Physics Applicants 2012

Depends on what your UMS/module grades were, I guess :/

Business & Economics: 99/100
Maths: 291/300
Physics: 275/300
Chemistry: 258/300
F Maths: 244/300 (feel I can do a lot better than this, though)

My school said Oxbridge were looking for 92%+ in the three most relevant AS Levels. Only your Maths is above 92% but your physics is pretty close. It'd probably be best to talk to your school about it... Imperial aren't quite as picky (so I've heard) but they said to me they'd likely check module grades. Shouldn't be a problem for you, with UMS like that

I'm no expert, but that's just my 10 pence worth ^.^

I'm looking at Oxford as my highest offer. Got 5 A's at AS, but I've heard conflicting opinions about whether Oxford look at AS modular marks. Mine weren't brilliant, but I know that I'm more than capable of achieving higher module marks at A2. Any feedback?

Im applying for:


Do you think applying for two (well, 3 including NatSci) different courses will have a negative impact? There are big overlaps in the courses themselves, and I really just want to do a lot of physics and a lot of maths.

IGCSEs were 5A*s and 4As.
Did 1 GCSE, got an A*
Lower sixth results were an A* (557/600) in maths, A (290/300) in physics and A (256/300) in chemistry. Taking a-level further maths next year too (and I'm being forced to take critical thinking, as if I wasn't going to have enough work! ).

Looking to get my UCAS application sorted within the next week or so, just need my reference and to show my personal statement to my physics teacher (PS helper has checked it twice - use this service, these guys are amazing! )

Im applying for:


Do you think applying for two (well, 3 including NatSci) different courses will have a negative impact? There are big overlaps in the courses themselves, and I really just want to do a lot of physics and a lot of maths.

IGCSEs were 5A*s and 4As.
Did 1 GCSE, got an A*
Lower sixth results were an A* (557/600) in maths, A (290/300) in physics and A (256/300) in chemistry. Taking a-level further maths next year too (and I'm being forced to take critical thinking, as if I wasn't going to have enough work! ).

Looking to get my UCAS application sorted within the next week or so, just need my reference and to show my personal statement to my physics teacher (PS helper has checked it twice - use this service, these guys are amazing! )

Oxford doesn't check modular scores, only the overall grades; but, if you have very impressive UMS, you can ask for your referee to mention it (in their reference, of course). Cambridge on the other hand outright request them on the SAQ form they send you.

OMG Warwick MMathPhys is a no-brainer! (it's going to be my 2nd choice after Phys NatSci at Caius ) I live like 10mins away from Warwick and it's a great Campus & University. Don't underestimate any course there to do with maths; Wawrick's rep is immense (I know a Bulgarian IMO medalist that turned down Cam for Warwick). In the same position, I'm applying for 4 different-titled courses too (NatSci, Theoretical Physics, Physics with Theoretical Physics, Mathematics and Physics) and I can't see any problems because a personal statement, focused on physics, that includes some Maths achievements would suit any of those courses.

But yeah, Warwick's joint honors course is apparently very good (I've spoken to the students) so I'd advise you to apply. With your UMS scores, if Imp is going to be your 2nd choice, don't even bother stressing over the other choices because your chances of being rejected from both Cam and Imp look pretty slim.

What options will you pick for 1st year of NatSci if you get in? Did you write about Chemistry in your personal statement or did you keep it focused on physics? Whatcha doing to prepare for the interviews??

Out of curiosity, how come NatSci and not Maths with Physics at Cambridge?

Good question. In fact, I was unsure myself until fairly recently. Supposing I do NatSci, then I can do some physics, and a bit of the other sciences, and some maths (which, in the unlikely case it is too easy, you can ask to "option B" which is more or less what the maths with physics guys do, I think). And of course, the TSA is far easier than STEP, and I wouldn't want to have such a massive part of my future riding on two exams; the amount of time I'd have to spend practicing STEP papers could well be detrimental to my A-levels as well.

Count me in guys although my grades aren't impressive so not sure is if it's worth applying to a top 20 uni.

Whereabouts are you thinking of applying/what were your grades, if you don't mind my nosing? (I've added you to the list ^.^)

I was thinking about UCL for Astrophysics Bsc. I got Maths C, Physics C, Chemistry D, Computing -E . I'm going to try for Queen Mary and other universities around that level.

To be honest, that's not great :P But it's not awful, either. Quite possible for you to pull your grades up Good luck with your application!

I was thinking about UCL for Astrophysics Bsc. I got Maths C, Physics C, Chemistry D, Computing -E . I'm going to try for Queen Mary and other universities around that level.

I think UCL are making an AAA offer. That's what they told me at their open day.