I have been invited for two interviews. Am I allowed to express a college preference to the tutors, or at least explain why a particular college environment might be more/less comfortable (if I have legitimate concerns/personal reasons)? Supposing they extend an offer at all, I guess the tutors will discuss which college is better suited anyway? I don’t want to come across as entitled or ungrateful to the tutors for expressing a preference, but I can’t ignore some pretty substantial personal reasons why my allocated college no.2 might be very ill suited to me.
It won't help you if you express a college preference, and could hinder your chances of admission to the university, if tutors are convinced that you would not thrive at their college.
I understand. If the concern I have relates to the religious reputation of a particular college/Hall, can I be upfront about my personal beliefs/values so they can gauge whether I would be compatible with their environment?
If you're referring to somewhere like Regent's Park College, they teach students the same as any other college/hall, and the religious beliefs of students is not relevant to them. Also, the extent to which you engage with the religious aspects of the college are entirely your choice. Most of the old colleges have Anglican chapels, for example, which hold regular services, but students of course are not compelled to be involved with that at all. Jesus College is one such example. I'm not religious, and I can be as involved as I like with the college societies that are of interest to me, and I have nothing to do with the religious life that is entirely optional. We have students of varied faiths at all colleges, and it really isn't an issue.
I have been invited for two interviews. Am I allowed to express a college preference to the tutors, or at least explain why a particular college environment might be more/less comfortable (if I have legitimate concerns/personal reasons)?
Supposing they extend an offer at all, I guess the tutors will discuss which college is better suited anyway?
I don’t want to come across as entitled or ungrateful to the tutors for expressing a preference, but I can’t ignore some pretty substantial personal reasons why my allocated college no.2 might be very ill suited to me.
It won't help you if you express a college preference, and could hinder your chances of admission to the university, if tutors are convinced that you would not thrive at their college.
I understand. If the concern I have relates to the religious reputation of a particular college/Hall, can I be upfront about my personal beliefs/values so they can gauge whether I would be compatible with their environment?
If you're referring to somewhere like Regent's Park College, they teach students the same as any other college/hall, and the religious beliefs of students is not relevant to them. Also, the extent to which you engage with the religious aspects of the college are entirely your choice. Most of the old colleges have Anglican chapels, for example, which hold regular services, but students of course are not compelled to be involved with that at all. Jesus College is one such example. I'm not religious, and I can be as involved as I like with the college societies that are of interest to me, and I have nothing to do with the religious life that is entirely optional. We have students of varied faiths at all colleges, and it really isn't an issue.