Applications and Interviews

We welcome applications both from students who will be taking their A- levels or equivalent examinations in the following summer, and from those who have already taken them. Offers are in line with other colleges in Oxford, and normally will be based on three subjects at A, at a level of AAB or AAA in A2. Most candidates are called for interview in the first two weeks of December and offered accommodation in college for the two or three days they spend here. Current undergraduates are available in this time to show you round.

There are two stages of your application: the UCAS form and the interview. In addition you may fill in a special Oxford form, and you may be asked to send some written work.

1. The UCAS form
We look at two areas in particular:

• Your academic progress. The main information we have is from the results of public examinations you have taken so far. Most people called for interview get a majority of A's and A*'s for their GCSEs (or equivalent). Sometimes you may do less well in one or two subjects; this does not preclude you form applying. AS grades will be taken into account too.
  
  
• Interest and Motivation. We want to take people who will enjoy the academic stimulation of Oxford. The personal statement is the place where you can write about why you want to do a particular subject or course. Don't agonise over every word as ideas can be discussed at interview. However we are looking for motivation and for evidence of genuine interest in your subject (perhaps books you have read, work experience, external courses, hobbies, projects).
  
  Other information you supply on the form is used as well (for example external interests) but is usually of less importance.

2. The Oxford application form
You are invited to fill in an additional application form for Oxford. This is simply so you can add information (if you want to) which is specific to your application here. It can be used, for example, to say why you want this particular course.

3. Written work
In some subjects you are asked to send some written work. You should not write something especially for this, but send some written, marked work you have done at school. You may have the opportunity to discuss it at interview.

4. Interview
When you come up for interview you may be given a short entrance test, depending on your subject. LMH follows the procedures defined by the faculties of the various subjects and does not have any written admissions tests that are peculiar to the college. In some subjects applicants will be asked to send examples of their school work, and part of the interviews will focus on the work that has been sent. It is also possible for applicants to be set a written test when they arrive at the college for their interview, as described in the University Prospectus. You should also read the specific information for specific courses, given below.

Potential students are normally given at least two interviews each of 20-30 minutes in college. Each is with a single tutor or small group of tutors. Most people get rather nervous about interviews, and we try to put you at ease. Interviews are not cross-examinations, but a way to investigate ability and potential. We look for knowledge of a subject, for critical and analytical skills, and for intellectual independence. We also look for people who will enjoy studying here and for evidence of genuine interest in your subject as outlined above. You will get the opportunity to ask questions too, and to talk to LMH undergraduates. We also assess the qualities of self-discipline and commitment that are essential to getting the most from academic life at Oxford. Oxford University has published a Guide to Interviews, obtainable from the University Admissions Office, which provides information about what to expect and how to prepare yourself for the experience.

You are likely to be required to stay in college for 2 or 3 nights when you come for interview, and to go to interviews at other colleges too. This is because, although you apply for a particular college (or if your application is open you will be assigned to a particular college) the colleges work together to identify the best candidates across the University for each subject. Most people enjoy their stay and use it to get a foretaste of student life while you are here.

If you have any particular needs for interview (e.g. limited access, dietary etc), please let the Tutor for Admissions know as soon as possible.

Disabled Students

The College is very willing to consider applications from people with physical or sensory disabilities. LMH has one of the best levels of accessibility for the disabled of any College in the University, although our distance from the centre of town might represent a problem. The Tutor for Admissions would be happy to answer any enquiries concerning the logistics of studying at LMH as a disabled student in a particular subject area.