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Original poster

Does Anyone Know Why This Is about Oxford University?

35 replies

kmo0416 · 04/05/2025 13:20

Oxford University is famous for only interviewing a small percentage of applicants compared to Cambridge which interviews most applicants. Usually, this means that anyone with grades or admissions test scores that are not really good will not be shortlisted at Oxford. However, I did a FOI request about their shortlisting procedures for specific subjects, and they said that for many subjects they 'automatically shortlist' anyone from a disadvantaged background i.e. those in care, free school meals etc.

Does this explain why on social media a lot of people who applied to Oxford that I know got interviews when they did not have extremely strong profiles but they came from disadvantaged backgrounds?

Furthermore, do you think they apply this form of contextualisation to mature students or not? I don't know if Oxford gives preference to those fresh out of Sixth Form vs those 21 and older.

OP posts:
Dearover · 05/05/2025 16:30

Did you go to n open day last year or are you going in June? There is a lot of information about the whole application process discussed at the open days.

It's also a great way of finding out if you think you would enjoy the tutorial system. DC didn't go to a single lecture during their degree. Everything was taught in a tutorial, either 1 to 1 of with a maximum of 3 others there. They had to get used to having every point they made pulled apart and justified very quickly.

SheilaFentiman · 05/05/2025 17:03

Similar document from Mansfield

www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Law-inc.-Law-with-Law-Studies-in-Europe-feedback.pdf

Neurodiversitydoctor · 05/05/2025 17:07

kmo0416 · 04/05/2025 21:35

Just search FOI Report Oxford University Law Admissions Shortlisting Process on Google.

It talks about how they separate candidates into different categories based on socioeconomic data and that 'Category A and B candidates' i.e. the most deprived are to be 'automatically shortlisted provided they perform to a reasonable standard in admissions tests and meet the entry requirements'. This means someone from a very deprived background would be automatically interviewed if they were predicted to achieve AAA and if they did slightly below average on the admissions test but it is likely someone from a more privileged background would not.

Just think about that for a minute, some one from a disadvantaged background predicted 3As- that is one smart cookie and damn right they should be interviewed.

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 05/05/2025 17:27

Dearover · 05/05/2025 16:30

Did you go to n open day last year or are you going in June? There is a lot of information about the whole application process discussed at the open days.

It's also a great way of finding out if you think you would enjoy the tutorial system. DC didn't go to a single lecture during their degree. Everything was taught in a tutorial, either 1 to 1 of with a maximum of 3 others there. They had to get used to having every point they made pulled apart and justified very quickly.

The OP has posted many threads about this. On repeat. Already been through the admissions process.

Dearover · 05/05/2025 17:49

Is it the one with previously undiagnosed SEN always looking for others receiving a perceived unfair advantage?

Must have name changed again

MargaretThursday · 05/05/2025 18:25

SheilaFentiman · 05/05/2025 15:59

@MargaretThursday from prior threads, I believe OP applied previously to oxbridge and didn’t get in, but is now considering applying as a mature student (and possibly resitting some or all exams)

Ah! Didn't realise it was that one again. Thanks.

Op. Please get some therapy and throw yourself into being the best and happiest undergraduate at wherever you did get into. Most people who don't get in have a whale of a time at where they do go and ultimately say "I'm glad I didn't get in because I loved the other place so much".
Stop looking over your shoulder and trying to look for reasons. Ultimately this will help you far more than reapplying and reapplying.
For your own mental health, draw a line, and move forward.

confusedaboutetiquette · 05/05/2025 18:31

Anyone from my children’s school who took the tests did so with no formal preparation. Conversely, the pupils at the local private school had weds afternoons in the previous summer term, and autumn term set aside for tuition (also for medical school exams).

i think those comprehensive kids deserve a bit of slack to be cut and get the chance to shine in an interview (which they’re also no prepared for, in comparison with their private counterparts).
very fair I’d say - and means the universities get the talent they want

KilkennyCats · 05/05/2025 18:41

Neurodiversitydoctor · 05/05/2025 17:07

Just think about that for a minute, some one from a disadvantaged background predicted 3As- that is one smart cookie and damn right they should be interviewed.

Show quote history

They’ve already sat A Levels, and didn’t get predicted grades.
The sorry saga has been rehashed over quite a large number of threads.

Aiiii · 05/05/2025 18:46

Mumsnet Lore #54565: When people start saying, Oh, it’s you again, despite repeated name changes, it’s a sign that you need to let it go.

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 06/05/2025 06:07

Aiiii · 05/05/2025 18:46

Mumsnet Lore #54565: When people start saying, Oh, it’s you again, despite repeated name changes, it’s a sign that you need to let it go.

People are wasting their time with their good advice. Get drawn in wanting to help with their own experiences or those of their DC.

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