Oxford Chemistry Students and Applicants

Hello
I'm going to apply to Oxford this year as a chemistry major
but, I wonder which college has better reputation for chemistry..
I'm thinking about applying to Merton, Magdalen, Jesus, or Corpus Christi.
How those colleges are different or which college is more competitive?
I find out that the acceptance rate for chemistry kids in each college varies alot in each year, so I'm not sure which college is more competitive or not
Thanks!

Merton is described as "the place where fun goes to die" ...

Reply 1621

Marcum

11

Original post by Millymd

Hi all, what predicted grades have you achieved?

They wouldn't be predicted grades if I had achieved them. I think I know what you mean. A*A*A* in chemistry, maths, and physics.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 1622

Pars12

9

Original post by theCreator

Merton is described as "the place where fun goes to die" ...

http://guides.tab.co.uk/guide/oxford/

Reply 1623

klh0308

Original post by theCreator

Merton is described as "the place where fun goes to die" ...

I actually decided to apply Magdalen

Reply 1624

Atkins

1

Appointments for interview coming soon.....

Reply 1625

username1611059

2

Hi !
I've applied to Oxford (Wadham) to read Chemistry and I have received confirmation that they are processing my application. I was just wondering if anyone has received an invitation to an interview or has any advice on how to prepare an interview/what will be in it..?

Reply 1626

mishieru07

12

Original post by Millymd

Hi !
I've applied to Oxford (Wadham) to read Chemistry and I have received confirmation that they are processing my application. I was just wondering if anyone has received an invitation to an interview or has any advice on how to prepare an interview/what will be in it..?

Interview invitations usually go out only 1-2 weeks before the interview itself. Each year, interviews are scheduled in December, over the first 2 weeks or so of the Christmas vacation.

TL: DR Don't expect an interview invitation for another good 7 weeks or so.

Reply 1627

Jennyfish97

Original post by Millymd

Hi !
I've applied to Oxford (Wadham) to read Chemistry and I have received confirmation that they are processing my application. I was just wondering if anyone has received an invitation to an interview or has any advice on how to prepare an interview/what will be in it..?

Hiya,
I've applied to Oxford chemistry at St Hugh's and I've got an email saying they're considering my application too :smile:

Anyone have any ideas on how to prepare for interviews?

Reply 1628

KombatWombat

7

Hey, I'm a second year chemist. I got my interview invite late November - some particularly organised colleges will be earlier, some later! Definitely don't read into it if someone hears much earlier than you do.

As for preparing, the best thing is just exploring around what you're learning; going in to a bit more detail about the stuff you're actually studying. Why chemical reactions happen is a good book for this, as frankly is wikipedia (don't tell admissions tutors though!). I found it quite useful to get some practice in about talking about it as you might just be used to sitting written exams - ask for a practice interview at school (though it might not be much like the real thing - mine wasn't) or even try explaining some of the more difficult concepts (like orbitals, bonding) to parents.

The actual interview will be going through things that are unfamiliar to you; the tutors want to see you use information you know in previously unseen settings.

Reply 1629

Jennyfish97

Thanks, would you recommend focusing on purely chemistry or physics and biology and maths too? Also, I have heard that there may be a surprise test on interview days if I get one, did this happen to you? Not that it would be possible to prepare but knowing beforehand would stop me panicking if one was sprung on us

Reply 1630

KombatWombat

7

Chemistry will obviously be the main focus. The exact format of interviews varies from college to college, but it's usually organic/inorganic in one and physical/maths in the other; in this they'll be looking for mathematical ability and if you've done physics they might want you to use it in a chemical context. If I were you I'd focus on chemistry in your reading though.

Reply 1631

Isobelkp

YOu probably won't hear for a while yet, but chemistry interviews like 95% of applicants, so unless you have really bad/inadequate grades, you will probably have an interview.

Reply 1632

Atkins

1

Hi,
what is exactly a 'formal dinner'?
what to wear?

Reply 1633

BJack

19

Original post by Atkins

Hi,
what is exactly a 'formal dinner'?
what to wear?

Formal dinner is just what it sounds like — a formal dinner; it often starts with a short grace and will be at least three courses. Alcohol provision depends on college and occasion. Dress code depends on your college but you'll probably need to wear your gown and something at least reasonably smart underneath; a normal suit is usually a safe bet.

Reply 1634

bentuk

1

Hi!
I understand that its quite common to get asked maths questions in the chemistry interview. what modules would these questions correspond to? Since I do further maths, would it be at all possible that they would ask questions from both my AS single maths and AS further maths (my modules were C1, C2, M1, M2, D1, FP1)? Could the questions also be any of the A2 units? If someone could answer that would be greatly appreciated! :smile:

Reply 1635

BJack

19

Original post by bentuk

Hi!
I understand that its quite common to get asked maths questions in the chemistry interview. what modules would these questions correspond to? Since I do further maths, would it be at all possible that they would ask questions from both my AS single maths and AS further maths (my modules were C1, C2, M1, M2, D1, FP1)? Could the questions also be any of the A2 units? If someone could answer that would be greatly appreciated! :smile:

It's probably not going to be any harder than some basic calculus or mechanics – introductory-level material for the course itself.