Hi Matt, mayhaps 'tis better to think of learning/test taking as playing, a similar attitude to music practice maybe. Also just to say thank you to you as because of your vids (and her efforts) daughter has an Oxford offer - Yay! You have been a brilliant asset and I continue to watch your vids as you are an engaging educator generally - thanks again. You rock!
Hello Matt, I have a very embarrassing query to ask but it’s been bothering me for quite a while. I joined an essay competition hosted by one college at Cambridge university and used chatgpt to reword a few paragraphs so that I fit the word limit and sound more succinct. With that said, the ideas and content of the actual essay were completely my own. I also mentioned that I used the Ai the way that I did when I handed in my essay so that I was honest with the work I produced. Do you think that that may ruin my chances at getting into Cambridge or Oxford in the future? I am very stressed about this as I don’t normally use Ai or chatgpt for academic works.
No, this should not have any bearing on any applications you make. But, I would suggest you don't use ChatGPT in any part of the admissions process. All best, Matt
Hi Matt! Thank you for this video, watching you solve these questions gave me insight into how we should approach exams like this! Could you make a similar video on you trying out the LNAT? It'd be of great help :D
I find myself to be quite skilled at maths, just did not choose it for A Level (but doing it at a lower level so i am getting most of it like integration and differentiation) over here we have "Pure Mathematics" and "Applied Mathematics" instead, with most people including me doing the pure option as applied is more for people in physics. Sadly though the biggest thing that is discouraging me from this course is the international fees when you factor in living costs too... (Malta is not eligible for any of the bursaries and scholarships) Overall i have found this video to be very informative and thank you for making it.
Hi Matt! In a previous video I think you mentioned that the TSA is particularly about having mental endurance as it is quite a long test, so would it not be better to practice whole past papers at a time rather than 20mins a day as you suggested here? Thanks for all the help!
You certainly can practice a full past paper with no harm done. My point was that little and often ensures you get through the practice. If you do too many past papers you could burn yourself out before even taking the test. Maybe plan for just one mock exam, therefore.
Hello Matt, Firstly I would like to thank you so much for this video. Secondly I would like to ask two questions. 1)How do i complete my UCAS application properly to prevent any mistakes? 2) I would like to know the number of tests Economics and Management students take. Thank you Matt.
Hi there, thanks for your message. 1) just make sure you don’t submit the UCAS form before checking everything is correct. Check all details with a teacher, if you can. If you search online, you’ll find lots of guidance on how to complete the form. 2) E&M only has one test - the TSA.
You would have to take section 1 of the TSA (meaning that you would not have to write an essay, which is section 2). See here for details: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/economics-and-management And, here for resources: www.youtube.com/@JesusCollegeOxford1571/search?query=tsa
Thank you so much for your videos! I was told by a St Hugh's student yesterday on a webinar that the TSA this month will not have spatial reasoning questions. Firstly, is this true and, secondly, will shape net questions and plans and elevations questions be removed?
Bonjour Matt, first of all THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the videos, the tips and just for taking the time to share knowledge that is not available to foreigners. I have a question, in my essay about international finance law, I have a clear structure to my essay with I) A) 1) 2) in it. I don't know if that is acceptable or not. Should I just tell in my intro what I am going to do without making this apparent ? Again thank you for everything.
Thanks for your comment! Yes, it's helpful to set out in your introduction how you intend to structure the essay. I'm not sure what you mean by I) A) 1) 2). Provided that the points link together in a logical way, that should be fine. Most essays have no structure and the points are randomly ordered.
I did complete all the TSA past papers under timed conditions (As matt said in his other videos). unfortunately I've run out of preparation material 12 days before the actual exam! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as to where we can get similar practice for the TSA?
hi Matt. i found out after sitting my a levels that i was supposed to receive extra time and breaks (i didn’t get either for both gcses and a levels which meant i couldn’t actually finish many of the papers which is annoying, but hopefully what i did write was good enough). would you recommend i put this in my reference so they know? will colleges care though? also if i reapply for PPE, could i get extra time and breaks for the TSA or does everyone get 90 minutes irrespective of illnesses? i sat it last year but only had time to do 41/50 questions which basically shot my chances of getting in. i’m also considering whether to reapply still. i applied for PPE last year to oxford, lse and edinburgh but got straight rejections. my stats were 9999999887 with 4a* predictions. people have said my gcses are too low in comparison to most applicants, but also that if i have actually achieved my predicted grades then i am in a much better position. thanks :))
Hi there, your GCSEs and A-level predictions are certainly competitive, so it is most likely the TSA result that affected your application. Yes, I believe you can arrange adjustments for the TSA, but you'll need to confirm with the testing centres as soon as you can (if you're reapplying). And, yes, you can mention the situation with GCSEs in your personal statement, and ask a teacher to refer to it in their reference. Just be sure to have a Plan B that you are happy with. It will always be competitive and success indeterminate. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket, and try not to be too disappointed if it does not work out. You are clearly highly capable, and none of that will change whether you are admitted for PPE or not.
When judging applicants on section one of the TSA and making percentiles etc, is it done against everyone taking section 1, or is your score judged only against those applying for the same course as yours? thanks so much for this video!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Thank you! Also, to what extent is the TSA score regarded post-interview? like if you have a pretty average score but still got an interview, and the interview went really well, would the TSA still have a really significant impact on your chances? :)
Hi Matt! Thank you for this video, it was really helpful. I’m a little concerned about something so I wanted to ask you, if my country (Venezuela) does not have an authorized center where I can take my admission test, what should I do? I'm looking forward to your answer. Kind regards
Hi, your school may be able to register as a test centre. Please see details here: www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-oxford/how-to-register/
There is no required text book for Oxford. Provided you are on course to obtain accepted qualifications (such as A-levels), there is no prescribed text book. Please see here for details on qualifications: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications
Hello , I would like to apply in october 2024 for october 2025 entry ( God willing ) . Oxford is early entry( october 15) but the TSA is on the 24 october? . How does this work?
If I only get a score in the 60s but have really good predicted grades, great rankings within my school and contextual flags am I still likely to get an interview at least? (This is for psychology)
We take all data into consideration when selecting for interview. So, yes, there is a good chance you will be invited for interview. Scores in the 60s are decent as well. Just see if you can improve your scores with a little more practice before the test. Even if you get 2 or 3 more questions right, that could make the difference.
Hello, thanks for the video, a question from Hong Kong viewer. May I know if the math score must counts as a subject for Oxford PPE, if I can’t get an A or A* in math so I don’t choose math as a subject for application, will it mean an impossibility for me to get into this subject. Thankyou
Maths is not strictly required for PPE, but most successful applicants will have maths A-level or equivalent. The admissions process will test your mathematical skills, because tutors will want reassurance that you can get through (and enjoy) the economics and statistical political science.
Dear Matt , Lets say my predicted grades are not high enough in time for the application but i still sit the TSA exam and do excellent, then later on my predicted grades are submitted later through a delayed ucas application what will happen in this case. Thank you
The predicted grades on your UCAS application need to be at the required level for your chosen course. Otherwise the application will not progress, regardless of how well you do on the TSA. You can apply once you have your A-levels, if you suspect that the predictions will be underestimating your likely performance.
Hi, quick question ; if you don't take Maths when applying for PPE how badly does it reflect on your application because it recommends on the oxford website to take maths, and says History would be helpful, so clearly Maths is a bigger priority. Since i don't think my GCSE results for Maths would allow me to take Maths as an A level which i want to, does this weaken my application. By the way, im definitely picking Politics and Econ for a-levels and would have taken maths as a 3rd but dont think i will be able to, so im thinking of switching that with History (or Psychology), so how do those combination of subjects effect my application. Plus, sorry one more thing, would you recommend me independently studying Maths up to AS level, because I've heard yr 12 maths is easier than yr 13. And i do know all of this factors in with TSA results and Personal Statement i just want to know which combination of subjects or routes i should take to ensure my application is strong. So let me know!
I think they even recommend math up to further math level, so you better try a private exam centre I think. So that can help you to level up your math GCSE. To revise, Cognito TH-cam has the best possible videos on TH-cam as far as I am a war of.
You don't need further maths, but maths A-level is recommended and ~95%> of Oxford PPE students have maths A-level. You may find that PPE isn't very enjoyable if you're not a big maths fan. You might prefer History and Politics. But, having an AS in maths would be helpful. Your maths abilities will be tested by the TSA and interviews.
I'm a student from HK, I want to know if using AI tools such as ChatGPT is accepted for rephrasing my personal statement or it's a violation to the rules? Thanks a lot!
I’m not an admissions officer, but I’d highly suggest against doing that! Using Ai tools to help write/mend a personal statement is very dangerous as it blurs the line between paraphrasing and plagiarism. Good luck with writing your personal statement!
I think it is best to try writing in your own words. You won't be able to use AI to write for you at university, so it's best not to rely on it whilst applying. Don't worry though, we have students from 140 countries at Oxford. So it is not unusual for Oxford students to have English as a second/third language.
hey, just had a question about the TSA test- is there any chance of it being removed or cancelled in the coming years? Will there be no admissions test for courses such as PPE in the coming years (2025 intake)
Hi, we are likely to change the test administration, but unlikely to remove the test. I would strongly suspect that the 2025 intake will have a test that looks very similar, if not practically identical, to the TSA.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Hi Matt, since the test provider has changed, has anything regarding the actual test changed? I’ve heard that the spatial problem solving questions have been scrapped for 2025, but couldn’t find anything in the website so it could be a rumour. Thanks in advance for the clarification!
@@gabeitch2694 No, I don't think there are any changes to the test. Spatial reasoning was dropped some time ago, I believe. Probably since the test was no longer paper based.
Dear Sir, My sister studies in Kolkata, India. She has taken 5 A Levels. Her school had given her a list of 6 subjects. The minimum number of subjects to be chosen is 5. The maximum number of subjects to be chosen is 6. Can taking 5 subjects instead of 6 hurt her chances of getting into Oxford?
They only ask for 3 and taking any more than that might risk them asking for a tougher grade requirement! The normal offer is AAA (3 A-levels) but one of my friends doing 5 A-levels got a 5 grade offer (A*A*ABB)for Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Ultimately doing 5 A-levels instead of 6 certainly won’t reduce your likelihood of getting in.
That's correct, you only need 3 A-levels, and having more will not help. Although Oxford will never make offers on 5 A-levels, as in the example from Cambridge.
I wanted to know, in addition to the TSA, do universities like Oxbridge look at your grades ranking compared to others within your school? I changed from an underperforming school to an overperforming (Granmmar) school at sixth form. Will they look at the kind of predicted gardes I'm getting compared to others? How can they be comparable if we are all doing different subject combinations?
We contextualise your GCSEs. Meaning that we can see whether your GCSE results are better/worse than the average for your school. We can’t do the same with predicted A-levels. We take all data in the round, so single data points will not typically determine application success. In other words, I think you can go for it with confidence.
hey matt, thankyou for your videos coz it has helped me so much so far....im planning on applying this year and i just wanted your advice on some stuff...if i could have your email for clearing my doubts, i'd be really grateful!
This is sooo wonderfully helpful for preparation! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos :)
You are so welcome! Thanks
Hi Matt, mayhaps 'tis better to think of learning/test taking as playing, a similar attitude to music practice maybe.
Also just to say thank you to you as because of your vids (and her efforts) daughter has an Oxford offer - Yay!
You have been a brilliant asset and I continue to watch your vids as you are an engaging educator generally - thanks again. You rock!
Thank you Catherine! That's very kind of you
Thank you so much for this video! I really love your channel and it's really helped me prepare for applying to university this year.
Great -- thanks!
Hello Matt, I have a very embarrassing query to ask but it’s been bothering me for quite a while. I joined an essay competition hosted by one college at Cambridge university and used chatgpt to reword a few paragraphs so that I fit the word limit and sound more succinct. With that said, the ideas and content of the actual essay were completely my own. I also mentioned that I used the Ai the way that I did when I handed in my essay so that I was honest with the work I produced. Do you think that that may ruin my chances at getting into Cambridge or Oxford in the future? I am very stressed about this as I don’t normally use Ai or chatgpt for academic works.
No, this should not have any bearing on any applications you make. But, I would suggest you don't use ChatGPT in any part of the admissions process. All best, Matt
Hi Matt! Thank you for this video, watching you solve these questions gave me insight into how we should approach exams like this! Could you make a similar video on you trying out the LNAT? It'd be of great help :D
Thank you! I've got this video on LNAT: th-cam.com/video/9ENQwTVlhsI/w-d-xo.html
I find myself to be quite skilled at maths, just did not choose it for A Level (but doing it at a lower level so i am getting most of it like integration and differentiation) over here we have "Pure Mathematics" and "Applied Mathematics" instead, with most people including me doing the pure option as applied is more for people in physics.
Sadly though the biggest thing that is discouraging me from this course is the international fees when you factor in living costs too... (Malta is not eligible for any of the bursaries and scholarships)
Overall i have found this video to be very informative and thank you for making it.
Thanks for your comment. I wish you all the best.
Hi Matt! In a previous video I think you mentioned that the TSA is particularly about having mental endurance as it is quite a long test, so would it not be better to practice whole past papers at a time rather than 20mins a day as you suggested here? Thanks for all the help!
You certainly can practice a full past paper with no harm done. My point was that little and often ensures you get through the practice. If you do too many past papers you could burn yourself out before even taking the test. Maybe plan for just one mock exam, therefore.
Hello Matt,
Firstly I would like to thank you so much for this video.
Secondly I would like to ask two questions.
1)How do i complete my UCAS application properly to prevent any mistakes?
2) I would like to know the number of tests Economics and Management students take.
Thank you Matt.
Hi there, thanks for your message. 1) just make sure you don’t submit the UCAS form before checking everything is correct. Check all details with a teacher, if you can. If you search online, you’ll find lots of guidance on how to complete the form. 2) E&M only has one test - the TSA.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you Matt
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 One more please.
Concerning the TSA, could you please explain further
Thank you
You would have to take section 1 of the TSA (meaning that you would not have to write an essay, which is section 2). See here for details: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/economics-and-management
And, here for resources: www.youtube.com/@JesusCollegeOxford1571/search?query=tsa
Plus what percentage mark on the TSA would GUARANTEE you in the top 25%, and yes i know it varies year from year, but a rough estimate would be nice.
A rough estimate is ~70%>. But this does vary quite a lot year to year and subject to subject.
Thank you so much for your videos! I was told by a St Hugh's student yesterday on a webinar that the TSA this month will not have spatial reasoning questions. Firstly, is this true and, secondly, will shape net questions and plans and elevations questions be removed?
Yes, I believe that’s right about spatial reasoning. I can’t answer the second question.
Bonjour Matt, first of all THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the videos, the tips and just for taking the time to share knowledge that is not available to foreigners. I have a question, in my essay about international finance law, I have a clear structure to my essay with I) A) 1) 2) in it. I don't know if that is acceptable or not. Should I just tell in my intro what I am going to do without making this apparent ? Again thank you for everything.
Thanks for your comment! Yes, it's helpful to set out in your introduction how you intend to structure the essay. I'm not sure what you mean by I) A) 1) 2). Provided that the points link together in a logical way, that should be fine. Most essays have no structure and the points are randomly ordered.
I did complete all the TSA past papers under timed conditions (As matt said in his other videos). unfortunately I've run out of preparation material 12 days before the actual exam! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as to where we can get similar practice for the TSA?
You could look at old BMAT section one papers.
hi Matt. i found out after sitting my a levels that i was supposed to receive extra time and breaks (i didn’t get either for both gcses and a levels which meant i couldn’t actually finish many of the papers which is annoying, but hopefully what i did write was good enough). would you recommend i put this in my reference so they know? will colleges care though? also if i reapply for PPE, could i get extra time and breaks for the TSA or does everyone get 90 minutes irrespective of illnesses? i sat it last year but only had time to do 41/50 questions which basically shot my chances of getting in.
i’m also considering whether to reapply still. i applied for PPE last year to oxford, lse and edinburgh but got straight rejections. my stats were 9999999887 with 4a* predictions. people have said my gcses are too low in comparison to most applicants, but also that if i have actually achieved my predicted grades then i am in a much better position.
thanks :))
Hi there, your GCSEs and A-level predictions are certainly competitive, so it is most likely the TSA result that affected your application. Yes, I believe you can arrange adjustments for the TSA, but you'll need to confirm with the testing centres as soon as you can (if you're reapplying). And, yes, you can mention the situation with GCSEs in your personal statement, and ask a teacher to refer to it in their reference. Just be sure to have a Plan B that you are happy with. It will always be competitive and success indeterminate. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket, and try not to be too disappointed if it does not work out. You are clearly highly capable, and none of that will change whether you are admitted for PPE or not.
When judging applicants on section one of the TSA and making percentiles etc, is it done against everyone taking section 1, or is your score judged only against those applying for the same course as yours? thanks so much for this video!
Only those applying for the same course as you. Thanks and good luck!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Thank you! Also, to what extent is the TSA score regarded post-interview? like if you have a pretty average score but still got an interview, and the interview went really well, would the TSA still have a really significant impact on your chances? :)
Hi Matt! Thank you for this video, it was really helpful. I’m a little concerned about something so I wanted to ask you, if my country (Venezuela) does not have an authorized center where I can take my admission test, what should I do? I'm looking forward to your answer. Kind regards
Hi, your school may be able to register as a test centre. Please see details here: www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/thinking-skills-assessment/tsa-oxford/how-to-register/
Also, the British School in Caracas is a registered test centre: www.admissionstesting.org/find-a-centre/?location=Venezuela
hello Mr.Matt,i would like to ask about the textbooks related to the maths,further maths，physics and geography😊
Sure. What would you like to know?
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 if my target university belongs to Oxford，then which type of textbook do i need to choose？（there are so many versions ಠ~ಠ ）
There is no required text book for Oxford. Provided you are on course to obtain accepted qualifications (such as A-levels), there is no prescribed text book. Please see here for details on qualifications: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 oh，so kind of you！thanks a lot！
Hello , I would like to apply in october 2024 for october 2025 entry ( God willing ) . Oxford is early entry( october 15) but the TSA is on the 24 october? . How does this work?
You register for the TSA before you submit UCAS, but take it afterwards.
If I only get a score in the 60s but have really good predicted grades, great rankings within my school and contextual flags am I still likely to get an interview at least? (This is for psychology)
We take all data into consideration when selecting for interview. So, yes, there is a good chance you will be invited for interview. Scores in the 60s are decent as well. Just see if you can improve your scores with a little more practice before the test. Even if you get 2 or 3 more questions right, that could make the difference.
Hello, thanks for the video, a question from Hong Kong viewer. May I know if the math score must counts as a subject for Oxford PPE, if I can’t get an A or A* in math so I don’t choose math as a subject for application, will it mean an impossibility for me to get into this subject. Thankyou
Maths is not strictly required for PPE, but most successful applicants will have maths A-level or equivalent. The admissions process will test your mathematical skills, because tutors will want reassurance that you can get through (and enjoy) the economics and statistical political science.
Dear Matt , Lets say my predicted grades are not high enough in time for the application but i still sit the TSA exam and do excellent, then later on my predicted grades are submitted later through a delayed ucas application what will happen in this case. Thank you
The predicted grades on your UCAS application need to be at the required level for your chosen course. Otherwise the application will not progress, regardless of how well you do on the TSA. You can apply once you have your A-levels, if you suspect that the predictions will be underestimating your likely performance.
Hi, quick question ; if you don't take Maths when applying for PPE how badly does it reflect on your application because it recommends on the oxford website to take maths, and says History would be helpful, so clearly Maths is a bigger priority. Since i don't think my GCSE results for Maths would allow me to take Maths as an A level which i want to, does this weaken my application. By the way, im definitely picking Politics and Econ for a-levels and would have taken maths as a 3rd but dont think i will be able to, so im thinking of switching that with History (or Psychology), so how do those combination of subjects effect my application. Plus, sorry one more thing, would you recommend me independently studying Maths up to AS level, because I've heard yr 12 maths is easier than yr 13. And i do know all of this factors in with TSA results and Personal Statement i just want to know which combination of subjects or routes i should take to ensure my application is strong. So let me know!
I think they even recommend math up to further math level, so you better try a private exam centre I think. So that can help you to level up your math GCSE. To revise, Cognito TH-cam has the best possible videos on TH-cam as far as I am a war of.
@@Miaphysite3 thanks
You don't need further maths, but maths A-level is recommended and ~95%> of Oxford PPE students have maths A-level. You may find that PPE isn't very enjoyable if you're not a big maths fan. You might prefer History and Politics. But, having an AS in maths would be helpful. Your maths abilities will be tested by the TSA and interviews.
I'm a student from HK, I want to know if using AI tools such as ChatGPT is accepted for rephrasing my personal statement or it's a violation to the rules? Thanks a lot!
I’m not an admissions officer, but I’d highly suggest against doing that! Using Ai tools to help write/mend a personal statement is very dangerous as it blurs the line between paraphrasing and plagiarism. Good luck with writing your personal statement!
I think it is best to try writing in your own words. You won't be able to use AI to write for you at university, so it's best not to rely on it whilst applying.
Don't worry though, we have students from 140 countries at Oxford. So it is not unusual for Oxford students to have English as a second/third language.
Ok thank you very much!
hey, just had a question about the TSA test- is there any chance of it being removed or cancelled in the coming years? Will there be no admissions test for courses such as PPE in the coming years (2025 intake)
Hi, we are likely to change the test administration, but unlikely to remove the test. I would strongly suspect that the 2025 intake will have a test that looks very similar, if not practically identical, to the TSA.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you so much for the clarification.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Hi Matt, since the test provider has changed, has anything regarding the actual test changed? I’ve heard that the spatial problem solving questions have been scrapped for 2025, but couldn’t find anything in the website so it could be a rumour. Thanks in advance for the clarification!
@@gabeitch2694 No, I don't think there are any changes to the test. Spatial reasoning was dropped some time ago, I believe. Probably since the test was no longer paper based.
Dear Sir,
My sister studies in Kolkata, India. She has taken 5 A Levels. Her school had given her a list of 6 subjects. The minimum number of subjects to be chosen is 5. The maximum number of subjects to be chosen is 6. Can taking 5 subjects instead of 6 hurt her chances of getting into Oxford?
They only ask for 3 and taking any more than that might risk them asking for a tougher grade requirement! The normal offer is AAA (3 A-levels) but one of my friends doing 5 A-levels got a 5 grade offer (A*A*ABB)for Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Ultimately doing 5 A-levels instead of 6 certainly won’t reduce your likelihood of getting in.
That's correct, you only need 3 A-levels, and having more will not help. Although Oxford will never make offers on 5 A-levels, as in the example from Cambridge.
I wanted to know, in addition to the TSA, do universities like Oxbridge look at your grades ranking compared to others within your school? I changed from an underperforming school to an overperforming (Granmmar) school at sixth form. Will they look at the kind of predicted gardes I'm getting compared to others? How can they be comparable if we are all doing different subject combinations?
We contextualise your GCSEs. Meaning that we can see whether your GCSE results are better/worse than the average for your school. We can’t do the same with predicted A-levels. We take all data in the round, so single data points will not typically determine application success. In other words, I think you can go for it with confidence.
hey matt, thankyou for your videos coz it has helped me so much so far....im planning on applying this year and i just wanted your advice on some stuff...if i could have your email for clearing my doubts, i'd be really grateful!
www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/about-jesus-college/our-community/people/dr-matthew-williams/