As long as you love your subject, and have good grades so far, then you stand just as good chance as anyone applying from the UK :) To get advice from current PPE students check out the interviews on the SPCOxford channel. Best of luck!
Wow, even from 10 years ago I can watch him and learn and enjoy it, I wanna start my TH-cam channel when I got to a new university to study my Master and PhD. 😀😃😃
As for how to best prepare I would recommend doing as many senior maths challenge papers as you can get your hands on - the maths questions are very similar and it will help with the physics ones too. Also just try to do as many general physics questions (say mechanics, circuits and stuff like that) as the more you practise the better your physical intuition gets.
@BeGladItsAlmostOver If you're applying to Cambridge then you'll be doing so via UCAS so you will submit a personal statement (see their website) to accompany your application, that explains things like reasons for applying. So in there you'd be able to emphatically state that you only got really interested in Philosophy in 10th grade, and from then on just know you wanted to go to Cambridge. Or something like that.
As far as the Oxford international admissions page says (something you can google) you need SAT/ACT tests but not AP scores to apply. From there- "Successful candidates would typically have SAT Reasoning Test scores of at least 700 in Critical Reading, Mathematics and the Writing Paper, or ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. We would also expect Grade 5 in three or more Advanced Placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT Subject Tests in three appropriate subjects at 700 or better."
I think that it would be very, very worth your while applying! Given your results you stand a very good chance of being accepted, and if you're from a postcode that doesn't normally send people to Oxford then you will be more likely to get an interview. You should absolutely apply!
You stand a very good chance of getting an interview at the very least! 84% average is good, and those GCSE results are outstanding. Remember that Oxford looks at your results relative to the average performance of a student at your school, so going to a normal comp - like I did - helps you out here. Have faith in yourself, you're doing great so far!
So you will need to apply for the course via the UCAS system, like applicants from the UK. As such most of the advice that you hear about applying, like personal statement tips and taking the physics aptitude test, holds! For more info the Oxford website has a whole section on international applications for undergraduate places. Best of luck!
@conspiracies1 OK, some things. 1) 2Bs and a C at GCSE will be worse than many applicants who apply from all backgrounds. Those 5A*s are still very good. 2) I didn't go to a private school, I went to a state comp in Bristol that sends one or maybe two people a year to Oxbridge. 3) I wasn't privileged, I was hard working. My family certainly isn't rich or influential and of which no one as been to uni. I'm as amazed as anyone else that I got into Oxford.
Other than the fact that it's just better? I simply prefer it personally as a place, and I prefer the Oxford physics course to the Cambridge NatSci course. It's really just a personal choice, and varies from subject to subject! I talk about this further in my Oxford FAQs video if you haven't seen that already.
I couldn't answer your answer confidently in good faith as I really don't know the answer. I think that if you can do well in your IGCSEs and A levels then it will be all the more impressive as it will be obvious that you have done all the hard work yourself. I would recommend that you contact either the university admissions department or the english department for a professional opinion. All the very best of luck!
@moonisgod you can certainly try! By personal philosophy is that you have nothing to lose by applying. If you can get good results on retakes then you may still be able to get in.
As far as I know the aptitude test is simply a way of halving the number of people they have to interview - if you get above the median mark then you get an interview, otherwise you don't. They might take your relative mark into account (along with your interview performance) but I don't know if that is true. As for how to prepare be sure to go on the physics department website and look at the past papers and reports they have online to get a sense of the questions they ask.
.. and don't worry that you don't have extracurricular activities coming out of your ears like some people. If you go into interviews knowing that you need to place an emphasis on your academic side rather than any extracurricular activities then you will do better than all the other candidates that will assume the opposite! Best of luck with your application :)
I think that universities do see whether you resit a module on your ucas form but and not 100% sure - would be worth asking the relevant person in your school. If you think that your grades will hold your application back then I would say go for it and resit, just make sure that you do really well!
@TheFloogledude In year 8 the best thing that you can do is to think about what subjects you really enjoy and which you really don't - then think about whether you'd like to pursue those certain subjects at university. You also should think about how to make those subjects you don't enjoy more bearable - this is a very important skill in learning, and is something that will also improve your exam results! Beyond that, start to think about which GCSEs you might like to take.
@latarontella The reason that they said GCSE grades would be much more important from next year is probably because of so many applicants now getting AAA at A level. Oxford has just announced that it will be basing offers based on a (most likely) A*AA system, and so most likely your GCSEs won't be taken into as much consideration, as they already have the extra distinguishing factor. Obviously GCSEs will still count slightly but I highly doubt a single B will hold you back, especially in E-Lit.
Well done on your results! Work experience doesn't count all of that much for university applications to be honest, as long as it's vaguely relevant (or you can twist it to be relevant) you should be ok. Technically I never did work experience (I was at NASA at the time) and I was ok, while a friend of mine who went on to do NatSci worked in a box factory I think. Basically, take whatever you can get! If you can't decide which science to pursue NatSci is perfect for you, best of luck applying!
Good question. I think it was largely because of being apart from my girlfriend for the first time, but also because the workload was overwhelming. In particular we had one tutor that didn't seem to realise that we had other tutors to complete work for too! So I would be working non-stop, and it got to a point where it really started affecting me in a negative way. But that problem was picked up on and largely resolved by my second term - academic feedback is a wonderful thing!
@18joe2 After your GCSE you'll be doing A-levels or maybe IB (International Baccalaureate) where you need to realistically be getting all As and an A* or two to get into top institutions like Oxford, Imperial, Manchester and Cambridge. In the middle of 6th form you'll fill out a UCAS form where you declare your 5 choices of institution and course. Attached to that will be your personal statement where you 'sell yourself' to the unis.
It's a good question. Basically, I knew that I wanted to do Physics and I believe that if you know for absolutely sure which science you want to then an Oxford science course is better than NatSci. However if there is still some doubt in your mind then I think NatSci is the better course as it gives you much more flexibility. Plus I just like Oxford more as a place than Cambridge, having looked around both. Ultimately it's a personal choice - both are great courses.
@TheJonVlogger Ha! Fortunately not. In Physics and Philosophy you will miss some aspects of the Physics course (in the first year, electromagnetism and circuits I think) in which you will do Philosophy stuff. The workload is a bit heavier for those doing Phys&Phil but not that much more!
1) Not for freshers, though there are for upper years, and in many of the rooms the bathrooms are just across the corridor so are as good as en suite! 2) If you want to see the kind of food we eat then check out the accommodation video on the college youtube channel - SPCOxford. I think that the food is great, though sometimes not so great, and our desserts are to die for!
Each university isn't associated with one exam board only, though it can be a bit confusing with Cambridge running their own exam board. For instance I took A levels with both OCR and AQA in my 6th form and was accepted. Make sure that your exam board is accepted as an A level (which, if it is a cambridge board, it should be) but beyond that it really doesn't matter.
Yep, Oxford take on mature students (what you would be referred to as) - I'm not 100% sure but I think your most recent qualifications will be the ones of interest to the departments/college i.e. your degree and MSc. I would recommend that you contact the college you would like to apply to for more information.
If you can show to your school that your standard grade result was due to extenuating circumstances then they can mention that in your reference - search through the Oxford website for more information. On the flipside however, I must tell you that economics is one of the most oversubscribed courses at both universities, and that in order to stand a chance of getting a place you will need to do really well at A level and ideally do some extracurricular economics work.
I won't calculate the answer for you, but you need to write expressions for the forces acting on the stone at the top and bottom of the loop (gravity [will be pointing either parallel or antiparallel to the tension in the rod], the tension in the rod and the centripetal force) and arrange them both such that the tension term is all that remains on one side. Then simply divide one equation by the other, et voila!
@lemypie Not in the slightest! As far as I can tell the only reason that admissions tutors might take sports into consideration is if you're Blues level, and even then it's a relatively fringe concern. Given that most of the people I know at uni hadn't done that much/any sports beforehand, I'd say it's no cause for concern at all :)
@adh123min The typical line that Oxford takes is that a gap year won't harm your application as long as what you do during that time is related to your subject. If you are going to spend a year getting another qualification in your field then I think that can only bolster your application. Obviously it shows that you have the drive to go to a good university and that you want to do your subject.
If you can show that you have done the work for the SAT etc. and done well in the exam then that will send a powerful message to universities that you work well on your own (i.e. without being spoonfed by school) and that you have the motivation to succeed. If you can do well in extra stuff like SAT then it will definitely count in your favour. However you have to weigh up the benefit that you will get from the extra stuff with the negative effect it will have (if any) on your normal work.
I believe that I am correct in saying that Oxford will not look at your UMS marks (so will just see your grade) whereas Cambridge do. As a consequence though, Oxford will place more importance on your GCSE grades than Cambridge will. So if you're applying to Oxford then just an A grade (well, A* ideally!) will be enough
I like the idea of a Sporcle quiz! Um, I think the best way to prepare is to try and get practise interviews, and practise thinking aloud. Really, the tutors aren't interested in the answers to their questions or how much you know, but rather how you approach problems and how you think. So make sure you can articulate the way that you think, particularly when solving maths-based problems. Also, remember to stay calm! That's the best piece of advice I can give. Best of luck :)
A fair few in my year didn't but that was before FM became widespread in 6th forms - these days I don't think that many people are without it. There is a section on the Oxford physics website answering this question though, it would be wise to check there :)
According the Oxford website, "South African Senior Certificate (with Matriculation endorsement) is unlikely to be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application." So I should think that you will need some additional subject-specific qualifications like A-levels or maybe even the IB to make a competitive application. See the international qualifications section of the Oxford admissions website for more details.
Those sound like pretty good results to me! If you can those (maybe even higher if you can) then combined with your experience of shares etc. then you sound like you have a decent shot!
@piano1996No1 As long as you're getting close to the maximum grades possible then I think you have a pretty good shot! Take a look at the university page on admissions, and your department's page as well, if you want a look at typical offers and expectations
@yisforyash I think that they certainly do put emphasis on people doing extracurricular activities as they show you have good time management and independent skills. However, the first and foremost thing has to be academic results and potential - I would say that extending your subject beyond the A level syllabus and therefore showing academic gumption is more important that sports or music. That said, I would recommend doing at least one thing that you can talk about in your personal statement!
According to the Oxford website - 'Students of the International Baccalaureate are usually required to achieve a level of performance of 38-40 points, including core points, with 6s and 7s in the higher level subjects.'. Which probably means more to you than it does to me!
@TheJonVlogger Well, in terms of extra-curricular activities you'll only have to talk about them in your personal statement and not really in interview (this would probably vary a bit subject to subject). So 'proof' is not really required. That said, grades are more impressive as they give a form of external verification - someone can play at home to a low level for the same length of time that it takes for someone to do several grades. It still makes you a more rounded character to them though!
That is a minimum of 85% mind (which is probably being generous) and will be used with an interview (which will count for more) to determine whether you get a place. Unfortunately I don't know anyone here who is a) Canadian and b) didn't take the IB, but if there is an Oxford University Canadian Society! Google that and check out their groupspace, there should be a contact on there that could help you :)
Some people do more, some people fewer, though I think 3 is about normal. If you want to hear more about the differences in interviews then I recommend you take a look at the SPCOxford channel (my college channel) where we post interviews with students from different subjects, with more to come, where part of the discussion is the interview process. The Oxford uni website has a lot of useful information on this kind of thing too. Hope this helps, and good luck! :)
Remember that GCSEs are not the be-all-and-end-all like A level results. Yes, those results are not ideal, but you were performing under extenuating circumstances, and this can be made clear on your application by your teachers. Talk to them about it, and if you can contact the college you are looking to apply to for more information about extenuating circumstances. I'm afraid I really don't know about the resits - again, best to ask the college directly. Best of luck, and hope your dad is ok!
I wouldn't say that you've wasted your chance. My recommendation would be to email the college you are interested in applying to (St. Peter's has a fund for mature students, just saying...) about your situation and see what they recommend. It might be that special arrangements could be made. Extenuating circumstances such as yours are not uncommon so don't feel like it's impossible! All the very best of luck with your application.
@RabidSimsFan Well, it rather depends on what you're applying for! As I say in my more recent video there are a couple of criteria that I apply for everyone who asks this question. I think if you can get several A* in those GCSEs then that's a good base to apply from, combined with good A level results obviously. Mostly A grades would be slightly below the standard that they expect from applicants.
That sounds like it won't be /too/ much of a problem to me. There are certainly people here with worse GCSE grades than that. Basically as long as you nail your AS levels then you should be viewed as a serious candidate. Best of luck! :)
Two answers to that question: 1. Oxford prefer candidates who excel at their subjects, but don't really care about much else. As far as I can tell this tends to be more true for the sciences than the humanities. 2. I got in, and I am very much an all-rounder rather than someone who just excels at physics! By my example, as long as you do reasonably well in your interviews and are predicted to meet the entry requirements then you should stand a good chance of being given an offer.
I don't have any questions, I'm happily going after my masters, and I'm just watching these videos for fun (pretty nerdy eh?). But I just wanted to say how nice it is of you, not only to make these really helpful videos but also to reply to so many people's questions in the comments. Best of luck finishing your PhD!
@epicsamp95 normally they look at your performance in current class work, combined with your GCSE (or equivalent performance) to estimate how well you will do. In the case of A2 predicteds they obviously also have your AS results to draw on too. Basically, to improve them just try as hard as you can to impress in class!
I think they will consider you very seriously!! I know that your educational background will sound far from ideal to you, and maybe to a lot of people, but it demonstrates an awful lot of independence of thought and self-discipline. I would say to explicitly mention your depression in your application, and get your references to mention it explicitly too so that Oxford (let's face it, you want to apply here) knows in no uncertain terms. You may wish to contact a college directly to discuss it.
Retaking a few modules shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long as it's not an entire year then you should be ok. If you're doing so in year 12 then Oxford won't even know that you've retaken as you're not obliged to mention that your marks are from retakes on your UCAS form.
@hmmihuman I had to take the physics aptitude test, which there was only one past paper available for, but I did this paper and then lots of old maths challenge papers that I got from my school which are vaguely similar. I think it's important to study for any aptitude test at this level because it's very easy to get complacent and just assume (based on previous performance) that everything will be ok regardless. Definitely take it seriously, and with a bit of study you'll be absolutely fine!
Hi Mark, as far as I am aware you apply to study at Oxford like a domestic applicant would, i.e. through the UCAS application scheme. As for visas etc. I believe that you need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa, though check the UK border agency website for more information. Hopefully I will be making a whole video about international applications to Oxford sometime soon.
As a fourth-year Oxford chemistry student, I agree with the point at about 2:25. Absolutely loving your subject is essential - if you aren't completely sure that it's what you want to do for the next few years, then it will be a miserable ride. And make sure you have an interest outside your subject too, because sometimes things get a little intense and you need to clear your head.
Great question! (if a bad choice of uni :P) If there isn't already an after school club for physics then set one up! Teaching concepts in physics to pre-GCSE students or running experiments - rewarding and very good for the CV. Otherwise if it's astronomy you're into, for example, then join your local astronomy society (you'd be surprised at how many of these there are). Otherotherwise you can always read popular science books. I have a video recommending some, and one for textbooks - also good!
You absolutely could be selected! I didn't start really reading physics books until the 10th grade. I would recommend however that you start getting involved with relevant extracurricular activities now though - look into courses outside of school and books to read (I have some recommendations in a video on my channel :) )
@18joe2 The best thing you can do now is get lots of experience relevant to your choices so you can talk about them in the PS! Things like work experience or volunteering are great additions, along with anything that shows you are passionate about your subject - for example tutoring kids in lower years after school.
@xBeautyFromHellx You know it's quite a funny question. I was always told when I was applying that the hardest thing was just getting in, but now I've got here I can assure you that staying on the course (at least for Physics) is way, way harder! Not to say that getting in is easy, but this is the hardest thing I've ever done. And completely worth it - I love my course. N.B. I think it does vary from course to course, at least in terms of the base level of work required...
@oadams2 There are two topics I can recommend, both vaguely related. First is Maxwell's equations of electromagnetics - you will need to understand surface and line integrals first, but the most beautiful bit of physics. Second would be special relativity - I would highly recommend looking at the Feynman lectures on Physics (Vol 1) as he is brilliant at explaining it. Both topics are a step beyond A level but not too far beyond, so with a bit of effort you should appreciate the science!
Getting an A grade means scoring between 80% and 90%, while an A* means getting an average of over 90% with no marks less than 80% (or at least it did when they first introduced them)
I'm pretty sure that you would need to offer all of your modules per subject from the same A level board - I've never heard of anyone switching board halfway through.
This was very helpful! I'm in year 12 and hoping to apply for Physics at Oxford, I was lucky enough to be chosen by my school to take part in the 'Target' scheme with which I attended Oxford Uni for a day and shadowed an undergraduate who answered every question I ever had about applying/uni-life/grades and more. I would strongly reccomend anyone taking part if they can!
@TheMrBobotron Extra-curricular activities show that you're not a robot, but other than that I don't think they really play any role in selection criteria (unless you're a rowing blue). You will probably have more fun once you're here though, compared to someone who doesn't, say, have a black belt. For medicine maths would definitely be a help, while I doubt economics will have much of an influence. The most important thing you can do now is get your work experience together. Hope this helps :)
Hi! Oxford looks at your GCSEs relative to the average grades achieved by students at your school, so if everyone else in your school is getting all Ds and Fs then it will still look good on you!
@lilpwincess98 I decided I really like physics at the start of my GCSEs (I basically realised that all the cool bits of science were labelled 'physics') but I've never had a passion for maths. At all. It's only now that I'm starting to really like and appreciate it. So I guess once I knew I loved physics I knew I needed to beast my GCSEs and A levels and apply to the best place where I could do a physics degree. So far so good! The next stage is hopefully a PhD in atmospheric physics...
@annaliseREB I think a lot of Oxford students tend to look down on Brookes students, but then again I think those are the kind of people who look down on everyone! To be quite honest if someone looks down on you because of where you're studying then that's not a friend you're much worse off losing. In terms of my first Michaelmas it was a mix of being away from home, working really hard on stuff I find really difficult and not having many friends that made me hate it. It's much better now!
@HB3l1 hi, very sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I can't claim to have heard of the university of southern california, so you would need to look up where it sits on league tables etc. Do remember that there is a lot of financial support for students in Oxford - in fact you could argue that it is the most affordable uni in the country (for uk students at least) - so don't write it off just yet
I talk about my results in my Oxford FAQs video (there's a timelink to the relevant bit in the description). As for your situation with FM and lack of M2+, be sure to have your teacher mention this on your reference. Also, read up on the mechanics stuff in your spare time, it's actually rather easy once you get into the right frame of mind! I couldn't comment on whether your application is realistic or not to be honest, I would have to see your AS results for this year. Don't give up!
@TheFloogledude Don't panic! There's still loads of time before you have to start thinking about important decisions, so make the most of enjoying what you learn in school :)
@izy585 Experience is everything. Make sure you can get as much experience as you can in places like hospitals, clinics, old folks' homes etc.. Beyond that make sure that you have a strong interest in the theoretical underpinnings/science of medicine, as the oxbridge courses are more theory based. And the ubiquitous strong passion for your subject is essential, natch :)
@ticklemeliaa Undergrads range from 18 to 22, and the MCR (graduates) are a bit older, but generally under 30. If you pushed me for a mean average age I'd say about 21. The workload is very large, I must be honest. I have an average of 10 hours of lectures, 7 hours of labs and 2-3 hours of tutorials a week. On top of this you're expected to do independent work totalling about 10 hours per tutorial. My average week totals about 45-50 hrs. But then, I am reading a science.
You apply for one course, and you apply to one college. e.g. I applied to study physics at Jesus college. You can't apply for more than one course, or to more than one college, at a time. Hope this helps! Simon :)
@lamtuquyenha the purpose of the interview is to determine how suitable you are for the course. A big part of that is how 'smart' you are, but a very large part is also how passionate you are about the subject. That determines how far you can stick with the course when it gets tough. I would recommend that you take Further Maths if possible, but I don't believe it's a requirement. See ww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/table.html :)
@TheHabbo210 In terms of your GCSEs, I would recommend getting that English grade up as in such a competitive subject as Medicine, that could easily prove to be a deciding factor against other applicants. Remember that Medicine involves writing an awful lot of essays, so good English skills are important. As for your A levels, there's a link in my more recent video to an Oxford page answering this question, but in short they look good to me!
@TheHabbo210 I don't know if there is a specific requirement, but for everything but the hardcore sciences I would imagine a C would be the absolute lowest, but pretty much everyone else who applies will have an A or an A*, especially for Medicine. At that kind of level, the only point of getting an A or an A* is so that you don't look worse than everyone else!
@MrJubbadahut At GCSE I got A* in Double English, Double Science, Maths, French, History, Geography and Philosophy and Belief. I also got a double Merit in my CIDA double ICT. At A level I got A in A2 Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography (no A* available) and got A* in my Extended Project in yr 12 and a Pass in my Open University module on planets in yr 13. I chose Oxford because by most league tables it is the best university to study a Physics degree at, and because I like the place!
Nowhere near as much emphasis as everyone seems to think! What they care about above all else is raw academic potential and performance. If you are getting grades like 43/45 on the IB then you are doing just as well, if not better than, the majority of applicants. It's natural to be nervous about writing your PS but remember that they will be treating it as an advert of your capabilities, and what they care about most is academic capability. So write about your honor rolls and your test scores..
@xBeautyFromHellx Definitely. St Peter's is known as the friendly college, and the atmosphere here is very welcoming and friendly. I had made several new friends within the first day - it's impossible not to! Also on a university wide scale I've made friends with people I sit next to in lectures, and who I do labs with. It's your friends that make the experience so unique :)
Thanks, this was very helpful to our daughter's application process (for oct 2012). We just learned she was admitted to Cambridge (with a French bac). Everything you advised was correct.
@SuperSpoonman1 Hmm. Tough one. I think that you nothing to lose by allocating one of your 5 places to an AAA institution, but maybe keep the rest as AAB or ABB. My standard philosophy is that if people don't apply then they have a 0% chance of getting in, but obviously here the choices you make are tactical too. It also depends on whether you think you can get grades higher than AABC, although remember universities will make their offers based on your predicted grades.
@Q8Marine24 I answer this one in my new video - basically they will look at your GCSEs/iGCSEs, but they don't count anywhere near as much as your A levels. If they are unusually bad then it will raise a red flag, but otherwise it's not too much of a problem.
I genuinely don't think one uni is better than the other - I talk about this in my FAQ video, but basically they are very different from one another and suit certain people better. I'm actually thinking of applying to Cambridge for a PhD, so I'd better not think that Oxford is better!
@saifwhab You do provide your GCSE results with your application, but from talking to the tutors that did my interviews it would appear that they don't really take them into consideration. They will only pick you up on them if they are unusually bad. The Oxford Physics website says that 'it is not unusual for candidates to be accepted with fewer than 4 A* grades, or to be rejected with more than 9 A* grades'. So you do have to do reasonably well, but not stellarly as some people seem to think!
Thanks for the video - shame it has so few views! I'd love to go to an Oxbridge college, but I just don't have the grades! Maybe sometime in later life :)
Thank you for that. It's possibly the most useful and honest piece of advice I've been given. Just a quick question; On the Oxbridge websites, all courses have a list of 'useful a-level subjects'. Would you advise sticking to these? (...it's hard to get the balance of being 'all-rounded' at the same time.)
@ticklemeliaa No, there's no pets allowed! This was filmed in my room at home. What I meant by 'don't expect to be blown away' was that a lot of people seem to have these preconceptions about uni that it will be non-stop fun from the off and that everybody just has the time of their life, while the truth is that the fun is there but you have to have the gumption to find it. I didn't for the first year and consequently I really didn't enjoy it. I'm learning now though!
@LidaAsh A C at GCSE isn't ideal but provided that's the only one you got (and you're not applying for something like English) then it won't be a problem. Relax, you're doing just fine :)
@shwongful broadly speaking Oxford is better at the humanities, like English and History, Philosophy etc. while Cambridge is better at the sciences. Some of this is for historical reasons, some of it for genuine research output. I chose to go to Oxford instead of Cambridge because I wanted to do a straight-physics degree, rather than study Natural Sciences and do a mix, as I knew I wanted to be a physicist. That suits some people, a NatSci degree suits others :)
Give it a try, you have nothing to lose! I'm applying for the 2013 intake (Engineering though) and even with the German Abitur I feel at a disadvantage compared to A-Levels. A* are awarded in less than 1% of cases here, in the UK I think the figure is close to 10% that have at least one A*. If you're doing CIE that's great. I've read a couple of articles that criticized Oxford for not taking in many Pakistanis and even public school pupils in general. However, I can't judge if that is an issue.
@km11293 I got around 70 I think (can't really remember). I got a pack from Jesus College after all of my interviews that gave me my PAT scores and interview marks out of 10 (which I am definitely NOT giving out as they're a tad embarrassing). I don't know how many colleges do that kind of scheme though. I'd imagine that if you asked the physics department they probably be happy to tell you :)
0:00 a legend was born
I got ABBBBCCC at GCSE and AAAA at AS and have an offer from Cambridge.
Gives me hope
As long as you love your subject, and have good grades so far, then you stand just as good chance as anyone applying from the UK :) To get advice from current PPE students check out the interviews on the SPCOxford channel. Best of luck!
Do you think he knew at the time that he would 7 years later turn in a paper saying,"to do calculate""
😂😂😂😝
brilliant
Wow, even from 10 years ago I can watch him and learn and enjoy it, I wanna start my TH-cam channel when I got to a new university to study my Master and PhD. 😀😃😃
Your arms have really developed in 5 years :D
As for how to best prepare I would recommend doing as many senior maths challenge papers as you can get your hands on - the maths questions are very similar and it will help with the physics ones too. Also just try to do as many general physics questions (say mechanics, circuits and stuff like that) as the more you practise the better your physical intuition gets.
@BeGladItsAlmostOver If you're applying to Cambridge then you'll be doing so via UCAS so you will submit a personal statement (see their website) to accompany your application, that explains things like reasons for applying. So in there you'd be able to emphatically state that you only got really interested in Philosophy in 10th grade, and from then on just know you wanted to go to Cambridge. Or something like that.
As far as the Oxford international admissions page says (something you can google) you need SAT/ACT tests but not AP scores to apply. From there-
"Successful candidates would typically have SAT Reasoning Test scores of at least 700 in Critical Reading, Mathematics and the Writing Paper, or ACT with a score of at least 32 out of 36. We would also expect Grade 5 in three or more Advanced Placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT Subject Tests in three appropriate subjects at 700 or better."
I think that it would be very, very worth your while applying! Given your results you stand a very good chance of being accepted, and if you're from a postcode that doesn't normally send people to Oxford then you will be more likely to get an interview. You should absolutely apply!
You stand a very good chance of getting an interview at the very least! 84% average is good, and those GCSE results are outstanding. Remember that Oxford looks at your results relative to the average performance of a student at your school, so going to a normal comp - like I did - helps you out here. Have faith in yourself, you're doing great so far!
So you will need to apply for the course via the UCAS system, like applicants from the UK. As such most of the advice that you hear about applying, like personal statement tips and taking the physics aptitude test, holds! For more info the Oxford website has a whole section on international applications for undergraduate places. Best of luck!
@conspiracies1 OK, some things.
1) 2Bs and a C at GCSE will be worse than many applicants who apply from all backgrounds. Those 5A*s are still very good. 2) I didn't go to a private school, I went to a state comp in Bristol that sends one or maybe two people a year to Oxbridge. 3) I wasn't privileged, I was hard working. My family certainly isn't rich or influential and of which no one as been to uni. I'm as amazed as anyone else that I got into Oxford.
Other than the fact that it's just better? I simply prefer it personally as a place, and I prefer the Oxford physics course to the Cambridge NatSci course. It's really just a personal choice, and varies from subject to subject! I talk about this further in my Oxford FAQs video if you haven't seen that already.
I couldn't answer your answer confidently in good faith as I really don't know the answer. I think that if you can do well in your IGCSEs and A levels then it will be all the more impressive as it will be obvious that you have done all the hard work yourself. I would recommend that you contact either the university admissions department or the english department for a professional opinion. All the very best of luck!
@moonisgod you can certainly try! By personal philosophy is that you have nothing to lose by applying. If you can get good results on retakes then you may still be able to get in.
As far as I know the aptitude test is simply a way of halving the number of people they have to interview - if you get above the median mark then you get an interview, otherwise you don't. They might take your relative mark into account (along with your interview performance) but I don't know if that is true.
As for how to prepare be sure to go on the physics department website and look at the past papers and reports they have online to get a sense of the questions they ask.
.. and don't worry that you don't have extracurricular activities coming out of your ears like some people. If you go into interviews knowing that you need to place an emphasis on your academic side rather than any extracurricular activities then you will do better than all the other candidates that will assume the opposite!
Best of luck with your application :)
The standard offer is 3 subjects, I've never heard of anyone being given an offer based on 4 subjects.
I think that universities do see whether you resit a module on your ucas form but and not 100% sure - would be worth asking the relevant person in your school.
If you think that your grades will hold your application back then I would say go for it and resit, just make sure that you do really well!
@TheFloogledude In year 8 the best thing that you can do is to think about what subjects you really enjoy and which you really don't - then think about whether you'd like to pursue those certain subjects at university. You also should think about how to make those subjects you don't enjoy more bearable - this is a very important skill in learning, and is something that will also improve your exam results!
Beyond that, start to think about which GCSEs you might like to take.
@latarontella The reason that they said GCSE grades would be much more important from next year is probably because of so many applicants now getting AAA at A level. Oxford has just announced that it will be basing offers based on a (most likely) A*AA system, and so most likely your GCSEs won't be taken into as much consideration, as they already have the extra distinguishing factor. Obviously GCSEs will still count slightly but I highly doubt a single B will hold you back, especially in E-Lit.
Well done on your results! Work experience doesn't count all of that much for university applications to be honest, as long as it's vaguely relevant (or you can twist it to be relevant) you should be ok. Technically I never did work experience (I was at NASA at the time) and I was ok, while a friend of mine who went on to do NatSci worked in a box factory I think. Basically, take whatever you can get!
If you can't decide which science to pursue NatSci is perfect for you, best of luck applying!
Good question. I think it was largely because of being apart from my girlfriend for the first time, but also because the workload was overwhelming. In particular we had one tutor that didn't seem to realise that we had other tutors to complete work for too! So I would be working non-stop, and it got to a point where it really started affecting me in a negative way. But that problem was picked up on and largely resolved by my second term - academic feedback is a wonderful thing!
@18joe2 After your GCSE you'll be doing A-levels or maybe IB (International Baccalaureate) where you need to realistically be getting all As and an A* or two to get into top institutions like Oxford, Imperial, Manchester and Cambridge. In the middle of 6th form you'll fill out a UCAS form where you declare your 5 choices of institution and course. Attached to that will be your personal statement where you 'sell yourself' to the unis.
It's a good question. Basically, I knew that I wanted to do Physics and I believe that if you know for absolutely sure which science you want to then an Oxford science course is better than NatSci. However if there is still some doubt in your mind then I think NatSci is the better course as it gives you much more flexibility. Plus I just like Oxford more as a place than Cambridge, having looked around both. Ultimately it's a personal choice - both are great courses.
@TheJonVlogger Ha! Fortunately not. In Physics and Philosophy you will miss some aspects of the Physics course (in the first year, electromagnetism and circuits I think) in which you will do Philosophy stuff. The workload is a bit heavier for those doing Phys&Phil but not that much more!
1) Not for freshers, though there are for upper years, and in many of the rooms the bathrooms are just across the corridor so are as good as en suite!
2) If you want to see the kind of food we eat then check out the accommodation video on the college youtube channel - SPCOxford. I think that the food is great, though sometimes not so great, and our desserts are to die for!
Each university isn't associated with one exam board only, though it can be a bit confusing with Cambridge running their own exam board. For instance I took A levels with both OCR and AQA in my 6th form and was accepted. Make sure that your exam board is accepted as an A level (which, if it is a cambridge board, it should be) but beyond that it really doesn't matter.
Yep, Oxford take on mature students (what you would be referred to as) - I'm not 100% sure but I think your most recent qualifications will be the ones of interest to the departments/college i.e. your degree and MSc. I would recommend that you contact the college you would like to apply to for more information.
If you can show to your school that your standard grade result was due to extenuating circumstances then they can mention that in your reference - search through the Oxford website for more information.
On the flipside however, I must tell you that economics is one of the most oversubscribed courses at both universities, and that in order to stand a chance of getting a place you will need to do really well at A level and ideally do some extracurricular economics work.
I won't calculate the answer for you, but you need to write expressions for the forces acting on the stone at the top and bottom of the loop (gravity [will be pointing either parallel or antiparallel to the tension in the rod], the tension in the rod and the centripetal force) and arrange them both such that the tension term is all that remains on one side. Then simply divide one equation by the other, et voila!
@lemypie Not in the slightest! As far as I can tell the only reason that admissions tutors might take sports into consideration is if you're Blues level, and even then it's a relatively fringe concern.
Given that most of the people I know at uni hadn't done that much/any sports beforehand, I'd say it's no cause for concern at all :)
@adh123min The typical line that Oxford takes is that a gap year won't harm your application as long as what you do during that time is related to your subject. If you are going to spend a year getting another qualification in your field then I think that can only bolster your application. Obviously it shows that you have the drive to go to a good university and that you want to do your subject.
If you can show that you have done the work for the SAT etc. and done well in the exam then that will send a powerful message to universities that you work well on your own (i.e. without being spoonfed by school) and that you have the motivation to succeed.
If you can do well in extra stuff like SAT then it will definitely count in your favour. However you have to weigh up the benefit that you will get from the extra stuff with the negative effect it will have (if any) on your normal work.
I believe that I am correct in saying that Oxford will not look at your UMS marks (so will just see your grade) whereas Cambridge do. As a consequence though, Oxford will place more importance on your GCSE grades than Cambridge will. So if you're applying to Oxford then just an A grade (well, A* ideally!) will be enough
I like the idea of a Sporcle quiz! Um, I think the best way to prepare is to try and get practise interviews, and practise thinking aloud. Really, the tutors aren't interested in the answers to their questions or how much you know, but rather how you approach problems and how you think. So make sure you can articulate the way that you think, particularly when solving maths-based problems.
Also, remember to stay calm! That's the best piece of advice I can give. Best of luck :)
A fair few in my year didn't but that was before FM became widespread in 6th forms - these days I don't think that many people are without it. There is a section on the Oxford physics website answering this question though, it would be wise to check there :)
According the Oxford website, "South African Senior Certificate (with Matriculation endorsement) is unlikely to be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application." So I should think that you will need some additional subject-specific qualifications like A-levels or maybe even the IB to make a competitive application. See the international qualifications section of the Oxford admissions website for more details.
Those sound like pretty good results to me! If you can those (maybe even higher if you can) then combined with your experience of shares etc. then you sound like you have a decent shot!
@piano1996No1 As long as you're getting close to the maximum grades possible then I think you have a pretty good shot! Take a look at the university page on admissions, and your department's page as well, if you want a look at typical offers and expectations
@yisforyash I think that they certainly do put emphasis on people doing extracurricular activities as they show you have good time management and independent skills. However, the first and foremost thing has to be academic results and potential - I would say that extending your subject beyond the A level syllabus and therefore showing academic gumption is more important that sports or music. That said, I would recommend doing at least one thing that you can talk about in your personal statement!
According to the Oxford website - 'Students of the International Baccalaureate are usually required to achieve a level of performance of 38-40 points, including core points, with 6s and 7s in the higher level subjects.'. Which probably means more to you than it does to me!
@TheJonVlogger Well, in terms of extra-curricular activities you'll only have to talk about them in your personal statement and not really in interview (this would probably vary a bit subject to subject). So 'proof' is not really required. That said, grades are more impressive as they give a form of external verification - someone can play at home to a low level for the same length of time that it takes for someone to do several grades. It still makes you a more rounded character to them though!
That is a minimum of 85% mind (which is probably being generous) and will be used with an interview (which will count for more) to determine whether you get a place. Unfortunately I don't know anyone here who is a) Canadian and b) didn't take the IB, but if there is an Oxford University Canadian Society! Google that and check out their groupspace, there should be a contact on there that could help you :)
Some people do more, some people fewer, though I think 3 is about normal. If you want to hear more about the differences in interviews then I recommend you take a look at the SPCOxford channel (my college channel) where we post interviews with students from different subjects, with more to come, where part of the discussion is the interview process. The Oxford uni website has a lot of useful information on this kind of thing too. Hope this helps, and good luck! :)
Remember that GCSEs are not the be-all-and-end-all like A level results. Yes, those results are not ideal, but you were performing under extenuating circumstances, and this can be made clear on your application by your teachers. Talk to them about it, and if you can contact the college you are looking to apply to for more information about extenuating circumstances. I'm afraid I really don't know about the resits - again, best to ask the college directly. Best of luck, and hope your dad is ok!
I wouldn't say that you've wasted your chance. My recommendation would be to email the college you are interested in applying to (St. Peter's has a fund for mature students, just saying...) about your situation and see what they recommend. It might be that special arrangements could be made. Extenuating circumstances such as yours are not uncommon so don't feel like it's impossible!
All the very best of luck with your application.
@RabidSimsFan Well, it rather depends on what you're applying for! As I say in my more recent video there are a couple of criteria that I apply for everyone who asks this question. I think if you can get several A* in those GCSEs then that's a good base to apply from, combined with good A level results obviously. Mostly A grades would be slightly below the standard that they expect from applicants.
That sounds like it won't be /too/ much of a problem to me. There are certainly people here with worse GCSE grades than that. Basically as long as you nail your AS levels then you should be viewed as a serious candidate. Best of luck! :)
Two answers to that question:
1. Oxford prefer candidates who excel at their subjects, but don't really care about much else. As far as I can tell this tends to be more true for the sciences than the humanities.
2. I got in, and I am very much an all-rounder rather than someone who just excels at physics! By my example, as long as you do reasonably well in your interviews and are predicted to meet the entry requirements then you should stand a good chance of being given an offer.
I don't have any questions, I'm happily going after my masters, and I'm just watching these videos for fun (pretty nerdy eh?). But I just wanted to say how nice it is of you, not only to make these really helpful videos but also to reply to so many people's questions in the comments. Best of luck finishing your PhD!
@soapybubblestar26 Not sad! Getting clued in early shows that you know what you want, which is important.
Hmmm, very unusual. You would have to contact the central university admissions office for an answer to that I'm afraid.
@epicsamp95 normally they look at your performance in current class work, combined with your GCSE (or equivalent performance) to estimate how well you will do. In the case of A2 predicteds they obviously also have your AS results to draw on too. Basically, to improve them just try as hard as you can to impress in class!
I think they will consider you very seriously!! I know that your educational background will sound far from ideal to you, and maybe to a lot of people, but it demonstrates an awful lot of independence of thought and self-discipline. I would say to explicitly mention your depression in your application, and get your references to mention it explicitly too so that Oxford (let's face it, you want to apply here) knows in no uncertain terms. You may wish to contact a college directly to discuss it.
Retaking a few modules shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long as it's not an entire year then you should be ok. If you're doing so in year 12 then Oxford won't even know that you've retaken as you're not obliged to mention that your marks are from retakes on your UCAS form.
@hmmihuman I had to take the physics aptitude test, which there was only one past paper available for, but I did this paper and then lots of old maths challenge papers that I got from my school which are vaguely similar. I think it's important to study for any aptitude test at this level because it's very easy to get complacent and just assume (based on previous performance) that everything will be ok regardless. Definitely take it seriously, and with a bit of study you'll be absolutely fine!
Hi Mark, as far as I am aware you apply to study at Oxford like a domestic applicant would, i.e. through the UCAS application scheme. As for visas etc. I believe that you need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa, though check the UK border agency website for more information. Hopefully I will be making a whole video about international applications to Oxford sometime soon.
Watching old video to celebrate Simon's 30th birthday. Yay!
As a fourth-year Oxford chemistry student, I agree with the point at about 2:25. Absolutely loving your subject is essential - if you aren't completely sure that it's what you want to do for the next few years, then it will be a miserable ride. And make sure you have an interest outside your subject too, because sometimes things get a little intense and you need to clear your head.
Great question! (if a bad choice of uni :P) If there isn't already an after school club for physics then set one up! Teaching concepts in physics to pre-GCSE students or running experiments - rewarding and very good for the CV. Otherwise if it's astronomy you're into, for example, then join your local astronomy society (you'd be surprised at how many of these there are). Otherotherwise you can always read popular science books. I have a video recommending some, and one for textbooks - also good!
You absolutely could be selected! I didn't start really reading physics books until the 10th grade. I would recommend however that you start getting involved with relevant extracurricular activities now though - look into courses outside of school and books to read (I have some recommendations in a video on my channel :) )
@18joe2 The best thing you can do now is get lots of experience relevant to your choices so you can talk about them in the PS! Things like work experience or volunteering are great additions, along with anything that shows you are passionate about your subject - for example tutoring kids in lower years after school.
@xBeautyFromHellx You know it's quite a funny question. I was always told when I was applying that the hardest thing was just getting in, but now I've got here I can assure you that staying on the course (at least for Physics) is way, way harder! Not to say that getting in is easy, but this is the hardest thing I've ever done. And completely worth it - I love my course.
N.B. I think it does vary from course to course, at least in terms of the base level of work required...
@oadams2 There are two topics I can recommend, both vaguely related. First is Maxwell's equations of electromagnetics - you will need to understand surface and line integrals first, but the most beautiful bit of physics.
Second would be special relativity - I would highly recommend looking at the Feynman lectures on Physics (Vol 1) as he is brilliant at explaining it.
Both topics are a step beyond A level but not too far beyond, so with a bit of effort you should appreciate the science!
Getting an A grade means scoring between 80% and 90%, while an A* means getting an average of over 90% with no marks less than 80% (or at least it did when they first introduced them)
I'm pretty sure that you would need to offer all of your modules per subject from the same A level board - I've never heard of anyone switching board halfway through.
This was very helpful! I'm in year 12 and hoping to apply for Physics at Oxford, I was lucky enough to be chosen by my school to take part in the 'Target' scheme with which I attended Oxford Uni for a day and shadowed an undergraduate who answered every question I ever had about applying/uni-life/grades and more. I would strongly reccomend anyone taking part if they can!
@TheMrBobotron Extra-curricular activities show that you're not a robot, but other than that I don't think they really play any role in selection criteria (unless you're a rowing blue). You will probably have more fun once you're here though, compared to someone who doesn't, say, have a black belt.
For medicine maths would definitely be a help, while I doubt economics will have much of an influence. The most important thing you can do now is get your work experience together. Hope this helps :)
Hi! Oxford looks at your GCSEs relative to the average grades achieved by students at your school, so if everyone else in your school is getting all Ds and Fs then it will still look good on you!
This is hugely helpfull!! Most people just waffle in their videos, but this is real practical advice! Thanks
@lilpwincess98 I decided I really like physics at the start of my GCSEs (I basically realised that all the cool bits of science were labelled 'physics') but I've never had a passion for maths. At all. It's only now that I'm starting to really like and appreciate it.
So I guess once I knew I loved physics I knew I needed to beast my GCSEs and A levels and apply to the best place where I could do a physics degree. So far so good! The next stage is hopefully a PhD in atmospheric physics...
@annaliseREB I think a lot of Oxford students tend to look down on Brookes students, but then again I think those are the kind of people who look down on everyone! To be quite honest if someone looks down on you because of where you're studying then that's not a friend you're much worse off losing.
In terms of my first Michaelmas it was a mix of being away from home, working really hard on stuff I find really difficult and not having many friends that made me hate it. It's much better now!
Not directly in your application, but your referee can mention it!
@HB3l1 hi, very sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I can't claim to have heard of the university of southern california, so you would need to look up where it sits on league tables etc. Do remember that there is a lot of financial support for students in Oxford - in fact you could argue that it is the most affordable uni in the country (for uk students at least) - so don't write it off just yet
I talk about my results in my Oxford FAQs video (there's a timelink to the relevant bit in the description). As for your situation with FM and lack of M2+, be sure to have your teacher mention this on your reference. Also, read up on the mechanics stuff in your spare time, it's actually rather easy once you get into the right frame of mind! I couldn't comment on whether your application is realistic or not to be honest, I would have to see your AS results for this year. Don't give up!
@TheFloogledude Don't panic! There's still loads of time before you have to start thinking about important decisions, so make the most of enjoying what you learn in school :)
Thank you so much for uploading this! It's helped me a lot, especially advice coming from an actual student! :)
@izy585 Experience is everything. Make sure you can get as much experience as you can in places like hospitals, clinics, old folks' homes etc.. Beyond that make sure that you have a strong interest in the theoretical underpinnings/science of medicine, as the oxbridge courses are more theory based. And the ubiquitous strong passion for your subject is essential, natch :)
@ticklemeliaa Undergrads range from 18 to 22, and the MCR (graduates) are a bit older, but generally under 30. If you pushed me for a mean average age I'd say about 21.
The workload is very large, I must be honest. I have an average of 10 hours of lectures, 7 hours of labs and 2-3 hours of tutorials a week. On top of this you're expected to do independent work totalling about 10 hours per tutorial. My average week totals about 45-50 hrs. But then, I am reading a science.
You apply for one course, and you apply to one college. e.g. I applied to study physics at Jesus college. You can't apply for more than one course, or to more than one college, at a time. Hope this helps! Simon :)
@lamtuquyenha the purpose of the interview is to determine how suitable you are for the course. A big part of that is how 'smart' you are, but a very large part is also how passionate you are about the subject. That determines how far you can stick with the course when it gets tough.
I would recommend that you take Further Maths if possible, but I don't believe it's a requirement. See ww.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/table.html :)
@TheHabbo210 In terms of your GCSEs, I would recommend getting that English grade up as in such a competitive subject as Medicine, that could easily prove to be a deciding factor against other applicants. Remember that Medicine involves writing an awful lot of essays, so good English skills are important.
As for your A levels, there's a link in my more recent video to an Oxford page answering this question, but in short they look good to me!
@TheHabbo210 I don't know if there is a specific requirement, but for everything but the hardcore sciences I would imagine a C would be the absolute lowest, but pretty much everyone else who applies will have an A or an A*, especially for Medicine.
At that kind of level, the only point of getting an A or an A* is so that you don't look worse than everyone else!
@MrJubbadahut At GCSE I got A* in Double English, Double Science, Maths, French, History, Geography and Philosophy and Belief. I also got a double Merit in my CIDA double ICT.
At A level I got A in A2 Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography (no A* available) and got A* in my Extended Project in yr 12 and a Pass in my Open University module on planets in yr 13.
I chose Oxford because by most league tables it is the best university to study a Physics degree at, and because I like the place!
Nowhere near as much emphasis as everyone seems to think! What they care about above all else is raw academic potential and performance. If you are getting grades like 43/45 on the IB then you are doing just as well, if not better than, the majority of applicants. It's natural to be nervous about writing your PS but remember that they will be treating it as an advert of your capabilities, and what they care about most is academic capability. So write about your honor rolls and your test scores..
@xBeautyFromHellx Definitely. St Peter's is known as the friendly college, and the atmosphere here is very welcoming and friendly. I had made several new friends within the first day - it's impossible not to!
Also on a university wide scale I've made friends with people I sit next to in lectures, and who I do labs with. It's your friends that make the experience so unique :)
Thanks, this was very helpful to our daughter's application process (for oct 2012). We just learned she was admitted to Cambridge (with a French bac). Everything you advised was correct.
@SuperSpoonman1 Hmm. Tough one. I think that you nothing to lose by allocating one of your 5 places to an AAA institution, but maybe keep the rest as AAB or ABB. My standard philosophy is that if people don't apply then they have a 0% chance of getting in, but obviously here the choices you make are tactical too.
It also depends on whether you think you can get grades higher than AABC, although remember universities will make their offers based on your predicted grades.
@Q8Marine24 I answer this one in my new video - basically they will look at your GCSEs/iGCSEs, but they don't count anywhere near as much as your A levels. If they are unusually bad then it will raise a red flag, but otherwise it's not too much of a problem.
I genuinely don't think one uni is better than the other - I talk about this in my FAQ video, but basically they are very different from one another and suit certain people better. I'm actually thinking of applying to Cambridge for a PhD, so I'd better not think that Oxford is better!
@saifwhab You do provide your GCSE results with your application, but from talking to the tutors that did my interviews it would appear that they don't really take them into consideration. They will only pick you up on them if they are unusually bad. The Oxford Physics website says that 'it is not unusual for candidates to be accepted with fewer than 4 A* grades, or to be rejected with more than 9 A* grades'. So you do have to do reasonably well, but not stellarly as some people seem to think!
Thanks for the video - shame it has so few views! I'd love to go to an Oxbridge college, but I just don't have the grades! Maybe sometime in later life :)
Thank you for that. It's possibly the most useful and honest piece of advice I've been given. Just a quick question; On the Oxbridge websites, all courses have a list of 'useful a-level subjects'. Would you advise sticking to these? (...it's hard to get the balance of being 'all-rounded' at the same time.)
@ticklemeliaa No, there's no pets allowed! This was filmed in my room at home.
What I meant by 'don't expect to be blown away' was that a lot of people seem to have these preconceptions about uni that it will be non-stop fun from the off and that everybody just has the time of their life, while the truth is that the fun is there but you have to have the gumption to find it. I didn't for the first year and consequently I really didn't enjoy it. I'm learning now though!
@LidaAsh A C at GCSE isn't ideal but provided that's the only one you got (and you're not applying for something like English) then it won't be a problem.
Relax, you're doing just fine :)
@shwongful broadly speaking Oxford is better at the humanities, like English and History, Philosophy etc. while Cambridge is better at the sciences. Some of this is for historical reasons, some of it for genuine research output. I chose to go to Oxford instead of Cambridge because I wanted to do a straight-physics degree, rather than study Natural Sciences and do a mix, as I knew I wanted to be a physicist. That suits some people, a NatSci degree suits others :)
Give it a try, you have nothing to lose! I'm applying for the 2013 intake (Engineering though) and even with the German Abitur I feel at a disadvantage compared to A-Levels. A* are awarded in less than 1% of cases here, in the UK I think the figure is close to 10% that have at least one A*. If you're doing CIE that's great. I've read a couple of articles that criticized Oxford for not taking in many Pakistanis and even public school pupils in general. However, I can't judge if that is an issue.
@km11293 I got around 70 I think (can't really remember). I got a pack from Jesus College after all of my interviews that gave me my PAT scores and interview marks out of 10 (which I am definitely NOT giving out as they're a tad embarrassing). I don't know how many colleges do that kind of scheme though. I'd imagine that if you asked the physics department they probably be happy to tell you :)