Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants
Scroll to see replies
Volund
For AS I did Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Futher Maths and Computer Studies and A2 I do Phy Chem Bio Maths F maths, I taught myself GCSE more or less and in Y12 I was sort of in school half the time (they werent sure what was wrong so i was in and out) but it all worked out ok in the end,I'm fine now and I'm back at school full-time now. What about you what A-levels did you do?
Well, I'm going to sound not-so-impressive compared to you, but I basically study from home (correspondence, but it's not really learning from anyone, just that you're suppose to submit tests to them).
My subjects are Physics, Math, Biology and Psychology. I'm interested in Astrophysics, and particle physics, but like I said before, I'm more inclined to do something like Earth Science. Which is exactly why I want to do NatSci, because you don't necessarily need to choose(yet). UCL's core streams for Earth Science and Physics, and the possible combinations seem perfect for me. But I don't really know if I'll get in.
Oh, btw, I'm doing everything in one year (hopefully, if everything works out
)Thanks! Makes one feel silly, doesn't it.
yeah I've seen that page though the thing which i'm most interested in (Physics) it doesnt give any particular recommended titles...
Get over yourself.
You've done more than most ppl applying having done C3 and M2.
They're looking for academic potential and if you have the ability to think round a question. Not just pure knowledge of every part of calculus.
You've done more than most ppl applying having done C3 and M2.
They're looking for academic potential and if you have the ability to think round a question. Not just pure knowledge of every part of calculus.
Volund
yeah I've seen that page though the thing which i'm most interested in (Physics) it doesnt give any particular recommended titles...
Is the word 'initiative' in your vocabulary?
Just pick up a pop-science book on physics and follow up on any topics you find interesting.
barton
Is the word 'initiative' in your vocabulary?
Just pick up a pop-science book on physics and follow up on any topics you find interesting.
Just pick up a pop-science book on physics and follow up on any topics you find interesting.
Of course I'm currently doing that, I've been doing that for ages. I simply thought it might be worth finding out how this compares to what other people with whom I will shortly be competing have done (though of course I'm aware that reading a complected book doesn't necessarily indicate whether somebody can retain the information and apply the concepts). I know few people applying for the course and have very little idea of how good most people are going to be hence the query and the concern.
hi all,
I am thinking of applying to cambridge for natural sciences (biology) next fall, but i understand it is extremely difficult to gain entry as an american. do any of you who attend the university know of any american students studying bio natsci? (or medicine actually im curious about qualifications and whatnot).
if you care to read further, ive added a list of my statistics-- any chance help too would be great!
asian female, dual citizen of india:
GPA (grade point average): 4 B's, but all A's in honors and AP sciences and maths (B's in french and english-- lame i know)
Research internship at the national institute of health (NIH), 2 year intern performing cutting edge cancer research
volunteer at a hospital (childrens Inn)
president for 2 years of the school medical society, director of community service and outreach for the school biusness club-- both require, as you guessed, LOTS of fundraisers and community service.
SATs:
havent taken them, expect well over 2100
AP courses:
bio (5)
government and politics: (5)
expected 5's or 4's in:
chemistry, physics, AB calc, micro and macro economics, english lang and lit.
I know it is FAR from 'possible' let alone 'easy' to get a place at cambridge, but any pointers? where should i focus my efforts if at all?
thanks, again, i would appreciate any response!
I am thinking of applying to cambridge for natural sciences (biology) next fall, but i understand it is extremely difficult to gain entry as an american. do any of you who attend the university know of any american students studying bio natsci? (or medicine actually im curious about qualifications and whatnot).
if you care to read further, ive added a list of my statistics-- any chance help too would be great!
asian female, dual citizen of india:
GPA (grade point average): 4 B's, but all A's in honors and AP sciences and maths (B's in french and english-- lame i know)
Research internship at the national institute of health (NIH), 2 year intern performing cutting edge cancer research
volunteer at a hospital (childrens Inn)
president for 2 years of the school medical society, director of community service and outreach for the school biusness club-- both require, as you guessed, LOTS of fundraisers and community service.
SATs:
havent taken them, expect well over 2100
AP courses:
bio (5)
government and politics: (5)
expected 5's or 4's in:
chemistry, physics, AB calc, micro and macro economics, english lang and lit.
I know it is FAR from 'possible' let alone 'easy' to get a place at cambridge, but any pointers? where should i focus my efforts if at all?
thanks, again, i would appreciate any response!
No specific advice here but just to say that Cambridge and Oxford do not consider what country a student is from in their decision making process (they state that they don't at least), unlike a lot of American unis.
I don't think all of that extra-curricular stuff and fundraising etc is that useful for getting into Cambridge. Obviously it won't hinder you but it's not like Amrican uni's where I understand you need tons.
tsauce
LOTS of fundraisers and community service.
Don't over-egg this in your personal statement. If it's not directly related to your subject, Cambridge couldn't care less, for the most part.
thanks for the quick responses! any american natscis at cambridge though? im gettig nervous....
I didn't apply to Cambridge, but I am American so maybe I can still be helpful.
From my experience UK unis did not give two ****s about my high school GPA or my extracurriculars or community service. I don't think they care very much about SAT scores either, unless you plan on doing SAT IIs. Focus on doing well on your APs, because academically that is all they will probably care about. The research internship might be good to mention in your personal statement, since it's somewhat relevant to your course.
From my experience UK unis did not give two ****s about my high school GPA or my extracurriculars or community service. I don't think they care very much about SAT scores either, unless you plan on doing SAT IIs. Focus on doing well on your APs, because academically that is all they will probably care about. The research internship might be good to mention in your personal statement, since it's somewhat relevant to your course.
generic hybrid
I didn't apply to Cambridge, but I am American so maybe I can still be helpful.
From my experience UK unis did not give two ****s about my high school GPA or my extracurriculars or community service. I don't think they care very much about SAT scores either, unless you plan on doing SAT IIs. Focus on doing well on your APs, because academically that is all they will probably care about. The research internship might be good to mention in your personal statement, since it's somewhat relevant to your course.
From my experience UK unis did not give two ****s about my high school GPA or my extracurriculars or community service. I don't think they care very much about SAT scores either, unless you plan on doing SAT IIs. Focus on doing well on your APs, because academically that is all they will probably care about. The research internship might be good to mention in your personal statement, since it's somewhat relevant to your course.
thanks for the advice-- where do you study?
and what sorts of stuff did you do in high school?
tsauce
thanks for the advice-- where do you study?
and what sorts of stuff did you do in high school?
and what sorts of stuff did you do in high school?
I'm doing English at Durham.
In high school I was really into the school paper and won a couple of state-wide awards for articles. I had that on my personal statement since thought it was somewhat relevant for English, but it didn't come up at all in interviews or anything.
They don't care about your volunteering/fundraising etc. NIH is good since it's subject-relevant. Your PS will almost entirely be subject-related anyway, maybe with a paragraph about "I also enjoy fundraising, volunteering and hiking in the woods". Way different from the US essays where we whine and come to amazing philosophical conclusions about life etc.
Get 5s in your relevant APs (not to say you should completely ignore the others, but I don't think 4s esp. in the Sciences will go down very well), and do very well on SAT (both Reasoning & especially *relevant* subject tests). I get the impression Cambridge greatly emphasizes numbers (i.e. you're clearly not an auto-admit with 10 5s, but if you do badly it will hurt loads).
Get 5s in your relevant APs (not to say you should completely ignore the others, but I don't think 4s esp. in the Sciences will go down very well), and do very well on SAT (both Reasoning & especially *relevant* subject tests). I get the impression Cambridge greatly emphasizes numbers (i.e. you're clearly not an auto-admit with 10 5s, but if you do badly it will hurt loads).
2 of my friends are applying to Cambridge this year and have an interview; we are studying in Canada.. but they are taking APs.. so i'll try to remember to let you know if they get in, and what their marks were like (one is going for medicine, and the other is applying for nat sci coincidentally enough!!!!)
aprilterri
I'm sure the deadline has passed. Not sure when it is for overseas students but the deadline for us was 15th October
I am thinking of applying to cambridge for natural sciences (biology) next fall
Interview. It's difficult to prepare for interview, to some extent it's either something you can do or you can't do, but it's one of the most important deciding factors. As a NatSci, your interview won't be entirely on biology/biochem, but be on physics and maths as well, even if you plan to specialise later.
Do very well in the relevant APs, and know the material well enough for interview.
Do very well in the relevant APs, and know the material well enough for interview.
Tempeststurm
As a NatSci, your interview won't be entirely on biology/biochem, but be on physics and maths as well, even if you plan to specialise later.
Well that isn't really true. Certainly not of any of the colleges I know about.
Although you could get some mathsy problems, like on genetics or something else statistically based.
As for the president of the medical club, etc, then mention it on your PS if you want but only like a mention, don't really expand on it or anything.
You probably want to make sure you're getting a 5 in Chemistry.
Anything at all yet for anyone?? The offers for interview and rejections were meant to be handed out starting today, right??
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Official PPE (Philosophy, politics and economics) applicants thread 2021
- PPE A-levels???
- Does Oxford PPE require A level history
- PPE
- A-levels for Oxford humanities degree
- Oxford ib PPe ( desperate advice)
- How to structure a PS for LSE and Oxford
- Ppe help
- UCAS Clearing 2023 FAQ and Help Megathread
- Got a Ucas or results related question? Ask a Clearing and Applications Advisor here
- What A-levels would be best for Oxford PPE?
- A-level choices - help appreciated!
- PPE/politics and economics personal statement advise
- International student with IB 44/45
- PPE Applicants Thread 2020
- LSE PPE Student: Ask Me Anything!
- epp at Warwick
- PPE Choices
- Economics VS PPE
- PPE at Durham (can't see the study abroad option on UCAS)
Trending
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- I don’t think I should have been accepted to oxford
- Oxford Law Interview Invitees Thread
- oxford english interviews
- Does Oxford prefer A-Level Law?
- Oxford with bad english lit grade
- How bad is it to get 65?
- nvm
- Oxford Biology 2024 Applicants
- Oxford Step-Up Program
- Physics for Oxford Chemistry?
- Canadian Intl. Student Help
- 2023 Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing tests and posting rules
- Personal statement
- TSA tutor
- how much do oxford and cambridge consider GCSEs?
- Oxford - how important are the entry requirements?
- Is a post-A level application for Oxford a good idea?
- Biomedical Science BMs Oxford
- Oxbridge application
Latest
- Will I get sfe if i wanted to drop out and come back next year
- RCA 2024 Applicants
- Imperial UCAS application submitted, no email received
- Maintenance loan - household income question
- Official Imperial College 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Thread
- Does this mean he likes me back?
- Official: Kent and Medway Medical School A100 2024 entry
- Cambridge Parents Association
- Changing fee status
- Official: University of St Andrews A100 2024 Entry
- can i say yarhamuk Allaah as a non-muslim?
- 2024 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
- Looking to make muslim friends
- about the psychology facilities
- University of Oxford 2024 Undergraduate Applicants Official Thread
- Thoughts on the current situation between Palestine and Israel?
- Disillusioned with university
- The daily Wordle puzzle thread!
- Girls Vs. Boys (Part 45)
- Monarchists vs Republicans
- How do you celebrate Christmas as a uni student?
- I'm planning to steal Christmas....AMA!
- Mature Student commuting
- CTAM: Count to a million (Part 78)
- Decision Maker- National Referral Mechanism - Public Safety Group (PSG)
- Bioscience with placement year interview at Manchester
- Hello, i want improve our knowledge and i like it.
- Christmas Countdown
- do unis care
- what will my referee see on UCAS?
- Cardiff University 2024 Applicant Thread
- widening participation programmes/outreach/access
- Why I regret going to university
- Answer tools
- Official: St George's, University of London A100 2024 Entry
- Is it weird that I have a crush on any boy any age
- The Cambridge College Hurt/Heal Game [part 2]
- Maths advice
- Is it weird that I’ve had a crush on some very younger boys and some very older boys
- World cuisines hurt/heal game