a college like location, size, vibe, etc., of course.
Original post
by snailspace12Absolutely agree, and thanks for pointing this out. For an interdisciplinary subject like Classics, OP could look at the research specialisms (ancient history, Greek/Roman verse/prose, philosophy, linguistics, art & archaeology) of the Fellows at a given college, to find one or two who match their own interests. Along with any other considerations that go into choosing a college like location, size, vibe, etc., of course.
I'll be honest I also wouldn't really focus on research specialisms either. For a smaller course like Classics, you would have supervisions in multiple colleges and can have discussions with people across the faculty. I study a much larger subject (Maths) and none of my nine courses were supervised by people associated with my college. It really isn't much of a restriction.
I'd 100% agree with size, location, vibe, etc.
The way I think about it is that college choice should be based on residential and pastoral considerations, academic ones are university-wide.
Reply 10
21
Original post
by melancollegeI'll be honest I also wouldn't really focus on research specialisms either. For a smaller course like Classics, you would have supervisions in multiple colleges and can have discussions with people across the faculty. I study a much larger subject (Maths) and none of my nine courses were supervised by people associated with my college. It really isn't much of a restriction.
I'd 100% agree with size, location, vibe, etc.
The way I think about it is that college choice should be based on residential and pastoral considerations, academic ones are university-wide.
I'd 100% agree with size, location, vibe, etc.
The way I think about it is that college choice should be based on residential and pastoral considerations, academic ones are university-wide.
No idea about classics (which I imagine is very different), but for maths which you mention, the usual advice would be to avoid trinity as you may not get interviewed/pooled and also some colleges have slightly more flexible (step) requirements (context dependent). So some colleges can make it slightly easier to get on the course (or harder, peterhouse-engineering) but maybe not in the way the op meant and I agree, looking at the admission stats can easily be misleading.
But otherwise, there are about 30 colleges to choose from and I doubt few people would turn down an offer if they got pooled to a different college. I guess a fair number of kids will see something they like / vibe and go for that and its hardly unreasonable.
Reply 11
Original post
by melancollegeI'll be honest I also wouldn't really focus on research specialisms either. For a smaller course like Classics, you would have supervisions in multiple colleges and can have discussions with people across the faculty. I study a much larger subject (Maths) and none of my nine courses were supervised by people associated with my college. It really isn't much of a restriction.
I'd 100% agree with size, location, vibe, etc.
The way I think about it is that college choice should be based on residential and pastoral considerations, academic ones are university-wide.
I'd 100% agree with size, location, vibe, etc.
The way I think about it is that college choice should be based on residential and pastoral considerations, academic ones are university-wide.
True! Same for Classics -- the supervision/tutorial system at both Oxford and Cambridge usually involves expeditions to different colleges.
Re. research interests -- Classics is such an interdisciplinary subject, it can sometimes be helpful, for the purpose of the interview at least, to share some common ground. It's definitely not required (and there are no guarantees that the supervisor(s) listed on the website will be ones interviewing you on the day), but I've heard from interviewees that it can make them feel more comfortable and informed in the course of the discussion. E.g., a Classicist who specialises in ancient art & archaeology might be more inclined to present you with a visual source (Greek vase, frieze, etc.), so if that's one of your curricular or supercurricular interests, too, great! It means you'll have a leg up on some of the issues at stake in analysing this kind of source. Conversely, a Classicist who specialises in ancient history might give you an excerpt from a historical text to discuss, etc.
Of course, this would only be one portion of the interview, and other parts could (and should) be based around your own academic experiences and interests, not the interviewer's. And if you like the look of a particular college and the supervisors' interests don't seem to align with your own at all, don't let that stop you (especially as you could be pooled anyway) -- other considerations like facilities, location, etc. are more important
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 12
Original post
by AnonymousI’m planning to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge (for Classics) this October, and have a few confusions about the college system.
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Does it become easier or more difficult to get into your course if you apply to certain colleges? Is your application more likely to be rejected if you apply to a more competitive college as opposed to a less competitive one?
I’ve heard about the pooling system but don’t really understand how it works, so if anyone can explain it that would also help!!
Yes, the college matters (to an extent). It is because of the level of competition. If you are w top candidate, it would be better to apply to a less competitive college than a more competitive one. That way, it is easier for you to shine in that environment.
Reply 13
Original post
by Wired_1800Yes, the college matters (to an extent). It is because of the level of competition. If you are w top candidate, it would be better to apply to a less competitive college than a more competitive one. That way, it is easier for you to shine in that environment.
Are you referring to the application process or the atmosphere when you get there?
Reply 14
Original post
by melancollegeAre you referring to the application process or the atmosphere when you get there?
Application process.
For atmosphere when you go there, they are largely similar and the experience is unique to each individual.
Reply 15
Original post
by Wired_1800Application process.
For atmosphere when you go there, they are largely similar and the experience is unique to each individual.
For atmosphere when you go there, they are largely similar and the experience is unique to each individual.
In that case, I disagree. Colleges would rather take from the pool and they know the profile of the average successful candidate.
Reply 16
Original post
by melancollegeIn that case, I disagree. Colleges would rather take from the pool and they know the profile of the average successful candidate.
Not sure what you are disagreeing with. If a candidate is strong in one college, they would have less competition in another college.
For example, an applicant applies to College X for NatSci with straight 9s at GCSE and 3A*s predicted. Their profile would be too competitive at Trinity with the amount of competition present.
Reply 17
Original post
by Wired_1800Not sure what you are disagreeing with. If a candidate is strong in one college, they would have less competition in another college.
For example, an applicant applies to College X for NatSci with straight 9s at GCSE and 3A*s predicted. Their profile would be too competitive at Trinity with the amount of competition present.
For example, an applicant applies to College X for NatSci with straight 9s at GCSE and 3A*s predicted. Their profile would be too competitive at Trinity with the amount of competition present.
Because the competition isn't purely with those who applied to the same college, they make sure that the standard of competition is level among colleges. Some colleges take a significant portion of their cohort from the summer and winter pools.
Reply 18
Original post
by melancollegeBecause the competition isn't purely with those who applied to the same college, they make sure that the standard of competition is level among colleges. Some colleges take a significant portion of their cohort from the summer and winter pools.
I think you missed the point. The strength of an application with that profile would be positive in a smaller college than an oversubscribed college. There are many top applicants at Trinity that would have gotten admitted at other less subscribed colleges but were rejected at Trinity.
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