Choosing an Oxford College

Could one reason be because many international students are interviewed over Skype? It must be harder to impress over Skype, particularly if you only get one interview, though I have heard of applicants occasionally getting two.

You have to bear in mind that skype interviews are 'No guarantees' by the colleges. Meaning that they might not even consider a skype interview.

You have to bear in mind that skype interviews are 'No guarantees' by the colleges. Meaning that they might not even consider a skype interview.

No they don't, that's what I'm informed about!

Well by not taking that into consideration surely that is being biased in itself?

That's rather sad. Don't you have a chance to fly to Oxford? I'm an international student myself, but I study in Britain and so went up to Oxford for my interviews. I found seeing the tutors face-to-face a less nerve-wracking experience, and on top of that you get to live in the university and meet other applicants!

I'm sure they realise it's difficult and do try, as far as possible, but if I'd had a Skype interview I think I'd either have been far more nervous or weirdly detached from the whole thing, and would have found it very hard to put myself across as a good candidate, regardless of how understanding the tutors were being about it. I suppose the key is to get lots of practice on Skype interviews beforehand, so that this doesn't get in the way.

On the other hand, I was helping with interviews when I was at Oxford and met a guy who'd flown from Canada because he wanted a face to face interview. I asked afterwards and he didn't get a place, which obviously is horrible anyway, but the flight must have been so expensive particularly if booked only after the invitation to interview.

I'm sure they realise it's difficult and do try, as far as possible, but if I'd had a Skype interview I think I'd either have been far more nervous or weirdly detached from the whole thing, and would have found it very hard to put myself across as a good candidate, regardless of how understanding the tutors were being about it. I suppose the key is to get lots of practice on Skype interviews beforehand, so that this doesn't get in the way.

On the other hand, I was helping with interviews when I was at Oxford and met a guy who'd flown from Canada because he wanted a face to face interview. I asked afterwards and he didn't get a place, which obviously is horrible anyway, but the flight must have been so expensive particularly if booked only after the invitation to interview.

I think the situation is unclear.

Sometimes flights booked late are the cheapest available as airlines try to get rid of free seats. The prices are more variable, but not necessarily more expensive Maybe that guy got lucky! Still, flying is a huge effort though.

And to be HONEST, Skype interviews allows the capacity to seek for help, for someone else who looks like you to sit the interview, to search things up on google. So skype interviews are not entirely fair to applicants facing a nerve-racking face to face interview.. (Just Saying)

seriously?! Although google wouldn't have helped all that much in my interview

I never thought of air tickets as being cheaper last minute - good stuff, hopefully there are always some cheaper deals around interview time.

I'm trying to research ahead a little bit, because I'm aware you have to apply early in the cycle for Oxford. Yes, I'm aware that I don't need to be thinking about applying at this stage, but I'd just like to have some ideas so that the decision (if I make it) is easier when I get to it.

So, what are your opinions of these Oxford colleges? Additionally, which would be your preference if you were applying?

1. Magdalen
2. Merton
3. Balliol
4. New
5. University

Thank you, TSR!

It would be best to either have a look at their and other websites and come back with specific questions, or to say things you are looking for in a college and we can suggest ones to research. Why did you choose those 5 for instance?

Things like size, age and recent Norrington table rankings.

I was just wondering about what it's like to live and work there really, oh and I'm also curious about college rowing, it looks very interesting!

I see you're a Mertonian, what's it like? Is it as hard work to study at Merton as its reputation suggests?

I'm trying to research ahead a little bit, because I'm aware you have to apply early in the cycle for Oxford. Yes, I'm aware that I don't need to be thinking about applying at this stage, but I'd just like to have some ideas so that the decision (if I make it) is easier when I get to it.

So, what are your opinions of these Oxford colleges? Additionally, which would be your preference if you were applying?

1. Magdalen
2. Merton
3. Balliol
4. New
5. University

Thank you, TSR!

The Norrington table is an interesting selection criteria to choose. Whilst i suppose in theory it may slightly correlate with factors like better tutorial provision (i mean, there is a good correlation between college wealth and results, so maybe it is important), there are a lot of variables to consider. Some colleges do well as they have more science students and sciences are more likely to get good grades, might be differences in average quality of intake, the table is always really close and variable anyway, a good rank might not translate to a good rank in your specific subject... at the end of the day, the vast majority of work is self-motivated and i think it matters little. Most people haven't really heard of the college stereotypes or Norrington table before they arrive. Up to you though.

Every college has their own boat club which competes in multiple tournaments every year - unless you are like an olympic rower wanting to row with the best it doesn't need to be a factor in college choice.

hmm well its hard to compare as i've only ever been at Merton. I've not been under any particular pressure at all, certainly not compared to some other colleges within my subject. The college bar can be a bit quiet sometimes but then on the occasions i have been to other college bars they have either been even more quiet or full of of about 20 rugby 'lads' screaming incomprehensibly whilst downing pints, something which Merton thankfully lacks. People seem to go out as much if not more - i know Merton was selling more Parkend (club) tickets than any other college after freshers week. It has free table football, free pool, the latest and most bops i know of, a rich JCR with lots to spend on alcohol, free punts... there are lots of reasons as to why Merton should not have the stereotype it does. I think the main reason is that it attracts 4 or 5 really academic types every year and them getting firsts is enough to tip the scales a lot most years. Not because every Merton student works hard (they don't i assure you) I would definitely choose Merton if i were applying again (like i did just a few months ago for graduate...)

'What its like' is a vague question, and very very few people will say its horrible (and even if they do, they probably won't blame their college specifically)