Oxford Studies

Will | 19 | Magdalen College University of Oxford | Engineering Sciences MEng

[oxfordstudies]

Do you think if a student is dedicated, hardworking, passionate and an effective worker can get into Ox even if they're not someone who is naturally academic? As in someone who may be a slower, but again, a dedicated learner? Thank you! :)

You can absolutely get in even if you’re not the most naturally intelligent person, obviously you will need to work hard enough to reach the standard you need to be at so there’s a limit to how slow but a lot more people than actually go to Oxbridge are capable to.

[oxfordstudies]

hey, do you happen to remember around what time you got invited for an interview at oxford? low-key stressing out about it rn

I didn’t get an email about it till 30th November so you might not get it for a week or two depending how late in December your interview is, good luck!

[oxfordstudies]

for the anon considering Oxford but got a lower ACT score than required-- Perhaps you can try and apply to colleges that have a study abroad program with the uni? I got a lower score on my ACT but still got into a college with connections to Ox (I am applying Feb). The ACT doesn't measure how well you know the content and/or intelligence (which can improve); it's arbitrary. So worst comes to worst, you can apply to an undergrad with a study abroad option there or apply as a grad student? best x

[oxfordstudies]

Regarding the interview for entering a top college: I have anxiety, don’t take any medication though, I can manage. However, would you recommend taking a Xanax or something before going in? I’m on the one part afraid of freaking out too much that they think I’m not capable to handle their school; on the other hand afraid that if I do take a calming pill then who I am might not stand out as much ?

Honestly, I can’t really answer this question for you as I’ve never had anxiety or taken anything for it. I’d suggest talking to a doctor or someone with experience of it if you want advice. Might be worth telling the college about it so they’re aware and can make any special consideration/arrangements if necessary. Bear in mind that once you’re in the interview you forget about the stress because you’re not focused on it and by the second one you’ll not be as worried. 

[oxfordstudies]

Hope your studies go well, im rooting for you!

Thank you! Good luck to you too

[oxfordstudies]

what's the atmosphere in oxford like? i have no good reason for this but to me it always seemed less free and less welcoming than cambridge. (i'm basing this on the website lmao it's so dark and serious??) what's it really like? can everyone do what they like or is there an underlying culture of what the "norm" is, and social consequences if you don't adhere to it?

I imagine its exactly the same as Cambridge, not sure how you’ve assumed all this from the website hahaha, from my experience you can do what you want and the atmospheres nice

[oxfordstudies]

Will you be participating in the 100 days of productivity again?

I most likely will do as I found it helpful for staying motivated for long periods without burning out

[oxfordstudies]

To the anon that said she wanted to got to Oxford but only got a 28: I got a 28 one of the times I took it. The last time I got a 34, and I’m currently attending Dartmouth College. You have time, just keep working and pushing yourself to be the best you can be. Make sure to take time for yourself though. We always do our best when we’re relaxed and at peace 🥰

[oxfordstudies]

What do you think the main differences are between the people who get into oxbridge and the ones who narrowly miss out ?

I think that a lot more applicants than get places are capable of getting in and the more experience/practise you have if the application process the better. Hence why you have a better chance of getting in if you’ve already been rejected and reapply statistically. In terms of why some people narrowly miss out it is probably because they didn’t give the tutors a reason why they stand out. With so many applicants if the tutors don’t see potential or something that catches their eye about you or your application then it’s easy to reject you. There’s a number of things that could be from a course you’ve done, something you’ve read into, an interview question you’ve answered in an interesting/unique way etc.

[oxfordstudies]

If I may ask, what computer / software do you code on?

The only language we’ve been taught is MATLAB although it’s not a programming language you would really use professionally

[huitingreads]

i’m back, with brand new journalling toys

[clara-studies-deactivated202109]

22.03.19

cozy studying in my london flat ⭐️

today, we had to hand in our essays! i’m officially all done with my master’s coursework, minus the summatives in april and the dissertation over the summer. yay!

[kaiilattes]

10.07.17 // my sense of time is so messed, I typed 10.06.10 instead of 10.07.17

ig: kaiistudies (I’ve been more active here due to school so do check it out!!)

[oxfordstudies]

My dream is to go to Oxford, but I feel like I’m not smart enough. I only got 28 on my ACT last time I took it, and ahhhh Ap tests seem so difficult!! Any words of wisdom? ( Im not sure how pertinent this is, but I’m 15 and I go to a boarding school in New England)

I don’t know much about the ACT but I think you have to get 32+ so if you can work hard and get that grade then you’re in with a chance. At 15 I was never the type of student that was expected to go to Oxford so theres lots of time to improve you chances of getting in. The best thing you can do at the minute is to get the best grades that you can. One thing thats not talked about the application process is how random it is and a lot of whether you get in depends on whether the questions you get asked, and I personally think whether the tutors want to teach you. In terms of the tests, they’re always going to seem hard to everyone you’ve just got to make sure you’re better prepared than everyone else.  

[studynowsandee]

8.16.18 

Been a while since I studied at my desk. Currently studying Negotiable Instruments Law while listening to the construction right outside my window. 

I still can’t figure out if my table should face the window or in front of my mirror. It’s so difficult to maximize the space in my room. 

The time on my alarm clock is not the same as my laptop. Haha. Probably ahead a few seconds.

[gingerspicestudies]

day 17/100 of productivity

i felt so much better these past few days! really happy that i can finally get back to work. 

- started reading Life of Pi - finished sociology research design proposal - started literature review, annotated 2/4 articles - completed notes for midterm on tuesday - watched film for law assignment

[peachmilkstudy]

January 7, 2019

My first week of 2019 went well! I’m not doing much last week (unproductive) and i’m going to workout this week and i hope i can be more productive this week. Also i watch birdbox yesterday and it’s quite good. I think i’ll rate it 4/5 and the scene when they went to a supermarket i find it really cool idk why.

What i use for this spread :

Zebra Mildliner Pink

Snoman Drawing Pen 0.1 Black

Pink Pastel Washi Tape

Have a nice week! 💕