Oxbridge Entry 2015

[Roisin]

Do we have a thread already?
ds1 has decided to definitely apply to Oxford to do Biochemistry. He will probably apply to St John's.

Marianne, DD is having similar doubts, the buzz and excitement of the open day seem a long way off and the application process is arduous. No advice at all but I empathise :)

DD would have to miss a full week of school, if she is invited for an interview.

I am seriously wondering if it is worth it.

I understand your point about STEP being more useful if they have done the A2 stuff, but it must be possible to devise a test that comes before they choose their Firm and Insurance options. The trouble with loads of people missing a Firm choice is that it really messes up other things eg. finding accommodation at the Insurance choice.

Littleham I agree with you! DS had problems with accommodation because he went to his insurance choice. It would have all been so much easier if the Cambridge tests were taken before choosing which one to firm.

I would encourage anybody to apply for Oxbridge, there's nothing to lose (unless it's maths at Cambridge!)

The link above with applications statistics is lots of fun.

I have found the equivalent, but less snazzy, less up-to-date, and no data for 2015, link for Oxford:

www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/admissions-statistics/undergraduate-admissions-statistics/college-success-rates

Thanks for the information everyone. Hopefully my younger dc's will avoid maths at Cambridge!

Interesting link RandomFriend - 22% success rate.

The info on this thread about Cambridge maths has been a real eye- opener, and immensely helpful. DS was thinking about applying ( next year), but will not now be putting Cambridge as an option - I am relieved

I mean, because eve if he were offered a place, it would not be certain till after STEM - too much of a gamble.

Littleham Oxford is for anyone bright enough and your family member is being daft. The fact that your DD seems to have been strongly encouraged by her school is a very positive sign, given that you say her school doesn't send many.

The first Oxford invite came through at school today, though for a subject which doesn't do an aptitude test. Even so, very early!

Molio - that's what we decided in the end. Thank goodness they can put five choices down as well. Best bit about the system.

Well also it sounds as though she's already sorted Littleham, if for any reason Oxford doesn't work out.

DD has a friend that she met at an Oxford Open Day who has received an interview.

If anyone is curious to know the college and subject, pm me.

Any one heard anything from Oxford for history yet? I know they only got the written work on Monday but just want to hear something.

I would imagine history will be a while yet.

DD looked at admission statistics for her course at her chosen college at Cambridge this evening. She went a bit pale and quiet for a while and then thankfully her email pinged with an offer from Warwick. She now has three offers and an interview at York, its now a waiting game to see if Caius select her for interview.

I once read something that a mistake a lot of state school pupils make - if it is a mistake - is thinking "I'll study History," wandering round Oxford and saying, "Ooh, that college is nice" and then entering application. Apparently private schools are the ones doing all the stratgegising and entering pupils for Celtic & Norse or Land Management at under-the-radar colleges.

I must admit it is a bit galling hearing my cousin go on about her ds at Cambridge when I don't believe for a nanosecond that he is passionate about the "canny" subject he is doing.

BrendaBlack You just described my daughter! I personally think they should study the subject they love, rather than fixating on a particular university. Even if she could go back and form a canny strategy, I don't think she would change a thing.

Littleham - thing about maths at cambridge is - it's a punt. But if you get in it's worth all the hassle.

One of DS's online 'friends' who has applied for the same college (Christ's) has rung them today and they told him interview invitations will be sent today - eeeeek!

nail-biting! Good luck!!!!

Interview at Christ's on 4 Dec! Yippee!

Hurrah, MadameJosephine! Which subject?

Computer science, he's playing it down saying 'everybody gets interviews' and I know to an extent he's right Cambridge do interview a lot of people but I still think its a big deal and I'm very proud

Oh lovely news, well done to him MJ xx

it is a big deal! well done him!

It is a big deal and they don't all get interviews. Dd has been consoling a friend in school today who got a rejection from Cambridge without an interview. Very well done to him!