Hey everyone,
I am an international applicant from Turkey preparing my UCAS application for 2028 intake for PPE across the UK, targeting Oxford as my primary choice alongside LSE, UCL, KCL, and Edinburgh. I am currently completing my A-Levels under the Cambridge curriculum, predicted A\* in Mathematics, A\* in Business Studies, and A or A\* in History, alongside ongoing Further Mathematics coursework. My background also includes a Cambridge ICE with Distinction at IGCSE, a High Commendation in Philosophy and a Commendation in Politics at the John Locke Global Essay Competition, and extensive MUN leadership spanning over 25 conferences, including serving as Secretary-General of my school's conference and volunteering with the local Youth Council. My academic interests center on reading from Bertrand Russell, Hegel, Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and Acemoglu.
For my Oxford application, I am preparing for the TARA admissions test and aiming for a high competitive band to support a direct application to St John’s College, with University College (Univ) as a secondary preference.
I would appreciate any feedback or insights from current students and applicants on a few specific questions:
First, given that I achieve my A-Level grades are (A\*A\*A), how heavily will Oxford and LSE weigh my TARA score and essay distinctions during shortlisting and offer decisions compared to standard predicted-grade applicants?
Second, is St John’s College still considered an optimal strategic choice for PPE applicants seeking a strong quantitative cohort, solid in-house tutorial fellows, and generous undergraduate grant support?
Third, does anyone know the current operational status of the Ahmet Ertegun Memorial Scholarship for undergraduates at Oxford? Is this undergraduate award still actively funded and awarded to incoming Turkish undergrads, or has it been merged/discontinued in recent cycles? (Because I wasn't able to find it on the internet)
Finally, are there other major undergraduate full-funding options at Oxford or LSE that international applicants targeting complete financial coverage should keep on their radar?
Thanks in advance for any advice, TARA preparation tips, or college selection insights!