Oxbridge Interview

Hi,

If I were to apply to Cambridge or Oxford, would you say that extra curriculars play a strong role in whether you get accepted or not?
I currently don't have much, I am learning gymnastics, cooking/baking at home, played Violin to grade 5 before, got 5th in Translation Bee Regional.]
I am planning to apply for modern languages course
If so, any extra curriculars recommended?

Reply 1

ConfusedPenguin1

What I've always been told is that Oxbridge don't care at all about extracurriculars, but they care a lot about supercurriculars. The distinction is that supercurriculars are related to the subject you want to study. For example, in your case, the translation bee would be a supercurricular, and the rest would be extracurriculars.

The key thing with supercurriculars is to remember that depth is better than quantity. Find an area of language study that's beyond the stuff you learn at school, an area that you feel passionate about, and then spend a lot of time learning about that area. It doesn't have to be big, flashy things - read some books, watch some videos or lectures, do an online course, etc. Anything that demonstrates a person interest and dedication towards the subject outside of school. Just make sure to keep note of what you've done.

Reply 2

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post

by seanc14

They don't play any part at all. As above, what adds value is doing things that extend your knowledge around the subject you are applying for.

Reply 3

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by seanc14

Hi,
If I were to apply to Cambridge or Oxford, would you say that extra curriculars play a strong role in whether you get accepted or not?
I currently don't have much, I am learning gymnastics, cooking/baking at home, played Violin to grade 5 before, got 5th in Translation Bee Regional.]
I am planning to apply for modern languages course
If so, any extra curriculars recommended?

Varies massively on the subject, and generally they will where the extra curricular activity is directly relevant to the degree.

Reply 4

seanc14

Original post

by mnot

Varies massively on the subject, and generally they will where the extra curricular activity is directly relevant to the degree.

What super curriculars do you recommend for me to do, if my interest is languages. Does it have to be a special course with certificate or just anything that is related to my desired subject. Thanks

Reply 5

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by seanc14

What super curriculars do you recommend for me to do, if my interest is languages. Does it have to be a special course with certificate or just anything that is related to my desired subject. Thanks

Im not really that knowledgeable of linguistics and languages (im more experienced in STEM). I would recommend reviewing the websites of colleges and universities subject pages you’re interested in, additionally ask at open days.

But as a general rule, no it doesn’t have to be a specific qualification or course. In STEM I often tell students to invent their own projects, read peer reviewed technical articles, review technical lectures (often free on YouTube) and general relevant projects that excite you. Now youll have to seek out valuable avenues in your field.

Reply 6

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by seanc14

What super curriculars do you recommend for me to do, if my interest is languages. Does it have to be a special course with certificate or just anything that is related to my desired subject. Thanks

Read literature from the language(s) you're interested in - in translation is fine, especially if you're studying ab initio - or watch films, TV, et cetera; try to engage with the culture.

Reply 7

seanc14

Original post

by melancollege

Read literature from the language(s) you're interested in - in translation is fine, especially if you're studying ab initio - or watch films, TV, et cetera; try to engage with the culture.

Thanks so much, does it have to have a certificate? Or just what you say, as a super curricular in the interview?

Reply 8

seanc14

Original post

by mnot

Im not really that knowledgeable of linguistics and languages (im more experienced in STEM). I would recommend reviewing the websites of colleges and universities subject pages you’re interested in, additionally ask at open days.
But as a general rule, no it doesn’t have to be a specific qualification or course. In STEM I often tell students to invent their own projects, read peer reviewed technical articles, review technical lectures (often free on YouTube) and general relevant projects that excite you. Now youll have to seek out valuable avenues in your field.

Thanks so much, does it have to have a certificate? Or just what you say, as a super curricular in the interview?

Reply 9

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by seanc14

Thanks so much, does it have to have a certificate? Or just what you say, as a super curricular in the interview?

No certificate required. Going to the library and reading a book in your chosen language(s) or in translation would be absolutely sufficient. They want to know what you've done from there or learned from that, not that you've bought a certificate.
Which language(s) are you planning to study and what draws you to them?