Can I just say how wonderful it is to hear someone who whole-heartedly champions "happiness" as the top priority in making a decision. It's super refreshing to hear!
Hi, I want to say thank you for all of your videos, and your talk in the PPE workshop which really helped me prepare for the interview. Although I was rejected, I got myself back up after watching your video about dealing with Oxford rejections. The whole application process has been a good experience for me and a unique lesson for my personal growth. I hope I can have the chance to meet you and all the enthusiastic academics in postgrad:)
Another great video! Thanks to your TSA guide I was able to raise my score from the low 40s to a 78 in the span of two weeks. Now, I'm working to fulfil my conditional offer. I could not have done it without your thoughtful, compassionate, and insightful advice. Please keep making more content!
Hi there, I'm not from the UK, nor am I applying to Oxford but I want to say that you are truly amazing! your videos are so eloquently put and your voice feels like a reassuring hug! I am currently finishing up my final year of high school in Australia and I have been accepted to study PPE at the Australian National University. In my excitement of searching for information about the degree I seem to have come across this channel. I can tell that you are genuine, keep it up!
This is a Wonderful video Matt! I agree with you on all of it. The thing is, is that there is so much to this topic. Being Happy with in ones self is not always easy. I think it depends on how we were raised. It depends on how much disfunction we have to deal with from our childhoods. I really do feel that if we do not love ourselves we can not be truly Happy. In my experience it has been a back and forth situation. There is a lot to this subject. This would be to long of a comment if I kept writing. Your Attitude and approach to this very Human and important topic is Wonderful! It shows you Care. Thank You Matt, Jeff
"most of my students have never studied __". I'm sorry but I just can't unhear (not a word) that. I was playing this video in my lab and some people almost choked with laughter.
Hey, I'm currently in year 12 hoping to apply for PPE, I'm wondering how Oxford will look at GCSE grades from last year? I got a 9, four 8s, three 7s and two 6s. I started working a lot harder after my mocks so I feel like I could have done a lot better if I had taken the exams. Do my relatively poor GCSE grades prevent me from making a competitive application?
Hi Luke - I'm in Y13 so have just gone through the whole process, so I can give you my feeling: GCSEs are basically the only 'solid proof' of your ability/achievement in your subjects, so they will be important. However, it is by no means the be all and end all of your application, and Oxford looks at your GCSEs contextually... they will compare your score to historical scores for your school and see if you are a particularly high achiever etc, no need to have straight 9s for a competitive application. You'll also sit an aptitude exam (TSA for PPE) which is the other 'solid proof' Oxford will have when considering taking you to interview then to a potential offer. The personal statement, teacher reference, and predicted grades are also crucial to supporting your application, so actually GCSEs are, overall, just one piece of the puzzle! Your GCSEs are good, 7/8 (average) A*/A in the old system, and with the whole algorithm situation, I'm certian Oxford will also take into account how GCSE scores might have been unfairly skewed. Please never tell yourself you shouldn't apply; give it your best shot and keep your fingers crossed!
I guess it would depend on what your grades were in. For example, if you did really badly in maths and don’t do it/aren’t predicted highly in A level then you’d probably be at a disadvantage- cause of the economics component. But if you flunked French or whatever i doubt they’ll care Also you basically got As and A*s with 2 bs, so your grades aren’t god awful
Hi, I’m very young to be watching this (Doing GCSEs). My question is, for the longest time I’ve had an adoration for literature and delving deeply into texts. However I also have a interest in politics, as like you say it is like a grubby soap opera. I’d love to at some point in the future go into it. So for me, would classics and English help me on my way. I love learning new texts and skills, hence the interest in classics, and English is just what gives my joy. There is obstacles to me taking it, but with work I believe I can. But as you where saying, it is subjects like these which release the dopamine for me, and are what I wish to continue. Hopefully that question made sense, but I’m just wondering so I know what I should focus on at A-level and if I need to add in extra Latin or Greek.
You do need Latin or Greek at A-level for Classics and English at Oxford: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/classics-and-english Bear in mind that the English Lit degree will engage with political themes. Indeed, you can choose modules that will be more political, so as to scratch that itch. So a straight English degree could provide as much dopamine as a joint honours degree! Therefore it comes down to what you find from some research. Test some hypotheses. -- I think I want to study Classics and English. What does that entail, what skills can you develop etc? I hope this helps? Best of luck
Hello, you mention that Oxford sees all A-Levels as equal(except for General studies and required A-levels). Does that mean for all A-Levels that are not necessary for a subject are seen as equal even if some are Russel Group preferred subjects while some are not?
You do need to be careful, because if you're applying to other universities that have different attitudes to A-levels than Oxford, then it may be that you have to choose "Russell group preferred subjects". But, yes, when it comes to choosing A-levels that are not required for your subjects, we do see them as equal. As it says on our website: "Providing that any specific subject requirements have been met, all A-levels are approved for admissions purposes, with the exception of General Studies. " www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications
It's useful to have good grades from high school or equivalent. Just make sure you enjoy the learning as well, because then you will get better grades!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I just don't like to learn stuff i already know, I don't like to learn stuff from school right now because its not competitive enough I like learning new things.
@@atomicaim-bot3175 Read extra-curricular stuff alongside your classes and try to make connections. I read philosophy texts with passion in my leisure time from grade 8 (Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, whatever looked appealing to my teenage eye), which didn't only made my grades skyrocket after a year or two but was still very useful at Oxford later on (all the way to my DPhil).
Hi Matt, for the foundation year (PPE) essay, what do you think my focus should be on? Academics, personal life, or extra curricular? What would you say is the key ingredient for the foundation year essay? Thanks
Hi Mustafa, I teach on the FY PPE course, but I'm not involved with admissions, so don't know the answer for sure. But, I would strongly suspect that the key ingredient is academic. What puzzles about the world do you find interesting and important? What reading, listening etc have you done to think about those questions? What answers do you think are most convincing?
Another great video, although I have to disagree with you on one point: the idea that there is no such thing as a mathematical or non-mathematical brain! Speaking personally, I can assure you there is such a thing as a non-mathematical brain. Today it might be classed as Dyscalculia, but whatever it is called it can turn perfectly able students into quivering wrecks when presented with a numbers or Maths problem: an impenetrable fog literally descends. After hundreds of hours of extra maths (including coaching and self studying), I somehow dragged myself over the line to scrape a pass at O level (showing my age here). I have accepted that I simply have a non mathematical brain and that’s fine. It hasn’t hampered me academically (although I still perform appallingly in any quantitative-based skills test but fortunately I have generally manage to avoid those) or in my career. But if I had been given a pound for every time some well-meaning person assured me that ‘one day it will all suddenly click’ and ‘I used not to be able to do Maths but one day it all came to me’, then I’d have amassed a small fortune! It didn’t and it was never going to!
That's an absolutely fair point. I was over generalising I fear. I too have always struggled with maths. I would have been clearer saying that for many (but not all) there can be a stifling narrative along the lines of "I can't do x" that may be derived from unhelpful teachers or unfavourable comparison to peers. These narratives can be challenged, but sure, sometimes it's more than simply a story we're telling ourselves. Thanks for your comment.
Well said! I have to admit that for many years I believed my challenge with Maths was unique as my academic skill set was so lopsided and my Maths was so rubbish. Later in life, I met someone who is now a good friend and he told me he’d passed his O Level aged 18 at his 6th attempt and he is a professor of London University (not of Mathematics!) and I’m a current DPhil student at Oxford (History...not Maths!).
Effective Jesus algorithm... read bible everyday and end up in heaven after being saved. Being saved as a function of saving faith in Jesus Christ that leads to repentance.
Can I just say how wonderful it is to hear someone who whole-heartedly champions "happiness" as the top priority in making a decision. It's super refreshing to hear!
Thank you! That's kind of you
Thank you for that powerful message that is utterly neglected in much of higher education as well as the labour market!
Absolutely! Many thanks
Hi, I want to say thank you for all of your videos, and your talk in the PPE workshop which really helped me prepare for the interview. Although I was rejected, I got myself back up after watching your video about dealing with Oxford rejections. The whole application process has been a good experience for me and a unique lesson for my personal growth. I hope I can have the chance to meet you and all the enthusiastic academics in postgrad:)
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you've taken it all as a good experience.
Did you get an interview?
@@krishvids608 yes
What you said sir in 19 minutes, education counsels in my country have failed to communicate for years. Thank you.
Thank you! It's kind of you to say so.
Another great video!
Thanks to your TSA guide I was able to raise my score from the low 40s to a 78 in the span of two weeks. Now, I'm working to fulfil my conditional offer.
I could not have done it without your thoughtful, compassionate, and insightful advice.
Please keep making more content!
Nice work! Thank you very much for the kind words.
Woah, that’s phenomenal. What subject?
What an absolute lad. Thank you once again sir.
I really wish I had seen this at 18!
Thanks!
This man has such a motivational and inspiring attitude!
That's very kind of you! Thanks
Hi there, I'm not from the UK, nor am I applying to Oxford but I want to say that you are truly amazing! your videos are so eloquently put and your voice feels like a reassuring hug! I am currently finishing up my final year of high school in Australia and I have been accepted to study PPE at the Australian National University. In my excitement of searching for information about the degree I seem to have come across this channel. I can tell that you are genuine, keep it up!
Thank you for your kind message! Best wishes to you
Wish we had such invaluable advice when I applied to uni!
Thank you!
This is by far the best thing on the internet I have seen. Big statement? Maybe! But Matthews videos are simply brilliant.
That's very kind of you to write. Thank you!
Thank you for this video! So helpful and I really enjoyed the scientific take on it
Pleasure. Thank you for your comment.
Matt, your videos are incredible.
I appreciate that! Thank you so much
This is a Wonderful video Matt!
I agree with you on all of it. The thing is,
is that there is so much to this topic. Being Happy
with in ones self is not always easy. I think it depends on
how we were raised. It depends on how much disfunction
we have to deal with from our childhoods.
I really do feel that if we do not love ourselves we can not be
truly Happy. In my experience it has been a back and forth
situation. There is a lot to this subject. This would be to long
of a comment if I kept writing. Your Attitude and approach
to this very Human and important topic is Wonderful!
It shows you Care.
Thank You Matt,
Jeff
Thank you Jeff!
What do I want in life? I want to comment on Jesus College Videos... I was born for this!
Aww.. another great video... and you look really handsome today!
Thank you!
"most of my students have never studied __". I'm sorry but I just can't unhear (not a word) that. I was playing this video in my lab and some people almost choked with laughter.
I wish I had watched this two years ago
Thanks for the video
Thank you for your comments!
Hey, I'm currently in year 12 hoping to apply for PPE, I'm wondering how Oxford will look at GCSE grades from last year? I got a 9, four 8s, three 7s and two 6s. I started working a lot harder after my mocks so I feel like I could have done a lot better if I had taken the exams. Do my relatively poor GCSE grades prevent me from making a competitive application?
Hi Luke - I'm in Y13 so have just gone through the whole process, so I can give you my feeling: GCSEs are basically the only 'solid proof' of your ability/achievement in your subjects, so they will be important. However, it is by no means the be all and end all of your application, and Oxford looks at your GCSEs contextually... they will compare your score to historical scores for your school and see if you are a particularly high achiever etc, no need to have straight 9s for a competitive application. You'll also sit an aptitude exam (TSA for PPE) which is the other 'solid proof' Oxford will have when considering taking you to interview then to a potential offer. The personal statement, teacher reference, and predicted grades are also crucial to supporting your application, so actually GCSEs are, overall, just one piece of the puzzle! Your GCSEs are good, 7/8 (average) A*/A in the old system, and with the whole algorithm situation, I'm certian Oxford will also take into account how GCSE scores might have been unfairly skewed.
Please never tell yourself you shouldn't apply; give it your best shot and keep your fingers crossed!
I guess it would depend on what your grades were in. For example, if you did really badly in maths and don’t do it/aren’t predicted highly in A level then you’d probably be at a disadvantage- cause of the economics component. But if you flunked French or whatever i doubt they’ll care
Also you basically got As and A*s with 2 bs, so your grades aren’t god awful
Totally agree with Gregoire! Thanks and good luck!
And Krish is spot on as well!
@@gregoiredesclee9292 and Krish Nair, thanks for the responses.
Hi, I’m very young to be watching this (Doing GCSEs). My question is, for the longest time I’ve had an adoration for literature and delving deeply into texts. However I also have a interest in politics, as like you say it is like a grubby soap opera. I’d love to at some point in the future go into it. So for me, would classics and English help me on my way. I love learning new texts and skills, hence the interest in classics, and English is just what gives my joy. There is obstacles to me taking it, but with work I believe I can. But as you where saying, it is subjects like these which release the dopamine for me, and are what I wish to continue. Hopefully that question made sense, but I’m just wondering so I know what I should focus on at A-level and if I need to add in extra Latin or Greek.
You do need Latin or Greek at A-level for Classics and English at Oxford: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/classics-and-english
Bear in mind that the English Lit degree will engage with political themes. Indeed, you can choose modules that will be more political, so as to scratch that itch. So a straight English degree could provide as much dopamine as a joint honours degree!
Therefore it comes down to what you find from some research. Test some hypotheses. -- I think I want to study Classics and English. What does that entail, what skills can you develop etc?
I hope this helps? Best of luck
May you please share tips to make a good application because I'm going to enroll oxford this year. thanks
Please check out my other videos, starting with this: ua-cam.com/video/NxCyu92RA1w/v-deo.html
Hello, you mention that Oxford sees all A-Levels as equal(except for General studies and required A-levels). Does that mean for all A-Levels that are not necessary for a subject are seen as equal even if some are Russel Group preferred subjects while some are not?
You do need to be careful, because if you're applying to other universities that have different attitudes to A-levels than Oxford, then it may be that you have to choose "Russell group preferred subjects". But, yes, when it comes to choosing A-levels that are not required for your subjects, we do see them as equal. As it says on our website: "Providing that any specific subject requirements have been met, all A-levels are approved for admissions purposes, with the exception of General Studies. " www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications
Hi im thirteen and really want to go to oxford later im from belguim at which age do i need to get good grades?
It's useful to have good grades from high school or equivalent. Just make sure you enjoy the learning as well, because then you will get better grades!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I just don't like to learn stuff i already know, I don't like to learn stuff from school right now because its not competitive enough I like learning new things.
@@atomicaim-bot3175 Read extra-curricular stuff alongside your classes and try to make connections. I read philosophy texts with passion in my leisure time from grade 8 (Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, whatever looked appealing to my teenage eye), which didn't only made my grades skyrocket after a year or two but was still very useful at Oxford later on (all the way to my DPhil).
@@nikolehnert2693 thank you for the tip!!
Does he have a podcast ?
Not yet!
Hi Matt, for the foundation year (PPE) essay, what do you think my focus should be on? Academics, personal life, or extra curricular? What would you say is the key ingredient for the foundation year essay?
Thanks
Hi Mustafa, I teach on the FY PPE course, but I'm not involved with admissions, so don't know the answer for sure. But, I would strongly suspect that the key ingredient is academic. What puzzles about the world do you find interesting and important? What reading, listening etc have you done to think about those questions? What answers do you think are most convincing?
Another great video, although I have to disagree with you on one point: the idea that there is no such thing as a mathematical or non-mathematical brain! Speaking personally, I can assure you there is such a thing as a non-mathematical brain. Today it might be classed as Dyscalculia, but whatever it is called it can turn perfectly able students into quivering wrecks when presented with a numbers or Maths problem: an impenetrable fog literally descends. After hundreds of hours of extra maths (including coaching and self studying), I somehow dragged myself over the line to scrape a pass at O level (showing my age here). I have accepted that I simply have a non mathematical brain and that’s fine. It hasn’t hampered me academically (although I still perform appallingly in any quantitative-based skills test but fortunately I have generally manage to avoid those) or in my career. But if I had been given a pound for every time some well-meaning person assured me that ‘one day it will all suddenly click’ and ‘I used not to be able to do Maths but one day it all came to me’, then I’d have amassed a small fortune! It didn’t and it was never going to!
That's an absolutely fair point. I was over generalising I fear. I too have always struggled with maths. I would have been clearer saying that for many (but not all) there can be a stifling narrative along the lines of "I can't do x" that may be derived from unhelpful teachers or unfavourable comparison to peers. These narratives can be challenged, but sure, sometimes it's more than simply a story we're telling ourselves. Thanks for your comment.
Well said! I have to admit that for many years I believed my challenge with Maths was unique as my academic skill set was so lopsided and my Maths was so rubbish. Later in life, I met someone who is now a good friend and he told me he’d passed his O Level aged 18 at his 6th attempt and he is a professor of London University (not of Mathematics!) and I’m a current DPhil student at Oxford (History...not Maths!).
I will use my Oxford dictionary to look up the meaning of 'bewildered' how candid!
I know it's a bit early to predict, but do you think that interviews will be in person for 2022 entry??
My guess is that they won't, but we can't be sure. So that's my projection, not my prediction!
Effective Jesus algorithm... read bible everyday and end up in heaven after being saved. Being saved as a function of saving faith in Jesus Christ that leads to repentance.
Cold hard efficient science needs Jesus Christ Amen.