How will my grades from Oxford count towards my program back home?

This table of conversion of qualifications explains this for you.

How long are the semesters?

In Oxford we have three terms (semesters), each of which is eight weeks long and starts on a Sunday. Their names have the following origins:

• Michaelmas Term is named for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels (29 September). It runs from October to December and is the only semester name shared by Oxford and Cambridge.
• Hilary Term runs from January to March and gets its name from the feast day of St Hilary of Poitiers (14 January) which falls near the start of this semester. 
• Trinity term is our summer semester and is named for Trinity Sunday, which falls on the Sunday after Pentecost (50 days after Easter), in May or June.

How many visiting students do you accept?

In 2011–12 we have 30 students studying the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Classics
• Economics
• English
• Experimental Psychology
• History
• History and Economics Philosophy
• Philosophy 
• Physics
• Politics
• PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
• Psychology and Philosophy

For 2012–13 we aim to recruit 30 students. We would like to encourage applications in the above areas, and also in pre-clinical Medicine and Earth Sciences (Geology). However, no subject is ruled out.

What subjects can I study?

That depends on your current studies. The subjects we cover are listed here, but as Oxford degree courses are often very broad, you would need to discuss your situation with the Director of Studies for Visiting Students. We warmly encourage informal and early contact for advice and direction. It may also be the case that teaching is not available for your chosen course at the time you wish to study, so please ensure you list second choices for tutorial subjects in the appropriate sections of your application form.

How can I apply?

See the page on this website of Useful Links for Appliying to St Anne's. If your institution is not listed specifically, please look at the Butler University and Arcadia websites.

What Grade Point Average do I need?

We require a GPA of at least 3.7 (4.0 scale), and most students have a GPA that is higher.

How many classes will I take each week?

This depends on your subject (which lectures you choose, whether you are studying a science subject and have time in the lab…), but all Visiting Students will take eight tutorials a term (semester) in their primary subject and possibly up to four in their secondary subject, where taken. A tutorial involves preparing an assignment for discussion with a tutor. This will be marked and your tutor(s) will base your grade for your year in Oxford on this work.

Will I take any tests?

No. Visiting Students do not take formal examinations here, but some elect to take termly College examinations called ‘Collections’.

Where will I have classes?

This also depends on your subject. Lectures will generally be in the relevant department. Some classes may also be in the department or faculty; others will be in the tutor’s teaching room or a seminar room in St Anne’s. Occasionally you may be sent to a specialist in your subject in a different Oxford college, like all undergraduates at Oxford.