Oxbridge info/ support thread 2014

[lismore]

Does anyone else with a DC applying for Oxbridge this year feel like having someone to share the highs/ lows/ questions- if so, please join in!
I have a DS who has just applied to Cambridge- our family has no Oxbridge background and he's at a state school which gives absolutely no advice so definitely feel at a bit of a loss how to support him.
I think he's incredibly brave even trying, especially as 80% get rejected unfortunately.

Translation: "there were lots of nervous-looking people dressed like me".

Also, it proves he is up and has eaten. Good start.

Step papers are a lovely way to explore a subject. Though how the mathematicians get through their step papers I do not know and am in total awe.
Just wishing everyone good luck.
Seems slightly odd to apply to a dept without having looked round it though. There are so many opportunities in the summer. Not that there would be much to be seen I suppose except a few desks. Maybe a few old and lovely buildings. Maybe a tutor who seems like a good teacher. Oh well. Its all on the internet these days: 3d tours and you tube etc. And DC will get a good look at interview time. Lots of normal people go to Oxford and Cambridge. You need to be intelligent and with a lively and curious mind and attention to detail and, of course, up for it, that's about the sum of it so dont let the DC loose their cool over the prospect of step papers.

[swigs tea gratefully]
brandy

errm my computer is randomly trying to make a linky out of brandy
[fails computer science part I]

Another message: the other kids there are 'really nice normal people' but this morning's exam was very tough (he doesn't have further maths, so didn't know how to tackle much of it).

funnyperson Yes the STEP is in Maths. Apparently they make 3 offers per place in maths and while they may all get A*s at A level it's STEP that weeds them out, which is why I said it was a risk. If only they could sit it before they are interviewed, as they do for Oxford.
Some schools have STEP lessons for candidates, they say it's not necessary but it does lead me to think those who don't have coaching are at a disadvantage really?
Anyway he's not optimistic about an offer.

Secret, it seems we have DSs on a similar wavelength! :)
Lancelottie, thanks for the great entertainment, love the running commentary!

Lancelottie we're all rooting for your son.

God, this is taking me back so many years! I remember coming out of my interview at Newnham and crying because I thought I'd made such an idiot of myself. Got an offer though, and the following October there I was, settling in!

So I think it's normal to feel that the interview has been, more or less, a car crash.

Years to go before DS even has to think about this but go through it every year with our sixth formers...

I came out of my interview and realised my "black" tights to go with my black suit were, in fact, very obviously navy. And I left my bag behind and had to go back for it when they were obviously talking about me.

::cringe::

Lancelottie how did he get on?

Cambridge mathematicians are the cream of the cream aren't they? It must be difficult though, knowing that UK are near the bottom of the 15 year old international maths league, because by inference, students in other countries must be way ahead in their maths.

I'm not sure how I would think as a university maths tutor, if faced with those who have different levels of mathematical attainment, due to being educated in different countries. If one chose students on mathematical performance and merit alone, I suppose many UK students wouldn't get a look in.There is only so far the 'they only achieve due to their tiger mums' approach will wash.

I mean one can't help but wonder if the Singapore educated applicants, for example, (Singapore rated very high in the level of maths attainment of their 15 years olds) must be so very much better at maths and so more likely to do better at university in maths because their starting point is so much higher. I am not from Singapore incidentally. But on balance one cant help but feel that from a world viewpoint it must be more advantageous to give a place in an excellent world class university to those who are of greatest merit.

Somebody did say to me that in many Asian countries only the rich go to school anyway and the poor are off working in the fields, plus only the good schools go for the tests whereas our schools include everybody. I think there is probably some truth in this.

Lancelottie hope all went well.

DS got an offer today from Imperial and is delighted. I'm so pleased that after all the ups and downs of the Cambridge interview this week he has some good news.

Just come back here after major computer crash -- thanks for all the good wishes! He's not too hopeful, but did have a nice chat about steam engines with one of the interviewers.

That's great news, Purplepotato!

purple - that's fantastic! Really pleased for your DS

Congratulations minipotato! Very reassuring.

And minilance appears to have done well too - a "nice chat about steam engines" might just have done it!

Thanks everyone. Lancelottie his chat sounds great. Fingers crossed for everyones' DCs now.

purple that is great news about Imperial and I'm in agreement with the others - a rapport over steam engines may have been the clincher. Surely the odds are that somebody's DC must get in!

My DD reported back that her friend had a bad law interview and ended up arguing herself into such a corner that the conclusion was that "gingers should not get the vote"

Great news potato
And Hattie, that really made me laugh! [Fgrin]

DD is off to Oxford tomorrow. Other than actually being nervous about the interview, she admitted today that she was quite worried about staying over for 3 nights. Her Grandpa died on Weds quite unexpectedly so she's got other things going on in her head too.
Well done to everyone who's returned in one piece! It's a waiting game now, I guess.

Good luck to your DD prettydaisy - DD loved her few days at Oxford and found everyone to be really supportive and friendly.

Sorry to hear about your family bereavement though

Daisy, your poor DD! That's so tough! Best of luck.