Transcript Presentation from Oxford March 201 - Welwyn & Hatfield 14

Applying to Oxford or
Cambridge
Alice Wilby
Schools Liaison Officer
St Peter’s College, Oxford
Should You Apply?
Are you:
•Interested in a course we offer?
•Predicted the grades we require?
•Enthusiastic about studying your subject to a high
level?
•Willing to work hard?
Then Yes!
Entry Requirements
Entry criteria are
purely academic
Must be predicted
AAA/ A*AA/ A*A*A
Academic ability + Potential = Offer?
Evidence of past
high academic
achievement
For your chosen
course
1 in 5
applicants is
offered a place
The Application Process
Choose Course
and College
UCAS
application
Result of
application
Choose ‘firm’
and ‘insurance’
choices
Submit by
15th
October
Interview
Exam results/
confirmation
Written work
/ tests
Start
university
Choosing a College
The UCAS Form
• The main piece of
information about you
that tutors will see
• The same form goes
to every university
choice you make
• We don’t see which
other universities/
courses you have
applied for
What should you include?
Motivation
-Why is this subject the
one for you?
-Which aspects of the
subject do you find
most interesting?
-What evidence do you
have of academic
motivation?
Information on your
interests, motivation to
study, and suitability for
the course
Interests
-Focus on relevant
academic interests
-Give examples
-Provide evidence
of genuine
academic interests
-Be honest!
Suitability
-How have you
developed skills
relevant to the course?
-What evidence do you
have of skills relevant
to academic study?
-Can you demonstrate
appropriate vocational
commitment?
Exploring your interests
Why do you like the
subject?
What evidence do
you have that you
like it?
What other
achievements do
you have?
Interviews
• Interviews take place in the first 3
weeks of December
• Normally at least two interviews,
each lasting 20 - 30 minutes
• Interviews are discussion-based
and intellectually challenging
• Check the University websites for
mock interview videos and more
information
Interviews: Types of Questions
SUBJECT-SPECIFIC INTERVIEW
Discussion
based on
academic
interests
mentioned in
personal
statement
Challenging
questions
relating to Alevel courses
Assess knowledge
and understanding
of subject and
flexibility of thought
“Quirky”
questions: apply
existing knowledge
to new situations
Scientists: expect a
specimen to discuss
Arts (especially
languages): expect
a text to discuss
Sciences: expect a
problem sheet to
work through
Discussion of
submitted
essays
Model teaching
session – it’s like
having a mini
tutorial
What Tutors Look For
Academic Potential
Clear, flexible,
analytical
thought
Ability to
assimilate new
ideas or apply
existing
concepts to
challenging new
questions
Informed
enthusiasm for
the subject
Vocational/
professional
commitment
(where
appropriate)
Preparing your Application...
Start now!
Do your research
Focus on your subject
Practice talking about your subject
Get it checked
More Information?
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk
www.ucas.com
Ask teachers for advice
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Ask questions today – or email [email protected]