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[ladymacbeth922]

This is a shout out to anyone who applied for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford this year and anyone currently enrolled there.

Any advice on what they are looking for and a way to let them know just how badly I want to get in without seeming desperate or trite? Also Im an international student- how does that weigh in? Thanks in

Comments

[white_hart]

unless your college is feeling particularly poor

Believe me, in the current financial climate I think maximising fee income is pretty high on everyone's agenda. Not (I sincerely hope) higher than academic merit, but I suspect that everyone will be well aware of the possible effect of changes in the student mix.

[ladymacbeth922]

This is very good advice but could you be a tad more specific? As in be clever how? Grade wise or interview wise? What matters more? My Olevels are 7As so Im obviously no the best but I like to think Im smater than many friends of mine who are 12 A students.

Can I make it work if Im confident and passionate about the subject?

[glamwhorebunni]

Being able to show a passion & commitment to the subject in your personal statement is very important. Don't just say you have that, use examples of things you've done or whatever that prove it. And if you get to interview, be enthusiastic!

It will be uber-competitive tho, it's a small course so not many places.

CAR is excellent. Which college were you thinking of?

[cymruangel]

GWB is right, Oxford is very competitive.
There is also a great deal of media scrutiny on Oxbridge admissions and furore when academically gifted students are turned away.

So, you may find that in interview you'll be asked straight out what makes you think you're better than someone who has 12 A grades. You'll need an intelligent, thoughtful and passionate answer preferably, as GWB says, referencing hands-on experience of the subject.

Don't worry though - the interview system is designed to give you a chance to fight your corner, and prove your intelligence. Above all, you should avoid trying to be someone you're not - just let the real you shine through, and, if you're right for the course, you'll get in.