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

You will be competing against me

You need to do shiploads of reading on all three aspects, learn about political ideologies and Shiz.

HAHAHAHA you are awesome bro, I like the sneaky pokemon quote

1) I got an A in GCSE maths, but I don't think I'd fair well at A-Level. I know its almost a requirement, but I think I would have trouble pulling out an A. I am good, at problem solving and applied mathematics, however.

2) I got A* in English Lang and A in English Lit. Thanks for the advice otherwise, Jacke02

3) I'm predicted A in History, A in Psychology, A in Economics and B in Critical Thinking. I'm only doing three 'real subjects' but I will probably carry Critical Thinking on into A2.

I think it's problematic that you effectively have only 3 AS Levels (most guidance from Oxbridge states that Critical Thinking should not be one of your 4). I think it's worth a pop and a UCAS spot because if you do well in the TSA you should get an interview and then you'll have a chance. But the GCSEs, lack of maths, and only 3 AS levels are going to mean you need to do well on the TSA to get an interview, in my opinion.

I would, however, be wary of PPE if you don't think you'd fair well at AS-level maths. For first year economics you are going to have to learn some of the techniques of AS- level maths as extra work and in less time than you would get at AS-level. A lot of first year economics is very close to pure maths. You can, of course, drop it after first year, but it is something to bear in mind.

I think it's problematic that you effectively have only 3 AS Levels (most guidance from Oxbridge states that Critical Thinking should not be one of your 4). I think it's worth a pop and a UCAS spot because if you do well in the TSA you should get an interview and then you'll have a chance. But the GCSEs, lack of maths, and only 3 AS levels are going to mean you need to do well on the TSA to get an interview, in my opinion.

I would, however, be wary of PPE if you don't think you'd fair well at AS-level maths. For first year economics you are going to have to learn some of the techniques of AS- level maths as extra work and in less time than you would get at AS-level. A lot of first year economics is very close to pure maths. You can, of course, drop it after first year, but it is something to bear in mind.

You seem quite knowledgeable. Are you a PPE student?

I was hoping that I'd be considered a "special circumstance" because I chose the wrong subjects and I will have, effectively done as much work as everyone else at the end of the year.

I don't think I'll take Maths. I'll probably fail to get in to Oxford anyway and it'll be a waste of time anywhere else (might pull my other grades down).

Anyway, thanks for the advice. Is there a recommended reading list I can study? because as you say, the interview and TSA are probably my best hope.

Thanks for the help anyway!

EDIT: oops. I forgot about this account!

Can you not choose economics?

Yes. Economics at A-level is kinda pointless("soft"). They won't mind it but it's not needed at all.

Maths, History, +another essay subject, any other subject

All A-s however.

Sorry, you are saying that Economics is a soft A level?

Ya, second generation A levels.

Economics, Sociology, Law, Psychology, Critical Thinking, Government and Politics and General Studies.

There's a reason Oxbridge and LSE don't like them. There good as auxiliary choices but don't take more than 2/4 and expect to get into Oxford.

EDIT: It's stronger than the others and is approximately on par with Psychology but it's still quite soft.

Right ok..


http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/index.php?pageid=604

You see how Economics is above all those other subjects.
Seems to be from oh Cambridge as well, so can you tell me where they say they don't like it please also for LSE http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Respected_A_Levels

from this I can't see Economics black listed.

So the LSE reference would be nice as well.
Cheers

Pss - I'm helping you but fine be obstinate.

For anyone who care:
There's a difference between de facto and je jure soft subjects.

For example: It's widely considers that government a politics is a soft A level, Cambridge and LSE though they treat it as one do not explicitly declare it as one nor do they show it on their official sites. The same goes for Law and Sociology.

http://arltblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/lists-of-soft-a-levels/


Economics