Collections

Policy on collections - the termly exams set by tutors - varies across colleges.  In some colleges, collections are fairly informal affairs and marks given are not taken particularly seriously.  In other colleges, poor performance in collections can lead to initiation of academic disciplinary procedures.  It is worth checking out college policy on collections early on with your tutors to work out how you should be focusing your work over the vacations.

Collections will have different significance during your time at Oxford.  They are often a useful indicator of how you are performing close to public examinations and sitting them is a good way of getting experience of the exam format.  They are also a good way of practising timed essays, under conditions which will mirror those in your University exams.  Take advantage of the opportunity to get in some valuable practice!