Month: March 2023

Categories
University Admissions

The University of Oxford: New College

New College Grounds:

 

New College is located in the heart of Oxford, on the southern side of the High Street, where it boasts a stunning medieval gatehouse as its main entrance. Once inside, visitors are greeted by the college’s quadrangle, which is enveloped by historic buildings, such as the 14th-century chapel and the 17th-century hall. Beyond this incredibly preserved history is New College’s enchanting gardens. These green spaces are open to the public and attract a diverse range of visitors, from curious students to enthusiastic tourists. The college also caters to sports enthusiasts with a selection of first-rate facilities, including a cricket pitch, a football pitch, and a boathouse, which only add to the college’s rich heritage and charm.

 

Admissions Statistics:

 

According to available data from 2019-2021, 57% of New College’s intake was state educated versus 43% from independent schools; and 53% of those admitted were female versus 47% as male. Between 2019 and 2021 the college received 898 state applications, admitting 190 (representing a 21% success rate) as well as 602 independent school applications, admitting 143 (representing a 24% success rate).

 

New College Alumni:

 

New College, Oxford has a distinguished legacy of nurturing talented individuals who have gone on to excel in diverse fields. The college’s prestigious alumni list boasts an array of notable names, including luminaries such as Hugh Grant, Tim Berners-Lee, Kate Mosse, and Christopher Wren. To this day, New College remains committed to fostering the brightest minds across a wide spectrum of disciplines, with its alumni continuing to make significant contributions in academia, business, politics, and the arts.

 

Inside Perspective:

 

New College also has a strong tradition of music and choral singing. The college choir is one of the most renowned in Oxford, and it regularly performs in the college chapel and at other venues around the city. The college also has a number of music scholarships, which are awarded to talented students each year. With students from around the world coming to study at New College, its student body is incredibly diverse.

 

Overall, New College enjoys a reputation for being a supportive, welcoming community, combining the best of modern and ancient Oxford.

 

Should you Apply?

 

In conclusion, New College is a historic and prestigious institution that offers a world-class education to its students. With its beautiful gardens, sports facilities, and strong tradition of music and choral singing, it is a great place to study and live. The college’s location in the heart of Oxford provides students with easy access to all the city has to offer, making it an ideal choice for students looking to study at one of the most famous and vibrant universities in the world.

 

Although New College routinely scores very highly in the Norrington Table, with the vast majority achieving a first in their studies, New College doesn’t have the same reputation as some other Oxford colleges where academic success is the sole priority. Therefore, it enables any student to thoroughly enjoy their university years in addition to receiving a world class education.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for university. With tutors who are experts in Oxbridge admissions, we enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. From guidance on halls, to interview practise, private tuition with us leaves no stone unturned. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child enter the Oxford college of their choice and succeed in their studies.

Categories
School Admissions

UK Independent Schools: Boarding or Day?

In this insight, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option, with the aim of aiding you in making a well-informed decision. We further extend our expertise to offer assistance in finding a tutor to help your child gain admission to the independent school of their choice and excel academically. At Think Tutors, we provide guidance on schools, interview preparation, and examination readiness, leaving no stone unturned.

 

Independent Day Schools

 

Day schools present a practical option for families seeking to preserve a conventional family structure, wherein students attend school and classes during the day, returning to the comfort of their homes in the evening.

 

The Benefits of Independent Day Schools:

 

Familiar Surroundings: For certain children, attending a school in close proximity to their residence provides a greater sense of comfort and security than others. Additionally, it may allow children to maintain established friendships with peers from their community, which can foster a sense of belonging and social support.

 

Diversity in Extracurricular Activities: Able to participate in after-school clubs and activities, students are afforded the opportunity to receive a complete education and engage in interpersonal communication beyond the confines of the school environment.

 

The Disadvantages of Independent Day Schools:

 

Limited Resources: Compared to boarding schools, day schools may possess relatively fewer resources and facilities, potentially impeding the quality and scope of education offered to their students.

 

Distractions Abound: The familiarity and comfort of home may inadvertently present certain distractions, such as television and video games, which could potentially impede the academic performance, personal growth, and overall development of students.

 

Boarding Schools

 

Conversely, boarding schools offer students a distinctive prospect to reside and study in a 24-hour academic environment, providing a comprehensive educational experience beyond that which is achievable through day schools.

 

The Benefits of Boarding Schools:

 

Undivided Focus on Education: Students at boarding schools have the luxury of focusing solely on their education, away from the distractions of home.

 

Strong Sense of Community: Boarding schools cultivate a cohesive sense of community amongst their students through Houses, which provide a supportive environment for personal growth and development.

 

Increased Independence: Residing in a boarding school environment facilitates the development of self-reliance and independence in students, as they adapt to the demands of an autonomous living situation and become more self-sufficient.

 

The Disadvantages of Boarding Schools:

 

Separation from Family: The adjustment to a boarding school can pose a challenge for students and families, particularly for those who are accustomed to close proximity to their homes and support from parents and other family members also.

 

High Cost: Boarding schools typically involve higher costs compared to day schools, rendering them unfeasible for certain families as a potential education option.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Ultimately, the decision to opt for a day school or boarding school is contingent on the subjective preferences and priorities of the individual and their family. It is imperative to consider the merits and drawbacks of each alternative and arrive at a well-informed decision that optimally serves the needs of the student and their family.

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the admissions process for day and boarding schools. With tutors who are experts in independent school admissions, we ensure entrance at 7/8+, 11+, 13+ and 16+, in addition to any other entry point. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child enter the school of their choice and succeed in their studies.

Categories
University Admissions

University of Oxford: Merton College

The Grounds at Merton College:

 

Merton College‘s rich history is evident in its stunning architecture, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding medieval buildings. The main quadrangle, with its manicured lawns and teeming gardens, is a veritable oasis of tranquillity amidst the bustle of the city. The college’s chapel, with Gothic arches and ornate stained glass windows, is a true work of art, and serves as a reminder of the deep religious roots of the college. The college’s libraries and laboratories are some of the best-equipped in Oxford, and provide students with access to the latest research and technology.

 

Merton College Admissions Statistics:

 

According to available data from 2019-2021, 68% of Merton’s intake was state educated versus 32% from independent schools; and 57% of those admitted were female versus 43% as male. Between 2019 and 2021 the college received 898 state applications, admitting 139 (representing a 15% success rate) as well as 330 independent school applications, admitting 67 (representing a 20% success rate).

 

Notable Alumni:

 

Merton could field a rather unique ‘alumni’ university challenge team, boasting members as diverse as William of Ockham, T.S. Eliot, and Liz Truss. The college also boasts links with five Nobel Laureates, including J.R.R. Tolkien and most recently in 2022 Anton Zeilinger.

 

Merton College Oxford, An Inside Perspective:

 

Although Merton places a strong importance on academia, it is also a place of leisure and culture. The college’s common rooms and dining halls are the perfect place to relax and unwind, while the college’s clubs and societies provide students with a wealth of extracurricular activities to pursue. The college’s annual events and traditions, such as the Merton Feast, Winter Ball and the Merton College Boat Club, are a cherished part of college life, and serve to bring the community together in celebration.

 

Should you Apply?

 

Merton College, Oxford is home to a diverse community of scholars and students, all united by a shared passion for learning and intellectual pursuits. The college’s Fellows are among the most accomplished and respected academics in their respective fields, and provide unparalleled mentorship and guidance to the students. Although Merton can be quite selective when it comes to admitting applicants, if you have what it takes to contribute to the intellectually rigorous community of Merton College then absolutely, do apply.

 

To optimise the likelihood of a successful application to Merton College, it is best to start the process as soon as possible. Although applications open in May, you will not be able to submit an application until early September. Applying to any Oxbridge college can be a complex and uncertain process, especially without correct guidance. With tutors who are authorities in Oxbridge admissions, a remarkable success rate, and unparalleled mentorship and support, we ensure the best chance of success.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for university. With professional tutors who are experts in Oxbridge admissions, we enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. From guidance on Merton College accommodation, to interview practise, private tuition with us leaves no rock unturned. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child enter the Oxford college of their choice and succeed in their studies.

Categories
A-Level and IB

Choosing Between IB and A-Levels: Factors to Consider for Optimal University Preparation

At Think Tutors, we proudly offer expert guidance in both the International Baccalaureate and A-Level programs. With our refined understanding of the nuances inherent in both curricula, students can expect unparalleled support and mentorship to achieve their academic potential in their respective courses and examinations.

 

Comparing the Similarities: IB vs A-Levels

 

Both curricula are renowned for presenting a challenging and rigorous syllabus that prepares students for the rigors of university-level education. Both the International Baccalaureate and A-Levels demand a comprehensive evaluation of students’ grasp of the course material through exams administered at the conclusion of the course. The ultimate goal of both programs is to foster and refine critical thinking, autonomous learning, and research competencies in students.

 

IB vs A-Levels: Key Differences to Consider

 

Availability:

 

The IB program is offered in both the UK and in international schools, whereas A-Levels are only available in the UK and countries affiliated with the British education system. As such, the IB may be more suitable for students who happen to travel frequently or are living outside of the UK on a permanent basis.

 

Curriculum:

 

The IB offers a broader curriculum that includes six subjects from different disciplines, whereas the A-Level program is more subject-specific and allows students to study up to four subjects in depth; however, most students choose to drop a subject after their first year of studying.

 

This element of the IB, understandably, makes the IB considerably harder than A-Levels, and so it should be chosen with this in mind. Students taking the IB must choose subjects from the following categories: Maths, Science, Arts, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition and, Language and Literature.

 

The IB’s breadth will appeal to those who are exceptionally talented and/or are yet to realise what they want to specialise in at university or at work. Whereas A-Levels may be preferable for students who wish to study their subjects in depth without the distractions of other subjects in which they may have little interest.

 

Assessment:

 

In the IB program, students are evaluated on both in-school assignments and exams, in addition to an extended essay, a theory of knowledge (ToK) course, and a creativity, activity, and service (CAS) project. Whereas the A-Level program assesses a student’s ability through coursework and examinations.

 

Our elite tutors possess a wealth of knowledge in both the IB and A-Level systems and are well-versed in the intricacies of crafting a personalised academic plan that will enable students to attain success. Beyond instilling mastery of subject matter, our tutors offer invaluable insights into optimal revision strategies, time management techniques, and university application strategies, ensuring that each and every student receives comprehensive and holistic guidance towards achieving exceptional grades.

 

Emphasis:

 

The IB program places more emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while the A-Level program is more exam-oriented. A-Levels come with a more structured syllabus, whereas the IB encourages freedom of thought, independent learning, and depth of learning through group and individual research.

 

Scoring System:

 

With very different scoring systems, it can be confusing for parents when trying to understand how the IB is scored. The IB uses a points system on a scale from 1 (the lowest grade) to 7 (the highest grade). The highest score a student can achieve is 45 points, yet 42 points can be achieved from 6 subject choices, with 3 points awarded for the three core programs. On the other hand, the highest a student can score in their A-Levels is A*A*A*, with the exception of some who are able to score A*A*A*A!

 

IB and A-Level at UK Independent Schools

 

Several schools in the UK provide both A-Levels and IB. Charterhouse, Bedford, Wellington, Cheltenham Ladies College, Sevenoaks, Oakham, and Bradfield College are just a few that have a proven track record of securing excellent IB scores. For more information on how to successfully enter the aforementioned schools, please visit our school admissions page, or alternatively, contact us.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, both the IB and A-Level programs offer students a challenging and rigorous education that prepares them for university-level education. However, the availability, curriculum, assessment, emphasis, and scoring systems of each program differ. So students should carefully consider these differences when deciding which program is most suitable for them.

 

Ultimately, the choice between IB and A-Level will depend on personal preferences, academic strengths, and career goals of the individual.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to secure excellent IB and A-Level grades. We enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. Please contact us if you are interested in finding an IB or A-Level tutor, or our Education Director, to secure advice on which program is best for you or your child.