[jimfrederikson]

Won't need 13 A*s, but you're GCSEs are average for Oxford applicants.

If you can get predicted AAA and get them, and interview well you stand a reasonable chance.

[Festina lente]

(Original post by Waldmeister)
Well I've looked at the LNAT, and it seems to comprise 42-odd multiple choice questions taking 1h30mins (I need to see these questions... how can they take this long?) and a 40min essay, with a max word-limit, on some thought-provoking subject.

http://www.lnat.ac.uk/lnat-preparati...ice-tests.aspx (but there are only two there, so you mght want to save them for timed practice later...or buy one of the practice books).
And yes, they really do take that long, people are usually pushed for time!

[cl_steele]

theres no reason why not great thing about oxford is it doesnt place its enitire weight on grades, you could have 10a* at alevel and theres still a fair chance of you getting told to hop on, so long as you keep at least 3a's at alevel and have an excellent PS/interview youll be fine with these grades

[roh]

King Messi will know better than me, but could your General Studies grade be a slight problem?

I know it doesn't count towards the offer, but I don't know if at interview they may question why a potential law student hasn't done particularly well in a subject which essentially tests your knowledge of the world around you?

Obviously your other grades are fine and, if you keep those 3 on, in strong academic subjects, it just could be something they'd enquire about at interview.

This is just a personal hunch, does anyone better informed know if they may take any account of the General Studies at all?

[soph-a-loaf]

Okay thanks everyone

I did only take Dance as a fourth subject, and never had any intention to carry it on at A2...it's something I enjoy but I knew from September that I was going to drop it at the end of this year. Hopefully my other three subjects are quite strong?

An Oxbridge admissions tutor came to our school recently saying that they like a mix of logic-based and written/essay subjects for Law, so I suppose the mix of French/English and Biology is okay right?

I know my General Studies grade isn't the greatest aha, I got an A on the culture and society part (AS), but completely messed up the science paper so that's what brought my grade down

I never contemplated applying to Oxford until my head of year suggested that I do so, so that's why I'm questioning so much whether it's a waste of time! I'm not the most confident person but I'm so passionate about Law, and I greatly appreciate all your help and advice, thanks

[SebCross]

(Original post by Festina lente)
All I know for sure is that if you don't apply you have nil chance

If you do then I think the HAT is a significant factor so you need to prepare well for that.

@OP: Prepare as thoroughly as possible for HAT, expect a spattering of the unexpected at interview alongside questions on material you're familiar with, and try to relax! These would seem to me to be the best ways of approaching it. Remember that competition for places is exceptionally intense, and so there's a massive chance that you'll end up disappointed, but you'll never know unless you try!

Good luck.

[Noble.]

Difficult to say, if your Biology and Dance results were the other way around there wouldn't be a slight problem. If you really want to go for it, then do so, but, in my experience, teachers (and staff in school in general) seem to be very out of touch with Oxbridge admissions (even staff which are supposedly 'experts' in it). So I wouldn't really read too much into your head of year suggesting you apply; but, of course, if you do want to, you should.

[Festina lente]

(Original post by soph-a-loaf)
Okay thanks everyone

I did only take Dance as a fourth subject, and never had any intention to carry it on at A2...it's something I enjoy but I knew from September that I was going to drop it at the end of this year. Hopefully my other three subjects are quite strong?

An Oxbridge admissions tutor came to our school recently saying that they like a mix of logic-based and written/essay subjects for Law, so I suppose the mix of French/English and Biology is okay right?

I know my General Studies grade isn't the greatest aha, I got an A on the culture and society part (AS), but completely messed up the science paper so that's what brought my grade down

I never contemplated applying to Oxford until my head of year suggested that I do so, so that's why I'm questioning so much whether it's a waste of time! I'm not the most confident person but I'm so passionate about Law, and I greatly appreciate all your help and advice, thanks

I do not think that you would be wasting your time. Whether you want to use one of your UCAS choices in making the application is up to you - competition is indeed high but if you don't apply you definitely won't get in so...

Obviously AAA in your three academic subjects at AS-level is better than AAB - do your best to push that Biology B up to an A, but the subject choice is completely fine. And your GCSEs may be slightly below the average but only slightly, so I wouldn't worry about that too much either. (Also, they contextualise your results so will see if you outperformed your school year.)

The other crucial thing therefore is to prepare for the LNAT - both multiple choice, and essay (which Oxford mark themselves) - and of course a solid PS always goes down well for all universities.

Go over and have a look, on an open day is good because you can then talk to some tutors while you are going round, but if you can't then the colleges will let you in if you say you are a prospective applicant.

Do ask if you have any questions about studying law at Oxford

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by soph-a-loaf)
Hey,

push the B in Biology up to an A if you can. That's not saying that everyone has AAAA at AS Level, because they don't and people still get a place. But when one of your 4 isn't a relevant subject, it would look better with that A in Biology.

I'm also confused as to how you're predicting an A at A2 but only a B at AS... Work gets harder. Sure you might be able to persuade your school / they may just give you that A prediction, but if it's really not within your reach (as they don't feel it is at AS level) then it's relatively pointless.

(Original post by KingMessi)
There's actually a thread designated for questions of this nature, but, hey, no-one likes a pedant so I'll give you my two pennies worth.

I like a pedant on this issue - drives me insane that too many people ignore the other thread. They are more likely to get a response on it as well, because any new post immediately pops up in Watched Threads

[SamF1992]

(Original post by nulli tertius)
It isn't a course requirement. It is a matriculation requirement

http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/0..._MEMBERS.shtml

I don't think this is at all strictly enforced. I don't have a language other than English as an academic requirement, and I know loads of people who don't.

I really don't think it's something the OP has to worry about.

[nulli tertius]

(Original post by SamF1992)
I don't think this is at all strictly enforced. I don't have a language other than English as an academic requirement, and I know loads of people who don't.

I really don't think it's something the OP has to worry about.

That is very interesting because by golly it used to be and had a profound effect on those doing Oxbridge entrance.

[fluteflute]

(Original post by nulli tertius)
It isn't a course requirement. It is a matriculation requirement

http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/examregs/0..._MEMBERS.shtml

(Original post by SamF1992)
I don't think this is at all strictly enforced. I don't have a language other than English as an academic requirement, and I know loads of people who don't.

I really don't think it's something the OP has to worry about.

(Original post by nulli tertius)
That is very interesting because by golly it used to be and had a profound effect on those doing Oxbridge entrance.

I have an offer from Oxford, and don't have a Language qualification in anything other than English.

The matriculation requirements of "an appropriate educational background and good standards of literacy and numeracy" make no mention of a secondary language requirements. The footnote is giving an example of qualifications that would satisfy the requirements. Nobody gets into Oxford these days with only three C grade GCSEs and two A-level passes! Having ten GCSE passes across a range of subjects (but without a language) to my mind, clearly meets the requirements.

[The_Lonely_Goatherd]

(Original post by nulli tertius)
That is very interesting because by golly it used to be and had a profound effect on those doing Oxbridge entrance.

The language requirement went out around the time I was applying. Can't remember if it was the year before or the year after. Sometime around then anyway

[nulli tertius]

(Original post by fluteflute)
I have an offer from Oxford, and don't have a Language qualification in anything other than English.

The matriculation requirements of "an appropriate educational background and good standards of literacy and numeracy" make no mention of a secondary language requirements. The footnote is giving an example of qualifications that would satisfy the requirements. Nobody gets into Oxford these days with only three C grade GCSEs and two A-level passes! Having ten GCSE passes across a range of subjects (but without a language) to my mind, clearly meets the requirements.

Nobody did at least this 100 years.

(Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd)
The language requirement went out around the time I was applying. Can't remember if it was the year before or the year after. Sometime around then anyway

Thank you for that. Back in the day I saw a roomful of potential Oxbridge candidates whittled down by the absence of an O Level language. It could be a major trap particularly in an area based around VIth form colleges where secondary schools have no interest beyond collecting the best 16+ exam results.

[lovelawlife]

Hello!
Okay so recently I visited a University local to me (i live in the UK) for a programme called "Gifted and Talented" where I looked at a few prospectuses as I have been interested in studying Law for a while, and since I have researched the topic thoroughly, I have decided that I would like to study Law in University. I have always had my heart set on Oxford as I feel that it would be such an amazing experience and I realise that they really study the subjects in great depth and detail which would really be truly incredible as I really am passionate about studying Law and in my opinion I think that Oxford would help me achieve my fullest potential.
So now rant is over, but I am currently in Year 11 in Comprehensive school and have so far been predicted the following grades:
Math: B / A
English: A*
History: B / A
RE: A
Science: A
Science (additional) : A
Catering: A*
French: A
Welsh: A
Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass (equivalent to 3 GCSE's)
So those are my predicted grades so far. Maths is really the only one which I find slightly difficult, but I am thinking of getting a tutor to make sure I achieve an A!
For AS and A Level, these are the subjects I hope to take:
Law
English
Biology
Ancient History
As I wish to do Law at University, I feel that by taking Law at A level, I will have some background knowledge on the subject. Do you think that these subjects are academic enough for Oxford? I believe that if I put in full effort and work to my absolute best, I could probably achieve A / A* for all of these subjects (especially English)!
The current 'achievements' I have accomplished so far are:
-Swimming (I used to belong to a swimming club and had swimming lessons from age 4-11)
-Piano, started at age 13 and am now 15, on Grade 5 and planning on completing all grades.
-Gifted and Talented (only a few students in my year at school were chosen for this.)
-Volunteered for Barnardos for a few weeks (for Welsh Bacc)
-Have had a French exchange Student.
-Planning on going to Camp America during summer of A levels
-Planning on getting a job when I turn 16 (in June)
-Planning on going to UNIQ summer school (for Oxford)
-I volunteer for walking people's dogs around the village I live in
And those are all of the things I can think off the top of my head, but if you would like to know more (to be able to answer my question more thoroughly) then email me at [Removed - please use PMs or post here]
The School I attend is relevantly small but is a School (which you have to apply to to be able to attend) with around 550 pupils.

Basing on the criteria that have provided (obviously I know that I would have to take the LNAT and interviews, but provided I do those decently..) do you personally think that I have a chance of getting into Oxford University? It has been my life's dream!! Thank you for reading this, as I would like to see if it is a realistic aim for myself. But, if I do achieve AAA at A level (predicted) then I will apply as I have nothing to lose! But realistically do you think I have a chance?
Thank you for reading, Florence
xx

[Noble.]

(Original post by lovelawlife)
Hello!
Okay so recently I visited a University local to me (i live in the UK) for a programme called "Gifted and Talented" where I looked at a few prospectuses as I have been interested in studying Law for a while, and since I have researched the topic thoroughly, I have decided that I would like to study Law in University. I have always had my heart set on Oxford as I feel that it would be such an amazing experience and I realise that they really study the subjects in great depth and detail which would really be truly incredible as I really am passionate about studying Law and in my opinion I think that Oxford would help me achieve my fullest potential.
So now rant is over, but I am currently in Year 11 in Comprehensive school and have so far been predicted the following grades:
Math: B / A
English: A*
History: B / A
RE: A
Science: A
Science (additional) : A
Catering: A*
French: A
Welsh: A
Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass (equivalent to 3 GCSE's)
So those are my predicted grades so far. Maths is really the only one which I find slightly difficult, but I am thinking of getting a tutor to make sure I achieve an A!
For AS and A Level, these are the subjects I hope to take:
Law
English
Biology
Ancient History
As I wish to do Law at University, I feel that by taking Law at A level, I will have some background knowledge on the subject. Do you think that these subjects are academic enough for Oxford? I believe that if I put in full effort and work to my absolute best, I could probably achieve A / A* for all of these subjects (especially English)!
The current 'achievements' I have accomplished so far are:
-Swimming (I used to belong to a swimming club and had swimming lessons from age 4-11)
-Piano, started at age 13 and am now 15, on Grade 5 and planning on completing all grades.
-Gifted and Talented (only a few students in my year at school were chosen for this.)
-Volunteered for Barnardos for a few weeks (for Welsh Bacc)
-Have had a French exchange Student.
-Planning on going to Camp America during summer of A levels
-Planning on getting a job when I turn 16 (in June)
-Planning on going to UNIQ summer school (for Oxford)
-I volunteer for walking people's dogs around the village I live in
And those are all of the things I can think off the top of my head, but if you would like to know more (to be able to answer my question more thoroughly) then email me at [Removed - please use PMs or post here]
The School I attend is relevantly small but is a School (which you have to apply to to be able to attend) with around 550 pupils.

Basing on the criteria that have provided (obviously I know that I would have to take the LNAT and interviews, but provided I do those decently..) do you personally think that I have a chance of getting into Oxford University? It has been my life's dream!! Thank you for reading this, as I would like to see if it is a realistic aim for myself. But, if I do achieve AAA at A level (predicted) then I will apply as I have nothing to lose! But realistically do you think I have a chance?
Thank you for reading, Florence
xx

Your subjects are fine, although I believe Oxford prefer English Literature over English Language, but I'm not 100% on that. You don't need to have studied law at A-Level to do law at University, and from what I understand they'd much rather you did a "traditional" subject. As for your GCSEs, the average applicant has around 6-8 A*s and GCSEs do play quite an important factor for admissions at Oxford, especially for non-science subjects. So, if you were to achieve those GCSEs predicted, you would be at a slight disadvantage compared to other applicants.

Also, your extra-curriculars are great to put on your personal statement but if you're doing them to come across as impressive, it's totally futile. Universities, especially Oxbridge, only are really bothered by academics; in fact, you'd be far far more likely to receive an offer if you dropped all your extra-curricular ideas and got all A*s at GCSE and all As at A-Level. If you really do all these things because you're a lovely and very interested person, that's great and good on you, but I get the impression you're doing half of this stuff to impress (seeing as you're doing a lot of the cliché things).

Of course you stand a chance, if you do well at GCSE/A-Level, perform decently on the LNAT and interview, all you can do is try. I would say, don't become overly focused on getting into Oxford, because statistically speaking, you're not likely to get in, because most applicants don't.

[nexttime]

(Original post by Noble.)
... and GCSEs do play quite an important factor for admissions at Oxford, especially for non-science subjects.

Source?

They're clearly a relevant part of the application but i struggle to see how you can assert their specific importance at Oxford over other universities when other universities don't have the LNAT and don't even interview.

[Noble.]

(Original post by nexttime)
Source?

They're clearly a relevant part of the application but i struggle to see how you can assert their specific importance at Oxford over other universities when other universities don't have the LNAT and don't even interview.

Well, I would say Oxford definitely care more about GCSEs than Cambridge, due to Cambridge's SAQ. If it wasn't for the LNAT and the interview, Oxford wouldn't really have anything else to judge academic performance on, given some students don't have to declare their AS results, and my college used to give AAA predictions to people regardless of what their AS results were. I never really said they're specifically important over anything else, I just said they're quite important.

[nexttime]

(Original post by Noble.)
Well, I would say Oxford definitely care more about GCSEs than Cambridge, due to Cambridge's SAQ. If it wasn't for the LNAT and the interview, Oxford wouldn't really have anything else to judge academic performance on, given some students don't have to declare their AS results, and my college used to give AAA predictions to people regardless of what their AS results were. I never really said they're specifically important over anything else, I just said they're quite important.

Its definitely worth the OP noting that whilst they may be important, they are likely not as important as for other top universities, then.

The 'more than Cambridge' notion is one i am more accepting of, but still one i have never seen any actual evidence of, yet its thrown around like fact on TSR.

[tooambitious]

(Original post by nexttime)
Its definitely worth the OP noting that whilst they may be important, they are likely not as important as for other top universities, then.

The 'more than Cambridge' notion is one i am more accepting of, but still one i have never seen any actual evidence of, yet its thrown around like fact on TSR.

Admissions tutors from both cane to my school (at the same time) Cambridge person said they're not really important, Oxford person said it's a bit of a different story because we use them (in conjuction with admissions tests) to shortlist for interview, it's probably information like that, that makes people say Oxford care more about gcses