I've always heard that All Souls College has the hardest exam in the world and it's kind of intriguing me. Do any of you know what is it about this exam that makes it so difficult?
All Souls College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, is indeed renowned for hosting an incredibly challenging entrance examination. The examination is considered difficult due to several factors:
1. Rigor and Breadth: The exam spans a wide range of subjects, including languages, science, and humanities. This means that an applicant's academic abilities must be versatile and extremely solid. The exam doesn't limit you to your specialty field only.
2. Depth of Knowledge: The test not only assesses one's broad base of knowledge, but also his or her ability to apply that knowledge in a nuanced, thoughtful, and in-depth manner. It's not just about memorizing facts, but about utilizing them in complex, analytical ways.
3. The 'Essay': Up until 2010, the notoriously difficult 'Essay' test was included, where candidates were given a single word prompt and had to construct an essay based on it. The infamous prompts have included words like 'miracles' and 'innocence.' However, this part of the exam has been discontinued.
4. The Fellowship: Only a couple of fellows are chosen each year, so the competition is fierce. Remember, the candidates are all high-achieving Oxford graduates. This adds another level of pressure to the exam.
In conclusion, the All Souls College entrance exam is not simply about regurgitating information — it tests an applicant’s ability to think critically and apply their knowledge to a wide range of topics, and to do so under pressure. Maintaining nerves of steel, exceptional intellect, and wide-ranging knowledge is necessary, making it one of the toughest exams globally.
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