Oxford PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Students and Applicants

While I am entirely against studying for a test/exam, imho, I think you're at the stage where it's probably going to be one of the best things you can do. So maybe try familiarising yourself with the kind of language (structure) in the TSA, especially the critical thinking problems. So maybe try reading critical thinking textbooks and things like that, and get used to writing essays, because there is a time limit, and it'll be more difficult for you since English isn't your first language.

But it sounds like you'll do well, so don't stress too much, hard as it is not to

Hi, been on here after quite some time I reckon!
I was invited for interview last year but rejected afterwards. Currently debating whether to reapply to Oxford, let alone for PPE. However. I have 5A's at A level, but no A*s. This includes History, for which A*s are not awarded. To be honest, I performed very well in my AS exams but not so well in my A2 exams. Do you think that my lower UMS scores are likely to lead to a pre-interview rejection?

Oxford doesn't ask for any UMS scores, so that won't bother you. No A*s isn't ideal but having five A-levels on the other hand is positive point.
Wheter you should reapply is a difficult question. Are you starting another course or taking a gap year? If you're going to uni, reapplying tends to be quite a hassle and not many people do it or make it in. If you're taking a gap year (and don't have a place for deferred entry, in which case you're not allowed to apply) you'll have to make an application anyway so might as well include Oxford, as long as you're not too fussed about giving up one choice.

Really? You're not allowed to apply for undergraduate study at Oxford after taking a year out unless having secured deferred entry?

Hi, been on here after quite some time I reckon!
I was invited for interview last year but rejected afterwards. Currently debating whether to reapply to Oxford, let alone for PPE. However. I have 5A's at A level, but no A*s. This includes History, for which A*s are not awarded. To be honest, I performed very well in my AS exams but not so well in my A2 exams. Do you think that my lower UMS scores are likely to lead to a pre-interview rejection?

A*s are not awarded in History?!

They are for all A level subjects, dunno where that one came from.

Hi I'm a student going into year 11. I realise it's a little early to be thinking about all this but the idea of PPE seems like the only interesting degree to me. So I was wondering; is it really that hard to get into Oxford? Someone told me it was the most competitive degree?

Also I have to pick my a levels soon. If I were to pursue this, would I need 1/2 of the subjects included in PPE? Or could I just take Maths, History and two others? I hear Phil/Pol is a soft option

Hi, been on here after quite some time I reckon!
I was invited for interview last year but rejected afterwards. Currently debating whether to reapply to Oxford, let alone for PPE. However. I have 5A's at A level, but no A*s. This includes History, for which A*s are not awarded. To be honest, I performed very well in my AS exams but not so well in my A2 exams. Do you think that my lower UMS scores are likely to lead to a pre-interview rejection?

Actually, it's not the most competitive degree. I had a document a while ago (on another computer, so idk where to find it now), but in 2008 PPE was ranked something like 5th in terms of number of applicants per place. EEM and E&M were the most competitive, if that's what you mean. Though admittedly there are way more PPE places offered.

And according to Oxford:
You may apply for PPE having done any combination of subjects at school; it is not necessary to have studied politics, philosophy or economics. History and Mathematics are useful backgrounds, but are not essential.

Ah really? Not too bad then

And yeah, I read that on the website but what's preferable? Like to maximise my chances?
Thanks

Ah really? Not too bad then

And yeah, I read that on the website but what's preferable? Like to maximise my chances?
Thanks

A*s are not awarded in History?!

Well, I did Edexcel A2 History and we don't get awarded A*s because of the coursework unit. I was surprised as well, I was really upset I didn't get an A* for History, and it was my history teacher who said "oh don't worry, there aren't any A*s for History."

He could be wrong, but that wouldn't make a very good teacher out of him would it now?

Hmm... I'm off to investigate...

Oxford doesn't ask for any UMS scores, so that won't bother you. No A*s isn't ideal but having five A-levels on the other hand is positive point.
Wheter you should reapply is a difficult question. Are you starting another course or taking a gap year? If you're going to uni, reapplying tends to be quite a hassle and not many people do it or make it in. If you're taking a gap year (and don't have a place for deferred entry, in which case you're not allowed to apply) you'll have to make an application anyway so might as well include Oxford, as long as you're not too fussed about giving up one choice.

sorry, do you mean IS ideal??
Thanks... I really want to apply for PPE but it's so competitive. I have an A for A2 Maths, but literally barely scraping by, simply because my C4 unit was a D If I can revise more econ-focused maths, and I do reasonably well at answering the mathsy question at interview, is there any reason for me to resit?

I am taking a gap year- I rejected an offer from Sheffield for it, because at the time I really wanted to try for Oxford again. Now I'm wondering if that was a big mistake...

Also are there any less maths-y colleges? Or are they mostly all the same?

Hmm...that's interesting...

Why would c/w mean you don't get A*s?

Let me know what you find out!