220 likes | 327 Views
Choosing Oxford. Who am I?. Dr Stephen Drape Access and Schools Liaison Officer for Computer Science (Also a Departmental Lecturer) 8 years at Oxford (3 years Maths degree, 4 years Computer Science graduate, 1 year lecturer) Email: stephen.drape@comlab.ox.ac.uk. Contents Page.
E N D
Who am I? Dr Stephen Drape Access and Schools Liaison Officer for Computer Science (Also a Departmental Lecturer) 8 years at Oxford (3 years Maths degree, 4 years Computer Science graduate, 1 year lecturer) Email: stephen.drape@comlab.ox.ac.uk
Contents Page • Some myths about Oxford • How Oxford differs from most universities • Applications and Interviews
Five myths about Oxford There’s little chance of getting in It’s expensive College choice is very important Oxford is elitist You have to be very bright
Myth 1: Little chance of getting in • False! • Statistically: you have a 20–40% chance Admissions data for 2007 entry:
Myth 2: It’s very expensive • False! • Most colleges provide cheap accommodation for three years. • College libraries and dining halls also help you save money. • Increasingly, bursaries help students from poorer backgrounds. • Most colleges and departments are very close to the city centre – low transport costs!
Myth 3: College Choice Matters • False! • If the college you choose is unable to offer you a place because of space constraints, they will pass your application on to a second, computer-allocated college. • Application loads are intelligently redistributed in this way. • Lectures are given centrally by the department as are many classes for courses in later years.
Myth 3: College Choice Matters • However… • Choose a college that you like as you have to live and work there for 3 or 4 years • Look at accommodation & facilities offered. • Choose a college that has a tutor in your subject.
Myth 4: Oxford is elitist • False! • Oxford has a large variety of students (state & independent, British & International, male & female) • Tutors assess applicants based on ability and motivation • It does not matter what your “background” is
Myth 5: You have to be bright • True! • We find it takes special qualities to benefit from the kind of teaching we provide. • So we are looking for the very best in ability and motivation. • A typical offer is 3 A grades at A-Level
The University The University consists of: • Colleges • Departments/Faculties • Administration • Student Accommodation • Facilities such as libraries, sports grounds The University is distributed throughout the whole city
Departments vs Colleges • Departments are responsible for managing each courses by providing lectures, giving classes and setting exams • College can provide accommodation, food, facilities (e.g. libraries, sports grounds) but also gives tutorials and admits students
Teaching Teaching consists of a variety of activities: • Lectures: usually given by a department • Tutorials: usually given in a college (often 1 tutor with 2 students) • Classes: for more specialised subjects • Practicals: for many Science courses • Projects/Dissertations: for some courses
Colleges There are around 30 colleges in Oxford – some things to consider: • Check what courses each college offers • Accommodation • Location • Facilities You can submit an open application
Applications Process • Choose a course • Choose a college that offers that course • Your application goes to a college rather than the University as a whole since college admissions tutors decide who to admit. • You can choose a first choice college – second and third choices get allocated to you.
Interviews • Interviews take place over 2 or 3 days. • Candidates stay within college • Mostly candidates will have interviews at the first and second choice colleges • For some subjects, samples of written work or interview tests are needed
What do interviewers assess? • Motivation • Future potential • Problem solving skills • Independent thinking • Commitment to the subject
Common Interview Questions • Why choose Oxford? • Candidates often say “Reputation” or “It’s the best!” • Why do you want to study this subject? • Frequent response: “I enjoy it” • It’s important to say why the course is right for you – look at the information in the prospectus.
What tutors will consider • Academic record (previous and predicated grades) • School reference • UCAS statement (be careful what you say!) • Written work or entrance test (as appropriate) • Interview performance
Useful links The Oxford admission website has lots of information about the various courses and the application process: www.admissions.ox.ac.uk All of the colleges and departments have their own websites.
Open Days • Most departments and college hold open days throughout the year • An opportunity to find out more about the courses and meet tutors and students • Check out the websites for details • If you cannot make an open day then ask colleges or departments whether you can visit on a different day
Maths in other subjects For admissions, A-Level Maths is mentioned as a preparation for a number of courses: • Essential: Computer Science, Engineering Science, Engineering, Economics & Management (EEM), Materials, Economics & Management (MEM), Materials, Maths, Medicine, Physics • Desirable/Helpful: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Economics & Management, Experimental Psychology, History and Economics, Law, Philosophy , Politics & Economics (PPE), Physiological Sciences, Psychology, Philosophy & Physiology (PPP)