Do these results give me a chance at Cambridge?

No

Hi,

I am currently in Year 12.

The GCSE results I received in the Summer are 3 A*s and 5 A's. The 3 A*s are in English Lit, English Language and History. The 5 A's are in Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Psychology. I also have 2 B's which were in Physics and French. As well as this I took an early AS level alongside my GCSE'S (Classical Civilisation) and got a B (unfortunately I was 4 marks off getting an A in this).

I have hopes of studying English Literature at Cambridge and understand the entry requirements for this is A*AA. I received my predicted grades for A2 and they are four A's. The A levels I am currently studying are A2 Classical Civilisation, AS English Literature, AS History and AS Geography. Do you think the B I got in my AS Classical Civilisation last year will reduce my chances of applying/getting an offer at Cambridge? Obviously I am working hard to bring the B up to an A and hoping for A/A* in my other 3 subjects. I have been told GCSE doesn't matter as much for Cambridge, and that it is the whole picture of the student that counts, but surely my lack of A*s at GSCE and the disappointing AS level from Year 11 will put them off?

Please answer as detailed as possible and answer honestly: looking at these results so far, do you think I have any possibility of reaching Cambridge?

Thanks,
Alex

Not going to lie: those results are not particularly spectacular. They're obviously good results, but I mean by top uni standards. However, that said, if you perform well at interview, have an excellent personal statement and score highly on the entry exam, you will stand a good chance. You just have no room for error at this point. Good luck.

What course would you apply for?

English Literature