I just got my AP Scores…whelp!
I really, really, really want to get into the Oxford program for law, but I don’t really know anyone who has gone to Oxford or even applied. I’m not sure what it takes to get in, and even though their website has some guidance about this, I feel like that’s just the bare minimum.
So that said here’s what I have,
AP Gov. 5
AP Psychology 5
AP Physics 4 !!! (Oh no?)
AP US History 5
AP Language and Composition 5
SAT 1570
SAT BIO 790
SAT HISTORY 740
SAT LANGUAGE 780
SAT CHEM. 710
GPA (weighted) 4.745
All honors and AP courses
So far my only average for a class below a 90 has been physics with a B+.
I do mock trial and debate (although I have many other clubs, these two are my focus). I know Oxford doesn’t really focus on extracurricular activities but since I’m applying to law school is it relevant?
Go marinate in the Oxford website- esp the Law pages. There is actually a lot of info available, right down to what you study each year (be aware that undergrad Law at Oxford is very academic/theory-based, even by UK standards; the practical part comes the year after they graduate, while working as an apprentice- I know more than a few Oxon law students who wish they had done something else and then the law conversion course).
Your GPA & course load are irrelevant. Your SAT is well over the requirement, and your standardized tests are fine (fwiw you don’t get to double count subject tests & APs, but you are fine), and your physics AP won’t hurt you as it is not relevant to your course.
Oxford doesn’t focus on ECs (unless your row or play the organ, but that’s another story), BUT ECs relevant to your proposed field of student are useful. Knit them into your PS.
For now, divide your time between:
- working on your PS, which is NOT like a US essay! it is where you show that you are well-suited to the course- there is a lot of advice online (on the Oxford and UCAS websites and on the student room, (the UK version of CC), so do the homework;
- studying for the LNAT. Do not be fooled by your high practice scores! fwiw, the average score (on the multiple choice part) of applicants last year was 22 - but the average for applicants offered interviews was 26, and for applicants getting offers was 27.
- working out where you will take the LNAT- if you don't have a test site nearby, your school can register as a test center, but it's a hassle and takes a time, and many schools don't want to bother, so you may have to travel
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer in such detail!
I got a book to study the LNAT “the ultimate lnat guide” with about 400 questions. Would going through that book be enough? I’m kind of in the dark as to how to study for this exam. Would taking LSAT practice exams help at all?
Should do. There are old papers in the website also.