6 Comments

As a lecturer at Universiti Malaya, I once helped a kid get into Oxford. Our preparation consisted of nothing else but intense, ingeniose conversation. *My* Oxford man (at Yale) was, and remains, C. John Herington, teacher, mentor, and at last dear friend. I have tried to find what college he came from, without success.

Expand full comment

John came from Exeter! It delights me that I am am heir, via John, to some 14th c mojo.

Expand full comment

I’d love to know about these myths from your perspective because I couldn’t see which or how they’re dispelled. For someone who has a dream to study at Oxford University how should they prepare and at what age? Does anyone with not a great spreadsheet outcome stand a chance?

Expand full comment

I didn’t list the myths (such notions as different colleges favouring types of students or schools, or attempts at interview to “catch out” interviewees).

The main (initial) criterion for an applicant is to have 3 As at A level predicted or achieved. The spreadsheet data are varied and not all relate to achievement, e.g. some might indicate grounds for mitigation. But it’s true that good GCSEs, for instance, are generally a good predictor of academic potential.

Expand full comment

Thank you that's very useful information.

Expand full comment

This sort of simple explanation is always welcome, I know.

Expand full comment