Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants
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dorian gray
I just had a feeling, I remember you talking to someone about the TSA and you seemed pretty prepared 
Nice choice! What was the offer, 36 points? Excuse me if that's way off, I'm not that well knowledged in IB
.
I'm thinking of applying to PPE or SPS next year. I've taken Maths, Economics, History and English.
Nice choice! What was the offer, 36 points? Excuse me if that's way off, I'm not that well knowledged in IB
.I'm thinking of applying to PPE or SPS next year. I've taken Maths, Economics, History and English.
Trust me - I wasn't as prepared as I would liked to have been and came out of the exam thinking I'd really messed it up!!!
It was 40 points. Standard of is 39-40 points. But I also need to secure a 7 in maths and a 7 in physics or econ.
Nice choices - they are totally different degrees though so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you!
Graphix
Trust me - I wasn't as prepared as I would liked to have been and came out of the exam thinking I'd really messed it up!!!
It was 40 points. Standard of is 39-40 points. But I also need to secure a 7 in maths and a 7 in physics or econ.
Nice choices - they are totally different degrees though so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you!
It was 40 points. Standard of is 39-40 points. But I also need to secure a 7 in maths and a 7 in physics or econ.
Nice choices - they are totally different degrees though so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you!
I know, originally I was set upon PPE until I started reading more around SPS. I guess I need to find out which one I'm more interested in. Thanks for the advice.
40 points, oh my! Good luck in your exams
!dorian gray
I know, originally I was set upon PPE until I started reading more around SPS. I guess I need to find out which one I'm more interested in. Thanks for the advice.
40 points, oh my! Good luck in your exams!
40 points, oh my! Good luck in your exams
!Thank you!
Hello
I'm just a wee Yr 11 student who has really taken a shine to the PPE course at Oxford. I have a few questions:
1) I have already had to choose my A Level subjects. They are:
Maths
Further Maths
English Lit.
Politics
Economics
Are these suitable enough for the course? I know History is recommended so do you think I would be disadvantaged by any means having not taken it?
2) To what extent do GCSE grades matter? I'm predicted to get 10A*s so if I am able to live up to this, would this be much of a help at all? And also, would having an academic scholarship to my school carry any weight?
3) What kind of work experience should I take up? I think I ought to start sending out application forms now but I'm stumped as to what to do? I'm probably going to try some Banking firms but I'm not sure about the Politics side...
4) If I applied to PPE at Oxford and, say, another uni but then applied for Maths and/or Econ. at another, would Oxford hold this against me, do you think?
5) And are there any pointers that you can give me?
Thank you very much
I'm just a wee Yr 11 student who has really taken a shine to the PPE course at Oxford. I have a few questions:
1) I have already had to choose my A Level subjects. They are:
Maths
Further Maths
English Lit.
Politics
Economics
Are these suitable enough for the course? I know History is recommended so do you think I would be disadvantaged by any means having not taken it?
2) To what extent do GCSE grades matter? I'm predicted to get 10A*s so if I am able to live up to this, would this be much of a help at all? And also, would having an academic scholarship to my school carry any weight?
3) What kind of work experience should I take up? I think I ought to start sending out application forms now but I'm stumped as to what to do? I'm probably going to try some Banking firms but I'm not sure about the Politics side...
4) If I applied to PPE at Oxford and, say, another uni but then applied for Maths and/or Econ. at another, would Oxford hold this against me, do you think?
5) And are there any pointers that you can give me?
Thank you very much
1) They recommend history and maths (but only under the 'helpful' category) so history may be helpful (ha!). But, seriously, I think your choices would be fine.
2) My guess (I'm not a tutor) is that GCSEs do matter a lot. But 10A*s is fantastic and more than I got to get an offer.
3) I did do work experience but my guess would be that they couldn't care less.
4) Probably, assuming it was obvious from your personal statement (as they can't see your other options). They want people who are committed and passionate about PPE so if they think your not then...
5) Debate. Sounds odd but I found that nothing can prepare you for the interview better. It helped me to think quicker and develop better arguments (fewer assumptions etc) while giving me more confidence when challenged. Also, it shows intellectual curiosity (etc).
2) My guess (I'm not a tutor) is that GCSEs do matter a lot. But 10A*s is fantastic and more than I got to get an offer.
3) I did do work experience but my guess would be that they couldn't care less.
4) Probably, assuming it was obvious from your personal statement (as they can't see your other options). They want people who are committed and passionate about PPE so if they think your not then...
5) Debate. Sounds odd but I found that nothing can prepare you for the interview better. It helped me to think quicker and develop better arguments (fewer assumptions etc) while giving me more confidence when challenged. Also, it shows intellectual curiosity (etc).
Worrier12345
Hello
I'm just a wee Yr 11 student who has really taken a shine to the PPE course at Oxford. I have a few questions:
1) I have already had to choose my A Level subjects. They are:
Maths
Further Maths
English Lit.
Politics
Economics
Are these suitable enough for the course? I know History is recommended so do you think I would be disadvantaged by any means having not taken it?
2) To what extent do GCSE grades matter? I'm predicted to get 10A*s so if I am able to live up to this, would this be much of a help at all? And also, would having an academic scholarship to my school carry any weight?
3) What kind of work experience should I take up? I think I ought to start sending out application forms now but I'm stumped as to what to do? I'm probably going to try some Banking firms but I'm not sure about the Politics side...
4) If I applied to PPE at Oxford and, say, another uni but then applied for Maths and/or Econ. at another, would Oxford hold this against me, do you think?
5) And are there any pointers that you can give me?
Thank you very much
I'm just a wee Yr 11 student who has really taken a shine to the PPE course at Oxford. I have a few questions:
1) I have already had to choose my A Level subjects. They are:
Maths
Further Maths
English Lit.
Politics
Economics
Are these suitable enough for the course? I know History is recommended so do you think I would be disadvantaged by any means having not taken it?
2) To what extent do GCSE grades matter? I'm predicted to get 10A*s so if I am able to live up to this, would this be much of a help at all? And also, would having an academic scholarship to my school carry any weight?
3) What kind of work experience should I take up? I think I ought to start sending out application forms now but I'm stumped as to what to do? I'm probably going to try some Banking firms but I'm not sure about the Politics side...
4) If I applied to PPE at Oxford and, say, another uni but then applied for Maths and/or Econ. at another, would Oxford hold this against me, do you think?
5) And are there any pointers that you can give me?
Thank you very much
This all going to be self-centred, and generally my opinion. Just a warning.
1. I didn't do history (neither did a few others I know) and got in, so I guess it doesn't disadvantage you.
2. Not sure about GCSEs (did IB), but I'm pretty sure scholarship does help.
3. Mine was at a commercial law firm, which I said was why I was interested in Eco/working in that general sector. But I'm not sure how important it is.
4. Depends on your personal statement, I guess. I've seen someone who's gotten accepted for History and Arts, and Medicine. So it really depends on the emphasis of your PS. Though I should think that since maths is used quite a bit in econ now, it should be fine. Just tie it together.
5. Really consider buying the books on the suggested reading list, for TSA and Philosophy (I assume that doing the subjects would give you enough insight into Eco/Pol). And leave enough time to read them - they're quite heavy reading, and I was unused to being bombarded with so many ideas at once (especially Philo). Otherwise, good luck!
Hey everyone! I am a high school junior (year 11) in the US. Oxford is definitely one of my top choices for university. I really want to do PPE, but am starting to consider History and Politics. Econ is interesting to me, but the math might be somewhat problematic. I am capable of doing well in math but it does not come easily to me and is certainly not my favorite thing in the world. Realistically I would probably drop Econ after the first year. What math is required? (I have no idea what A or AS level math means.) I am planning on taking AP Economics next year, would this be equivalent to A level economics? I also plan on taking Political Philosophy and doing lots of reading on my own for the PS/interview stage of the application. I would be beyond excited to be offered the chance to read PPE at Oxford, but since it is so competitive should I just go with History and Politics? I have taken basic philosophy courses and have enjoyed them immensely and done well, but from what people are saying Philosophy is sounding like hardcore logic rather than an exploration of philosophical concepts. Is my impression wrong?
I don't have any standardized test scores yet but can definitely get over a 32 on the ACT and should have scores in the high 700s for the SAT Lit, US History, and French (might also take world history). APs would be English language, English lit, Econ, US History, and possibly US government (some of these would be taken at the end of senior year so I would only have "predicted" grades). I I were to go the History and Politics route I would probably not take AP Economics and do AP European History instead. Still might do both but that would make for one hell of a senior year. Favorite colleges as of right now are st. johns, trinity, balliol, magdalen, and new. Any "inside information" or opinions on any of these would be greatly appreciated. Okay I've basically written a novel at this point so I'll shut up and say thanks in advance to anyone who answers/thanks to all who have posted before this.
I don't have any standardized test scores yet but can definitely get over a 32 on the ACT and should have scores in the high 700s for the SAT Lit, US History, and French (might also take world history). APs would be English language, English lit, Econ, US History, and possibly US government (some of these would be taken at the end of senior year so I would only have "predicted" grades). I I were to go the History and Politics route I would probably not take AP Economics and do AP European History instead. Still might do both but that would make for one hell of a senior year. Favorite colleges as of right now are st. johns, trinity, balliol, magdalen, and new. Any "inside information" or opinions on any of these would be greatly appreciated. Okay I've basically written a novel at this point so I'll shut up and say thanks in advance to anyone who answers/thanks to all who have posted before this.
Thank you very much. That was very helpful!
Why not take AP Calc BC?
Self-teach HL maths, or take AP Calc BC, as have been suggested. The material is not overly difficult, and you could probably find an outside tutor who knows the subject.
Worrier12345
Thank you very much. That was very helpful!
I'll pretend that was aimed at me and say "you're welcome"
Hey, was wondering those who have recieved offers, if they had achieved anyhting less than AAAA at AS?
The_0001
Hey, was wondering those who have recieved offers, if they had achieved anyhting less than AAAA at AS?
one of my friends got a B in economics AS, and he's got into lincoln, he got a C in critical thinking too (think his other ASs were As though)
Ilyusha
one of my friends got a B in economics AS, and he's got into lincoln, he got a C in critical thinking too (think his other ASs were As though)
Oh thanks for that, and congrats on your offer! I salute you, advice, pleeease?
The_0001
Oh thanks for that, and congrats on your offer! I salute you, advice, pleeease?
copied across from a thread a few days ago..
the one piece of advice i (as a lowly offer holder) would give to applicants at your stage is to get interested in one topic from each subject. read lots and lots about it (i dont mean 1 book, i mean 3 or 4 at least). i know lots of people who were asked, in effect, "what would you like to talk about", i was in my philosophy interview, really helped that id read quite a lot of modern political philosophy. i could also use concepts i had learned about through reading even when we weren't specifically talking about the books id read, the interview was actually quite fun (for about 2 mins... the rest of it was horrible
) when i thought of a connection between the ideas in 2 books.oh thats a timesaving strategy, find areas that overlap, eg political philosophy, theories of rationality (i'd really recommend bryan caplan's "myth of the rational voter", global governance institutions (well those were mine, though i didnt do enough reading on the last 2 as i'd recommend)
Ilyusha
copied across from a thread a few days ago..
the one piece of advice i (as a lowly offer holder) would give to applicants at your stage is to get interested in one topic from each subject. read lots and lots about it (i dont mean 1 book, i mean 3 or 4 at least). i know lots of people who were asked, in effect, "what would you like to talk about", i was in my philosophy interview, really helped that id read quite a lot of modern political philosophy. i could also use concepts i had learned about through reading even when we weren't specifically talking about the books id read, the interview was actually quite fun (for about 2 mins... the rest of it was horrible ) when i thought of a connection between the ideas in 2 books.
oh thats a timesaving strategy, find areas that overlap, eg political philosophy, theories of rationality (i'd really recommend bryan caplan's "myth of the rational voter", global governance institutions (well those were mine, though i didnt do enough reading on the last 2 as i'd recommend)
the one piece of advice i (as a lowly offer holder) would give to applicants at your stage is to get interested in one topic from each subject. read lots and lots about it (i dont mean 1 book, i mean 3 or 4 at least). i know lots of people who were asked, in effect, "what would you like to talk about", i was in my philosophy interview, really helped that id read quite a lot of modern political philosophy. i could also use concepts i had learned about through reading even when we weren't specifically talking about the books id read, the interview was actually quite fun (for about 2 mins... the rest of it was horrible
) when i thought of a connection between the ideas in 2 books.oh thats a timesaving strategy, find areas that overlap, eg political philosophy, theories of rationality (i'd really recommend bryan caplan's "myth of the rational voter", global governance institutions (well those were mine, though i didnt do enough reading on the last 2 as i'd recommend)
Wow, thanks for that, just highlights how much work must be done, damn january exams are annoying me, mind if I ask what you achieved in AS?
The_0001
Wow, thanks for that, just highlights how much work must be done, damn january exams are annoying me, mind if I ask what you achieved in AS?
As in Maths, History, Latin, Economics, GS plus As in 3 maths modules that don't fit into any AS but will be part of my further maths A2 (our school does modules in a weird order).
Want to know UMS too?
yeah it is a lot of work. i really enjoyed it though, really got into the reading, probably i'm just a massive neek though
don't get too scared about ASs, if you do badly just don't declare them on your UCAS. the only thing to worry about is that your teachers might not predict you good grades, depends how strict your school is
Hey i did Maths Bio Chem and Eco for AS level and got all A's.
For A2 dropped Economics and am predicted to get 3 A * in Math Bio and Chem. Is it possible to apply for PPE to oxford, warwick n manchester.
btw GCSE 7A* 4 A
do i have a chance of getting on this course?
For A2 dropped Economics and am predicted to get 3 A * in Math Bio and Chem. Is it possible to apply for PPE to oxford, warwick n manchester.
btw GCSE 7A* 4 A
do i have a chance of getting on this course?
Ilyusha
As in Maths, History, Latin, Economics, GS plus As in 3 maths modules that don't fit into any AS but will be part of my further maths A2 (our school does modules in a weird order).
Want to know UMS too?
yeah it is a lot of work. i really enjoyed it though, really got into the reading, probably i'm just a massive neek though
don't get too scared about ASs, if you do badly just don't declare them
on your UCAS. the only thing to worry about is that your teachers might not predict you good grades, depends how strict your school is
Want to know UMS too?
yeah it is a lot of work. i really enjoyed it though, really got into the reading, probably i'm just a massive neek though
don't get too scared about ASs, if you do badly just don't declare them
on your UCAS. the only thing to worry about is that your teachers might not predict you good grades, depends how strict your school is
I envy you, no wonder you've an offer from balliol! haha, sorry if i'm coming across as absurdly intrusive, I just can't help but worry, a friend of mine got 8 A* 4 A's at gcse, AABB at AS, but didn't manage to get an interview, all those who did are incredible!
username1991
Hey i did Maths Bio Chem and Eco for AS level and got all A's.
For A2 dropped Economics and am predicted to get 3 A * in Math Bio and Chem. Is it possible to apply for PPE to oxford, warwick n manchester.
btw GCSE 7A* 4 A
do i have a chance of getting on this course?
For A2 dropped Economics and am predicted to get 3 A * in Math Bio and Chem. Is it possible to apply for PPE to oxford, warwick n manchester.
btw GCSE 7A* 4 A
do i have a chance of getting on this course?
Why is it that you have not applied for 2010 entry may I ask? You meet the requirements in terms of academia, you must concentrate on how you will show them your potential and passion at the interview, presuming you apply.
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