Janey Harold (2nd year)
What does a typical day studying PPE at Keble look like?
In your first year, you tend to study two papers (or ‘modules’) in each term. This means that at any one time, you will be working on only two out of the three disciplines. I, for example, studied Philosophy and Economics in my first term, Philosophy and Politics in my second term, and Politics and Economics in my third term. This general structure continues into your second year, though with far more choice regarding subjects and papers as you go on. For each paper, you will usually be set one piece of work each week. For philosophy and politics, this will always be an essay, while for economics it is more likely to be a mixture of shorter maths based problems, and longer essay questions. You’ll spend most of your working life at Oxford completing these weekly essays and problem sheets. This mainly takes the form of independent study (reading the necessary texts for each topic, planning an answer, and writing it up as an essay) - though of course there are always other PPEists and tutors around to help. I tend to do all of this in the libraries - there are so many beautiful ones around the city! As well as this independent work, there will be weekly lectures (usually 4-5 each week) designed to help you get to grips with each topic - and although these aren’t mandatory, I find them a very welcome break from reading and writing, and, in pre-corona times at least, are a good opportunity to meet others on your course. After completing the week’s essay and problem sheet, you’ll attend a tutorial for each of your papers. These are perhaps the most exciting element of an Oxford degree. They may seem daunting at first, but you’ll quickly come to see them for what they are - an informal discussion of the week’s work with one or two other students and a tutor. In tutorials you’ll have the chance to ask any questions which may have arisen, and the tutors are always incredibly supportive in offering their help. Though there will always be work to be getting on with, the PPE course leaves you both with plenty of time for other commitments, and a lot of flexibility to structure your days and weeks as you like. On a typical day, I may spend the first few hours of the day at lectures, then may head to the library to work on the week’s essay or problem sheet. Most evenings I have some kind of nonwork related society - for me this is typically something musical, though in Oxford you’ll find societies for all manner of interests. And there is always time throughout the day to catch up with friends/ go for walks /meet people for coffees - whatever you fancy. Tutorials and lectures of course take place at set times, but aside from this you really are free to do you work at any hour of the day or night.
Why do you like studying PPE at Keble?
Keble admits quite a large number of PPEists - 8 in most years - and so when you arrive in Oxford you’ll immediately be part of a welcoming and supportive community of students. Not only this, but you’ll also find it easy to meet students from related degrees - economics and management, or history and politics, for example. Being part of a large cohort has many advantages. There will always be people you can turn to for help, and though some weeks may seem challenging, you’ll never feel alone with the challenge! My experience of teaching standards at Keble has also been incredibly high. All of my tutors have been extremely generous with their advice and support, and have worked hard to make the college feel very welcoming.
Personal Statement Advice
I think my best advice (and I wish I had believed others when they told me this) is that you do not need to have read lots of philosophy or to have been taught any economics or to have completed any impressive work experience. Of course you can speak about these things if you have - but there is no checklist of required reading or necessary achievements, so don’t let the process of writing your personal statement make you feel at all unqualified. Write about the things you are interested in - the things that really make you excited about studying PPE. I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘model’ personal statement - it is up to you how you decide to interpret the task. As long as you keep your writing true to yourself and reflective of your real interests, not much more can be asked of you.
Admissions Test Advice
The TSA is undoubtedly an important part of your application - but it’s not the only part. It’ll be considered in the context of everything else you have submitted - so it’s good to feel prepared, but it’s also good not to drag it out of perspective. I think the best, and perhaps the only preparation you can do for Part 1 of the TSA is to have a look through past papers online. Spend some time getting used to the kinds of questions they may ask, and then perhaps have a go at completing a paper in timed conditions. Part 2 will consist of a short essay, with a choice of a few questions. Don’t worry about trying to make incredible or complex points - instead just focus on having a clear structure and a simple argument. Beyond that, I’d say to really try your best to enjoy the TSA. After all, it’s perhaps the only exam you’ll ever sit that doesn’t rely on having learnt a tonne of material - so preparation can only really extend as far as having a look through some past paper questions and getting to grips with the timing and structure of the exam.
Interview Advice
It is very normal and expected to feel worried, and perhaps even put-off, by the prospect of an interview. I did, and I know all of my friends felt similarly anxious about theirs. Do try to enjoy the experience as much as you possibly can - regardless of the outcome of your interview, it’s nice to be able to come away from it feeling that it was a worthwhile use of your time. Remember that the tutors aren’t primarily interested in what you already know. Rather, they’ll be keen to find out how you think, and how you tackle new concepts. This will probably mean that you are asked about things which you may have never even thought about before. Don’t be worried if this is the case - it is normal and expected that you will leave an interview having found it difficult and feeling that you have been pushed. Though this can be harder than it sounds, don’t be afraid of taking a bit of time before you begin answering a particular question. It’s perfectly fine to give yourself 30 seconds or so of ‘thinking time’ before you launch into an answer. Even if you’re unsure as to how best to tackle a question, try your best to talk through your thought process. The tutors won’t just leave you to dig yourself into a hole - they will offer prompts in response to your answers, and will steer you in the appropriate direction. Make sure you listen to and react to the tutors’ comments. There is nothing wrong with ‘changing your mind’, and adjusting your arguments in response to the tutors’ prompts. Enjoy the interview. If you have got to this stage, then your application is strong. You have got a good grade in the TSA, you have submitted an interesting personal statement, and you are clearly capable of studying at Oxford. Think of the interview as nothing more than a discussion - a discussion with helpful and supportive tutors about a subject that you are already really interested in.
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