How Hard is it to Get Into Oxford University?
TLDRThe video follows the journey of a person attempting the Oxford University Mathematics admissions test, a rigorous challenge designed to assess problem-solving skills. Initially scoring 37%, the individual seeks guidance from Dr. Tom Crawford, a mathematician and admissions expert at Oxford. Through intensive study and practice, the person aims to improve their score, demonstrating that proficiency in mathematics, like any skill, can be learned and enhanced with dedication and effort. The video concludes with a retest, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the joy of learning.
Takeaways
- 🏛️ The video is set at Oxford University, renowned for its prestigious research and education, and notable alumni like prime ministers and scientists.
- 🎓 The narrator attempts the Oxford University admissions test for mathematics, which is a challenging 2.5-hour exam with no set pass mark but a target score of 60 or above for a decent chance at an interview.
- 📝 The test consists of multiple-choice questions and longer, multi-part questions, with no calculators allowed, emphasizing problem-solving skills.
- 🤔 The narrator initially scores 37%, which is considered decent for a first attempt, highlighting the difficulty of the exam and the need for strong mathematical skills.
- 👨🏫 Dr. Tom Crawford, a mathematician and admissions tutor at Oxford, provides feedback and guidance, emphasizing the importance of practice and problem-solving in mathematics.
- 🔄 The narrator learns from his mistakes and strategies, such as eliminating incorrect answers and managing time effectively, to improve his performance on a retest.
- 📚 The video emphasizes that proficiency in mathematics is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice, contrary to the belief that some people are born unable to do basic math.
- 🧠 The process of 'cramming' or intense studying is shown, demonstrating the effort required to prepare for a challenging exam in a short time.
- 🎓 The retest results in a score of 62%, just meeting the target and demonstrating the effectiveness of focused preparation and learning from previous attempts.
- 🤓 The video aims to inspire viewers to learn new skills or improve existing ones, emphasizing that proficiency in any skill, including mathematics, is achievable with effort and practice.
- 📌 The video includes a promotional offer for Skillshare, a learning platform with classes on various subjects, including those taught by the narrator himself.
Q & A
Where is the narrator visiting in the video?
-The narrator is visiting Oxford University, a prestigious research and education institution.
What is the significance of Oxford University in terms of historical figures?
-Oxford University is significant because it has been attended by notable figures such as 28 out of 55 prime ministers of the United Kingdom, David Aran, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Neils Bore.
How old was Oxford University when Christopher Columbus first set foot in North America in 1492?
-Oxford University was already established for 400 years when Christopher Columbus set foot in North America in 1492.
What is the narrator attempting to do in the video?
-The narrator is attempting to take the admissions test for Oxford University to study mathematics at an undergraduate level.
What is the format of the Oxford University mathematics admissions test?
-The test is a 2 and a half hour exam consisting of five questions, marked out of 100. There isn't a pass mark, but scoring 60 or more is considered necessary for a decent chance of getting an interview.
What is the narrator's strategy for taking the exam?
-The narrator decides to take the exam completely blind, without looking at past papers or the syllabus, relying on his engineering background and some advantage over a typical 17-year-old student.
Who is Dr. Tom Crawford and what is his role in the video?
-Dr. Tom Crawford is a mathematician at the University of Oxford, involved in admissions, setting admissions exam questions, marking, and conducting admissions interviews. He helps the narrator understand his performance and provides guidance on improving.
What was the narrator's initial score on the admissions test?
-The narrator initially scored 37% on the admissions test.
What is Dr. Tom Crawford's view on people's ability to learn mathematics?
-Dr. Tom Crawford believes that no one is born with an inability to do basic maths. He emphasizes that maths can be learned by anyone if taught or studied in a way that makes sense to them.
What advice does Dr. Tom Crawford give on improving in mathematics?
-Dr. Tom Crawford advises that practice is essential in improving in mathematics, comparing it to learning any other skill. He suggests learning the basics and then practicing solving problems repeatedly.
What was the narrator's strategy for the retest after studying?
-The narrator aimed to score 60% or above on the retest, focusing on practicing exam techniques, such as time management and quickly eliminating incorrect answers in the multiple-choice section.
What was the narrator's result on the retest?
-The narrator scored 62% on the retest, which was considered a pass by the skin of his teeth.
Outlines
🎓 Exploring Oxford University's Legacy and Challenge
The speaker visits Oxford University, one of the world's most prestigious institutions, highlighting its history and notable alumni. Despite Oxford's rich legacy, the focus shifts to the difficulty of gaining admission, particularly through the rigorous mathematics entrance exam. The speaker attempts the exam without prior preparation, underscoring the challenge faced by prospective students. With limited time and no calculators allowed, the speaker struggles through the test, revealing the high standards set by the university. The video transitions to the speaker seeking evaluation from Dr. Tom Crawford, an Oxford mathematician involved in the admissions process.
📚 Cramming for a Second Attempt at the Exam
Following the initial exam attempt, the speaker receives guidance from Dr. Tom Crawford and crams an entire mathematics syllabus in one day. During their discussions, Tom emphasizes that anyone can learn math with the right teaching methods and persistent practice. The speaker reflects on the importance of practice in mastering mathematical skills. The video's goal is to change perceptions about math literacy and demonstrate that mathematical proficiency can be developed. The speaker prepares for a second attempt at the exam, aiming to achieve a passing score with Tom's help.
⏳ Retaking the Exam and Final Reflections
The speaker retakes the exam, now better prepared and dressed in traditional Oxford exam attire. After completing the challenging test, the results reveal a score of 62%, just above the target of 60% needed for a potential interview. The speaker expresses relief and satisfaction with the improved score. The video concludes with a promotion for Skillshare, encouraging viewers to learn new skills through the platform. The speaker highlights the benefits of Skillshare's structured and high-quality classes, suggesting it as a valuable resource for personal development.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Oxford University
💡Admissions Test
💡Mathematics
💡Problem-solving Skills
💡Practice
💡Multiple Choice
💡Tom Crawford
💡High School Mathematics
💡Exam Technique
💡Skillshare
Highlights
Visit to Oxford University, one of the most prestigious research and education institutions.
28 out of 55 UK Prime Ministers studied at Oxford, including notable figures like David Cameron, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Neils Bohr.
Oxford University's long history, established 400 years before Columbus' arrival in North America in 1492.
The challenge of getting into Oxford University, particularly the mathematics undergraduate program.
Description of the Oxford University admissions test for mathematics, a 2.5-hour exam with five questions.
The importance of scoring 60 or more for a decent chance of getting an interview for the mathematics program.
The narrator's attempt to take the admissions test without prior preparation, using an iPad for answers.
The difficulty of the test, with no calculators allowed and the need for strong problem-solving skills.
Introduction of Dr. Tom Crawford, a mathematician at Oxford University and his role in admissions.
Dr. Crawford's review of the narrator's initial test attempt, resulting in a 37% score.
The narrator's realization of the need to practice and improve problem-solving skills for the test.
Discussion on the belief that everyone can learn maths, given the right teaching approach.
The narrator's strategy to cram the entire syllabus the day before the retest with Dr. Crawford's help.
Importance of practice in learning mathematics, as emphasized by Dr. Crawford.
The narrator's second attempt at the test, aiming for a 60% pass mark.
Achieving a score of 62% on the retest, demonstrating the effectiveness of focused practice and preparation.
The video's purpose to inspire learning and improvement in skills, particularly mathematics.
Endorsement of Skillshare as a platform for learning new skills, with a special offer for viewers.
Transcripts
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