http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045 en Oxford BCL and Cambridge LLM Applicants 2009 - LLM GUIDE Discussion Board Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52045 Hi everyone, Anyone else applying to Oxbridge? How you getting on? Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:29:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52046 Just applied to both. I cross my finger now, anyone else? Where do you come from? Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52048 Hey, Same here. Managed to finally get everything together and sent off this week so now comes the long wait. Which colleges did you go for? I'm from England, and you? Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52057 From Northern Ireland. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:31:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52058 Let's track our apllications here. We have a long time to wait. Good luck to everyone! Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52059 It will be a long time! Is it around March time before we'll hear? Which colleges did everyone go for? I went for Merton or Brasenose at Ox and Trinity College or open-app for Cam! Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52063 It will be a long time! Is it around March time before we'll hear? Which colleges did everyone go for? I went for Merton or Brasenose at Ox and Trinity College or open-app for Cam! I went for Lincoln at Ox and King's and Queen's at Cantab. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:56:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52075 Hey, folks. James here. I've applied to read the LL.M. at Cambridge and the BCL at Oxford. To those of you who have done the same, I wish you all the best with getting admitted. James Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52082 Hi everyone, I guess it's just keep our fingers crossed for a few months (I hate waiting!) So what are everyone's motivations for going for the BCL and LLM? Anyone have a particular preference for either (if lucky enough to get an offer from both!)? Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:52:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52103 Yo Iv applied to Oxford for the BCL, also applying to Cam and NYU. Application for Ox was submitted around 3 weeks ago....but recommenders still have'nt submitted..... Im from Scotland! Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52104 Went for Balliol and Trinity! Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52123 Hi everyone I applied both oxbridge at the end of September from Turkey. Anyone heard any news? When are we going to be informed? Apparently, in March, but i am of the opinion those applied early get informed early? Any idea? Best luck for everyone Regards, Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52126 It does not matter whether your application was received the first of september or december. Offers start being made in March and continue until mid-April. As for the colleges, I believe that Trinity does not have LL.M.'s or that's what I've been told by my mates here. Good luck to everyone Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:33:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52129 Thanx mate Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52168 ... Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:03:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52174 Hi, From what I gather, Ox will assess/make offers once all applications have been submitted and so after the prescribed deadline. Although, I have been told that the earlier you put your application in, the earlier you will hear. It gives them the opportunity to engage in advance preparatory work so that once they get round to assessing your application it won't take as long. What did everyone decide to put in as written work for Oxford? Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52176 ... Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:24:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52215 I'm keeping it under 6 pages. Did you include the number of words in the essay? Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52216 .... Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:50:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52224 Mine is more of a balance, but its really difficult at this level to propound something like a new theory, which most probably wouldn't be convincing. I'm heavy on footnotes too. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52229 .... Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:28:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52232 Jagbir, do you know the criterion for assessing our essays? Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52233 .... Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:59:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52241 Hope your posts aren't a reflection of the grammar in your essay ;) I went for an extract from a jurisprudence essay which received a high first class mark, so I hope that will help. I think that Jurisprudence is one of the more academically challenging subjects and gives an opportunity to express yourself eloquently and articulately. Although it was from semester one in my second year and therefore perhaps not a true reflection of my current level. What area of law is everyone else deciding to submit the written work on? Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52251 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52252 .... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52261 I think I'm submitting an essay on agency law for which I received (as accepted, I suppose) a very high first class mark. Although, as with the above poster, I wonder whether it is my best work and a reflection on my current level. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52262 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52269 I'd like to doubt that marks could be "dependent upon relations with the teacher concerned", although you never know with some institutions. Full marks, very impressive. I couldn't begin to imagine getting 100% for an essay! lol. Although, the UK system is very different. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52272 That's because 100% is impossible to get at an English institution. Generally marks over 80 are works capable of being published (with suitable revision and perhaps expansion etc) and so I wouldn't imagine many marks being higher than around that region. I'm working on an original piece at the moment that I would ideally like to submit, but it may have to wait until my rejection this year and re-application the following year! Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:37:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52273 I have an original work in progress too, which I intend to get it published. But I'm not submitting that for the BCL application as it would take a little more time to complete. Instead, I'll be submitting an extract from my dissertation which was given a starred 1st. It's on trust law. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52274 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52275 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:16:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52277 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52278 Chill, Jagbir, I think your English is really fine. Mine is probably not as good as yours. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:24:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52279 ... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:29:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52280 I'm a non-native speaker too, haha. I'm from Malaysia. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52357 Hi everyone, do u know anything about ielts requirement for cambridge? What my case is ı got 7,5 but the test score will expire in March 2009. If I get an offer, will I resit for the IELTS? Or does cambridge offers any pre sesional language course to substitute the IELTS score? Thanx in advance Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52358 I'm in the same situation. From what I know, you can get an exemption if your previous degree was taught in English. But I think we'll have to ask for it. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52359 Thanx alvinsee, I think ıt would be better if we wait for their offer condition (if it is made and if any) cause may be they would not ask for new IELTS score. I think if we ask it beforehand, maybe we call their attention and they would act negatively. (Just my humble opinion). Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:37:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52361 jagbir singh, Ignore Tigerland. I think he was trying to be funny, but the jokes on him because there are plenty of grammatical errors in his posts. SNOOT Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:47:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52362 I guess no one's perfect... Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52369 Haha, oh dear. It was a brief aside in jest (hence the wink). Didn't think it would become an issue. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52370 Peace guys, just treat it as a misunderstanding. We might see each other in either Oxford or Cambridge! I'm just thinking of meaningful things that we can do while the long wait. I just can't resist checking CAMSIS everyday! Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:42:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52371 My apologies if it made an issue, purely in good humour. The internet can cause many issues through its incapacity to portray tone! I know how you feel, I must have checked CAMSIS hourly since I submitted the form. I'm still an 'applicant'! Ah well, I have a couple of BVC open days to attend in the meantime (and the BVC application form to complete) so maybe that will help. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52381 Even I must apologise for taking it this far.... But it kept us busy, didn't it? Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:20:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52382 I think I'll apply for a Phd if I don't get the BCL or LLM offers. In fact, I wanted to do the MLitt at first. But it all comes down to simple math. Assuming that I excel at all stages: LLB + BCL + MPhil + DPhil = 4 LLB + LLM + Phd = 3 LLB + Phd/Dphil =2 -_-" So if you ask a kid whether he wants 2 sweets or 4 sweets, he will say 4! Just kidding........ Anyway, my plan is to do two LLM's ideally, one in the UK and another in the US. It will look really cool! Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:28:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52383 ****-----*** Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:11:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52403 Actually, I'm kinda obsessed with the 2 LLM's, haha. I don't have an BA in law from Oxbridge, which is not a perfect start. So, I want to have both Oxbridge and either Yale/Harv to be in my suffix. So if I get to do my LLM in Cambridge, I'll try for another LLM from Harv/Yale, and finally Oxford for Phd. It's just a matter of self-satisfaction, haha. Anyway, these days, it's not too uncommon to see people with LLM from both Cam and Harv, or the BCL and the Harv LLM. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52405 As a question to international applicants, how many of you are relying on scholarships from the university you end up at? Any plans if you get an offer of a place but are rejected for all scholarships? Or does that not generally happen? I'm just curious... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52415 .... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52416 good amount i mean Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:29:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52419 And that 'someone', who is talking of two LLM's, which is me, have no money at all. I'm sure some scholarships will come by. The American universities, as I know, are quite generous with scholarships. If one can get into Yale, for example, they assure that you'll be able to pursue your LLM there regardless of your financial situation. And assuming that I do get offers from Oxbridge, I'm prepared to ask for loans if I do not get any scholarships. Even begging around, I'm sure, will get me a few thousand pounds at least. I don't care by whatever means, I just want to study in Oxbridge! Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52420 .... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52421 ... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:12:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52423 Well, it's up to individuals i guess. It all goes down to self-satisfaction. I'm not too keen in practicing, which means that I'll most probably venture into the academia. In this case, these qualifications seem to help. In any case, the 2nd LLM is a luxury, i agree. I'm not insisting that I must get it, but I would love to have it. And the US LLM's, Yale's in particular, is too competitive. I'll just wait till the suitable time to apply. In the mean time, its all about working, writing articles, and doing everything which I could to boost my CV. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:14:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52425 What are you doing these days? Done ur LLB or still going to college? Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52426 Oh ya, and for the Phd, there are plenty of scholarships offered by the colleges themselves, many more than for the LLM. Again, assuming that I'll do well, I'm not worried about the Phd at all! Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:16:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52427 Jagbir, I've done my LLB. I'm currently pursuing my Certificate of Legal Practice in Malaysia. What about you? Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52428 Haha good positive atitude.... Nice to see someone who doesn't cloth pescimism with the ideologue of rationalism (someone like me has done the latter for years)... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:22:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52429 Well, I'm always positive and optimistic, even if others might see it as ignorance and being naive. If I don't get an offer, I'll just happily move on and apply again another time, no worries. Your last statement only indicates that you are much older than me, isn't it? Haha :D Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:33:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52430 ... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52432 some professor at cambridge advised me to go for an llm at london or edinburgh.... the reasoning: it is a lot tougher getting a first class at oxbridge then at london/ediburgh. and one needs a first class in llm to start a phd/dphil at oxbridge. equal wieghtage is given to the above said universities or even a few home universities... n the said person argues that many students with a first in llb and good records throughout, failed to score a first at oxbridge. even u miss it by whisker, its a big miss.. so as it goes london(LSE, KCL, UCL, even QUML(as suggested)) and edinburgh are equal to oxbridge, and one may opt for a place that offers scholarship... That is an interesting point. I've been reflecting on the option of a UOL/Nottingham/Edinburgh/Durham LLM and then Oxbridge PhD as I think the Oxbridge modules are slightly limiting when it comes to my interests. I can find 4 or 5 options at Cambridge which are somewhat disparate but the BCL options don't overly float my boat, at least so far. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:46:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52434 ... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52435 I think you've hit the nail on the head; does the Oxbridge brand outweigh the benefits of UOLs huge module database? I think if the student intends to go to the Bar, or return home and practice, it is warranted. But if the student intends to go into academia then, unless the interests tie into to the options offered, perhaps it's best avoiding them until research study. I say that, but after visiting both I soon forgot rationale and got aborded in the institutions, lol. Notably, I'm interested in legal history, IP and international trade/shipping and toying between specialising in each. Fortunately, Cambridge would allow me to balance 2 IP modules against 2 legal history modules but I struggle to get passed the point that QMUL (IP/ history)/UCL (shipping), Edinburgh (history/international/IP), Nottm (Trade) would give me a better base to research with. Plus, a PhD from Oxbridge remains a viable option. London has the Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, which they seem to share and, as you say, the benefit of an incredibly diverse intake and an incredibly active research environment. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52436 .... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:08:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52439 Exactly, come spring we will be deciding between our offers and debating the merits of each. I'm from the UK, studied Law at Cardiff. It wasn't my first choice because I originally went there to study something completely different and transfered at the end of my first year. Still, its a fair uni and I don't dwell on regrets too much. What about you? Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:12:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52440 ... Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:55:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#52441 I'm doing some research work at a couple of universitys as an assistant and might be moving into seminar teaching, if we can hammer out some plans. I've got a friend who went onto the Commercial Law LLM. Seems to be enjoying it. I don't knock it, its a solid university and served me well. I'm just looking for something different at postgraduate level and will be better served elsewhere. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53008 .... Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53331 .... Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53332 .... Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53335 I've handed in mine last friday. I've submitted my application online and the tracking system is superb. It updates me immediately when my referees send my reference. Which colleges did u choose? Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53336 How do you acceed to the Oxford tracking system? I cannot understand. G Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53338 https://apply.embark.com/grad/Oxford/ Did you apply online or through papers? Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:02:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53341 ... Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:12:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53342 Dear Jagbir, Is CAMSIS even one for tracking status? Indeed, you will be notified that you have gotten an offer, but for the next 4 months, the status will most probably stay 'applicant'. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53344 still, one does have something to bang one's head at...) Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:28:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53345 -_-" Haha. Well, its technically one, but practically none. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:30:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53346 ... Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:40:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53392 ... Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53425 I'm assuming most people have made college choices based on funding opportunities, right? Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53436 .... Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53534 I wasted time and now doth time waste me... I think the worst part of waiting is nearly over now. With Christmas coming up and exams/essays in for January that will occupy our minds until February time when we might begin to hear! Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#53541 Hey Tigerland, what are you doing at the moment? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:16:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54166 Hi, sorry for the belated reply. I am presently in the final year of my LLB, how about you? Not long to wait now I hope? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:40:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54168 No problem. Which Uni are you in? I'm a recent graduate from Leeds, and is currently pursuing my Certificate in Legal Practice in Malaysia. Time is passing really fast, but 3 more month ahead, haha. Hopping that 2009 would be a good year. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54169 .... Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54175 Actually, I wonder how many percent of the applicants have not got their final results yet, like Tigerland. And I wonder whether they treat such applicants any differently from those who already have their results on the table. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:57:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54183 .... Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:35:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54184 Actually, I don't think that would make it more difficult for anyone. It's a continuing process and every year, there would be applicants who have done their final year and those who has not. The issue is probably how differently they gauge the strength of the applications. Wouldn't granting an offer to someone who has already got his result safer than granting a conditional offer to someone who has not, and risking that he does not meet the condition? The former has everything he has got to support his application, while he latter has only, say 70% of what he probably would have had if he has completed his degree. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54187 ... Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54190 Are you sure they make double the number of offers? Any sources? But I think any person who obtains or predicts a first is a significant achiever, only that the former is proven while the latter has the potential. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54191 ..... Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54275 It's getting quiet, haha Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54277 read my blog in the meantime Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54281 Great blog, overgrown kid. My deepest sympathy :-) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:25:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54282 I've just finished all of my applications, thank the Lord. My BVC (back up plan) has just gone in and so now I can concentrate on the small matter of exams coming up in January. Hope everyone had a great New Year. What do we feel is the general consensus regarding when we'll start to hear? Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54299 British universities generally make earlier decisions on offers of admission than their American counterparts. As a rule, they tend to base their decision on your degree qualification or class of honours: for Oxbridge, LSE, UCL and King's, that roughly translates into a minimum of 2:1 (upper second class honours). American universities, on the other hand, tend to look at other qualitative factors as quality of professional/academic experience or membership in the law review, among others. You should be hearing from them from the middle of January onwards. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:56:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/52045/last#54301 ....