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Oxford Uni experience for Scottish Student?
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Son from non privileged background (poor) considers accepting place in Oxford Uni (possibly a prestige thing) - anyone have any first hand experience if this is smart move as the peer pressure ("rich kids") could be quite detrimental to his academic progress/wellbeing - unconditionally accepted in Edi,Glasgowpossible St Andrews (tbc) as alternatives |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Son from non privileged background (poor) considers accepting place in Oxford Uni (possibly a prestige thing) - anyone have any first hand experience if this is smart move as the peer pressure ("rich kids") could be quite detrimental to his academic progress/wellbeing - unconditionally accepted in Edi,Glasgowpossible St Andrews (tbc) as alternatives"
In all
Honesty a few of my friends went to oxford and they loved it, yes there are a lot of prestige there but a helluva lot more diversity and lower class students than many would believe and no offence but sometimes being able to get along and understand individuals from across the classes is far more advantageous in future career than your academic history, quite often the working classes have a fear of mixing with the upper classes but many of them are some of the most down to earth and humble people you’ll ever meet, I say go for it |
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"Son from non privileged background (poor) considers accepting place in Oxford Uni (possibly a prestige thing) - anyone have any first hand experience if this is smart move as the peer pressure ("rich kids") could be quite detrimental to his academic progress/wellbeing - unconditionally accepted in Edi,Glasgowpossible St Andrews (tbc) as alternatives"
No doubt about it but having Oxford as your University will in the long run open doors and be more beneficial in financial terms to your son. However, I fully understand that personal finances come into play big time.
If circumstances allowed and I was in a position to assist , then Id be saying Oxford.
I'm aware of a fab couple from Dundee who went to Oxford and he loved it . Mum and dad were ordinary peeps so to speak, so it shows it can be done.  |
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By *imbobaMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
I think Oxford is far more inclusive than it once was. He’s as likely, or more so even, to encounter class snobbery at St Andrews than he would at Oxford tbh.
Imo I’d get him to Oxford if I was able to. |
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If you think they’re emotionally grounded enough to be away from home then I would say Oxford as it means it could lead to more opportunities later down the line.
I knew I wanted to stay at home, but in hindsight I should’ve looked at other universities to ‘broaden horizons’.
Whilst St Andrews is prestigious, I went to a ‘normal’ university, graduated with a basic degree but now in a job I love and have been doing so for the last 9 years.
Volunteering work is crucial as it gives you social skills and life skills that just academic qualifications can’t give you.
Millie x |
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Given that it is November, I’m guessing that this is a purely made up, hypothetical question to get a conversation going, as no university is sending out offers or considering applications at this time of year. (Applications for 2020 undergrads only just closed in October, and the current academic year has already started). |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Given that it is November, I’m guessing that this is a purely made up, hypothetical question to get a conversation going, as no university is sending out offers or considering applications at this time of year. (Applications for 2020 undergrads only just closed in October, and the current academic year has already started). "
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"Given that it is November, I’m guessing that this is a purely made up, hypothetical question to get a conversation going, as no university is sending out offers or considering applications at this time of year. (Applications for 2020 undergrads only just closed in October, and the current academic year has already started). "
It is for academic year starting 2020 - applied for 5 Unis - 3 unconditional acceptances,Oxford required additional external math test,result to be confirmed within next few days but straight A student (not like his dad) , thereafter will be 3 days interview in December,so just checking if it is worth taking him there for his interview and any input is valuable. |
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"If you think they’re emotionally grounded enough to be away from home then I would say Oxford as it means it could lead to more opportunities later down the line.
I knew I wanted to stay at home, but in hindsight I should’ve looked at other universities to ‘broaden horizons’.
Whilst St Andrews is prestigious, I went to a ‘normal’ university, graduated with a basic degree but now in a job I love and have been doing so for the last 9 years.
Volunteering work is crucial as it gives you social skills and life skills that just academic qualifications can’t give you.
Millie x "
Much appreciated - he is doing volunteering work for 2 years now and he mixes well with peers from a varied background - i am confident he will do well regardless where he goes (head firmly screwed on at 16) - |
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To All who have been so kind to share their thoughts (experiences) - very much appreciated -i think i would now tend to encourage him to go for it (if final step taken and he will be accepted) - in response to one post - i totally agree social status, rich-poor does not define the individual and how they behave - but good to hear Oxford became more inclusive - so at the end it is most likely a money Q - Tuition fees on top of the financial guarantee to sign that a new student has enough funds to support himself for first year. |
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"Given that it is November, I’m guessing that this is a purely made up, hypothetical question to get a conversation going, as no university is sending out offers or considering applications at this time of year. (Applications for 2020 undergrads only just closed in October, and the current academic year has already started).
It is for academic year starting 2020 - applied for 5 Unis - 3 unconditional acceptances,Oxford required additional external math test,result to be confirmed within next few days but straight A student (not like his dad) , thereafter will be 3 days interview in December,so just checking if it is worth taking him there for his interview and any input is valuable. "
I think someone is pulling your leg if they are telling you this. One of us works in academia. This just isn’t how it works.
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By *imbobaMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
"Given that it is November, I’m guessing that this is a purely made up, hypothetical question to get a conversation going, as no university is sending out offers or considering applications at this time of year. (Applications for 2020 undergrads only just closed in October, and the current academic year has already started).
It is for academic year starting 2020 - applied for 5 Unis - 3 unconditional acceptances,Oxford required additional external math test,result to be confirmed within next few days but straight A student (not like his dad) , thereafter will be 3 days interview in December,so just checking if it is worth taking him there for his interview and any input is valuable.
I think someone is pulling your leg if they are telling you this. One of us works in academia. This just isn’t how it works.
"
Yes this. Daughter going through the same process of deciding just now.
Best of luck with the results. I wish the best for your boy whatever path he chooses. |
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"If you think they’re emotionally grounded enough to be away from home then I would say Oxford as it means it could lead to more opportunities later down the line.
I knew I wanted to stay at home, but in hindsight I should’ve looked at other universities to ‘broaden horizons’.
Whilst St Andrews is prestigious, I went to a ‘normal’ university, graduated with a basic degree but now in a job I love and have been doing so for the last 9 years.
Volunteering work is crucial as it gives you social skills and life skills that just academic qualifications can’t give you.
Millie x
Much appreciated - he is doing volunteering work for 2 years now and he mixes well with peers from a varied background - i am confident he will do well regardless where he goes (head firmly screwed on at 16) - "
Best of luck to him and keep us posted.
Millie |
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By *hav02Man
over a year ago
Glasgow/London |
Having studied in London, and been involved with Oxford uni several years ago, i don't think there's as much snobbery as their perhaps used to be. It's all much more diverse and something for everyone.
It really comes down to the course being studied and extra curricular/social opportunities.
I think I'm glad I studied in London and not Glasgow- but that's just down to personal needs/wants at the time |
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I was in oxford recently working and it was a reminder that i considered studying PPE there. Unfortunately at the time i was on the dole while studying for A levels, having bolloxed up my highers a few years earlier,and could not afford to apply as i think it cost £5 at the time and travel down for interview. I went to Edinburgh instead. No regrets but it did make me wonder how different my life would have been if i had. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I studied at Glasgow but a few of my friends did go to Oxford/cammbridge and said tales of the snobby element were very exaggerated.
It mostly came down to the new friends you made and the crowd you ran with...So just like school then.....Go for it, a lifetime of wondering is all you have to lose xx |
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Had friends at both. I’d say Oxford. Because it’s away from home and that’s part of the uni experience. Don’t worry about the student debt thing. Money and peer pressure isn’t that big a thing, just joining the right societies are a good thing. So if he is into theatre see what society caters same for sports. Keeping a level head and knowing he isn’t going to be rolling in cash at uni, he will do fine at either. |
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The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
"
Special arrangements? I am lost....topic is about 2020 admission, UCAS confirmed already 3 places unconditional, Oxford interview is scheduled 12-15th December and i was looking for advice if it is worth going-studying if (likely) be accepted. I had some very valuable insights from the community here an be very grateful for anyadvice given. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I did badly at school, went to a shit uni as a mature student and was then offered a research master at Cambridge. He should go. If he’s smart enough to get an offer the tutors will love working with him, plus he will undoubtedly gain afterwards. Oxbridge is held is such high regard abroad compared to other red brick institutions. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
"
he’s not getting it,
Thousands and thousands of applications UCAS receive, deadline not closed till jan and universities don’t look at applications till then... then offers are sent out March/April but
He’s still sticking with his story   |
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
he’s not getting it,
Thousands and thousands of applications UCAS receive, deadline not closed till jan and universities don’t look at applications till then... then offers are sent out March/April but
He’s still sticking with his story "
Going through the 2020 process currently for my son who's also 16 and this is my understanding.
I just hope the OP has checked everything out with the guidance teacher and the school. Would be a shame to have a disappointed 16 years old. 
Whatever Uni he chooses OP it has to be the right one for him and suit his character. Good luck to him. |
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
he’s not getting it,
Thousands and thousands of applications UCAS receive, deadline not closed till jan and universities don’t look at applications till then... then offers are sent out March/April but
He’s still sticking with his story "
Yawn....maybe it would be a good idea just trusting a parent who has seen the acceptances (initially 2 unconditional one and 1 conditional which was subsequently changed to unconditional as well (all within first 2-3weeks after UCAS opened for2020 furthermore
below timetable for December interviews in Oxford for 2020 for already shortlisted applicants....http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/interviews/interview-timetable -  |
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
"
Exactly! It seems a very silly thing to lie about, but someone is talking absolute nonsense here. |
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
Exactly! It seems a very silly thing to lie about, but someone is talking absolute nonsense here. "
Good Morning - i have proof but as you blocked males i am not able to send the screenshot of acceptance(s) - happy Sunday |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
"
According to the UCAS website, the 2020 application deadline for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and most medical courses was the 15th of October 2019.
Says it clear as day on their website, this is to allow for equal consideration for all applicants. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Rather than be hung up on a ‘name’, pick the best university for the course. In my profession, Cambridge students are unemployable but middle England university graduates are sought after. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Also remember no tuition fees in Scotland, he will have to pay £9000 a year if he goes to Oxford "
You can actually get your fees paid anywhere in the world for Scottish students
My son is looking at a university in Germany and one in oz and he can get saas funding to cover his fees for both |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
Exactly! It seems a very silly thing to lie about, but someone is talking absolute nonsense here. "
My nephew got his unconditionals a few weeks after his exam results he’s already accepted his place for uni, he’s off to Warwick in sept 2020 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The bullshit in this thread is unreal. Total fantasy.
UCAS have only recently started accepting applications. The deadline for closing applications isn't until mid Jan. All applications must go through UCAS so don't bother spinning more bollox about special arrangements.
Deferred offers have to be either accepted or declined. The universities can't hold them open indefinitely, so it's not an offer from last year either.
An ex is an admissions officer. It's incredibly tightly controlled. So that it doesn't get like the US system and UK universities maintain their international reputations.
Exactly! It seems a very silly thing to lie about, but someone is talking absolute nonsense here.
Good Morning - i have proof but as you blocked males i am not able to send the screenshot of acceptance(s) - happy Sunday"
Just ignore, depending on the course not all courses and schools within the universities operate a traditional enrolment, I can go to Oxford and Cambridge and study religious studies and potentially have four start dates per academic year, not all departments close for the summer etc depends on the degrees you’re studying |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I opened the door of the work van down in Oxford many years ago and a student cycled right into it and over the handle bars he went. He was upset but he didn't have any lights which I pointed
out to him. He ended up giving me directions for a hotel, I will never forget that.
I know this post will not help but the mention of Oxford brings that memory back |
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"I opened the door of the work van down in Oxford many years ago and a student cycled right into it and over the handle bars he went. He was upset but he didn't have any lights which I pointed
out to him. He ended up giving me directions for a hotel, I will never forget that.
I know this post will not help but the mention of Oxford brings that memory back "
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Study at St.Andrews, my daughter is in her 2nd year there and education second to none (in my opinion)
St Andrews University has a highly prestigious academic reputation, ranked by the Times as the fourth top university in the United Kingdom, and number one in Scotland.
It is Scotland's oldest and highest-ranking university
St.Andrews is a very safe town and a high amount of American students.
Americans give the university resources, which is vital in the university's efforts to attract a world-class teaching staff, which in turn has allowed St Andrews to punch far above its weight
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Study at St.Andrews, my daughter is in her 2nd year there and education second to none (in my opinion)
St Andrews University has a highly prestigious academic reputation, ranked by the Times as the fourth top university in the United Kingdom, and number one in Scotland.
It is Scotland's oldest and highest-ranking university
St.Andrews is a very safe town and a high amount of American students.
Americans give the university resources, which is vital in the university's efforts to attract a world-class teaching staff, which in turn has allowed St Andrews to punch far above its weight
"
Actually, Strathclyde University is the top ranked university in the UK, for the second time.
St Andrews takes in a far lower percentage of Scottish students, due to foreign students paying more. |
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What Thames Explorer said. I've not long returned from 5 years down there, the privileged toffs are the minority in Oxford - it's a really friendly and vibrant place full of all types of people. Most of the people I met there had gone for uni and stayed because they loved it. |
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The Prestige that you are so concerned about is exactly why Oxford is a good place to go... University isnt all about academia, it's about meeting people who will be your network of contacts for the next 30 odd years...it really doesn't hurt if these people all happen to be in well respected positions with a bit of pull behind them... life is who you know more often that what you know... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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In reality, it’s not the university you went to that matters- the name ‘Oxford’ means nothing to employers as the town has its name to lots of different colleges of varying degree of competences- it depends on the field the degree targets. If it’s a general degree it doesn’t make any difference to employers where the student went to but if it’s a vocational one, it matters considerably and it’s up to the student to take advice about which degree brings the most kudos and employability.
An example- a vocational degree holder from Cambridge may be unemployable because of the university he was taught at but one from Nottingham, same degree at same level of pass, is instantly employable. Don’t be beguiled by the name of the town as it has no reflection whatsoever on employment afterwards. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The world and student loans have drastically changed the need for an employable degree from the days of Learning for Learning’s Sake. It’s foolish to think otherwise.
I see firsthand every day young graduates in possession of useless degrees and an enormous sense of entitlement, then despair on finding out what I’ve highlighted. The rosy glow of achievement wears off pretty quickly when they find out their degree is not as practical or targeted as is required in the workplace, that their loans will haunt them for many years and in many cases, going to university means they are years behind others in the job market. An untargeted degree is worthless in the face of experience. |
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