Oxford Chemistry Students and Applicants

Original post by zyxwvuts

Question: Are there any colleges you would avoid if applying now? (i.e bad tutors...?)

Worcester college

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Reply 1461

Original post by chignesh10

Worcester college

You don't really know what the Worcester tutors are like. Being rejected by a college is no reason to encourage others not to apply there! :facepalm2:

Reply 1462

Oxford Computer Science Dept

Original post by BJack

You don't really know what the Worcester tutors are like. Being rejected by a college is no reason to encourage others not to apply there! :facepalm2:

. Which college do you go to?

Reply 1463

2

Original post by david.davis

I can't compare my application to other, because I am from Algeria, and my qualifications are very diffrent from yours, for example I don't have A levels...etc . I already visited the International Qualifications page on Oxford website and I didn't find a lot of information about my qualifications. I already sent an email to the departement of Cehmistry and I didn't have an answer.

I suggest that you try contacting the Admissions Information Service (Admissions i). Their contact details are given on the International Qualifications page as the contact point if your country/qualifications aren't listed. They will be able to advise you.

Reply 1464

I wanted to ask an open question:

I got by AS results today.
Unit 1: B ( 4 UMS marks away from A)
Unit 2: A
ISA: C (after doing it three times)

ISAs were really my weak points. I told my teacher, and he said 'it shouldn't affect my result), well it did. If I got a B for my ISA, I would have gotten an A overall. I didn't know what I was doing so wrong in ISAs. I kept revising, I am even more worried about A2 ISAs if I couldn't get above a C!
I just wanted to know if you (anyone), thinks it will be a wasted Application if I apply for Chem at Oxford. I have been to the open days, say in information sessions etc. I hear that it is one of the hardest Chemistry courses, especially since the exams are linear!

Some background info:
I come from a state secondary school. The GCSE pass rate was 42% A*-C inc. English and Maths. I believe this was one of, if not the, lowest pass rate in our Borough. I got the 4th or 5th highest GCSE results, leaving with 6 As, 3 Bs, 1 C, 1 D*, and 2 Distinctions. I studied foundation level GCSE double award science. In foundation, the highest exam grade possible is a C. The highest overall grade is a B. I got 69/69 in both Chemist 1, and Chemistry 2 exams. I also got an A* in our first ISA, and an A in our second ISA. So I left with two Bs for double award science. I wanted to study higher level GCSE double award science, but I was not allowed to. This is because, in year 9, I was entered for the higher exam and got a C. However, in year 11, after 1 and 1/2 of pleading, she allowed me to take my last exam (Biology) at higher level. I got 87/100 UMS, which is an A.

Any help will be much appreciated, I just don't know what to do really. After visiting Oxford, I kind of fell in love. When I heard from one of the professors that it will be very difficult, I was put off Chemistry, and thought maybe I should go for the easier option.. Geography :colondollar:

haha. However, I spoke to our University guidance teacher, and he told me that 'they often say that, to put off the students that don't want to work hard, so that they only get applications from students willing to work hard and do well in their Chemistry course; and Curtis, you don't seem like the kind of person that doesn't want to work hard to achieve what he wants'. So I realised that what he was saying was right!

Sorry for the long post

Reply 1465

username1107833

2

Original post by CurtisDean

X

Sorry could I just ask what "ISA" means, I've been seeing it everywhere haha :smile:

Reply 1466

Original post by theCreator

Sorry could I just ask what "ISA" means, I've been seeing it everywhere haha :smile:

It stands for Investigative skills assessment. You complete a practical, and complete a test paper based on that practical; about the skills, and knowledge you need to undergo the practical.

Reply 1467

username1107833

2

Original post by CurtisDean

It stands for Investigative skills assessment. You complete a practical, and complete a test paper based on that practical; about the skills, and knowledge you need to undergo the practical.

Ah right, I didn't know that was the official name for the practicals :smile:

With reference to your first post I think you should apply to Oxford. For me personally even if I get rejected it would be closure, rather than wondering for the rest of my life "what if" and all that. The worst that can happen is you get rejected which would be the same as not applying. It's a low risk, high reward situation. Oxford interviews 96% of applicants so you will most likely get an interview. Since you went to a school which is below the national average you most probably be "flagged" which means they take your GCSE's and A-level results into special consideration because you probably had less opportunities and worse teachers than everyone else. The main thing they use when deciding whether or not to give you an offer is the interview, so I think you should definitely apply. You'll regret not applying :smile:

Reply 1468

Original post by theCreator

x

Thank you! I agree with what you have said. I think I will still apply! :smile:

Reply 1469

Original post by CurtisDean

x

I would not worry too much. It is more important to be a competent mathematician and enthusiastic about chemistry.

Reply 1470

username913907

10

ISA's, at least back when I did them, had no bearing on your ability at chemistry..... They were just very simple experiments with very basic answers but the marks given for the most minute and pointless details. e.g. drawing a table to record your data in the 'correct way'. Frankly who gives a s**t about something like that.

Yes they count for your marks but don't get the idea that it means you're rubbish at chemistry just because you got a bad mark there. I never did well in them and I'd like to think I'm actually quite good at chemistry.

Reply 1471

Thank you both!
But quick question: How can I best prepare for A2 Chemistry. I've developed an All of nothing attitude towards education. Also, many of my friends are doing things this summer just to put on their personal statement. I don't want to have to do this, as I feel it is forced! But, if it has to be, it has to be!

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Reply 1472

zyxwvuts

1

Hi. I got a few prelim papers from my teacher and found them very helpful in expanding my knowledge. However, she has no more - is there anyway I can assess them or a place I can get hold of more? Thank you.

Reply 1473

Original post by zyxwvuts

Hi. I got a few prelim papers from my teacher and found them very helpful in expanding my knowledge. However, she has no more - is there anyway I can assess them or a place I can get hold of more? Thank you.

Oxford exam papers can only be accessed through the university network.

Reply 1474

should i reapply here!? I got 4A*s, will that help?

Reply 1475

username913907

10

Original post by chignesh10

should i reapply here!? I got 4A*s, will that help?

Well its a good start! Doesn't gurantee you a place though... You need to pass the biggest hurdle which is the interviews.

Reply 1476

Original post by chignesh10

should i reapply here!? I got 4A*s, will that help?

I don't know... you seem rather bitter about the whole thing. :s-smilie:

Reply 1477

Original post by BJack

I don't know... you seem rather bitter about the whole thing. :s-smilie:

Haha. It gives me a chance to become even mote bitter

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Reply 1478

Thy Lord

3

Hello. Does Oxford admit limited numbers of international students per course each year? Like, no more than 3 students from random EU country, say France, a year, irrespective of college? Oh, and do colleges communicate with each other about admissions (even if unofficially), or are they completely independent on this? Thank you.

Reply 1479