<p>I apologize in advance for the long pist! It has been impossible to get clear, consistent info about this. I am about to graduate from a top US Ivy League university with a BA in Classics, GPA 3.75, strong letters, and would like to continue studies in Classics at Oxford for various reasons, primarily exposure to the one-on-one tutorial system in a great Classics department.</p>
<p>I don’t have extensive research background and am not ready to dive into a dissertation, so gather I probably shouldn’t apply for DPhil or MPhil, but beyond that, I’m totally confused!</p>
<p>Here are my 4 questions:</p>
<p>1) I’ve been advised by many to apply for a “second BA” or “postgraduate BA” or “advanced BA” in Classics but am not sure what that means. Does it mean the Classics 1A undergraduate course? Does that mean an MSt in Classics? </p>
<p>2) Someone specifically recommended “Greats” which I gather would mean applying for the Classics 1A course, but can I skip over the Mods and just apply to Greats, or do I have to pass certain basic Latin/Greek language exams first? Help!!</p>
<p>3) A related question: I gather the deadline for US applicants applying for a BA in Classics at Oxford to start 2013 has passed (October 15th) but is it the sane deadline if you are applying for an “advanced BA” or “postgraduate BA”? I know if I apply for an MSt, the deadline is in January, but it doesn’t sound like the MSt offers the one-to-one tutorial experience which is a big draw for me.</p>
<p>4) Lastly, if you apply for Classics 1A, do you have to apply to specific colleges at Oxford? From what I’ve read, Classics students seem to apply to specific colleges but it’s all pretty confusing!</p>
<p>The Oxford Admissions and Classics web sites have detailed information that address many of your questions. You are correct that the BA application deadline for 2013 entry has passed and that the masters application deadline is January 18 2013.</p>
<p>A “second BA” is a second undergrad degree. Applications for this are considered for “senior status” which removes one year from the normal three year course. </p>
<p>“Teaching is often in the form of one-to-one or two-to-one tutorials, but students are also encouraged to attend, and actively participate in, a wide range of seminars, some specifically directed to this course. In addition, there will be a class on Research Techniques in Classical Literature, extending over the first two terms: this will include units on various topics in classical scholarship and on research resources, and will also provide a forum for students presentation of their own work to other students. Attendance at this class is obligatory for all MPhil and MSt students.”</p>
<p>My understanding is that colleges make the admissions decision at the undergrad level and that the faculties make graduate admissions decisions. At either level you don’t have to specify a college as part of your application but you do have the option of expressing a preference that may or may not be accommodated.</p>
<p>In addition to the official Oxford web pages I recommend looking for MCR (Middle Common Room - graduate students) and JCR (Junior Common Room - undergrad) information, student union publications, and “The Student Room” website.</p>
<p>Hi, I don’t know which Ivy League university you are attending but there should be plenty of people at your university who can advise you. In the case of Oxford, you are applying for “senior” status. The only thing to be aware of is the number of Senior students your chosen college admits each year. Check with the college. Some admit none at all. If you write to the Tutor for Admissions at your chosen college, they will be very helpful.</p>