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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.

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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.

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University Admissions

Oxford Colleges: Christ Church

The Grounds: 

 

One of the most striking features of Christ Church is its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. The college’s main quadrangle, known as Tom Quad, is one of the largest in Oxford and is surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings. The college’s Great Hall, which dates back to the 16th century, is particularly impressive and serves as the setting for many college events and ceremonies (in addition to the inspiration of the Hogwarts Dining Hall in Harry Potter). The college’s chapel is also a must-see, with its striking stained glass windows and ornate decoration. 

 

Admissions Statistics:  

 

According to available data from 2019-2021, 56% of Christ Church’s intake was state-educated versus 46% from independent schools; and 49% of those admitted were female versus 51% as male. Between 2019 and 2021, the college received 944 state applications, admitting 165 (representing a 17% success rate) as well as 527 applications from independent schools, admitting 130 (representing a 25% success rate). 

 

Notable Alumni:  

 

Christ Church has a long and proud tradition of educating some of the brightest and most accomplished individuals in the world. Famous alumni include philosopher and mathematician Lewis Carroll as well as over thirteen British prime ministers, including Sir Robert Peel and William Ewart Gladstone. The college has also been home to many notable scholars, researchers, and artists, including physicist and Nobel laureate Roger Penrose and Academy Award-winning actor Riz Ahmed. 

 

Inside Perspective: 

 

Life at Christ Church can be obscenely picturesque. Boasting everything from the real-life Harry Potter dining hall to cattle-filled riverside meadows, a Renaissance picture gallery, to a Gothic cathedral, ‘the house’ is everything you might imagine Oxford to be. In addition to its aesthetics, Christ Church offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including music, drama, and sports. The college also has a strong tradition of rowing, and its boat club is one of the most successful in Oxford. 

 

Should you Apply?  

 

Overall, Christ Church College at the University of Oxford is a truly special place, offering a world-class education in a beautiful and historic setting. The college’s combination of academic excellence, stunning architecture, and vibrant community make it a truly unique and rewarding place to study. 

 

To apply to Christ Church, it is best to start the application process as soon as possible. Applications open in May but 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 the right guidance. With tutors who are experts in Oxbridge admissions, we enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building.

 

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 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. 

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University Admissions

The University of Oxford: Magdalen College

Magdalen is a mainstay near the top of the Norrington Table, with roughly 75% of its students earning a first. As such, this college is not for the academically faint of heart, as it prizes intellectual achievement. 

If you would like to find out more about the application process, or indeed have any questions about whether Magdalen College would be a good fit for you or your child, please do contact Think Tutors.

 

The Grounds:

 

Magdalen College is known for its beautiful and historic buildings, which include the Great Tower, the Chapel, and the Cloister. The Great Tower, built in the 15th century, is a prominent feature of the college and serves as a symbol of its history and prestige. The Chapel, completed in the early 16th century, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate carvings. The Cloister, a covered walkway surrounding a courtyard, is a peaceful and quiet place for students to study or relax.

 

Admissions Statistics:

 

The college currently has 397 undergraduates and 183 graduates, making it a medium-sized college in comparison to others at Oxford. According to available data from 2019–2021, 62% of Magdalen’s intake was state-educated versus 38% from independent schools, and 55% of those admitted were female versus 45% male. Between 2019 and 2021, the college received 1,170 state applications, admitting 163 (representing a 14% success rate), as well as 530 applications from independent schools, admitting 99 (representing a 19% success rate).

 

Notable Alumni:

 

Magdalen has been home to a host of famous and influential figures. From Prime Ministers to writers, scholars, and scientists. These include Oscar Wilde, King Edward VIII, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and, more recently, figures like Martha Lane Fox, Louis Theroux, and Jeremy Hunt. The college has a strong alumni network spanning everything from finance and law to science and mathematics.

 

Inside Perspective:

 

Life at Magdalen is never dull. If you are an aesthetic enthusiast in any way, then you are certainly going to be in awe of the college’s buildings and grounds. The deer park and surrounding walk are likewise among the most pristine and pastoral places in Oxford. The student body is very active, and there are numerous benefits to being a member. However, it is important to consider that although the college is by no means unfriendly, there are smaller and quieter college communities at Oxford.

 

Should You Apply?

 

There is no professional ceiling for students who are members of Magdalen. If this idea excites you, then apply, but also be prepared to continue or develop a strong work ethic. Magdalen College is a truly unique and special place, with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. It is a place where students can receive a top-quality education and make connections that will last a lifetime.

 

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 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.

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University Admissions

The University of Oxford: Balliol College

Balliol takes pride in consistently ranking among the top ten colleges in terms of annual academic performance (as measured by the Norrington College). This makes it an ideal destination for exceptionally bright and diligent students embarking on the next step of their education. If you would like to find out more about the application process, or indeed have any questions about whether Balliol College would be a good fit for you or your child, please do contact Think Tutors.

 

Admissions Statistics

 

According to data from 2019–2021, 67% of Balliol’s intake was state-educated versus 33% from independent schools, and 49% of those admitted were female versus 51% of males. The Balliol College acceptance rate is extremely competitive. Between 2019 and 2021, the college received 1,136 state applications, admitting 172 (a 15% success rate), and 411 independent school applications, admitting 84 (a 20% success rate).

 

Balliol College Alumni

 

As one of Oxford’s oldest colleges, Balliol has around 8,000 alumni. It is famous for producing notable Nobel Prize winners, lawyers, philosophers, prime ministers, writers, and leading academics. Current members include Boris Johnson, Richard Dawkins, and Cressida Dick. Past members include Adam Smith, Aldous Huxley, and Christopher Hitchens.

 

Inside Perspective

 

Balliol is an archetypal Oxford college. It is ancient, attractive, and very famous. Despite its class and prestige, it is certainly not an overly pretentious college, and it works hard to make sure every student feels welcome and at home. The college is possibly the most central in Oxford, which is fantastic, but it is also inundated with tourists all year. The college also boasts a number of world-class facilities, including a library, computer labs, and sports facilities.

 

Should You Apply?

 

If you are ambitious, intelligent, and hardworking, Balliol, with its enviable alumni network, could be the perfect college for you. In addition to its range of courses, Balliol also offers a number of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs, including international study trips, volunteer opportunities, and student societies. These activities provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences, as well as build personal connections to last a lifetime.

 

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 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.

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University Admissions

University Applications: The Process

Although university open days are useful to make an informed decision on where you would like to attend, in depth research into the potential course, university, accommodations, and city is necessary to ensure that the final decision is the right one. For further clarification, please head to our university admissions page for more information as to how we can help provide a clear voice in the process.

 

Application

 

To start off the process, an account on the UCAS website must be created, which consists of the completion of five main areas: personal details, courses, qualifications, a personal statement, and an academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or professional contact. If your child is applying through their school, their teacher or tutor will be able to provide this.

 

Our teachers have been drawn from the UK’s elite universities and have extensive experience assisting students in their efforts to gain admission to the universities of their choice. With success in various entrance exams, essays, and interviews, Think Tutors has a wide array of tutors to give both clarity and confidence in the application process.

 

Institutional Decisions

 

Following the submission of an application to UCAS, the Track portal will keep them updated and notify them of any decisions made by their preferred institutions. It is important to note that applicants are unable to reply to any offers until a decision has been made by all of the institutions. Universities will make one of three decisions. Offer a place that is either unconditional or conditional on the grades achieved in the summer of 2023. An invitation to an interview before making a final decision is especially common in courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Education, Music, and Art. Finally, they may inform the student that their application was unsuccessful.

 

Responding to Offers

 

After receiving all five offers back from their selected universities, the applicant must then decide which should be their first and second choices. Completed through UCAS, their first choice will be their ‘firm choice’, and their second choice will be their ‘insurance choice’. This decision should not be rushed, as the deadline to do this is June 8th. It is recommended that the insurance choice be one that has lower grade boundaries than the firm choice, but the decision is entirely up to the applicant.

 

Deadlines

 

The general UCAS application deadline is January 25, 2023, at 6 p.m. UK time. However, it is no longer possible for entry into Oxbridge and courses such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, with the 15th of October as the deadline for 2023 entry. Please contact us if you have any questions about applying to Oxford or Cambridge in 2024. Many of our private tutors and academic mentors have studied at Oxbridge and are acutely aware of what is required for a successful entry.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite teachers or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for university. Our teachers are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in their studies.

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University Admissions

Choosing Your Oxbridge College: Questions to Ask Yourself

Does the college offer the subject you want to study? 

It may come as a surprise, but not every college teaches every course. Many of the big colleges do, but some colleges prefer to be more particular in what they provide. You can easily find out which subjects are taught at which colleges by navigating the university or faculty website.

Do alumni networks and alumni benefits matter to you?

This final question may seem a little strange to be asking before you have even applied to a college, let alone been accepted to one. Nevertheless, if you do attend an Oxbridge college, you will become a member for life. As such, you will spend far more time as an alumnus than as a student. So, too, your college’s networks may be very important during the first few steps of your career. For these reasons its worth having a quick look at a college’s alumni page to see what they offer after graduation.

Does location matter to you?

Oxbridge colleges are spread throughout their respective cities. Generally speaking, newer colleges are located further away from the city centres, whereas older colleges are more centralised. The city centres are very charming, but they can also be incredibly crowded (and not just with tourists). It is also worth thinking about proximity to your department and whether you want a long or short journey to lectures.

Do you want a small, medium, or large college?

College size can vary greatly. Some are only a few hundred students, whereas others can be over a thousand. That means your year group can range from less than one hundred people to more than three times that. Small colleges are often noted for their warmth and close-knit nature, whereas large colleges can offer more variety and choice. Neither is better, but it is good to know what you want.

How important are aesthetics?

Some colleges do have genuine ‘Brideshead’ or ‘Harry Potter’ vibes (not least because the movies were filmed there), while other colleges can look less quintessentially Oxbridge. If you’re not bothered by red brick or Cotswold stone, then consider applying to a modern college. If looks matter, consider your options wisely, as some of the prettiest colleges are also the most oversubscribed.

Which facilities matter to you?

Dining rooms, libraries, chapels, common rooms, and bars are standard facilities at most colleges, but some have specific facilities that may or may not be interest to you. This is especially true if you are sporty, as some colleges have extensive and conveniently located pitches, gyms, and boat houses. This can also be applicable for music, as some colleges have extensive facilities for practice and performance.

Do you want college accommodation for all three years?

Not every college has enough housing to offer accommodation students for all three years of their degree. While first years are generally provided with on-site rooms, students sometimes have to live further afield in their second and third year in order to remain in college-owned rooms. It is also worth noting that costs and quality can vary between colleges, as do dining arrangements and kitchen facilities.

Do you have a preference regarding gender balance?

While many colleges are evenly split between genders, some colleges do have more of one gender than another. Likewise, Cambridge has several women only colleges.

Do you have a preference regarding state and public-school balance?

Some colleges are more interested in admitting state school applicants than those from public schools. If you have a preference in either direction, have a look at the admissions statistics for your college.

How can Think Tutors help?

At Think Tutors, with the assistance of the highly qualified tutors that we can offer, your child will reach success. A number of our tutors and mentors are vastly experienced within Oxbridge entrance and have worked with multiple students to gain entry into their chosen college. If you are interested in finding a tutor to ensure that your child feels confident in selecting their chosen college and experiencing success in entry, please do get in touch.

 

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University Admissions

Oxford and Cambridge Entrance: A Guide to Assessments

Cambridge Law Test

The Cambridge Law Test is a paper and pen test used to measure your aptitude for law by assessing your comprehension and exposition skills. You do not have to possess prior knowledge of the law to sit the test, which lasts for one hour and is sat on the day of your interview. The Cambridge Law Test is being phased out from 2022 onwards, to be replaced by the LNAT.

LNAT

The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is a pre-interview admissions assessment. It tests an applicant’s abilities in reading comprehension, inductive and deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning, as well as analysis (but it does test an applicant’s intelligence or knowledge of the law). Comprised of two sections, the first consists of 42 multiple choice questions and the second is essay-based.

MAT

The Mathematics Admission’s Test is mandatory for those applying to various courses at Oxford (such as Computer Science and Mathematics). It is a subject-specific test that aims to gage the depth of an applicant’s mathematical understanding rather than the breadth of their knowledge. The MAT is designed to be approachable for all students, including those without Further Mathematics A-level or equivalent.

STEP

Achievement in the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) forms a part of a conditional offer to read mathematics at Cambridge (it also used in the admissions process for mathematics at Warwick and Imperial College London). STEP has two papers (entitled STEP 2 and STEP 3): the former based on A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics), while the latter is based on A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics. Of note, STEP questions are less standard and less structured than their A Level equivalents, which is designed to distinguish between ability (or potential) and good teaching.

BMAT

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is used by universities around the world to help select applicants for medical, dental, biomedical, and veterinary degree programmes. The BMAT tests an applicant’s ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and written communication skills that are essential to university-level study. There are several BMAT sessions throughout the year and different universities accept different sessions, depending on their admissions cycle.

GAMSAT

The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a day-long assessment required by several universities in the UK for graduate entry medicine programmes. The test’s length distinguishes it from the UCAT and BMAT, and it can be taken as many times as one likes. The GAMSAT covers basic science, as well as general problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and writing abilities.

UCAT

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by many UK and non-UK universities (in collaboration with the UCAS application system and the use of academic qualifications) for entry into medical and dental schools. The UCAT assess for verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitate reasoning, abstract reasonings, and situational judgement.

CAT

Sitting the Classics Aptitude Test (CAT) is required for all those applying to study Classics at the University of Oxford. The CAT is a paper-based test, divided into three sections: the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT). Each section lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which of the sections you take depends on whether you are applying for Classics I or Classics II.

ELAT

Oxford University’s English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) is a paper-based assessment, lasting 90 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The ELAT is designed to test a candidate’s close reading skills, and their ability to shape and articulate an informed response to unfamiliar literary material. Applicants will be asked to write one essay comparing two provided passages, focusing on elements such as language, imagery, syntax, form, and structure.

HAT

The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is a written assessment sat by those applying for a History degree at Oxford University. Candidates are asked to offer thoughtful interpretations of a source without knowing anything about its context. The HAT is a test of skills, not substantive historical knowledge. It is designed so that candidates should find it equally challenging, regardless of what they have studied or what school examinations they are taking.

PAT

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a part of the admissions process at the University of Oxford for courses such as Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, and Physics and Philosophy. The PAT is subject-specific and lasts 2 hours, which is sat under timed conditions. It is designed for candidates who have studied the first year of A-level (or equivalent) Maths and Physics and covers similar material to that of the GCSE and A-level syllabus.

MLAT

The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is required for those applying to read any modern languages-based course at the University of Oxford. The MLAT is a paper-based test which consists of 10 sections. Which sections are taken depends on the course you are applying for. There are eight individual sections for each of the following languages: Czech, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The other two sections are: the Language Aptitude Test (LAT: for those applying for new languages as beginners and for Russian on its own), and the Philosophy test (for those applying for Philosophy and Modern Languages). The Philosophy section lasts 60 minutes while each other section is 30 minutes. Candidates are to take a maximum of two sections.

CAT

Sitting the Classics Aptitude Test (CAT) is required for all those applying to study Classics at the University of Oxford. The CAT is a paper-based test, divided into three sections: the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT). Each section lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which of the sections you take depends on whether you are applying for Classics I or Classics II.

MML

All Cambridge Colleges (unless otherwise stated) requires applicants for the Modern and Medieval Languages course to sit an at-interview written assessment. This test it is designed to test your skills rather than your knowledge. The written test lasts one hour and is based on a short text in English. It will be marked by the subject experts in the College that are interviewing you according to an agreed set of criteria.

OLAT

Sitting the Oriental Languages Aptitude Test (OLAT) is required for all those applying for either Oriental Studies, Classics and Oriental Studies, European and Middle Eastern Languages, or Religion and Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford. The OLAT is a paper-based test, lasting 30 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The OLAT is designed to assess your ability to analyse how languages work, in a way which doesn’t depend on your knowledge of any particular language, but instead looks to gauge one’s aptitude for learning a new language rapidly.

TSA

The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a two-part test, divided into a 90-minute multiple choice component (focussing on problem-solving and critical thinking skills), and a 30-minute writing task (focussing on organising ideas in a clear and concise manner). The TSA is required for those applying to study courses such as PPE at Oxford.

Oxford Philosophy Test

The Oxford Philosophy Test is required for all candidates applying to study Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford. It is a paper-based test, lasting 60 minutes and sat under timed exam conditions. The Philosophy Test is designed to test a candidate’s philosophical reasoning skills. There is no expectation that you will have undertaken any formal study of philosophy, and it is not a test of philosophical knowledge.

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University Admissions A-Level and IB Topical

A-Level Results Day 2022

When is A-level results day this year?

A-level results day is on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Where can you pick up your results?

Results can be collected anytime from 8am, or when your college or school is open on the 18th.

What happens on A-level results day?

In addition to your college or school disclosing your results, UCAS receives your results directly and updates your Hub. This often happens by about 08:15. The UCAS system will be incredibly busy, so it may take longer than expected for you to discover whether your applications have been successful.

 

Note that UCAS does not disclose your A-level results directly (unlike your school or college), merely the outcome of your university applications.

How Should I Prepare?

Apart from rising early and accessing your results at 8am, it’s advisable to have certain details and materials to hand. This is particularly applicable for those who might receive lower than expected results and need to apply for a university place through clearing.

 

You should have:

 

  • Your UCAS ID number and log-in details.
  • Your UCAS Clearing number. This will be available on the UCAS Hub for those who’ve failed to gain admittance at any of their choices.
  • Clearing phone numbers for universities you’ve applied to or are interested in.
  • Your personal statement as universities you communicate with in Clearing may ask you questions about it. It may help to know your GCSE results in case you are asked about them.

 

If you might need to go through Clearing, prepare ahead of time by researching your choices.

What if your UCAS Hub doesn’t update?

If this occurs and continues into mid-morning, then you should phone the university. It is very possible that they have yet to make a final decision. Be sure to note when you call that you are an existing offer holder and not a Clearing applicant.

What if you’ve met your offer?

It’s time to celebrate! Once your UCAS Hub status has updated (which can take a few hours on results day), you will receive confirmation from your firm choice.

What if you’ve just missed your predicted grades?

It’s still possible that you’ll get an offer from your firm choice. As such, check your UCAS Hub to discover whether your status has changed to ‘unconditional’ or if you’ve been offered a place on a different course at the same university. This is designated a ‘changed course offer’ and it will need to be either accepted or declined.

 

If you’ve narrowly missed out on your expected grades or you are intending to appeal the outcome, you might be able to request your firm choice to reconsider your application if they haven’t accepted you.

What happens if you don’t receive your desired offer?

Should this occur there are several options available to you which include accepting your insurance offer, applying to alternative universities through Clearing, retaking your A-levels, and reapplying for next year. This is also applicable if none of your insurance choices have offered you a place.

How can Think Tutors help?

Think Tutors can provide short-term assistance with university applications, and long-term tuition across every subject. Our industry-leading team of advisors are well positioned to assist with any inquiries or impediments that emerge during your university application process. Contact us to find out more.

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University Admissions

Top Tips for Effective Reading at a University Level

Targeted Reading

Knowing what you are reading is sometimes as important as knowing what you’ve read. That’s because not all reading requires the same methods and approach. How you read a novel for leisure should be different from how you read journal articles for an essay. Knowing the difference can save you hours of unnecessary effort.

 

At university you’ll need to become adept at surveying or skim reading (and ideally speed reading too), which is useful for developing an overall impression and overview of a work, identifying essential/core information, and finding several specific points. This technique is then repeated across multiple sources (ranging from entire books to chapters and journal articles).

 

Once you have formed a broad overview of the relevant material it’s important to engage in more deliberate reading and finer analysis of relevant passages and chapters, which can involve cross-checking information, defining concepts, understanding terminology, comparing viewpoints, and taking notes. This type of reading is generally slower than skimming or survey reading.

Reading Goals

Before you commence with your reading, determine what it is you are reading for. Consider asking yourself what it is that you hope to ascertain: is it specific information, something to quote, or an overall understanding of your topic? If it’s just a quote, for instance, you can scan more quickly, but gaining understanding requires a more moderate pace.

 

Develop an agenda or a wish list that helps you identify what you are reading for, which will help your brain to filter out non-essential information. This will improve your overall reading efficiency.

 

It can also be helpful to keep track of how much you’ve already gleaned (such as keeping a running tally or developing a bank of research quotes) and deciding ahead of time how much research you may need. Perhaps thirty quotes or ten pages of notes is sufficient. Developing a sense of how much reading is enough (at least in preliminary form) is important, because a common mistake in writing essays is to dedicate too much time to reading and research and not enough to composition. Sometimes it is much easier and faster to come back to research in order to satisfy a specific need rather than try to cover everything all at once at the beginning. Be sure to record the bibliographical details for each item you read, along with page numbers for notes and quotes, which will save you time at the end when you write your essay.

Select The Right Sources

Use reading lists wisely and selectively. The first thing to do is to divide your reading into primary, secondary, and tertiary or specialised categories. Primary material usually comes in book-length or chapter form and is useful for building your general knowledge and confidence with a topic. Begin with core texts, textbooks, general introductions (like Oxford’s Very Short Introduction series) and anything designated essential on a reading list. It is often prudent to read the introduction and conclusion to any academic material before reading it from back to front (this often applies to individual chapters as well), because it is common practice to assert and reassert important information in these places. Primary reading should normally require 40-50% of your allotted reading and researching.

 

Secondary reading often represents 30-40% of your time and usually represents a deeper focus on specific themes or topics that you identified in your primary reading. These will usually be found in journals and articles, and specific chapters or passages in books. Likewise, your tertiary or specialised reading should be left until last, representing about 20-30% of your efforts. This is where you want to scour the index and footnotes/endnotes of books, review relevant abstracts, and look for finer details that add specific value to your essay.

Contact Think Tutors

Taken together, these three tips should help improve your reading and research skills. Don’t forget to get in touch with Think Tutors to discuss how we can further hone these and other skills.