Oxbridge Aspirants 2021-New Thread 4

[Baaaahhhhh]

And we are off:

Thread 3 link: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/4070531-Oxbridge-Aspirants-2021-New-Thread-3

Just DD’s experience; ( and I remember with horror goodbye’s account of her poor DC who had a fiendish 30 page document thrust at them as referenced above); source material which she had expected to form the basis of whole of 1st interview; took 5 mins , they said “ you covered what we wanted” and moved on, it felt in retrospect like an ice breaker. Same for another successful fellow interviewee. Both interviews moved off into topics she hadnt studied, they seemed to want to know how she thought about something new rather than an account of what she already did. I still shudder about the girl she said was shaking so much she couldnt hold her source paper steady in the waiting room. Such pressure for them. I hope being at home/school takes some of that edge off. All best keeping a lid on your anxieties as parents!

I remember reading on here or TSR about one candidate who had carefully researched his interviewers and emailed in advance to introduce himself . Surely that wouldn’t have gone down especially well?!

Two of the DC hobbema not one....

Cambridge sounds very different actually - this was Oxford both times. I still reckon the specialisms advice holds good, even if Cambridge is kinder on the source paper front.

Hi @Oiseau2. Welcome and congratulations

@WarmAndco3y Oxford. I think it's the being able to express an opinion and being open to discussing it that counts, rather than being "right" as such. Interestingly although I was quite into that era/genre at the time, I haven't touched it since we finished with it in first year and it's not one of my choices for finals. Maybe something to bear in mind for those with DC worried about choosing a "specialism" - it's really not a problem if you turn out to be not all that interested in the topic you pledged allegiance to in the interview!

@Majaso12. Congrats to your DC with the biochemistry offer. Very exciting !

Sorry, I didn’t post on the new thread!

www.theguardian.com/education/2020/nov/23/you-need-someone-on-the-inside-the-state-school-students-helping-peers-into-oxbridge?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Some of your DC may find this helpful.

Thank you, that article is really useful.

My child is state school through and through, has a potential choral award, but is very much doing the application on her own; I don't know if they will do mock interviews should she be lucky enough to get one.

I think one of the most useful points someone made to my DD last year at interview was that they were looking for potential rather than the finished product, along with someone they would be happy to have in tutorials with them for the next 3 years.

I received an invitation for interview this afternoon from Oxford - I’m so happy 😊

That’s great, MatureStudent - hope the interview goes well!

Fab news @MatureStudent21 and @Hoghgyni that's really useful just sent to my daughter.

That's wonderful news, MatureStudent21 ! When I was a bit older and was applying to do an M.A. it meant so much more to me than when I was young and just out of school. Fingers crossed for you!

@MatureStudent21. Oh very happy news - well done. Have you said which subject? Good luck

Congratulations @MatureStudent21 and good luck for the interview

Huge congrats MatureStudent and good luck with it!

Also, well done Majaso’s DC.

Fab news MatureStudent . Chuffed for you .

Congrats @Majaso12 and @MatureStudent21

Expecting a busy thread today 🤞🏻

@MatureStudent21
Well done, congratulations 🥳

Yes @Tenpastseven, I 2nd that

Good news MatureStudent21 !
( I think I congratulated Majaso12 on thread 3).

Scary to think that those of us with DC waiting on BMAT results will also need to deal with the DC facing Oxbridge rejection or interview invite elation very soon.

DD has an interview elsewhere today, being done at school as we haven't the right hardware nor a 100% reliable internet service at home. School weren't keen. Obviously lower quintile students received e-mails offering additional support including use of hardware/IT department direct contact number, which is at it should be, although take-up has been low (DD is apparently the first to be doing an in school interview). Because we somehow (it's a sad anomaly which I know I've moaned about on MN before) fall into the the higher quintile bracket there's a disbelief that we can't just magic up the right hardware etc and their suggestion of her coming into my employers' premises to use equipment/internet there was not a good idea as it would definitely not put her at ease.

She was very very nervous this morning, my parting words were, "remember to make eye contact, but not in a creepy way, and smile just a little".

It's just the first hurdle. She will either feel it went well perhaps giving her a confidence boost for any later interviews or if not she can hopefully learn from the experience.

Congratulations @MatureStudent21 and good luck to your DD @SATSmadness

Huge Congratulations @MatureStudent21 sorry if someone’s already asked, which subject ?

Think we should use redirected I/O rejected.
Simply not enough places and lots of incredible students .

Thanks everyone! I’ve applied for Law. Hopefully we will keep hearing good news on this thread from those who are still waiting