Magdalen Oxford gets rejection letter from student

Some of this is fair criticism of Oxbridge, some not so much.<p>The 'grand formal settings' for interviews are the buildings most of the colleges have -- and one of things that make them such incredible places to live and work. Yes, you could erect a small, casual prefab to conduct your interviews, but that would be kind of dishonest.<p>On the other hand, Oxbridge probably is unhealthily attached to some of its weird old traditions (gowns, Latin, port, etc.). These things also vary widely between the colleges -- but in ways that are hard to find out unless you are (or you know someone who is) on the inside.

As someone who went through the Oxford interview process this year (and rather surprisingly received an offer) I do wonder exactly what she was expecting when she applied to Oxford. For me part of the attraction (aside from the academical reputation) was the history and, it has to be said, rather grand buildings.<p>It's also worth pointing out that this was sent on December 10th, <i>before</i> any replies from the university, meaning that she didn't actually have an offer to reject, it was technically a withdrawal of her application, and probably only preempted a rejection letter from the university.<p>Personally, while I didn't enjoy the interview experience as a whole (much of the conversation was awkward, and having to wait 12 hours while you 'might' get called for another interview is incredibly stressful) I really enjoyed the interviews I had - the opportunity to discuss aspects of CS/Maths with experts in the field, particularly talking about areas that interest me is something I've not really had chance to experience through the UK education system - although I can't say I had any of my interviews in 'grand formal settings', just the tutors offices.<p>For those interested in the full text of the 'letter', it can be found here [1], as kindly posted to the 2012 Oxford Applicants group on FB by one of her friends who did get an offer.<p>[1]: <a href="http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5766/ellylawoxfordemailcopy.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5766/ellylawoxfordemailco...</a>

Or, to paraphrase her letter.<p>"Dear University,<p>I realised 10 microseconds after leaving the admissions interview that I have no chance in gaining admission to your establishments.<p>In the age old tradition of it being better to be the dumper, than the dumpee, I'm going to try and make myself feel a bit better by 'rejecting you'.<p>I'm sure you don't care one jot about this letter, but if I circulate it to my friends on facebook, I might get my 15minutes of fame.<p>I wonder if any other establishments will read this and accept me?<p>Sincerely.... "

It makes me angry that this even got into the news.<p>Getting into Oxford is a difficult process and not many make it. Those that do have been selected based on merit, obviously she did not meet what the admissions tutors were looking for.<p>It's childish that she replied with such a letter to be honest, she just sounds like a spoiled child throwing her toys out of the pram.

As a current graduate student at Oxford Uni (CS) I can only feel sorry for this girl. While the interview process is really serious (how else should it be?) I doubt that in any way she was treated differently in a negative way.<p>People know that Oxford and Cambridge have a social status to defend and maintain, as well as traditions that have been carried for hundreds of years, that need not to be change - or will be changed, because a goofy looking teen says so.<p>And just for the sake of demonstrating how full of shit this girl is have a look at this letter (originally from reddit) where an almost identical letter was used for a _job_ application. The only thing this girl did was ammend it to be address at an academic institution.<p>----<p>Herbert A. Millington Chair – Search Committee 412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University College Hill, MA 34109<p>Dear Professor Millington,<p>Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.<p>This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.<p>Despite Whitson’s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then.<p>Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.<p>Sincerely, Chris L. Jensen<p>-----

19 yo writes funny letter. It's not much of a story. The sad thing is the BBC interviewing her because they heard about it.<p>She does have a point about Oxbridge being very traditional and it's great that she recognised that it wouldn't suit her. Many students go with the 'best' university they can get into even if they are not appropriate for them.

I'm amazed how many people actually complain about that funny letter. To me this proves just how right she is. Apparently making fun of Oxford is off-limits for some...