There are lots of misconceptions surrounding the Oxford admissions process. Some will tell you that you need to be privately educated and rich to fit in. Others will tell you that the interview process is convoluted, designed to scare and confuse you. Then, unfortunately, we perpetuate these unhelpful stereotypes and, eventually, believe them ourselves. Accordingly, we dismiss the possibility that universities like Oxford are within our capability.
In my early adolescence, I too regrettably held this view. After all, that was only logical given my background: a state-educated student, the son of first generation Albanian immigrants living on a council estate. No male in my paternal lineage had attended higher education. Logically speaking, Oxford couldn't possibly be for me. So I thought.
I had always been very studious and academic. It came naturally to me. But I never coupled that with economic, professional or academic ambition, for I lacked the professional role models in my immediate family environment. Hence, I didn't see Oxford as a natural destination for myself. Nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to attend a Grammar school that arranged a school trip during GCSE to Oxford University for those considered capable of an Oxbridge higher education. From that day forward, I began to believe that Oxford was a goal to which I could realistically aspire. After all, I was a good, hard-working student. That had to count for something? Then and there, I began to write my own Oxford admissions story.
During GCSE, I began to really enjoy Biology and Chemistry and so I pursued these subjects to A-Level. Naturally, Biochemistry presented itself as a logical choice of degree (more on that to come in future posts). With an objective of reaching Oxford to study Biochemistry in my mind, during Year 12 I began to intensively expand my knowledge outside the curriculum: I viewed TED talks daily, read popular science books, attended scientific events, and applied to gain laboratory experience wherever I could. All of this was with the purpose of accurately and passionately communicating my interest in biochemistry on my personal statement - the key first step to Oxford University.
Fast forward to November in Year 13, and I was invited for interview. It was one of the happiest days of my life! To think that only 2 or 3 years prior, I had completely ruled myself out from even applying! Naturally, I had some nerves prior to the interview, but I reassured myself that it was not going to be an interrogation, the admissions tutors were just going to ask me about my interests, my personal statement and try and stretch my thinking using the my foundation A-Level knowledge. I didn't focus on how my background, appearance or accent (saff London cockney at the time) would come across. I was just determined to master all the content on my personal statement, that presumably they would ask me about.
As it turned out, I actually found the interview process to very fun and interesting! At times, it really just was a conversation between two people - myself and the admissions tutor - passionate about their subject. I felt confident and luckily, I was accepted - a conditional offer. The the work was not over: I had to get the A*AA entry grades at the end of the year. I acknowledge that I had the privilege of going to a Grammar school, but even so, my family could not support me with a private tutor, which many of my peers were able to count on. It was just a question of studying hard, by myself. And that I did. And I'm glad I did, because it permitted me access to the greatest educational institution in the world. Something I would never been able to achieve had my preconceptions of Oxford not been challenged. Of course, there are plenty of people who have been able to get into Oxford from more challenging backgrounds - this I do not doubt. Likewise, there are plenty of people for whom the route to Oxford was more akin to a destiny than a struggle. Regardless, the point of this post is not to indulge in a pity party. Instead, I hope this has conveyed my key message: Oxford is for everyone, provided that you are passionate about your subject and curious and hardworking enough to broaden your knowledge outside the curriculum. Background and social status are becoming increasingly less relevant. The mission of this website is to empower all capable students to aspire to study at Oxford and give them the best chance of success with their application. At Elvis Oxford Admissions & Coaching, I draw on my extensive experience of tutoring and coaching students for the Oxford admissions process. Furthermore, following termination of my studies, I have been working in medical communications as a medical writer. Accordingly, I am uniquely positioned to support you for Oxford admissions success with my scientific knowledge, tutoring expertise as well as verbal and written communication skills. Feeling inspired and motivated? Book a session with me and let's begin your journey towards academic success.
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