Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply for the BCL at Oxford soon and I would like your opinion (especially if you've studied the course) on whether I stand a chance or not:

1. Research publications - 15+, including 3 indexed with William S Hein (one of the Journals is 100+ years old and the other is a part of the Jessup Library) and a Blog Post + Paper with an EU-based Professor with a DPhil from Oxon (currently affiliated with Cantab too)

2. Lots of editorial experience - Founded a niche Legal Blog that's been ranked Top 5 Globally for it's specific category within 11 months. Edited 90+ manuscripts, including one by a QC. Also peer reviewed for 2 journals.

3. Internships (Non-Academic) - Worked with the best law firms in my country (I'm from India), along with one law firm each in the EU and Africa. Have also worked with 2 government departments and a Constitutional Court Judge. Also worked at a UN-affiliated NGO. Also attended Silver Circle firm Open Days/Insight Schemes.

4. Internships (Academic) - Working as an RA with the Cantab Research with an Oxon Law DPhil mentioned in #1. Have also worked as a Research Intern at a QS Top 100 University (100% scholarship) for 1 month - however, I could not earn academic credit for the program (I do have a participation certificate) due to an illness.

5. Community Service - Worked with 4-5 NGOs on diverse topics such as Farm Rights, Contraception, and Education.

6. Summer Schools/Winter Schools - 8 (6 Public International Law and 2 on Commercial Law), albeit with only one in person with Scholarships/Fee Waivers in 2.

7. Mooting/Other Activities - Participated in 3 with a Memorial Award in 1 moot. Won awards 5+ Client Counselling events (2 Tournament wins).

8. University Societies- Appointed Dean's Nominee for the flagship Law Review. Co-founded one society, and served in 5 others.

9. Academics - The tricky one. Safely on course for a First Class Degree, but only within 10-12% of the entire batch. My University is ranked Top 10 in India for Law.

10. References - I have 2 strong academic ones, the Cantab researcher (ref #1) whom I'm working with, the Former Vice Chancellor of my institute (who served for 3/5 years of my degree) and 1 Law Firm Partner (one of best in the country in his specific area of practice, as per Legal 500).

Hi, 

Oxford, unlike for instance US universities, does not care much about extra-curriculars: these might be relevant, however, for the personal statement, i.e. to show an interest in a particular field. What is very important for Oxford is: grades, the piece of academic work, and references. I think your grades are fine, but bear in mind that all other applicants will also have very good grades. The piece of academic work is therefore an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and it seems that you have many good pieces of writing to submit, so that's good (choose the one that showcases your analytical skills the most). References are also important; it is not that important who submits the reference really, but  it is much more important if they know your work well. If the Queen submits a reference for you but she doesn't know your work at all, this won't help you. If, however, you are able to find a referee who knows your work well, for instance, your dissertation supervisor or someone who taught you a lot and gave you good grades, then these will be much better than the Queen's reference, if you know what I mean here.

So, in sum, I think you stand a good chance, but no one can really guarantee anything 

[Edited by miki3999 on Nov 04, 2021]