When 19-year-old Winchester student Elly Nowell went for an interview at Magdalen College, Oxford, she had something of an epiphany about her attitude towards the world-famous university.

‘It was while I was at interview that I finally noticed that subjecting myself to the judgement of an institution which I fundamentally disagreed with was bizarre,’ Elly told the BBC.

‘I spent my entire time there laughing at how seriously everything was being taken.’

• Check out where Oxford came in our posh university league

So strong were her feelings that Elly decided to withdraw herself from the application process - turning the tables on the Oxbridge-style rejection letters often sent out to hopeful school pupils.

‘I have now considered your establishment as a place to read Law (Jurisprudence),’ her letter began.

‘I very much regret to inform you that I will be withdrawing my application.

‘I realise you may be disappointed by this decision, but you were in competition with many fantastic universities and following your interview I am afraid you do not quite meet the standard of the universities I will be considering.’

Amusing as the concept of sending one of the best universities in the world a rejection letter may be, the reasons behind her decision will more-than-likely resonate with the feelings of many studentbeans.com users.

‘While you may believe your decision to hold interviews in grand formal settings is inspiring, it allows public school applicants to flourish... and intimidates state school applicants, distorting the academic potential of both.’

She then went on to criticise the traditions and rituals of such colleges - later claiming that the interview process left her feeling like ‘the only atheist in a gigantic monastery’.

Do you agree with Elly? Are Oxford and Cambridge overly elitist? Or do you think there’s nothing wrong with a bit of tradition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...

Remember, you can find out where Oxford - and all other UK unis - placed in our posh university league.