Applying to Oxford - Special Considerations

Applying to College
1

<p>This post is somewhat embarrassing for me; I have not always taken my education seriously. In fact, it wasn't until recently (after a physical limitation has crushed my chances of joining the military) that I even considered what colleges to study at or which fields I desire to pursue. And because of that, you may be thinking, "for someone just now considering his education, you seem to be aiming rather high" or something similar, but please hear me out.</p>

<p>First, allow me to relay the fundamentals of my situation. Up until my junior year of high school I was a good student, exceptional maybe, but unfortunately I lost interest and dropped out. Afterwards, I promptly obtained my GED (within a few months) and considered joining the military. However, I've recently been incapacitated with chronic pain in my feet when I run (of which there was no suggested treatment other than to deal with it), and now the military is out of the question. So, after extensive research, I've found which university I would like to attend and devised (with the limited knowledge I could find) how I could possibly be accepted.</p>

<p>Now it all started when I came upon the University of Oxford during my search for colleges and began to browse their undergraduate programs. I came across a particular program, "Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics", for which I have a passion for, and was instantly interested. This led me to consider seriously my chances of getting into Oxford. And please do not misunderstand, I realize that as I am now, there is no chance of me getting accepted. I have however come up with a way to improve my chances, and I would like this community's thoughts and ideas.</p>

<p>Of course they would not accept me now with my current educational performance, but I am now preparing to go to a local college (Lake Sumter State College) in January where I will pursue an Associate of Arts (Psychology). I will then transfer to a larger university (most likely UCF) where I will get a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, but from there I'm not exactly sure what I can do. </p>

<p>I understand the competitive nature of admissions at Oxford, specifically for international students, so what academic things can I do to improve my chances? When browsing other ideas on this board, people stressed the importance of AP, but this was virtually always advice for high school students. I'm aware that college students can take AP exams, but I could not find the process for taking the exam, nor am I sure how exactly I would prepare for them. </p>

<p>Also, what would be my best course of action for applying with a bachelor degree? Could I apply for a post-graduate program, or would it be best for me to apply for that undergraduate program I mentioned earlier?</p>

<p>Perhaps I'm mistaken for assuming that I could have a chance at being accepted, but what are your thoughts and ideas on my situation?</p>

<p>Edit: Keep in mind what I speak of is years ahead, so I have plenty of time to prepare.</p>

2

<p>You’re talking about getting a Rhodes Scholarship, which is incredibly tough. I don’t know if anyone has ever gone from a GED to Oxford. If it’s been done, it’s incredibly rare. (Bill Clinton came from rural Arkansas and got a Rhodes, but he was always a good student and is incredibly gifted.)</p>

<p>There are so many steps involved in getting there, I suggest you focus on each one individually and do the absolute best you can at each step. Even if your dream proves to be impossible, which is most likely for everybody, not just you, you’ll be well served by doing well at each level of your journey.</p>

<p>FWIW, chronic foot pain can be treated by a good orthopedist. It may be as simple as getting correct shoes and proper support inside the shoe or it may take surgery. It’ll take a good year to heal, but it can be done. Get diagnosed properly. You do not have to live with this pain the rest of your life.</p>

3

<p>I appreciate your advice and consideration, but are you sure that my only option would be a Rhodes Scholarship (not saying that I wouldn’t at least attempt to pursue one)? I was browsing Oxford’s page for international students and saw a section for both undergraduate and post-graduate education without any regards to the Rhodes Scholarship.
Refer to: ([International</a> students - University of Oxford](<a href=“http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/international_students/index.html]International”>http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/international_students/index.html))</p>

4

<p>You can apply to do a second undergraduate degree at Oxford- the current president of Vassar College did that- as did her husband, who she met there. You can also apply from your associates degree. Either way it will be challenging, but that is true for any prospective student. There is a lot of information on the Oxford website, but it takes a lot of ferreting around to find it. You are looking to apply with unconventional qualifications, so you will have to scour even harder. Also try the student room, a UK website- again, search a variety of ways.</p>

5

<p>Once you get your BA in a subject, you’re done. You don’t go and get another BA in the same subject at another Uni. You go on to get your Masters and perhaps PhD. So you need to be looking at what you should be doing to be competitive for very top graduate schools. Do some reading in the grad forum for what top universities (Oxford and MANY OTHERS where you can continue your studies) want to see in applicants.</p>

<p>Do not trouble yourself over AP classes. You are done with High School. HS record is not examined for Master’s applications. Once you do 2 yrs community college, likely that is all UCF will need to evaluate you for transfer.</p>

6

<p>“Bill Clinton came from rural Arkansas and got a Rhodes, but he was always a good student and is incredibly gifted.)”</p>

<p>Going to Georgetown and interning for Senator Fullbright probably did not hurt his application.</p>

<p>I have rarely seen any applicant not attending one of the top 75-100 schools in USNWR represented in the final 32 for a Rhodes Scholar.</p>

7

<p>Thank you all. I appreciate your responses!</p>

8

<p>Superfoil:
you need to find a community college that has a transfer agreement with UF (not UCF).
An alternative is to “self study” for the 5 Ap’s you would likely need and take them in May, then apply by the October 15, 2014 deadline for “fresher” entry Fall 2015.
The application requires a lot of knowledge in the field you’re thinking of, so you would need to take as many psychology and philosophy courses as you can this Spring and Summer.
Another alternative is to go the UK community college route, and prepare A-levels at a Further Education College, then apply to Oxford from there. FE colleges cost very little, but you wouldn’t be allowed to work and you’d have to pay for a “bedsit” (shared apartment) and food.
In all cases you would need straight A’s.</p>

9

<p>There is a book my daughter read, Getting into Oxford and Cambridge or something like that. It helped her to decide to apply - aside from that, we did not get much good advice. Many will discourage you from trying, but I think you should go for it.</p>

<p>You do not have to apply as a Rhodes scholar, that is ridiculous advice. I believe you could apply from college without a degree, but would start as a fresher if admitted.</p>

<p>My D worked hard in school - she didn’t get perfect marks or anything, but was in top ranks - and developed her interest in archaeology in field work, which signaled serious commitment. She worked very long on her essays, which the admissions officers read carefully and in her interview asked many pointed questions on it; they also asked for an essay, the subject of which they expertly chose in accordance with her interests. The whole experience was a growth process for her, I am happy to say. </p>

<p>She started at Cam 2 weeks ago and loves it.</p>

10

<p>Congratulations to your daughter, alcibiade, and thank you for your words of encouragement! Also, thank you all for your advice; I think I know now what I must do.</p>

11

<p>I wish you luck, super. It is a very stressful process.</p>

<p>One other thing: check the stats on admission by subject. They vary extremely. Getting into medical school is radically different than other subjects.</p>