Author Topic: Access University of Oxford  (Read 1427 times)

Offline iram

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Access University of Oxford
« on: November 04, 2008, 10:37:56 PM »
Access University of Oxford

Despite the University's claims that its admissions policies avoid bias to candidates of certain socioeconomic or educational backgrounds,[14] the fairness of Oxford admissions have continued to attract considerable public controversy through episodes such as the Laura Spence Affair in 2000.[15] Oxbridge entrance remains a central focus for many private and selective-state schools, and the lack of a more representative social mix at the university remains a point of national controversy.[16] In 2007, the University refined its admissions procedure to take into account the academic performance of applicants' schools.[17] A study showed that "[a] student in a state school is as likely to go on to a leading university as a student from the independent sector who gets two grades lower at A-level".[18]

Students who apply from state schools and colleges have a comparable acceptance rate to those from independent schools (25% and 32% of applicants accepted respectively, 2006). However, most pupils who are accepted from state schools come from "elite" grammar and selective schools, rather than comprehensives.[19] Only about half of applications come from the state sector,[20] and the University of Oxford funds many initiatives to attract applicants from this sector, including the Oxford Access Scheme, Target Schools, and the FE Access Initiative.[21] Most colleges also run their own access schemes and initiatives.
The Ashmolean is the oldest museum in Britain

The University is also open to overseas students (primarily from American universities) who may enroll in study abroad programmes during the summer months. Mature and part-time students are supported by the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.