What EXTRACURRICULARS you NEED for OXFORD!

[@ThePotatoBaron]

This man has saved me metric tons of stress on reassuring me that I'm not blind, and I likely haven't missed anything blindingly obvious, thanks so much!!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great!

[@hopelessromantic8592]

You are so inspiring! You encourage me to further my studies in my area of passions! Very noble of you to post these videos - thank you so much!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I'm glad you like them! Thank you

[@tamuna_noghaideli9571]

Please answer me, is it necessary to pass the mathematics exam for the master's degree?@@JesusCollegeOxford1571

[@SpiderDijon2]

I'm not a prospective student, in fact I have a (temporary) lecturer's gig and will gradate from my Ph.D. in June, but I watch all of these videos because I am impressed by how well put together they are. Dr Williams and Jesus College have created such an incredibly useful archive of advice on their channel.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! That's very kind of you

[@Artist-teen]

I'm in year 9 and I'm the odd one out in my school.For example others don't like like coming school but I love coming school everyday I didn't take a single day off since I joined high school because I want to learn no matter how I'll I am or whatever reason there is.I don't know why but I love maths,geography,art,music,chemistry,history,sports,product desi I don't have a weak subject other than dance and drama because I'm an introvert.

[@emelialeng1583]

You're just brilliant, Dr. Williams! Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into these videos- they're invaluable. With regard to undergraduate-level reading (particularly for medicine), would it be better to mention specific research/report-style papers we might have read in a personal statement, as opposed to higher-level books, or simply writing about a topic in undergrad kind of detail?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you Emelia! Yes, it is worth mentioning specific work you have encountered, but do so efficiently. For example: "Having read a UCL research paper on epidemiology, I learnt that... but I thought that.... "

[@chq2252]

You explain things so well! I enjoy all these videos as entertainment at this point haha!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you -- that's very kind!

[@danielbethke3213]

Thank you sir for the kind advice and information. It is very helpful and will, I hope, increase my chances of success with my future application!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks! And good luck!

[@IloveThatArtandMusic]

You are such a help! Thank you for tvis great video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You are so welcome!

[@hdhhbfhvrgf]

That was really helpful Dr. Williams! It is such a pleasure to listen to you!Precise and simple analogies!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you!

[@nigelmbugua2196]

Great Content from Dr. Williams, It is always very helpful !

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you!

[@multida]

I did NOT expect you to suddenly break into Japanese. Wow. That's incredibly impressive

[@alighorbani9051]

that was very informative and useful. thanks a lot

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seau5959]

Dear Dr Williams, First of all, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make these video. They have been really helpful in my university application. A question that has bothered me for months is: regarding your point about the need to express my takeaways/opinions from a super-curricular activity, if my comment proved to be naive or imprecise, could it potentially leave a bad first impression in the tutor? Thank you for your time, Jin

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your kind comment Jin! I would say it's always best to be willing to try and express an opinion, even if that opinion may have certain flaws of logic or expose gaps in knowledge. We're not expecting prospective students to have perfectly formed opinions, otherwise there would be little point in them receiving an education from us! More difficult, however, is when students simply refuse to express themselves for fear of failure. So, I would suggest that you get used to developing your thoughts on what you read, and get used to sharing those thoughts with people around you. Be open to their advice and criticism, but don't feel you have to fall in step with what everyone else thinks.

[@GiovannaLalli]

Super helpful

[@kavyagoyat2499]

Thank you so much for such insightful content Dr. Williams! Would it be possible for you to give examples of a SMART plan for someone interested in pursuing econ and management ?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Read a specific book that interests you within a time limit (say a month). Make sure the book is sufficiently stretching, perhaps because it was published by a university press. EG: global.oup.com/academic/category/social-sciences/economics/?cc=us&lang=en&

[@kavyagoyat2499]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much.

[@AshtonArcher]

Another informative and accessible video Dr Williams! Interesting as Oxford class it as Super and not Supra.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks!

[@pierredeforas5183]

Spectacular detailed video sharing what’s important and how to pursue and learn. Also helpful on what’s not important, helpful nor sufficient. Thank you

[@valeriamamanis9708]

There is something I don't understand very well. When applying to university, how are supercurricular activities presented or demonstrated? Do we have to keep a kind of record of the small daily activities that we carry out as learning a subject? Is a work presented that demonstrates our knowledge of the subject? Or is certification from a contest (such as mathematics olympiads) or teacher required? Sorry, I didn't understand how supercurriculars are registered in our academic profile.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's a good question. Primarily your super curricular activities are presented in the personal statement submitted to UCAS when you apply to universities. The breadth and depth of your subject interest will also be tested at interview at universities like Oxford. But, you don't need any formal certification of activities having been completed.

[@maxinehypatiameera5288]

Thank you for this very educational video, Dr Williams! I had a few questions. Do watching youtube video essays related to my subject and reading research studies count as supercurriculars? Where do we mention these things? And lastly, could you suggest some supercurriculars for someone looking to study psychology?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, watching KZbin video essays can be relevant. These will be especially convincing evidence of your aptitude to study if they come from universities. Reading research studies would be even more impressive. You can describe these super curricular activities on your UCAS personal statement, which is the form you use to apply to Oxford and all other UK universities. There are some suggested subject resources here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/suggested-subject-resources But, when it comes to reading around psychology, it's really important for you to develop your own passion. Take the suggested readings as a starting point, and pursue some particular matters that grab you.

[@devanshchoubey27]

Exceptional content and advice from Dr. Matt! Really very helpful. I have a question, is there any Graduate Course for PPE at oxford?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for the comment! Sadly there isn't yet, but there are lots of graduate courses in subjects relating to PPE, see here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/courses-a-z-listing

[@ishantjawali5656]

Hi Dr. Williams I really appreciated the video and was wondering what software you used to create the presentation; it looked really cohesive.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks! It is called Prezi

[@CanAliensSeeDinosaurs]

can I reflect on the mathematical interest I gained from a murder mystery book? does it have to be a book or research paper strictly related to the subject?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You can certainly do that, perhaps as a way to start a personal statement. We want to get to know you a bit, so telling us the true story of how you became interested in maths is fine. But we also want evidence that you are ready to study at university. which means stretching and challenging yourself. This can be with books/research papers, but can also include maths competitions and challenging maths puzzles.

[@klow99]

Hello! Thanks for always providing such informative videos - I appreciate them greatly. I have just started my A-level subjects in Economics, Maths, and Chemistry. Would this combination qualify me as a credible candidate for the Economics and Management course? Of course, I plan to pursue relevant super curriculars as well as preparation for the TSA next year.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! Yes, those A-levels will be good for E&M. As you say, TSA prep is v important!

[@wajheaqureshi621]

Hello, Sir Williams. Thanks for these videos. They are actually a complete package for guidance. I am applying to Oxbridge for 2024 entry for medicine. My question is, what if I show in my personal statement that I am working on the issue of mental health in a way that I am working to answer certain questions unresolved in this field, trying to give a solution which may take a particular theory to a different direction. Including this, I am working practically to help particularly young people and students to deal with mental health problems and I am working to develop a whole sort of organization to do that. Is it something that should be mentioned in Personal statement?? What kind of impression it might leave to the professors assessing me as an applicant? Waiting patiently for your reply. Thanks Regards, Wajiha

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

HI Wajiha, that sounds really good. We like it when prospective students demonstrate a willingness to contribute fresh ideas. All you would need to do is to make clear you retain an open mind, and that you are aware that any solutions you may come up with will need to be tested and reconciled with ongoing research. In other words, don't say you have all of the answers and you're absolutely sure of them!

[@chanakyashah8367]

Hi sir, Hope this comment finds you well I am Indian student who wants to study PPE at Oxford. I have taken Economics at my school along with Maths and subjects like commerce, Accountancy and English language and literature. Additionally I am planning on giving APs in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Stats , Comparitive politics and World History. I have started preparing for the SAT and of course the TSA. I have started reading books like Freakonomics , Platos republic , a few books by Marx and The Prince by Machiavelli. I additionally am planning on starting a research paper on developmental or micro economics. I received a 94% in my 10th grade exams and will work hard to get more than that in my 11th and 12 th grade. Sir so my question is what else do you think I should do in order to become a better applicant. Thanks very much, Chanakya Shah

[@AlexReads1613]

i hope u do well m8

[@chanakyashah8367]

@@AlexReads1613 thanks mate

[@bubb13scu87]

I have a question with your example of learning a court case at 9:54, what do you do with it once you’re done? Do you mention it in your application or do you show them?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, mention it in your application along with your thoughts. It would only take a sentence: "Having read Miller v Prime Minister, I would argue that...." You can also refer to case law at interview, although this is not required, and you MUST make sure it is relevant to the questions you're asked. Don't just throw it in, and be sure to listen intently to the questions posed.

[@safiah9661]

Very informative! Also, may i ask, i got into the UNIQ oxford summer school, would this be particularly significant in my personal statement? Thank you :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, that's huge! It's actually harder to obtain a place on UNIQ than it is to get a place at Oxford! So, congratulations! It won't matter which university you're applying to, they will be very pleased to see that you have attended this summer school. Write about some particularly interesting ideas that you confronted, and what you thought about them.

[@safiah9661]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 wow, this has boosted my confidence a lot now! Thank you so much 😊

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good! Best wishes

[@hollygiles-q3i]

If I created an art portfolio related to my subject/course, would that contribute towards the super curricular aspect? And thank you for your helpful video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It would for the degree in Fine Art. It could be relevant for other subjects, like Art History. For some subjects, you may have to spell out the relevance.

[@hollygiles-q3i]

Okay, thank you very much.

[@SanaNisar-ui3ue]

Do you recommend applying before senior year or after since you mentioned the deadline is mid October and that around the middle of first semester? (Freshman by the way and I am looking forward to applying to Oxford but I have 0 knowledge on how to)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Hi there. Most British applicants apply to Oxford during their final year of high school but before sitting their exams. They apply with predicted rather than actual school grades, therefore. Of course, you can't apply any earlier or else you would not be able to finish high school in time to then start university. To get started on your application, please see here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide

[@rabiashaheryar2964]

a level business, accounting and Urdu acceptable for law (LLB)?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Those should be eligible for law, yes. Be sure to practice the LNAT test.

[@arebus445]

i wondering which software youre using to make this kind of interactive slide? it is canva ? im so curioussss

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It’s called Prezi!

[@danielkim4151]

Hi! I'm a Canadian international student looking to apply to Oxford. Would concurrent/dual enrolment courses be counted as a super curricular? I'm taking math courses beyond my high school curriculum at my local university, but I saw on Oxford's websites that concurrent/dual enrolment courses were not accepted as credit. My school's highest math course is AP Calculus BC, but would taking multiple courses beyond that show my passion?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, I would have thought that taking classes beyond those required for school would show passion. They will also enhance your skills in ways that will be of use in admissions tests and interviews. Best of luck.

[@victoriaadamchuk9874]

Hello, Thank You for such an informative video! I am Ukrainian who is currently studying in American international school. I would like to ask You, if being the vice president of my school counts as super curricular activity if i’m applying for History and Politics? Also is it useful mentioning that I finished another school with the award for academic excellence , even if I apply with the transcript from another school? ( i finished one school and still attending another ( due to the fact that I am refugee and need 12 grades to apply to the UK, when Ukrainian education only provides 11)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, you can tell us about being vice president and obtaining an award for academic excellence. Just be sure to also point out some core academic activities you have done, which for H&P will mostly mean reading books.

[@victoriaadamchuk9874]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank You so much for the advice!

[@Howto-mk9ly]

How do these fit into applications especially as a international student who most likely won’t get an interview, how can I integratethis to my application

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

All Oxford undergrads must have an interview, including international applicants.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You discuss these activities in your personal statement.

[@davinacampbell2221]

Hi!! I'm a student from jamaica that is doing the CAPE ( Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) that is required by Oxford to do the PPE course but the problem is that I don't meet the criteria to apply(eg. Like the grades that I must obtain). So I am planning to do some classes from a Canadian High School back in my home country to apply. They will help me set up on the website to apply to universities in both the UK and Canada, but I'm wondering if i can state that in my personal statement that I didn't meet the grade requirements so I find alternative methods to achieve those grades by doing a different exam other than my home country. Will this be a wise decision to do and also even though the grades are of average can I express it in my personal statement that I did two sets of exams?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You can set this out in your personal statement and it is unlikely to do you any harm, provided that you are on course to obtain the grades necessary to be admitted to Oxford. I wouldn't spend much of the personal statement describing the situation. For the most part, the personal statement needs to concentrate on your academic interests and what you've done about them. So literally no more than two sentences I would've thought will be sufficient. You could also ask your teacher when they complete their reference on you for the UCAS form to mention that you have obtained qualifications in different jurisdictions.

[@valterspatriks8752]

Thank you for the video and all the work in this channel! Would another undergraduate in irrelevant field than the one applying to help in the admission if I'm almost 30 years old?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Sure. It can be very helpful to explain what you've done and what you thought about it with someone from outside your field.

[@valterspatriks8752]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I'm afraid I didn't write it clearly. What I meant is that I have undergraduate degree from another European university (International Relations), but I've decided to finally pursue what I truly love - classics and literature. I haven't really done anyhting academically within the IR field. The question would be then wether my existing degree in IR would help in any way with admission in classics, for example. I'd imagine academic achievments would be something that would be looked at more than existence of a degree.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

@@valterspatriks8752 you can apply for a second undergraduate degree: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/second-undergraduate-degree you will just need to provide evidence that you are ready to study your new course -- such as proof of your interest in classics and literature.

[@asmaaslam3381]

Is oxford a good option for students interested in technology?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, there are a few degrees related to tech -- including engineering, materials science, and biomedical sciences. But, there are many great unis and courses out there, so worth doing some research on this.

[@fnrijufnficnf182]

Hi, I'm about to start A levels in history, economics and politics and was wondering if it's wort doing maths to AS level as I was considering PPE at university would you say it's worth it even if it leads to a bit less time being spent on my three main subjects.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Hi, thanks for your question. Mathematics is not strictly required for PPE, but the vast majority of successful applicants have maths post GCSE. By the vast majority, I mean well over 90%. So, yes, it would seem worth having maths if you are planning to apply for PPE.

[@adityayadav3511]

Can you please briefly tell me how can I get admission in llm oxford after my llb degree gets completed in India

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

The details are here: www.law.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate-taught The Law Faculty will be best placed to give specific advice: www.law.ox.ac.uk/about-us/contact-us

[@DariusWest-bk3hi]

Hellodoess creating one full on research paper iina tpic your deeply more heavily weighted as a supercurricular?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, because that is academically relevant work that (presumably) goes beyond your curriculum.

[@AnimeAvid]

I have one question - I will get my class 12th marks in May So should I apply this year or in 2025

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

First check if you have eligible qualifications (CBSE or CISCE). See here for details: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications You can apply with predicted grades, and could likely apply in 2024. But I'm not familiar with the Indian system, so it may be worth contacting the relevant department at Oxford.

[@AnimeAvid]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thnx, ya in terms of class 10th, I need 90% and I got 94.6%, that leaves me with 90+ in 12th class and 30+ in LNAT😩, Thnx, I will contact them

[@bighitgaming2526]

Hi. I'm from India currently pursuing bachelor's degree in technology from one of reputed university in india. I want to get into oxford for MBA . I'm good in academics and for extra curricular I'm in basketball team . I wanna do something beyond that , so if i volunteer in an orphanage or any ngo , will it increas the chance of getting into Oxford. Pls reply

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Volunteering and extra curricular activities are not strictly required. Please see here for what admissions tutors are looking for: www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/mbas/mba/application-requirements

[@tamuna_noghaideli9571]

Please answer me, is it necessary to pass the mathematics exam for the master's degree?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Which masters degree specifically? I don’t believe there is an exam needed, but I would need to check.

[@tamuna_noghaideli9571]

MPhil in Politics (European Politics and Society) ? What exams will I have to take? Thank you, you made me very happy. Sorry to take your time!@@JesusCollegeOxford1571

[@jule2765]

Hi!! I’m interested in studying psychology would it help that i have a published book about psychology in different cultures?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Are you hoping to study psychology as an undergraduate or postgraduate? Either way, having previously published on the subject is not necessary, but is likely to demonstrate your exceptional interest in the subject.

[@jule2765]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I’m 16 and still in high school (im from germany) so undergraduate i believe? I’ve published the book when i was 15 though.

[@elalaelasariuinjakarta7548]

Fencing....👍

[@Kakashi.hatake505]

Sir i have studied commerce without maths , but i want to study law

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Hi there, information on required subjects is here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/law-jurisprudence It's not necessary to have studied maths.

[@nchekwubeemma6204]

Am applying from Nigeria. I need guidance

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Please start here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students

[@johnjanland4788]

None. JML

[@adriparnapaul5794]

What is the preparation for Msc applicants like

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Similar, but you need to pretend to be a masters student. So, even more reading of the latest research, and even more thinking about how you would like to contribute to your field. Which MSc are you thinking of applying for?

[@oyubugodspower6800]

Thank you very much for this kind response! My name is Godspower Oyubu from Nigeria. I am interested in studying MSc Education (Early/Childhood Education) or any MSc Course related to Educational Leadership. I had already have a master's degree in Applied Biochemistry but currently works as a Lecturer with a College of Education, hence, needs an Education MSc. How should I go about securing the MSc spot with Oxford?

[@rabiashaheryar2964]

do gcse matter like a level?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

GCSEs are considered seriously, but it is possible to be competitive despite relatively weak or mixed GCSE results. It may be that there are good reasons to conclude that GCSEs are not representative of an applicant's abilities (such as illness, undiagnosed learning difficulties etc).

[@rabiashaheryar2964]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 would you recommend taking a gap year after a levels to gain practical experiences and also to improve gcse maths at C?

[@johnjanland4788]

Sorry you have such a squint. JML

[@instictivemeh7971]

I am in 12th standard in India, and I have partaken in quizzes and MUNs. Do these extra curriculars actually increase my chances

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thet may have improved your thinking and reasoning skills. In that sense they will help. But simply participating in MUN will not give an advantage to an applicant. It is best to read/watch/listen to academic content that people studying your chosen course would read/watch/listen to.

[@instictivemeh7971]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I’m planning on taking Medicine but I’m not sure if this will help me for increasing my chances