Application
Oxford
Keble
Mathematics
2008
offer made
Applicant
A-levels
post-qualification
home
United Kingdom
Comprehensive School
yes (10 A*,1 A)
A-levels
(A at AS (284 UMS); predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS (280 UMS); predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS (291 UMS); predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS (266 UMS); predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS (286 UMS); predicted A; gained A at A2)
Details about the offer
unconditional
yes
yes
yes
Oxford is better than my others, although I still consider some of the other universities I applied to to be ‘good’ universities, close to Oxford.
offer met
Decisions about the application
None of my family has been to university before, and I wanted to go somewhere with a very academic atmosphere to get a good education, and to achieve my absolute potential – Oxford is the place to do this.
Mathematics has always been inspiring to me, always a part of me. I could not imagine my life without Maths. I chose this over modern languages as I feel I can keep them up as an extra-curricular activity, whereas Maths is harder to be kept up as an extra.
I loved the location, atmosphere and attitude of Keble
Preparation
no
None.
No.
Interview
yes
A Maths test sent out by Oxford themselves.
no
No.
no
Not during the interview period.
Fairly enjoyable: I felt I responded well to hints as well as using my own knowledge and intuition, and I felt I transmitted my passion for Maths well.
Various Maths/probability/logical thinking problems.
I wore trousers to a couple and dresses to a few (I had six interviews in total) because I wanted to feel comfortable for ME and look smart.
Impressions
I liked Keble, and also really felt welcomed at New College, where I had two interviews.
Fairly spacious, basic, but everything required was provided.
Excellent: great variety and plentiful too.
Pleasant and welcoming, but professional.
Nice, friendly, passionate about their subjects.
Final stage
Nervous, but I only had to wait two days for my phone call.
Someone phoned me and I kept thanking her over the phone, in a crazy manner.
Looking back
Yes.
Don’t over-prepare. Be relaxed, and if you are unsure of a question, always say what you are thinking. Really show how much you love your subject(s).