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

Did the other PPEists at your college get something similar to that? I'm worried I dont stand a chance now. :frown:

errrm I'm not sure. Never talked about it.

Probably not all.

Info from the PPE website

There is no absolute requirement for particular grades at GCSE, as there are no fixed examination results that must be attained for admission. Each application is considered carefully on its individual merits. However, competition for places is strong and many applicants have all A* and A grades at GCSE. Unless there are particular extenuating circumstances, we could not be optimistic about your chances of gaining a place at Oxford if you do not have a high percentage for A* and A grades at GCSE.

Tutors are looking for evidence of academic ability as well as commitment and motivation for your chosen degree course. They will use GCSE results as one indicator of your abilities, along with predicted grades at A-level, your personal statement, your academic reference, any written work or written test that are required and, if your application is shortlisted, your performance at interview.
Candidates who feel that they under-performed at GCSE may be able to compensate for this by demonstrating clear upward progression at AS level as well as in predicted or achieved A-level scores. You may wish to refer to this in your personal statement and it could also be useful if your tutors comment in your academic reference.

http://www.ppe.ox.ac.uk/index.php/ppe-faq

x

Reply 6281

Brand New Eyes

2

Original post by Poppyxx

I did Economics, History, German and Maths.

I debated, did MUN, Politics discussion society, played first team netball and hockey, was a school prefect, chaired a charity fashion show committee, managing director of a Young Enterprise type group, social committee secretary, was a welfare team student supporter...

All that was condensed into about 3 lines on my personal statement

I see, did you only put in the relevant things then? Having a real hard time drafting my ps :/ would you mind adding yours to the TSR library once your ucas is complete or asap really?

Reply 6282

Poppyxx

11

Original post by Brand New Eyes

I see, did you only put in the relevant things then? Having a real hard time drafting my ps :/ would you mind adding yours to the TSR library once your ucas is complete or asap really?

Well I've just finished my first year at Oxford so ucas is complete.

I'm not really sure I want to put my personal statement online. I know I don't really have any use for it any more, but still. I'm fine with my school having it and using it as guidance, to me that's a bit different.

I'll post my extra-curriculars paragraph here, but not the academics.

My structure was:

Para 1: Why I am interested in the subject.

I never mentioned 'PPE', just started with 'This course...'

Para 2: About my A Levels - the skills and aptitudes they've given me to help with an interdisciplinary course.

Para 3: Extra-curriculars

I am a team player, seizing opportunities to represent school at First team sports. But I also relish using my skills to lead: as captain of house debating and holding the position of Managing Director for XX, a charitable enterprise run by Sixth Formers. Work experience at the BBC demonstrated the demands of being a journalist in news and current affairs. This year I won a place on the Winning Women Programme at J. P. Morgan and was rewarded by a unique insight into the various facets of an investment bank. Over the past year I have been employed during holiday periods in a X of a X working directly with the public and gaining independence through my own income.

Para 4: Summary of about 5 lines.

This isn't necessary, but my tutor thought it was strong so told me to include it.

1 was the longest by quite bit, then 2, 3 and 4

x

Reply 6283

Bax-man

2

Original post by nerimon18

Did the other PPEists at your college get something similar to that? I'm worried I dont stand a chance now. :frown:

You do not need all A* grades at GCSE to receive an offer for PPE. Candidates are interviewed and tested for a reason.

Reply 6284

InspectorSophie

8

I am applying to do PPE at oxford this summer ( 2012 entry ) but I haven't done maths a-level ( or gcse for that matter ) but I am learning maths in my spare time and have so far got an A on my economics A-level.

Members told me on another post I did that I WILL NOT get in, in very definitive terms, to do PPE if I don't have a maths A-level.

Is this true? I feel on the verge of tears now, I knew it was preferred but I didn't think it was such a important 'unwritten requirement'. Do I have any chance? I've been working towards PPE at Oxford for years and now I feel like I have been winded.

Reply 6285

rY4uGD1fMzBj4xe2

14

I don't think your chances of getting more positive responses from this thread (of which is also on TSR, in case you don't know) are any greater, mate.

EDIT: Just read this, http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/philosophy_politics_and_economics/philosophy_politic_1.html.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6286

WSOP

Without maths, you have a chance, but don't be surprise if you are rejected. Sorry.

Reply 6287

HK1

8

( or gcse for that matter )

How did you not do it for GCSE's? I thought it was compulsory for all GCSE students/schools.

Reply 6288

-WhySoSerious?

17

A guy from my econ class two years ago got in without A-level, but he picked up AS in his second year.

Maths is generally a requirement as university level economics has quite a bit, and you'll definitely struggle without it.

Reply 6289

Brand New Eyes

2

Original post by Poppyxx

Well I've just finished my first year at Oxford so ucas is complete.

I'm not really sure I want to put my personal statement online. I know I don't really have any use for it any more, but still. I'm fine with my school having it and using it as guidance, to me that's a bit different.

I'll post my extra-curriculars paragraph here, but not the academics.

My structure was:

Para 1: Why I am interested in the subject.

I never mentioned 'PPE', just started with 'This course...'

Para 2: About my A Levels - the skills and aptitudes they've given me to help with an interdisciplinary course.

Para 3: Extra-curriculars

I am a team player, seizing opportunities to represent school at First team sports. But I also relish using my skills to lead: as captain of house debating and holding the position of Managing Director for XX, a charitable enterprise run by Sixth Formers. Work experience at the BBC demonstrated the demands of being a journalist in news and current affairs. This year I won a place on the Winning Women Programme at J. P. Morgan and was rewarded by a unique insight into the various facets of an investment bank. Over the past year I have been employed during holiday periods in a X of a X working directly with the public and gaining independence through my own income.

Para 4: Summary of about 5 lines.

This isn't necessary, but my tutor thought it was strong so told me to include it.

1 was the longest by quite bit, then 2, 3 and 4

x

Fair dos. But you must've had at least the words Economics/Politics in there?

Reply 6290

InspectorSophie

8

Does learning it in my spare time count for nothing then? When I went to the open day I was told that people without math A-levels would be given additional help. I've been working from that basis. I was also told that GCSEs were not a requirement. This is so depressing for me, I can't even tell you.

Reply 6291

KateMP

12

If you're in year 12 can you not pick up the AS next year? Or if you're on a gap year you could do the whole maths A level in one year. I don't think saying you've learnt it in your spare time will help much - how can you prove this?

Good luck anyway, I hope you work something out :smile:

Reply 6292

Chief Wiggum

20

How did you not do GCSE Maths?

With regards to the A Level, I know someone who got in for Oxford PPE without A Level Maths, so it's possible, but I do think having maths would be advantageous. :smile:

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6293

InspectorSophie

8

Original post by KateMP

If you're in year 12 can you not pick up the AS next year? Or if you're on a gap year you could do the whole maths A level in one year. I don't think saying you've learnt it in your spare time will help much - how can you prove this?

Good luck anyway, I hope you work something out :smile:

I can't afford to do another A-level. I just picked up a classical civilisation one just so I could apply to LSE and places that require and fourth AS.

Reply 6294

Noble.

17

Original post by InspectorSophie

Does learning it in my spare time count for nothing then? When I went to the open day I was told that people without math A-levels would be given additional help. I've been working from that basis. I was also told that GCSEs were not a requirement. This is so depressing for me, I can't even tell you.

To be honest, the open day is there to make you want to apply. Generally they won't shoot you down in flames unless it's just so blatant you don't stand a chance.

Reply 6295

yahyahyahs

16

Are you home-schooled? Also, don't take anything TSR members say as the solid truth - the best people to answer your questions are the admissions tutors.

Reply 6296

KateMP

12

Original post by InspectorSophie

I can't afford to do another A-level. I just picked up a classical civilisation one just so I could apply to LSE and places that require and fourth AS.

If you've been working towards PPE at Oxford for years now, why didn't you take a 4th AS in year 12?

Your best bet is to contact the places you want to apply to get straight, honest answers.

Reply 6297

Philosopher-of-sorts

3

Original post by InspectorSophie

I can't afford to do another A-level. I just picked up a classical civilisation one just so I could apply to LSE and places that require and fourth AS.

I would consider carefully the advice about doing the AS this coming year or the full A Level in a gap year. This isn't to say you won't be accepted without it--it is still possible that you will be--but it is to say it will significantly increase your chances to have it. From the Entrance Requirements section on the Oxford website:

Last year around 90% of the applicants who were offered places for PPE had studied Maths to at least AS-level, or equivalent. You may like to consider taking Maths to AS-level, or an equivalent qualification such as IB Standard Level, even if you do not pursue it further.

Weigh up your options--if you don't feel you could handle Math AS level and still get all As or better, then don't take it up. It's still worth applying, and you can always do it in a gap year if you don't make it (or get into one of your other top choices). Missing the all-important AAA isn't worth it. I'd also echo the advice about talking to admissions--drop them an email or a phone call. I did Math A Level in my gap year specifically to apply for PPE at Ox and Gov and Econ at LSE (after talking to admissions at both), and am very thankful that I did.

Don't let anything demoralise you, just take your time and think through the possibilities--things may go better than most people here expect. But you should know what you plan to do if they don't.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6298

nerimon18

14

OP my best advice for you is to take up maths a level either as an as next year or the full a level on a gap year. This will help you significantly in terms of winning a place. Please don't give up on your dream if you wish to do ppe at oxford then aspire to it!

Reply 6299

pahoeho

1

I'm looking for some advice as I want to do PPE at Oxford. :smile:

Basically, I haven't done History at GCSE nor at AS-Level, I know it is not a requirement but what I do want to find out is whether or not it would be worth doing History AS-Level (or is it even possible to do the whole A-level in one year?) next year instead of one of my existing subjects.

Also out of these subjects, which would be most beneficial to continue on to A2?
Maths (I have completed the A2, so this would mean doing Further Maths), English Lit, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography. I am definitely dropping Geography but not so sure regarding how many, or which of the sciences to continue.

Thanks in advance.

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

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