I'm considering university options... is Oxford really a wise choice for a working class girl?

Question

I know they're trying to encourage lots of kids from state schools (I go to a good Kent grammar) into Oxford, and it looks totally amazing for Classics and English which is what I want to do, but my mum says I should aim for something a bit more down to earth. Apparently the social set up would be totally alien and they all "change" and eat dinner formally... anyone got any advice / opinions?

xx

Answer 1

There is nothing wrong with aiming high. A lot of people think that Oxford students are just people who are really rich and extremely smart. The truth is you will find every kind of person there, people from all over the world and lots of views. The reason people get accepted there is because they have a real passion for the course they want to study.

The real thing people worry about is financial problems. Oxford has lots of traditions and like you mentioned, the formal dinners and many more, sometimes change is a good thing. But the thing you need to ask yourself is whether you would be able to adapt to them.

Oxford seeks to attract the best and brightest applicants irrespective of background and all applications are treated equally.

Here are ten reasons to apply:

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergrad...

The least you could do is apply, most people who do apply don't get in. However if you don't, it's not the end of the world, people will be impressed that you had applied. Hope this helps, I hope to attend too. Good luck.   :-)

Answer 2

Hello,

Absolutely if you have the determination, drive, grades etc then go for it!  You will never be judged on your background applying to any university. Universities are concerned with choosing the best students no matter where you’re from!

Go for it!

Answer 3

Absolutely!  I went to Oxford after going to a comprehensive school and had no problems there.  There is no 'social set up' (the posh kids are usually too dim and go to Edinburgh, St Andrews or Exeter as they don't get in), just bright people.  The days of your status getting you in ahead of your intelligence are long gone.  A lot of the traditions which people stereotypically associate with Oxford are a load of tosh.  You don't have to go to formal dinners if you don't want to as you can instead go to the normal dinners which are just like those at any other university.  I'd say the only major tradition that is different from other universities is that we wear our sub fusc (our caps and gowns) to take our exams in - don't ask, it's a long story!  

I'd highly recommend you apply.  If you get in you'll have a fantastic experience, have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the world and, I can assure you, having Oxford on your cv makes a h**l of a lot of difference when it comes to getting a good job at the end of your degree.  You don't get anywhere by not aiming high in life!  Besides, almost everyone who applies gets interviewed which involves going up to Oxford and spending a couple of days there so you'll get a chance to sample what the university is (or rather isn't) like before you need to make any definite decisions about going there.