Interview System Under Pressure
THE 18% RISE in applications to Oxford this year, may herald changes in the admissions procedure, several tutors have implied. The highest increase on record, has been welcomed as a great success for access initiatives, but has also led to logistical problems due to the sheer numbers of students to be interviewed.
If it became impossible to interview all candidates, colleges may have to rely upon an increased use of examinations. The new Advance Extension Awards, which will be introduced for the top 10% ability range in schools next summer, are seen as a potential solution. Jane Minto, the Universities Head of Admissions, admitted that the AEAs could be used to reduce the number of interview candidates in the future, but emphasised that, for now the interviewing almost all candidates "is still the best method... for distinguishing between candidates".
OUSU is strongly opposed to any change in procedure. VP Access and Academic Affairs, John Craig, emphasised that one of the strengths of Oxford is that it has "the time and resources to treat candidates as individuals". The addition of a new test should simply be an additional factor which tutors could take into account.
The more likely changes are those which OUSU has been campaigning for, involving greater coordination across different colleges and subjects. Mr Craig stated that this was improving, and that the increased number of applicants would prove a "watershed" in the drive for greater "efficiency and cooperation" throughout the university.
10th Jan 2002