Oxford (Said) 2013 - Calling All Applicants

What a beautiful first post to write.... I' am in as well.. Congratulations to all those who have been admitted !!

I am in. Sweet.

My speculation was correct. I asked one of the person on the google group who has not finished his undergrad. (S)he got the admission in MFE and not MBA. I was also correct on the assumption that the the google group is shared by all students i.e MBA, MBA 1+1and MFE. Over next months, we'll see more and more of such cases. I hope this will clarify.

In my professional career, I learned a valuable lesson. Assumption is mother of all f@#k ups. So when in doubt, just ask.

Hey, R1er here, hopefully I can help out...

I did not send my transcripts until I received my interview invite. When they emailed me to confirm my interview date/time, they included a reminder to send them my original university transcripts. They can conduct your interview and all that jazz with what you submitted with your application; however, they need a hard copy (original or certified copy) sent from your school before they can release your final decision.

Good luck everyone!
Cpt. Brightside

Strangebrew - I assume you have your original transcripts/marksheets with you? Just make copies and get those certified by any notary public in the US. Should be straightforward unless you are not in possession of your originals. Once you do this, just mail it to Oxford and it should reach them before your interview (you have a few weeks between the invitation and the interview). This is what I did and it worked fine.

ah!
just received my invite!!

I interviewed with a professor and overall do not have a good feeling. The majority of the questions were around the industry that I come from and its interaction with the society, ethical dilemmas and pretty in-depth discussion of recent events. I could tell that the interviewed had prepared to quiz me specifically on industry topics that he expected that I know in depth, based on my current position, but also challenged me to understand how I think about the big picture. However, the questions and overall tone was very academic. I was left feeling that my practical responses were not exactly what the interviewer was asking for. Advise - read the news and think about the big picture.

On a couple of instances I tried to change the topic, bringing in the typical why MBA, why now and why Oxford, but the interviewer did not appear interested. I think these questions were already answered pretty well within the essays, so maybe they didn't need to be brought-up.

Any questions, PM me...

Hello MBA applicants! I'm an active alumna in the San Francisco Bay Area. Happy to answer questions or share stories if you're interested. Everyone says this but Oxford SBS is really a wonderful place to study. 2 years after graduation, I'm still close with my class. And they helped me to change careers and get a great job. It's a warm and vibrant and smart and ambitious community. Welcome!

Hi Annika! Thank you for offering to be a school ambassador. I live in California as well and have not yet had the opportunity to visit campus or talk to current students/alumni. Are you aware of any alumni in SoCal? I'm not aware of any easy way to locate Said alumni. I would love to meet and discuss the school if the opportunity arises.

Another interview invite here! I'm pretty far away from all of the locations, so, assuming they still have spots available, I'll be doing mine over Skype. Congrats everyone and good luck!

Thanks sanjuro for giving an insight on the Said. I have received an invite for interview today. Can you give some tips hows to crack it and be a part of this wonderful institute.

Here's the trick: wear for interviews something that guarantees that nobody will care what you wear.

Exactly, Ducksworth, usually I have so many things going through my head at the time of an interview that I don't want to be worrying about my clothes or what my interviewer thinks of my appearance on top of everything else.

Thanks for all the information sanjuro9, that's a big help!

Leftcoastguy, I did not apply last year. Sorry for the bit of confusion, when I mentioned my "previous interview" I was referring to an interview I had with another school a couple weeks ago (Cass, via phone). That interview seemed primarily focused on my CV, asking for more detail about a few bullet points, skills I have acquired in my professional life, etc.

Also, I think we're in similar positions regarding deposit deadlines. I have an offer from Cass with a deadline at the end of November. I've already decided that if I am accepted at Oxford I would attend there over Cass, but obviously I am not going risk being left with nothing if I'm ding'd by Said. Searching through the forums for people in similar situations, the general consensus seems to be you either pay the deposit at the school with the early deadline knowing you may have to forfeit it, and/or ask that school for a deadline extension. Asking for an early decision from Oxford seems to be a no-no and far riskier than asking the first school for a slight extension. The December 7th deadline seems to be the latest we will hear, though, they may send out decisions as the committee goes along. Congrats on Cambridge by the way!

jason12e, you should receive a decision email regardless, there are no "implied dings" (to invent a very silly phrase). I'm basing this on a video from one of their MBA Virtual Open Days where they go through the application process. I'm nearly certain the presenter said everyone who applies will receive a formal decision, whether it is an invite to interview or a ding (or an acceptance offer / ding for those that are interviewed).

Wow! I counted 10 admits. Is that right? Congratulations, guys!

I'm in too!!!!

Going to take this

Good call mate.