The Official "Oxford or Cambridge?" Thread

Ok, I face a massive dilemma.
I love English and Classics, equally. However, I got lower A-Level results than predicted - English A*, History A, Latin A, Greek A. I've been told that, with my module marks (which are not all over 90, as Cambridge apparently likes them to be, and with a few re-takes) I shouldn't apply to Cambridge, but apply to Oxford instead, particularly if I want to study Classics, seeing as at Cambridge they would probably expect an A* in either Latin or Greek. I'm a little disappointed - I had my heart set on Cambridge, though Oxford will do.

But, if I were to apply to Cambridge to read English, would I still stand a good chance of getting a place with fairly low marks (albeit As) in my other A-levels? Or should I realistically stick with Oxford?

Does the A* in Eng Lit mean I should really be aiming to read English?

Any help? This is plaguing me!

Ok, I face a massive dilemma.
I love English and Classics, equally. However, I got lower A-Level results than predicted - English A*, History A, Latin A, Greek A. I've been told that, with my module marks (which are not all over 90, as Cambridge apparently likes them to be, and with a few re-takes) I shouldn't apply to Cambridge, but apply to Oxford instead, particularly if I want to study Classics, seeing as at Cambridge they would probably expect an A* in either Latin or Greek. I'm a little disappointed - I had my heart set on Cambridge, though Oxford will do.

But, if I were to apply to Cambridge to read English, would I still stand a good chance of getting a place with fairly low marks (albeit As) in my other A-levels? Or should I realistically stick with Oxford?

Does the A* in Eng Lit mean I should really be aiming to read English?

Any help? This is plaguing me!

Bolded bit has left my mouth hanging so wide that a bird could make a nest in it.

To answer your question, no. Apply for the subject you have a real passion for; a passion for a subject should stand you in good stead for an interview.

Bolded bit has left my mouth hanging so wide that a bird could make a nest in it.

To answer your question, no. Apply for the subject you have a real passion for; a passion for a subject should stand you in good stead for an interview.

LOL. I didn't apply for English but from what I knew Oxford was always considered superior/prestigious to Cambridge for English and Classics especially. I guess the person is going on the basis that Cambridge must be better since they ask for UMS.

Giving the poster the benefit of the doubt, isn't it possible that (s)he meant that (s)he prefers the feel of Cambridge but would be willing to go to either university?

Giving the poster the benefit of the doubt, isn't it possible that (s)he meant that (s)he prefers the feel of Cambridge but would be willing to go to either university?

Why on earth would they prefer Cambridge though?

City for students > city with students.

You're saying that like it's a good thing

Trust you two to gang up on me when I'm the only Cantabrigian in here...

Anyway, at least we won the race that really matters.

Ahem, thread starter here I feel like my duty as Oxbridge mod is to provide a balanced view though

Aren't you supposed to be on holiday?

[*]On average three mathematics offers will be made for every place that Cambridge intends to fill, on the basis of statistical data from past years showing that two thirds will fail STEP.

Do Cambridge see UMS? Also when you say 'I don't think your GCSEs would put you totally out of the race for Oxford.' do you think they would severely disadvantage me?

Out of interest, why haven't you also provided the UMS mark of Philosophy and Biology?

Yeah, Cambridge see UMS.

Tbh, I don't know much about Oxford's use of GCSEs for History&Politics, but I just think it's pretty unlikely they'd auto-reject you for those GCSEs.

They're not in the A* range, and I thought people may question whether I had the required A* for Cambridge.