I’ve got an offer for oxford. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with how they are giving out a levels this year... the anticipation is what’s worse, having to wait nearly another month to find out. I never thought about applying to oxbridge, I didn’t get perfect GCSEs nor did I do very well at AS level. One teacher in my school supported me from day 1 of term in September and she is the reason I even applied, and also helped me with the whole process, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have gotten so far. I’m not an avid reader, I wouldn’t call myself above average in anything other than my love and aptitude for languages. I didn’t know I even know that I was supposed to sit entrance exams... everything was so last minute and unorganised, I had less than 2 weeks to prepare for 2 entrance exams (one of which was completely mind boggling, both the concept and the execution, the aptitude test. Here Oxford basically make up a language, give you example sentences with translations to study in the exam, and then you need to translate in and out of this made up language, with each stage getting harder and harder in complexity. All candidates for beginners languages have to sit this exam, which shows the examiners if you are able to adjust to a new language and learn quickly from it. I was invited to interview and only had 2... surprisingly, one in each language I applied for. Before this my mindset was, I’m not good enough, come on... it’s Oxford, I’m not going to get in there, let’s just do this interview and try our best. But while I was there, I managed to sightsee and visit the city and I fell in love with it, my mindset then changed to I want to study here and I’m going to do everything I bloody can to secure that dream. You will always hear from people of their “disaster interviews” where they asked horrible questions, but in reality, regarding the previous questions, you most likely answered them perfectly. You most likely understood the poem very well or the philosophical concept, and you’ve not shown much, if any, weakness so far. Now, the interviewers are going to up the stakes and bring in a new concept, they will ask you harder questions to see how you react to that... which is what the tutorials will be like in uni. It’s after this where I, among many, start thinking on the way back home and the weeks to follow that we weren’t good enough. I didn’t know what I was saying answering some questions and for 2 of them I blatantly said as an answer “I don’t know”. DONT let this get to you, because after this answer, they guided me in ways to answer it and I eventually got it and was pleased with their subtle nods of agreement while I explained my answer. You will probably be told to “think aloud, say your thoughts” but they will help you if they see you’re struggling. Moral of the story, even if your school doesn’t send many pupils to Oxbridge, even if you’re not really supported, you should know deep down inside if you have a passion for a subject that you can do it. Just having a 10-15 minute long conversation with an expert in the subject I love was amazing and awe inspiring. They want you to study there, but there are many people trying for a mere 3 or 4 spaces. Fight for yourself, show them what you can do, and good luck 👍🏻
Thank you SO much for the time you took to write this comment. It was such an awesome help! Is there anyway I may be able to connect with you? I promise not to take your time. I would only reach out when I've almost searched anywhere I could. Thanks again! Good Job!
CAN I JUST ADD If you 'fail' at Undergraduate, reapply for post-grad. I didn't apply for UG at Oxford, but I thought why the hell not. I have an offer for Oxford in September with the following stats: GCSEs: 1A*b 3A, 6B A level: AAB About to finish my BSc. EVERYONE can apply to Oxford. EVERYONE!
I got into Oxford as an undergraduate studying Maths with the following GCSEs: 1A*, 1A, 2B, 4C, 2D A level: AAABD If your GSCEs are bad it doesn't stop you from applying
I'm currently in Year 12 and I really want to apply to Oxford this year, so thank you so much for this video!! It was so genuinely enjoyable that I forgot I was watching it for a purpose haha
@@starr2870 in Oxford there’s just under 40 colleges, they’re like individual universities on campus, you have to pick one but you can also submit an open application. The colleges can be quite different, different students, (more pretentious or higher ethnic minority intakes) and some colleges are richer like st Johns which means they’re more likely to give out scholarships and bursaries and a lot of good welfare. All of the colleges have different living costs (accommodation, food)
I really want to study Law at Cambridge or Oxford as they are basically the best unis in the country to study Law but my mind always dances between "its literally impossible" to "i could actually do this". I go to state school but I get good grades so idk.
man i felt the joy when you were accepted more than probably you did i was literally getting excited when you were telling your experience great storytelling man! mani
In fact there’s a formal ceremony just for passing the selection process and becoming enrolled, just to show how elite you are making this far. It’s called the “matriculation ceremony”
Sir, I'm from India. Before watching this video I had no idea about the admission processes on Oxford University. The video was so motivational and helpful.
Absolutely smashing information Mani!!! Karsten is, as you know, keenly interested in reading Computer Science at Oxford and is now in GCSEs with Computer Science and Higher Maths as the top 2 options along with hoping to do well enough to go for Maths, Higher Maths and Computer Science at A Level. You know we have been to the Uni and several of the colleges already, with the sessions offered in the Maths and Computer Science departments as well and, having visited UCL and Imperial already as well, he GENUINELY feels the Collegiate tutorial system in Oxford is the RIGHT combination for him (he even has certain colleges he already fell in love with from those we’ve seen so far), but outside of looking at a past MAT, the only real application information we’ve seen from students there have been in unrelated courses (which are great but not as applicable), so this has been TREMENDOUSLY helpful to him (especially as the current situation makes focus on the future very hard), so we thank you with all our heart!!
PS - He’s also doing Philosophy GCSE and he loves it so, who know, right?!?!? So far, however, it’s Mathematics and Computer Science as the course of keenest interest. As a mother I was thoroughly impressed by both these the departments as well as he has Asperger’s and they just immediately said: If your child is Autistic, welcome to our club! That was phenomenal! He’s a super dedicated and high achieving young person but I need to KNOW that where he starts his independent life, he can thrive because he will be welcomed and treated with care and respect. This is why we have been to Oxford, itself, several times, because after just our first visit (before we met you), he came home and said: “I want to go to Oxford. What do I need to do to make it happen?”
@@TheFlowerGirl77 I'm so glad to hear all of this! The level of determination that he has will surely pay off - I'm sure of it! Oxford is a fantastic place for someone as clued-on and motivated as Karsten, and it sounds like he's taking all of the right steps!! Do get in touch with me or the department if you need any help with anything! (Also, if he hasn't done so already, It'd be great for him to get involved in the BEBRAS schools challenge, as that's a great way to get on to Oxford's radar in terms of Maths/CS Challenges! Wishing you and your family all the best!!
I had considered applying to Oxford for years now. Recently, I started doubting myself about my realistic chance of getting in. I feels as if I might not be bright enough to do well in the university, or to even get in. I got a 36/42 in my first term of the IB, and it discouraged me even more. This is putting a lot of pressure on me and has affected the way I look at academics and increased school anxiety. Is there anyone who can relate or has any advice for this?
I fully understand where you're coming from, but the best thing to do is back yourself! Understand that getting in isn't the be-all-and-end-all, in a way to reduce the general anxiety that comes with the process! I got 36 in the first term of the IB too! There is miles of improvement that you can do, so don't worry to much about one set of grades! Sending love!
@@jacobs9083 I'm currently in my last year of high school and want to go to Oxford in the future ^^ Could you maybe let me know what grades you got for your GCSEs/ how well you have to do in your A levels to get into Oxford? I've read some articles but there aren't really that many out there, and I'd like some advice from someone who's experienced it first hand. Only if it's ok with you, of course!
@@starr2870 I finished High school and came out with 8s and 9s in all my subjects (except for maths :/) and am doing my first year of A level rn. It's been a month ngl, but I'm still going to push through and try to get on top of things. I applied for a medical work experience and am doing an EPQ as well as the DofE program. I think that I'll accumulate experience and grow as I go, grades wise as well, because I still have dreams I want to chase, and I'll do everything in my power to get there. I wish u a lot of luck in your own studies, you can do it!
@@lunabrights4073 ah i believe you alot , dont let the gcses take over you, im also in year 13 now applying for the med and also thinking to apply for oxford but my gcses were much more worse than yours but my a level predictions are AAA* so im happy about that and also applying for UCL, Bristol etc. But keep your options open always! And also never have high expectations and dont let these gcses impact you because at the end of the day seriously unis only care about the A-levels/Equivelent levels mostly :) good luck
Thank you for this helpful video! I gave it a thimbs up. Plus, you're the firt computer science major ive "met" who not only is not insufferable, but is also quite lovely. 😅🥰
Dear Mani, thank you so much for this video! It’s incredibly encouraging. This year I’ll be applying for psychology (experimental) in Oxford. I’m from Germany and come from a non academic family. Nevertheless I will try my best to get in. I truly believe in myself and skills. Thank you for all your wonderful videos🙏🏻
Hey man, I have been watching your videos for a while and they have really inspired me, but I was wondering how costs and financing works in Oxford and in the UK as a international student, as apparently there isn't that many aid options... the only thing that is discouraging me to apply is that I might not be able to afford if I manage to get in. Keep up with the great vids!!!
ILL BE APPLYING IN OCT FROM INDIA THIS COULDN'T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME BLESS YOU YOUR EARLIER VIDEO ENCOURAGED ME TO APPLY EVEN THO MY CHANCES OF GETTING IN ARE VERY SLIM
This was one of the most helpful videos I've ever heard about applying to unis. It would sooo great if u can make a video about extra and supercurriclars.
Thank you a lot for this video! I think most people (including me) shy away from applying because it seems so hard and not reachable. Even though I am still very young, I do want to do my research about it, so it won't be as hard when applying. I wanted to ask, does most of this apply to international students as well ? I know that there are obviously some differences in the applying stages and language certificates, but other wise? Great video by the way !
Hi I’m a year 13 student and I have applied for Oxford this year. I’m really nervous about MAT because I have seen how different the question is comparing to the A Level Maths exams. I’m also really scared about that I won’t get the expected result in summer (Thanks to coronavirus). I have always been dreaming to go to Oxford, because I think Oxford will have the best professors for teaching Maths. But at the moment I’m just really really nervous.
I know someone who got it without speaking English because her mum was an ambassador, and I know someone else whose daddy was a Blue Chip chairman, but she only had 4 O levels and 2 A levels. And I know someone who got in with a B and 2 Cs because her uncle was part of the university's hierarchy. I did a degree there - useless. Never learnt a thing. Later in life did an OU degree and it was superb.
1. loved my subject to bits, really really wanted to do the course 2. got good grades, worked up from Ds in my topic on bad days in lockdown! (while having loads of own knowledge i just didnt know how to deploy) 3. decided to apply, talked to teachers about the entrance exams, prepped for that! i did every single HAT paper 4. prepped for the interview (did a practise lol) and then just made sure i was able to explain stuff logically !!! got in for history and politics if you really love your topic definitely apply!! i think some people kind of chose strategically subjects like classics or geography and they really got weeded out in comparison to those who loved those subjects and were competent
Hey Mani, watching this video just reminds me of one thing, the MAT. I know you made a video in 2017 about last minute tips for the MAT but now I'm currently in the process of preparing for the MAT and I was just wondering if you could make one about how you could prepare for it in general (not last minute) and update things if you have any? Thanks
This is super helpful! I look forward to watching this video again in a few years time! I am so excited for university! If you haven't already, would you be able to make a video about a day in the life of a work day! Thanks so much!!
I hate my school and people in it except the teachers and all. I just don’t have the motivation to study at all. I mean i live in Turkey and we have to get the same classes as everyone. Not on our skills or interests. For an example i am shit at math but i could just go and learn about history all day without getting bored. I feel the hunger for the knowledge and wisdom but i don’t know what to do. I am lost...
Would love to see your video on investment banking! I am also going to be doing an internship in investment banking this summer (corona permitting) and would love to hear about your experience!
Thank you. This is a brilliant video and, as a mentor to aspiring Oxbridge students at a Hampshire sixth form college, I will forward it so your experience can benefit others. BTW, did you go to Hertford, my alma mater? Nick
I'm an Indian middle class student studying in Kerala state board in Arts stream. I knoe Oxford doesn't accept state school students but could there be any exceptions? I want to study PPE at Oxford and I'm afraid if it's too math heavy.
I am thinking of applying to oxford this year from India(CBSE). Bsc- Eco and Management. Could you make a vid for requirements (like grades, and co-curricular) or answer some of my questions on any social media or via e-mail?
hii, so I’m a cbse student and I wonder if I can get in oxford. I’m in 8th standard right now. Your video made me motivated. Probably my stage is too early to think about collages but it's my kinda ‘dream’ or you know I wish to go to oxford. Anyways, Tysm :)
Your video is deeply informative and thank you for the positive perspective on application for the interested audience, I wonder if you could make a video about funds and scholarships one can apply for education at Oxford University.
Hi! I'm applying for Computer Science and Philosophy as well (at Hertford aha). How have you found the course so far? Thanks so much for this video! It's super useful :)
If i will give jee advanced exam in 2020 may then when i should apply for undergraduate cource in cambridge university . Sorry not 2020 i will give jee advanced in 2022 may
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to apply to Oxbridge? Maybe some mistakes or things you thought you should have done, looking at your feedback if you requested any?
@@onedxaesthetic_6587 Then try for scholarships. Oxford, Cambridge and other such Russell Group Universities are known for having kids mostly from very well-to-do families, just like this guy
I'm Rahma from Egypt. I haven't taken A levels or an international education. My high school certificate isn't enough to make me competitive. I cannot afford taking a levels, so I guess I will take the first year of university here in Egypt. Do you know someone who has done a similar thing?
Hi I have just watched your video, I am planning to apply to the Oxford Internet institute for postgrad. I have never been to UK, let alone oxford, and I know nothing about the selection process. Can you please help me on what should go in my personal statement, I have so much anxiety at night, since I feel I wont be able to do this, I have good grades (at least that's what I think, it's 8.8/10 CGPA), do I have chances to get selected? How can I make my application in general and personal st. more appealing? & what is ingredient that goes in? you seem like a really bright student, and it's great to hear your story. Congrats on your graduation!!
Hi! I'm from India and I'm currently doing my 12th (well at home, to be exact lol. Thanks to corona my final year in school got ruined :')) So basically I've been wanting to apply to Oxford since like my 11th but my main concern is about the cost because I'm from a middle class family and I have NO idea about the cost or the procedures of applying for a scholarship. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me about the cost and expenses you meet while living there :) Also good luck for your graduation!!
omg same, Im kinda confused between Oxford and kings College London because I really love London but since Oxford is Oxford, I have been doing research about its courses. ive heard Oxford is comparatively cheaper than private lavish colleges like kcl or UCL, its roughly 18 lacs a year or so I heard. :) btw, im from India too and in 12th rn. hope u get into Oxford. :))
