applying to economics/management at Oxford from US?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm currently a high school junior looking at the Economics/Management course at Oxford. The specifications seem pretty vague to me - is it more of a theoretically based economics course (like U Chicago) or very practically based (like Wharton)? Also, other than the requirement for strong math, is there anything in particular that they're looking for?</p>

<p>For reference, I have an 800-800-760 SAT, a 5 on AP calculus BC, and predicted 5s on both the micro and macroeconomics exams this year. I'll have taken 8 APs total by the end of junior year (3 sophomore year, 5 this year) and 4 more senior year, but I guess calculus and econ are the most relevant ones to this course. I'm also currently taking multivariable calculus and differential equations and will be taking AP Statistics senior year, with a predicted 5 in that as well.</p>

<p>I don't know how relevant extracurriculars would be to UK universities, but I've placed very highly at DECA, completed my ABRSM grade 8 in classical piano during 9th grade, and would also be auditioning for a choral award or other music scholarships if I applied to Oxford.</p>

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<p>You’d do well to have a look at The Student Room, which has forums for both Oxford and Economics courses.</p>

<p>However, these are the economics modules on offer <a href=“http://www.economics.ox.ac.uk/Undergraduate/undergraduate-matrix”>http://www.economics.ox.ac.uk/Undergraduate/undergraduate-matrix&lt;/a&gt; I can’t find the management modules from a quick look, but at least it will give you some idea. </p>

<p>Only relevant extra curriculars are useful for your application; at least 75-80% of your personal statement should be dedictaed to why you want to study E&M. Oxford is looking for geeks who are obsessed with their subject - not people who are so well rounded they’re almost a beach ball. </p>

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<p>What boomting said, esp wrt the student room.</p>

<p>Also, E + M is one of the most competitive courses @ Ox. </p>

<p>Note also that there are 2 levels of APs: </p>

<p><a href=“http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options/entry-requirements/tariff-tables/app”>http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options/entry-requirements/tariff-tables/app&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>So micro + macro = 1 AP, not 2. You are in good shape anyway, just an FYI.</p>

<p>Choral scholars get to wear cool swishy robes :-)</p>

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<p>Considering your strong stats, you are, provided you don’t mess up your personal statement, very likely to get an interview, so the best you can do is essentially what boomting wrote; show them you are nuts about economics and management. Read books on topics within economics that interest you, especially if written by some of their lecturers, try doing some research in economics and submit it to a competition such as say the UK RES Economist of the Year Award, sneak into classes at your local university/community college - in short, be as creative and unique as you can in showcasing your passion for the subjects when being interviewed to have the best possible chance at getting an offer. Good luck! </p>

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<p>collegemom, I’m a little confused about the AP ranking system - I can see why some are considered worth more than others, but what exactly does the points system apply to? Is it another quantitative way to measure how competitive your grades are?</p>

<p>I’m doing National Econ Challenge and will be applying for a humanities research grant from my high school so those should add to my demonstrated econ interest. And swishy robes are always a plus :slight_smile: I’ll definitely look at The Student Room as well, thanks everyone!</p>

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<p>Ox doesn’t really focus on UCAS tariff points, but some UK unis do. For you it just gives an idea as to how your APs will be counted.</p>