Choosing an Oxford College

Hey all. Quick question, and I'd honestly like a truthful answer. Trinity College (Cambridge) has been known to be quite vindictive with its offers and also the way it works when providing offers to people from the pool e.t.c. Does Christ Church also operate a similar format? I know people say "it's not any more difficult to get into one college than the other" but on this years STEP 2013 thread, it was obvious that Trinity was quite nasty with the way it did things and it was very idiosyncratic. Does C'Church operate a similar policy?

Thanks.

I don't know what you mean about Trinity, Cambridge, being vindictive. Bear in mind that Trinity, Cambridge, has an unusually high reputation for maths, which could account somewhat for the perceived vindictiveness on its part. Oxford has university-wide standard offers, and this is what ChCh will use.

Someone got 6 A*s, SS3 in STEP (I,II,III) and was rejected (when pooled). They also acquired the highest mark in STEP II.

On the other hand, someone I know got 4 A*s 2,2 in STEP (II,III) and was still accepted by their main choice (St Johns).

Seems pretty cruel to me.

Not at all.

Nobody can be crammed to those sort of grades, so this wasn't a case of someone's marks being flattering as to their genuine ability.

Whenever someone with such stellar grades is not fished (at Cambridge) or receives multiple interviews but no offers (at Oxford), the position is clear. Several academics have taken the view that they are incapable of being taught by an interactive tutorial method of teaching.

No no, he had an offer. Zakee is talking about the summer pool for maths candidates who miss STEP.

I am sorry. You have lost me. He is referring to someone with 6 A* plus the highest possible marks in STEP1 and STEP II. Are you saying that his offer was STEP III dependent? Otherwise how does he end up anywhere near the summer pool?

Yes. Most people's offers are STEP II and III dependent. I only know of a few that have I and II offers: Offer holders from Scotland and those that have absolutely no way of doing any further maths.

Then I wonder if someone, referee or interviewer, had noted that the candidate was struggling with the most difficult concepts, so that the STEP III result chimed with what had already been noted, rather than appearing to be an aberration.

Effectively that is what those who fish in the summer pool (for all subjects) are looking for, people whose results are not reflective of their real abilities.

... just said less of them tend to be into clubbing. It really is true ...

Then I wonder if someone, referee or interviewer, had noted that the candidate was struggling with the most difficult concepts, so that the STEP III result chimed with what had already been noted, rather than appearing to be an aberration.

Effectively that is what those who fish in the summer pool (for all subjects) are looking for, people whose results are not reflective of their real abilities.

Can't decide between Lincoln and Balliol... I can't decide if a small college would be too claustrophobic!

Just over 300 undergrads at Lincoln v. a little under 390 at Balliol. I can't believe you would notice a huge amount of difference...

I suppose the 25 less students in each year might slightly change things...

Well I have to admit I didn't look at the actual figures, but I have seen Lincoln described as 'small' and Balliol 'medium', if the difference is so small I might not worry about college size!

Well I have to admit I didn't look at the actual figures, but I have seen Lincoln described as 'small' and Balliol 'medium', if the difference is so small I might not worry about college size!

I am considering applying for Law at one of Balliol, St John's or Brasenose. Is there likely to be any difference in teaching quality etc. between these three colleges or should I just pick the one I like best?

I can't say what John's or Balliol's teaching is like, but I will most happily vouch for Brasenose Absolutely lovely tutors (pastoral care is great, and the tutors are very helpful), great location, decent food. We have a relatively big intake for law (10 undergrads per year), and our own 24/7 law library.

That said, come for an Open Day if you can. Brasenose is the smallest of the three colleges (physically and in terms of student population), although I personally think it's cosy rather than claustrophobic.

I've heard the law tutors can be pretty.. abrasive/brutal. How does this totally contrast with your experience/view?