Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:50
Subject: Applying to Oxford
what does "very good at it" mean, exactly? Does she know basic calculus? Has she passed AP physics 1 or 2 practice tests? How has she done on the f=ma exam?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:You need 5s on at least 5 AP exams.
But other than planning to take rigorous classes, what your 8th grader wants is likely to be very different from what she wants in 12th grade, both location and major. Encourage flexibility and bring open to learning new things.
They won't change wanting to go to Oxford. She has wanted to go there for a long time and it is very in tune with her life plans. Also, she has loved physics for again a long time and is very good at it. This most likely won't change in the next five years.
If you want a source of challenging mechanics problems, check out this book: https://www.amazon.com/Problems-Solutions-Introductory-Mechanics-David/dp/1482086921
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:48
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Also, year 10 in the UK is grade 9 in the US so she is at the right level to start COMPOS year 10.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:47
Subject: Applying to Oxford
She needs to learn elementary physics at a high level.Anonymous wrote:My daughter is a soon to be high schooler and wants to start preparing to apply to go to Oxford. She wants to major in physics has anyone ever had a child who attended/attends Oxford? If so can you give me tips when applying?
https://knzhou.github.io/writing/Advice.pdf
You can learn basic calculus here: https://www.3blue1brown.com/lessons/essence-of-calculus
Once she finished the book by Halliday, Resnick, and Krane, she should be well prepared to start practicing with past PAT problems.
I also suggest you register for https://compos.web.ox.ac.uk/ - it's run by Oxford and teaches math and physics in depth for £25 per week.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:42
Subject: Applying to Oxford
The personal statement can be overlooked by some but it can really help a lot of applicants. If you can properly convey your genuine love and passion as well as potential in physics it'll boost your chance by a lot. Next is the PAT anything below 70% will hurt your chances. 70%-80% is considered a good score and you'll still have a decent shot. 80% and above will definitely boost your chances. During the interview they want to know your thought process they'll challenge your thinking and see how you respond and will also throw unfamiliar topics.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:26
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:Also they don’t care about GPA or transcript. its down to the exam scores, personal statements, and interview
Personal statements don’t matter either. Once you meet the minimum entry requirements, it’s all about the results on the Oxford-specific test and the interview. The latter can be particularly tough for US candidates.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:13
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:BURN!!!! US AOs.
?
Anonymous
05/15/2025 23:09
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Isn't Oxford a pretty simple "submit your scores, get admitted if they are high" application?
No, the published score requirements are the minimum to even apply. They are necessary but not sufficient. its the first level of weeding out. If you pass that bar, then you take specific oxford admission tests, content varies
depending on your course, and then they select a percentage of applicants for an in depth interview with actual professors in the major you are applying for. Interview is to see evidence you can handle oxford style tutorial learning, and probing your knowledge base and ability to think through things. Completely different approach than the US with its approach on “vibes” and being assessed by admissions officers who have no specific knowledge of your course of study but weigh your “personality” and “character”
BURN!!!! US AOs.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:59
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:If physics, she better be beyond an absolute stand out, not just in her state, but the entire country.
Lol the Oxford kids from Britain are not standouts. I know several. They are smart and hardworking. But far from genius. Our kids at schools like Yale Caltech and MIT are far superior.
Surely, with your ability to assess a standout, you learned at some point that your anecdotes do not constitute data. I've met brilliant people who studied at Oxford.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:31
Subject: Applying to Oxford
For STEM course at Cambridge, the minimum requirement to apply is 750 math SAT, combined minimum 1500, or ACT 33. No superscoring and all test scores must be sent in. All AP exams must be sent in, with a score of 5 on a minimum of 5 AP exams.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:26
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Also they don’t care about GPA or transcript. its down to the exam scores, personal statements, and interview
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:25
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:Isn't Oxford a pretty simple "submit your scores, get admitted if they are high" application?
No, the published score requirements are the minimum to even apply. They are necessary but not sufficient. its the first level of weeding out. If you pass that bar, then you take specific oxford admission tests, content varies
depending on your course, and then they select a percentage of applicants for an in depth interview with actual professors in the major you are applying for. Interview is to see evidence you can handle oxford style tutorial learning, and probing your knowledge base and ability to think through things. Completely different approach than the US with its approach on “vibes” and being assessed by admissions officers who have no specific knowledge of your course of study but weigh your “personality” and “character”
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:11
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:If physics, she better be beyond an absolute stand out, not just in her state, but the entire country.
Lol the Oxford kids from Britain are not standouts. I know several. They are smart and hardworking. But far from genius. Our kids at schools like Yale Caltech and MIT are far superior.
Yeah not true. Oxford is number 1 in the world. MIT is at 3rd, Caltech at 7th, and Yale number 10th. Knowing a few kids doesn't speak for all students.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:09
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Cambridge and Imperial are much stronger for physics in the UK.
Oxford is better for humanities and social sciences.
My sister did physics at Oxford some time back (Corpus Christi college) and the 100% final exam after 2 years (in a full formal suit) was very intimidating.
Good luck to your DC! Oxford is a special place.
Oxford is better for humanities and social sciences.
My sister did physics at Oxford some time back (Corpus Christi college) and the 100% final exam after 2 years (in a full formal suit) was very intimidating.
Good luck to your DC! Oxford is a special place.
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:08
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Oxford UK or Oxford the community college for Emory?
Anonymous
05/15/2025 22:05
Subject: Applying to Oxford
Focus on the academics, SAT, and interview skills and send her to Cambridge if she wants to study physics. The town is also nicer, with most of the colleges in the historical center.