Choosing an Oxford College

Original post by gz123

Out of curiosity, is there any particular college that is known for partying/doing more social activities?

Thanks!!

A lot of colleges try to claim that title with very little to actually back it up.

Reply 3146

Jman95

What do we think of Hertford?

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Reply 3147

BJack

19

Original post by Jman95

What do we think of Hertford?

It's nice enough, though I can't think of anything that makes it particularly stand out. What's turned you onto it?

Reply 3148

Jman95

Original post by BJack

It's nice enough, though I can't think of anything that makes it particularly stand out. What's turned you onto it?

Well i visited colleges recently and saw the really big and grand ones like Magdalen and New and St Johns... But they were a bit harder to get into and im not as fussed about the buildings and gardens as others are. I just hang around in Hertford for a while and everyone seemed really cool, but I didnt know if there was anything about Hertford that made it particularly attractive to applicants

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Reply 3149

Original post by Jman95

Well i visited colleges recently and saw the really big and grand ones like Magdalen and New and St Johns... But they were a bit harder to get into and im not as fussed about the buildings and gardens as others are. I just hang around in Hertford for a while and everyone seemed really cool, but I didnt know if there was anything about Hertford that made it particularly attractive to applicants

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EDIT: So it wasn't an open day? You're saying you like Hertford based purely on the students 'looking cool'?! Well... whatever floats your boat i guess, but maybe an open day would be more useful to you?

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 3150

tooambitious

16

Original post by nexttime

They usually have big doors you can just walk through...

But no, seriously, what are you basing that on? 'Competitiveness' should only factor in in exceptional circumstances really. College choice does not affect your chances of getting into Oxford. And besides, based on the data we know of, Hertford is more oversubscribed than either New or St Johns.

My only comments about Hertford are that it used to have a good bar but college shut it down, and that some of their accommodation is inconveniently located compared to the college itself.

I think he means in terms of porters not letting him in etc. :tongue:

Edit: I'm stupid, sorry :tongue:

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 3151

Jman95

Original post by tooambitious

I think he means in terms of porters not letting him in etc. :tongue:

Oh no i meant hard to get in admissions-wise haha the porters were great at all the colleges. I can't go to the open days because I'm an international applicant and they're in the middle of my term. But I was wondering how one would choose a college when they aren't fussed by architecture/gardens/accomodation/number of apperances in Harry Potter. I'm more interested in finding a college with engaging and stimulating tutors, and a cool and laid-back student population, but it is almost impossible to get a feel for this sort of thing from the outside. Especially when they all claim to be this way, I just can't believe that's true of all of them. I seemed to get a good vibe from Hertford because I got to have a look around in the place, but again, I may well be wrong. Does anyone know if Hertford is like this?

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Reply 3152

Original post by Jman95

Oh no i meant hard to get in admissions-wise haha the porters were great at all the colleges. I can't go to the open days because I'm an international applicant and they're in the middle of my term. But I was wondering how one would choose a college when they aren't fussed by architecture/gardens/accomodation/number of apperances in Harry Potter. I'm more interested in finding a college with engaging and stimulating tutors, and a cool and laid-back student population, but it is almost impossible to get a feel for this sort of thing from the outside. Especially when they all claim to be this way, I just can't believe that's true of all of them. I seemed to get a good vibe from Hertford because I got to have a look around in the place, but again, I may well be wrong. Does anyone know if Hertford is like this?

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I think your analysis is spot on - it is impossible to gain a real impression of 'atmosphere' from the outside really, especially when you consider that the year you would be in isn't even there yet!

There are still tangible criteria beyond appearance. Accommodation has a price, which varies, as does actual provision of accommodation. Location varies. Sports facilities vary. You can try to look into tutors, although again this is hard to get a real feel for as some are heavily involved with students, some aren't.

My advice to you is to pick up on one bit of small, relatively unimportant criteria and just run with it. You got a good impression of Hertford? Go for it. You want to have access to squash courts even though you've never played before? Go for a college with squash courts then. Whatever you want!

Reply 3153

la-dauphine

13

Original post by Jman95

Oh no i meant hard to get in admissions-wise haha the porters were great at all the colleges.
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You'd be surprised - some of the 'grander' colleges are actually the more unpopular ones. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Asg7Ze9sc7PfdERINU5BSjJXdVN1dEs5eVl2cFVyaWc&hl=en_GB

Reply 3154

Mazzini

16

Hey guys

I'm probably gonna apply for Theology - I've made a shortlist of colleges I like:

Christ Church
Mansfield
Oriel
Pembroke
St John's
St Peter's
Worcester.

Does anyone have any particular advice for any of these?

Thanks :biggrin:

Reply 3155

fluteflute

OP

19

Original post by Mazzini

Hey guys

I'm probably gonna apply for Theology - I've made a shortlist of colleges I like:

Christ Church
Mansfield
Oriel
Pembroke
St John's
St Peter's
Worcester.

Does anyone have any particular advice for any of these?

Thanks :biggrin:

A few thoughts on what you care about would be handy. e.g. location, size, architecture, 24/7 library, accommodation for all three years, lots of theologians, kitchens, sports facilities, etc :smile:

Reply 3156

Original post by Mazzini

Hey guys

I'm probably gonna apply for Theology - I've made a shortlist of colleges I like:

Christ Church
Mansfield
Oriel
Pembroke
St John's
St Peter's
Worcester.

Does anyone have any particular advice for any of these?

Thanks :biggrin:

You've got college that are big, small, rich, poor, 3 years accomodation, 2 years accommodation, new, old... a good cross-section of colleges through the factors people usually use to narrow their choices down! :tongue:

Are you really completely neutral about all of the above? If so what DO you care about?

Reply 3157

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

WOOSTA, WOOSTA, WOOSTA! :rave:

Unbiased opinion, of course :angel:

Reply 3158

Mazzini

16

Original post by fluteflute

A few thoughts on what you care about would be handy. e.g. location, size, architecture, 24/7 library, accommodation for all three years, lots of theologians, kitchens, sports facilities, etc :smile:

Original post by nexttime

You've got college that are big, small, rich, poor, 3 years accomodation, 2 years accommodation, new, old... a good cross-section of colleges through the factors people usually use to narrow their choices down! :tongue:

Are you really completely neutral about all of the above? If so what DO you care about?

Well in rough order of preference:

Oriel
St John's
Worcester
Pembroke
St Peter's
Mansfield
Christ Church

I think that covers most things. :yep:

Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd

WOOSTA, WOOSTA, WOOSTA! :rave:

Unbiased opinion, of course :angel:

I was wondering if you were gonna turn up :mmm:

Reply 3159

fluteflute

OP

19

Original post by Mazzini

Well in rough order of preference:

Oriel
St John's
Worcester
Pembroke
St Peter's
Mansfield
Christ Church

I think that covers most things. :yep:

I was wondering if you were gonna turn up :mmm: