Hey all

I know it's still pretty early but I thought it would be good to get a thread going where we can get to know each other and start discussing applications, and what I am sure will be a very long wait until early next year when offers are sent out.

Has anyone started on their application? I'm working on my written submission for the BCL and it is proving to be a little bit of a killer!

I have started on my applications also including the one for BCL. I have listed the subjects which I want to study and then I am preparing my statement of purpose on those lines

I haven't even thought about my statement of purpose yet, although I have an idea of the subjects I'd like to take and it's good that Ox will be offering Commercial Remedies again in 2011/2012.

So, where are you from Tallal?

Aaaack!! I haven't started anything yet! Good you guys pulled me out of my lethargy! :)

Ha, I haven't really started anything either. Just working on the BCL written work, and I haven't got very far with that.

Anyone have any ideas of which colleges they're putting down as preferences on their applications?

I am from Pakistan. I had previously done ACCA(UK) and now I am doing LLB from University of London external programme.

I am thinking of applying for LLM in US Ivy league and UK in Oxbridge and LSE and KCL. If I don't get admission into these uni then I would most likely go for the Bar.

Bump!

Does anyone know when the application materials will be available?

probably in september..

I'd say probably September also...

At least that's what happened for the 2010/11 intake... but if I were you I'd start to work on the personal statements (or statements of purpose or whatever other name it may have at some university) and the references... that's going to take quite a lot of time and effort from you and you'd want to have everything wrapped up as soon as possible.

Even though decision are unlikely to be made before March 2011 or April 2011 (regarding Oxbridge only, other universities such as the colleges of the University of London send out offer much earlier), early applications definitely have a better shot of course, applying early is only one of the things theyll take into consideration, so dont take your offer for granted just cause youve applied on the very first day application were opened.

Best of luck to all of you!!!

Thanks guys!

Yeah I know I'll be pretty busy work-wise from Sept-Dec so I plan on getting all my statements and scholarship applications submitted, or in a form capable of submission, by early September. Also need to figure out what colleges to put down, it's just so difficult to pick between them!

Two quick questions about word count, people!

Does anyone know about the word limit of the SOP? I searched the Oxford site but couldn't find anything.

Also, as far as the written submission goes, are the footnotes included in the 2000 word count? I guess not, but once again, I'd like to be sure.

1) 500 words
2) I think it doesn't include footnotes. In any case, they are flexible.

Thanks, Alvin!

Has anyone thought about college preferences yet?

I'm trying to decide between Merton and New for my first preference - any thoughts? Would be much appreciated!

New College is waaay nicer than Merton, especially as a graduate student. It has amazing facilities, a stunning campus, and it's also literally right next to the law faculty. By far the best two colleges to be at as a graduate are New College and Magdalen. They're also the hardest to be admitted to. Good luck.

Thanks Good Gosh - much appreciated!

Application materials are now available, has anyone started applying? I feel like the Cambridge application doesn't really allow applicants to give the best picture of themselves. And it's a little concerning that Oxford is placing such significance on its online applications, even though a paper application would probably be better for me in the circumstances (although I'm doing an online application in any case).

Hey,

I have gone through the applications.
Cambridge has some random questions on personal statements and why we wish to study at Cambridge. This is actually very sad.

Do you know if Cambridge asks for a CV and a written sample like the Oxford does? The online application does not talk about a CV or a written sample. However, the checklist to the paper application does demand for the same.

Also, Oxford deadline is 21 January 2010 which is way later and it will only make sense to finish the Cambridge Application before by 15 November 2010 and then see for Oxford.

Actually very sad that they don't require a CV and a written sample like the other place? What's your problem? Cambridge has by far the highest entry standards in the UK!
Obviously, you didn't read the application materials too well; otherwise you would have found the detailed description of documents ("Graduate Application Checklist") you need to send in in the Graduate Application Pack, downloadble on their homepage. Needless to say, this information is also given to you via your self service account as soon as you apply. Just read the materials before you start complaining.

Yes, I did go through the checklist mentioned in the application pack. But, I must tell you that along with that checklist, a column states that individual courses should be seen before sending the documents mentioned items 12 to 15, which includes CV and a written sample. Now how am I supposed to know whether the LLM application requires the same till the time I have completed the online application and initiated the self service pack.

So can you please tell me how to go about this. Where would I categorically be told that a written sample and CV is to be submitted and of how many words should it be.

Yes, I did go through the checklist mentioned in the application pack. But, I must tell you that along with that checklist, a column states that individual courses should be seen before sending the documents mentioned items 12 to 15, which includes CV and a written sample. Now how am I supposed to know whether the LLM application requires the same till the time I have completed the online application and initiated the self service pack.

So can you please tell me how to go about this. Where would I categorically be told that a written sample and CV is to be submitted and of how many words should it be.