Oxford or Cambridge? - Page 3

Elastine · 04-27-2008, 04:07 PM

The world is a monopoly of the rich. 'nuff said.

xanthom · 04-29-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onemoreparent

Believe me, it's not as hard to get in as it looks. You'll be surprised.

Getting into Oxford or Cambridge is at least as difficult as getting into Harvard. I would be surprised if that wasn't considered difficult.

Quote:

Originally Posted by upton

Gryffon, you cite the admission bias of Cambridge and Oxford as evidence for elitism in UK? Look at Yale, with the "New World Order" Skull and Bones Society -- membership includes several US presidents and a strong fraction of the powers that be in the US government.

From my understanding, being a legacy is slightly less important for Oxford or Cambridge admissions than it is for any of the elite US college admissions. I might be wrong though.

Elastine · 04-29-2008, 02:00 PM

Getting into Oxford or Cambridge is at least as difficult as getting into Harvard. I would be surprised if that wasn't considered difficult.

Well actually its a lot dependent on your profile. If you are a die-hard academic you will have an easier time getting into Oxford. If you have stellar non-academics achievements maybe Harvard would be easier. Remember, ECs are NOT counted as a part of your application to Oxbridge.

lellis · 04-29-2008, 08:59 PM

if you're talking about individual subject test for oxford, your school can basically fill out a form to become a test center. that's what mine did this year when i applied, and took the test in december. about the SAT scores, i don't think they need to be from one sitting, but they do need to be 700 or above. if it's some general test you're referring to, that used to exist but now doesn't, so no problem. remember, though: apply by september deadline for u.s. interview.

cupcake · 04-30-2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

From my understanding, being a legacy is slightly less important for Oxford or Cambridge admissions than it is for any of the elite US college admissions. I might be wrong though.

It's illegal! It is interesting that the US has spent hundreds of years trying to cultivate the system that the UK has spent hundreds of years trying to stamp out. Namely getting into college due to your family achievements/wealth and not your own.

I'm not saying that a few people don't get in because they know the admissions officer, they probably do covertly. But if anyone found out there would be uproar. The general consensus is don't mention in your application/interview that anyone in your family went to Oxbridge because
a)the interviewer may reject you just to prove they're being fair on principle
b)the interviewer might assume you're stupid and just trying to get in on the basis of a family 'name'.

either way, it's considered best not to risk it. No-one will ask, and the term "legacy" means something you leave in your will in the UK. The use of the word in the US college context would mean nothing in the UK.

sonar · 05-08-2008, 07:11 PM

elastine, the scholarships are just for grad students, right? clarendon &c?

Elastine · 05-08-2008, 07:17 PM

No they have undergrad ones as well. Only 3 though.

sabah1991 · 05-08-2008, 11:40 PM

okay . I think it would benefit you if you didn't send them your SAT scores but rather concentrated on getting a good final IB score possible 40+ and if you are interested in business you should idly be getting a 7 on Math HL and Economics HL.. these subjects will also be helpful in order for you to study for the entrance exam .. good luck ^_^ !!!