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

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Reply 580
Avatar for LoveEng
LoveEng
Has anybody here an idea how to prepare for the numerical tasks on that new PPE pre-interview test?

What kind of mathematics is that? It's not even analysis, is it?
Could anybody here have a quick look on it?

(see here:http://www.tsa.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/pdf/Specimen_Section_1.pdf)

Thanks

LoveEng
Hmmm well I would consider it similar to the type of questions you get on the maths challenge. Since you're an international student though I'm guess you're unfamiliar with it. The 'mathematical' questions tend to be more about thinking logically than applying mathematical knowledge so IMO the best any of us PPE applicants can do is make do with the specimen papers and maybe aiming to work faster (if you have timing issues like me :rolleyes:).
Anyway from experience I have learnt that trying to be too over-prepared for such tests doesn't work (or maybe it's just me). Luckily for us the test results aren't going to be used as a factor in calls for interviews.
Reply 582
Avatar for andy87
andy87
10
>> peaches
Luckily for us the test results aren't going to be used as a factor in calls for interviews.


but they will be used as a factor before giving offers
Reply 583
Avatar for LoveEng
LoveEng
>> peaches
Hmmm well I would consider it similar to the type of questions you get on the maths challenge. Since you're an international student though I'm guess you're unfamiliar with it. The 'mathematical' questions tend to be more about thinking logically than applying mathematical knowledge so IMO the best any of us PPE applicants can do is make do with the specimen papers and maybe aiming to work faster (if you have timing issues like me :rolleyes:).
Anyway from experience I have learnt that trying to be too over-prepared for such tests doesn't work (or maybe it's just me). Luckily for us the test results aren't going to be used as a factor in calls for interviews.


What do you mean with "maths challenge" ?
Lol I'm certainly not "over-prepared" since I haven't prepared yet :wink:

LoveEng
LoveEng
What do you mean with "maths challenge" ?
Lol I'm certainly not "over-prepared" since I haven't prepared yet :wink:

LoveEng

The Maths Challenge is basically supposed to be a 'fun' maths test that most secondary schools, I assume, do every year. It's basically a multiple choice test of problem based maths questions. If you do well, you get a certificate. If you don't do well, it doesn't really matter. It's not terribly important IMO so don't worry :smile:

According to an admissions tutor I asked since this is the first time they've done the test they aren't sure what even the most exceptional students will get so offers won't be based to heavily around the results of the test. But this probably varies from college to college.
Reply 585
Avatar for nickybol
nickybol
I am active as a drummer and percussionist in a local orchestra. Should I mention it in the personal statement?
I mentioned I played the violin...
nickybol
I am active as a drummer and percussionist in a local orchestra. Should I mention it in the personal statement?


definitely
Are they any PPEist applying to Oriel for october 2008?

Are their any current PPEist that would be willing to have a look at my PS and give me some advice? thanks a lot

P.S. - Many thanks to the London_Prophet for all you have done for us potential ppers
Has anyone registered for the PPE test yet??? does anybody know how to?, do we have to do it through our schools or find a centre that sits it??? IM SO LOST, any help appreciated
Reply 590
Avatar for Cirsium
Cirsium
19
Learn to use google:
http://www.tsa.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ppe/registration.html
My friend is applying to Oriel for PPE.
Sorry, not exactly useful input there.

Have you posted your PS in the PS forum?
Eager PPe ist
Are they any PPEist applying to Oriel for october 2008?

Are their any current PPEist that would be willing to have a look at my PS and give me some advice? thanks a lot

P.S. - Many thanks to the London_Prophet for all you have done for us potential ppers


Not sure if you're someone who's sent me your PS, but if you're not then feel free to add yourself to the list. tomholder [at] gmail.com
Reply 593
Avatar for lissanne
lissanne
Hi, it was suggested I post my problem in here:

I'm wanting to apply for PPE (Christ Church). I did 4 Highers and 3 A-levels last year (masochistic, I know). The Scottish Highers were Philosophy, Economics, Politics, and Spanish, and I got As for them all. The A-levels were Law, Ancient History, and History. I got As for the first two, but an E ( ) in Unit 6 (confusion about how much emphasis to put on the sources vs own knowledge - one drawback to studying independently without having a teacher to guide you), which dragged my whole mark to a B, and I plan to resit Unit 6 in June.

Anyway, I'm taking another year at college, and I know my lack of Maths will be a weakness for PPE. I'm enrolling in Higher Maths and Higher Physics this year, as well as Adv Spanish, but should I also attempt the Further Maths A Level as a private candidate? If so, is it possible (with lots of work) to do it in one year, or should I limit myself to just the AS? Also, does anyone know which units I should take in view to PPE? I was thinking the "decisions" units might be better.

Lastly, to meet the schedule requirments, I chose to take Higher History. As I've (nearly) done a whole A-level in the subject, is this choice going to be viewed negatively as an easy option? I'm not expecting to get any credit for it/to have it included in any offer, but could it actually count against me?

Thanks.
unless you're exceptionally able, you shouldn't try to do further maths in one year. I think, but don't have any stats on this, that most PPEists only have single maths, and this alone would be a lot of work to do in a year.
hah your so clever arnt you, of course i've seen that page, but its no help to me whatsoever, and for everyone else, it would really be appreciated if i could find someone in the same situation, preparing for this test? :biggrin:
Reply 596
Avatar for Cirsium
Cirsium
19
How is it of no help? It's the registration form...
Reply 597
Avatar for tiggerish
tiggerish
It's amusing how TSR users start out replying with patient, tolerant and understanding posts no matter how stupid the questions, and then gradually we become bitter and crabby as we observe a few application cycles go by and find ourselves still on this website, still answering the same questions. Forgive us.

Click on the centres link. It says "Centres can be schools, colleges, universities and British Council premises, amongst other approved centres." and then "Please visit our BMAT website to view a list of open UK and international centres" (as those would be the same ones). So i guess you just pick the one nearest to you.
Reply 598
Avatar for andy87
andy87
10
i had the same problem.You CANNOT register for the test by yourself.Your school has to register first as a PPE test centre.Once they do that,they enter your details on the system,etc.But hurry up.the last date for registration is the 28th.If your school doesnt have a clue on how to register as a PPE centre(like mine) then i suggest you browse those BMAT centres because SOME of them are PPE test centres as well.Look up the closest one to home,give them a call and ask them: 1.if they are an open PPE test centre ; 2.If they could register you.
Bear in mind you might have to pay some fees.I paid 25 pounds to register.so there ya go



good luck!
go see the relevant teacher and tell them about it.

I intend to do quite a bit of preparation for this in the half-term. It's not like you can't improve your performance on tests like these.

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