[Festina lente]

(Original post by anttooking)
Hopefully this will be less self-abasing than usual posts!

I want to apply for Law at Oxford, but while my grades are decent the subjects are rather wrong (well that's why I'm asking).

Math, Further Maths, Physics, Computing as A*,A*,A*,A. All of which I allready have to A-Level

Would, with decent reference and personal statement, be considered for the course? I don't have any essay subjects, and my GCSEs' are piss-poor.

Everyone who applies is considered by the tutors. I honestly wouldn't worry about your A-level choices. It's not at all unusual for lawyers to have only science-type subjects, and there are no required subjects for Law admission, so I don't see it disadvantaging you.

Make sure you prepare well for the LNAT - both MCQ and essay sections.

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by Dalek1099)
Why do you want to do law with those A-Levels?You have done well in maths and physics-so you should be doing Maths and Physics or maybe Computer Science.You should stick in with a relevant course for your A-Levels especially if you want to go to Oxford.You might not be good at Law-seems risky.If you wanted to do Law,Why didn't you pick subjects like Law,English and History?

and yet more rubbish from you.

He should be doing what he wants to be doing at university, which happens to be law.

Lots of people have A Level subjects that are not necessarily a perfect fit for their degree choice, because guess what... People's feelings change between picking A Levels and picking university courses.

Seriously could you please just stop posting 'advice' on this board. Fine ask questions, but continuously spouting rubbish to potential applicants is doing far more harm than good.

[The_Lonely_Goatherd]

(Original post by Poppyxx)
and yet more rubbish from you.

He should be doing what he wants to be doing at university, which happens to be law.

Lots of people have A Level subjects that are not necessarily a perfect fit for their degree choice, because guess what... People's feelings change between picking A Levels and picking university courses.

Seriously could you please just stop posting 'advice' on this board. Fine ask questions, but continuously spouting rubbish to potential applicants is doing far more harm than good.

PRSOM. People: leave the advice giving to people who have actually been through the system and who thus know what they're talking about

[tea and cakes]

(Original post by Poppyxx)
Those of us at Oxford/with offers spend so long having to clear up mistakes, rumours etc on these boards. At times I'm sure we make errors, but we tend to preface our answers with 'in my experience' or similar. Or "I might be wrong, but I think...". Every time a poor piece of advice is given, it has the potential to stop someone from giving Oxford a shot. Obviously one opinion shouldn't put someone off, but it plants seeds of doubt.

No one (unless there are any tutors lurking on here) can categorically say what Oxford want which is why you have to be very careful with the advice you give.

Would just like to add I'm in complete agreement with Poppyxx. I'm a final year undergraduate at Oxford, and during the last four years have helped at numerous Open Days and been an Interview Helper. If you have a question about Oxford, ask Admissions or, better yet, go to an Open Day and ask there! I can't stress this enough: every department has different requirements and expectations, and every single one of them will look at you as an individual - not just a number of GCSEs or A levels. Just because someone is at Oxford, has been at Oxford and has been offered a place at Oxford does not mean they know what they are talking about. Yes, they can talk about their experience but even tutors can't always answer questions about admissions to other departments.

If you're an Oxford student, make clear you're only speaking about your experience. If you're a potential applicant with questions, ask Oxford. Please stop scaring yourselves and other people.

Oxford may not be for everyone, but I, personally, have had a great experience and would recommend anyone who's interested to go to an Open Day and see if it's for them.

[tooambitious]

(Original post by bilal95)
Hi I may apply to Oxford for maths and computer science and these are my grades:

- 9A*s (chemistry, physics, biology, maths, additional maths, english language, english literature, ICT, RS) 3As at GCSE

- I have done half of my AS exams in January and will be sitting the rest in June. Grades so far:

Maths core 1 95/100 A
Maths core 2 91/100 A
Maths mechanics 1 97/100 A
Chemistry unit 1 112/120 A
Physics unit 1 106/120 A

I have received a Gold award in the UKMT intermediate challenge.
I have done about a months work of charity and have worked for a month in the finance department at SHELL (Oil Company)
I am currently in the process of doing an EPQ in maths and computer science (applications of maths in cryptography) and will probably do a summer maths course.

I would like to know what type of grades/Ums or average I should've getting in my overall AS and also what type of predictions I should be looking to get? (I have been told that most students require an average of 90% to stand a good chance at a course like this)
What extra things should I be doing?

And in general, how hard is this course to get into and with sufficient revision, is it possible to do good in the maths aptitude test (MAT)? Lastly, can one also get the required STEP grades with ample revision?

I really appreciate the help and would really like to hear everyone's frank opinion.

this bits underlined and emboldened dont actually apply to Oxford, they dont ask for UMs and they dont require step,

in terms of the MAT, ive been told its c1/c2 material but more 'in-depth' and that knowing those modules and doing pas papers will help.

Grades-wise, yours are very good

im not at oxford, so everything ive said is what ive been told, you might want t wait for a reply from one of the mathmos or from a computer scientits (fluteflute has an offer for this year (joint schools with philosopy) and is very helpful ) i think you have very similar GCSEs to him if that helps

[fluteflute]

(Original post by bilal95)
Hi I may apply to Oxford for maths and computer science and these are my grades:

- 9A*s (chemistry, physics, biology, maths, additional maths, english language, english literature, ICT, RS) 3As at GCSE

- I have done half of my AS exams in January and will be sitting the rest in June. Grades so far:

Maths core 1 95/100 A
Maths core 2 91/100 A
Maths mechanics 1 97/100 A
Chemistry unit 1 112/120 A
Physics unit 1 106/120 A

I have received a Gold award in the UKMT intermediate challenge.
I have done about a months work of charity and have worked for a month in the finance department at SHELL (Oil Company)
I am currently in the process of doing an EPQ in maths and computer science (applications of maths in cryptography) and will probably do a summer maths course.

I would like to know what type of grades/Ums or average I should've getting in my overall AS and also what type of predictions I should be looking to get? (I have been told that most students require an average of 90% to stand a good chance at a course like this)
What extra things should I be doing?

And in general, how hard is this course to get into and with sufficient revision, is it possible to do good in the maths aptitude test (MAT)? Lastly, can one also get the required STEP grades with ample revision?

I really appreciate the help and would really like to hear everyone's frank opinion.

(Original post by tooambitious)
this bits underlined and emboldened dont actually apply to Oxford, they dont ask for UMs and they dont require step,

in terms of the MAT, ive been told its c1/c2 material but more 'in-depth' and that knowing those modules and doing pas papers will help.

Grades-wise, yours are very good

im not at oxford, so everything ive said is what ive been told, you might want t wait for a reply from one of the mathmos or from a computer scientits (fluteflute has an offer for this year (joint schools with philosopy) and is very helpful ) i think you have very similar GCSEs to him if that helps

It sounds like you'll be able to put in a strong application. Your GCSEs and current AS results are looking good.

Your charity work won't get you into Oxford, but your EPQ sounds exciting!

tooambitious's advice is definitely right: Oxford don't know what UMS you get (although if you post them on here, wandering tutors could see I suppose...) so get 80% (A grade) and you're fine... (but you will need to get an average of 90% in C3&C4 to get the Maths A* that you need to get into Oxford). STEP plays no part in Oxford entry.

It's the MAT you need to do well in. As long as you don't underestimate it and do some practise, you'll do fine if you're an able candidate

[multiplexing-gamer]

If I apply for Engineering, how good of a chance do I stand considering the following:
1.) I got an A at GCSE Maths, however, I took it in Year 10
2.) My A-levels choices: Maths, Physics, Geography and Economics
3.) 3 B's at GCSE inc English Lang, Lit and French


Thanks you

[mevidek]

(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
If I apply for Engineering, how good of a chance do I stand considering the following:
1.) I got an A at GCSE Maths, however, I took it in Year 10
2.) My A-levels choices: Maths, Physics, Geography and Economics
3.) 3 B's at GCSE inc English Lang, Lit and French


Thanks you

It will be easier for the people on here to answer if you post all of your subject results.

[multiplexing-gamer]

(Original post by mevidek)
It will be easier for the people on here to answer if you post all of your subject results.

The rest of my GCSEs are A*-A. Science is A* additional may be an A, or an A*. I dont think my the other subjects are relevent? I.E History and Geography etc... My Year 11 mocks: A*A*A*A*A*A A A B B B

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
The rest of my GCSEs are A*-A. Science is A* additional may be an A, or an A*. I dont think my the other subjects are relevent? I.E History and Geography etc... My Year 11 mocks: A*A*A*A*A*A A A B B B

Are you in Lower 6th or just doing your GCSEs now?

It's hard to advise if you don't have your actual GCSE grades, and without knowing how you're getting on with your AS courses.

With regards to the A at Maths GCSE, I don't think it should hinder you too much because by the time you are applying you'll have your AS results and know what you are predicted at A2. You need A*AA with the A* in Maths or Physics. But I may be wrong.

[multiplexing-gamer]

(Original post by Poppyxx)
Are you in Lower 6th or just doing your GCSEs now?

It's hard to advise if you don't have your actual GCSE grades, and without knowing how you're getting on with your AS courses.

With regards to the A at Maths GCSE, I don't think it should hinder you too much because by the time you are applying you'll have your AS results and know what you are predicted at A2. You need A*AA with the A* in Maths or Physics. But I may be wrong.

Thank you for your advice. I'm sitting my GCSEs in May!

[Jazzeh]

It's recently come to light that Oxford care more about GCSEs. Now, at GCSEs i think I got 4A*, 6A, 1B and 1C, or something along those lines. A*s include English Lit, English Lang and History. Am I right in thinking that these GCSEs will be below average for an Oxford applicant and put me at a disadvantage?

Took my AS English a year early and got 188/200(A) so aiming for an A* in that. All others are predicted A(Law, Economics, History).

(Posted this in another thread but it's relevant here too, so apologies if considered post boosting.)

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by multiplexing-gamer)
Thank you for your advice. I'm sitting my GCSEs in May!

Well my best advice then is to do as well as you can in them

You've picked the right subjects for Engineering - given that they say Further Maths is not required - so you're on the right footing there.

If I were you, I'd get GCSEs over the way and start to settle into A Level work when you get back to school in September - and then start thinking about university.

It's good to have something to aim for, and to get information and advice, but you've got a long time before you need to worry about your application!

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by Jazzeh)
It's recently come to light that Oxford care more about GCSEs. Now, at GCSEs i think I got 4A*, 6A, 1B and 1C, or something along those lines. A*s include English Lit, English Lang and History. Am I right in thinking that these GCSEs will be below average for an Oxford applicant and put me at a disadvantage?

Took my AS English a year early and got 188/200(A) so aiming for an A* in that. All others are predicted A(Law, Economics, History).

(Posted this in another thread but it's relevant here too, so apologies if considered post boosting.)

What are you wanting to apply for?

They are below average - but Oxford will contextualise them against your school's performance.

Good AS results and high A2 predictions along with a strong reference, PS and admission test (if relevant) will go a long way to make up for weaker GCSE results.

[Jazzeh]

(Original post by Poppyxx)
What are you wanting to apply for?

They are below average - but Oxford will contextualise them against your school's performance.

Good AS results and high A2 predictions along with a strong reference, PS and admission test (if relevant) will go a long way to make up for weaker GCSE results.

Applying to do Law. Sorry missed out that bit. My school is relatively poor I suppose, a comprehensive with like 70% 5 A*-C grades or something. Not that bad.

But yeah, need to ace A Levels basically. Probably better off applying to Cambridge the more I think about it.

Cheers for the reply.

[bilal95]

Thanks for all the advice

[Festina lente]

(Original post by Jazzeh)
Applying to do Law. Sorry missed out that bit. My school is relatively poor I suppose, a comprehensive with like 70% 5 A*-C grades or something. Not that bad.

But yeah, need to ace A Levels basically. Probably better off applying to Cambridge the more I think about it.

Cheers for the reply.

The Law courses at Oxford and Cambridge are pretty different. I would suggest looking into the differences and applying for the course you like better, particularly as your GCSE grades may be below average but only a bit and with contextualisation it may well even out anyway. Maybe go to an open day and chat with some tutors?

[Jazzeh]

(Original post by Festina lente)
The Law courses at Oxford and Cambridge are pretty different. I would suggest looking into the differences and applying for the course you like better, particularly as your GCSE grades may be below average but only a bit and with contextualisation it may well even out anyway. Maybe go to an open day and chat with some tutors?

Will have a more in-depth look into the variations between the two courses. My naivety, and ill-informed knowledge, led me to believe the courses couldn't be that different.

I'm hopefully going to go to the open days in the Summer if possible which will be so unbelievably helpful. I've not even been to a uni yet.

[Poppyxx]

(Original post by bilal95)
What is the typical offer for maths and computer science and does it require you to get a certain grade in th step paper?

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/under...ics_and_2.html

A*AA

If Further Maths is taken then A*A between Mathematics and FM; otherwise including A* in Maths

No STEP requirements at Oxford.

You also need a strong score in the MAT

[Festina lente]

(Original post by Jazzeh)
Will have a more in-depth look into the variations between the two courses. My naivety, and ill-informed knowledge, led me to believe the courses couldn't be that different.

I'm hopefully going to go to the open days in the Summer if possible which will be so unbelievably helpful. I've not even been to a uni yet.

Yup they really are and you are not alone, most people don't realise. In a nutshell, Cambridge has more courses and more choice of options, exams at the end of every year. Oxford is more about the depth, fewer courses studied, two options, first year exams (don't count to degree) after two terms and Finals at the end of the course bring everything together and enable you to make connections across subjects and therefore across the whole map of English law.

I hope you enjoy the open days. Just remember Oxford is better if you have any questions about law at Oxford feel free to ask here or pm me