University applicants 2016 thread!

I see what you mean, it's a bit odd with some distances because it's close enough to live at home, but in the winter it wouldn't be that nice having to commute over a long-ish distance when it's getting dark in the mornings and evenings and you've been working all day.

Hi, I'm an International student I was thinking of applying to either Cambridge or Oxford for computer science.
IGCSE grades - 1 A*, 5 A's and 1 B.
AS level- 4 a's
A level - 3 A*'s and 1 A
This are my actual grades not predicted ones.
Where do you think I should apply?
P.S ... I already did apply to Cambridge last year for Sept 2015 intake and got rejected but I think that was probably because I still was expecting my A levels result and looking at my AS level result no one would think I would score 3 A*'s and an A in A levels
AS level result------
Chem - 88(a)
Physics- 87(a)
Maths- 96(a)
AICT- 84(a)
So should I apply to Cambridge or Oxford this year or not?
Do i have any chances of getting in??
A level result----
Chem- 90(A*)
Maths- 97(A*)
Physics- 91(A*)
AICT- 81(A)

As far as I'm aware Cambridge only look at your UMS at AS Level in order to differentiate between applicants, and for your Computer Science, it would have been expected that you achieve roughly 95% across your three most relevant A Levels, but seeing as you didn't I would hazard a guess and suggest that was the reason why you were rejected.

Now, having looked at your A2s, you should have no problem being applying to either Oxford or Cambridge. However, you should know that for Cambridge your UMS at A2 is inconsequential once they have made you an offer... well more accurately... so long as you meet their offer then your UMS is inconsequential. I'm not quite sure about Mitigating circumstances.

Now, as for Oxford, in all honesty, had you applied to Oxford with those results I believe that you may have stood a better chance. Oxford have their own means of sifting out applicants which usually involve some form of aptitude test which an applicant must complete before they are even granted an interview.

These are worth thinking about, so good luck!!

So where will I have more chances of getting in Cambridge or Oxford??
If I apply to Cambridge this year are my chances of getting in more compared to last year?

Honestly, I would argue that it's not that simple. Your GCSE profile is not befitting of a typical Oxbridge applicant, although it has been suggested that Oxford tend to place more emphasis on your GCSES hence why most applicants tend to apply to the latter University, despite it being notoriously more difficult to get into.

I would argue that you stand a realistic chance of getting into either University as long as you have spent this academic year doing some form of relevant work experience or wider reading around the subject.

And it terms of applying to either University it depends on how you look at it: Oxford require applicants to complete a separate aptitude test or submit some work before applicants are granted interviews. Once this is done you then must complete an additional test at interview and undergo two additional interviews. So it all depends on whether or not you feel yourself competent and able enough to not only prepare for the initial entrance exam but will be able to successfully complete a further assignment under timed conditions and will be strong willed enough to defend your stance on a subject matter even though your answers are being ruthlessly scrutinised by field experts.

Conversely, you could reapply to Cambridge, although I'd advise against reapplying to the same college unless you were specifically requested to in your feedback from the college... If you got this far? And if you do go onto an interview the formula is much the same to that of Oxford, so once again a resolve of steel is advised.

When you're weighing up both universities, I would look beyond "which one am I moat likely to get into" and research into both universities as their requirements may reflect whether or not the course is for you and as such whether or not an admissions tutor would seem you to be an applicant best suited to the course. Look at longevity of the degree, modules, lessons styles and the required independent study of a typical undergrad for your course. All of these will enable to tailor your personal statement and interview to your capabilities as a potential student. For example, if a course expects a student to spend most of their time in independent study, look at what subjects and skills you have which reflect your suitability to such a style of learning: have you undergone an EPQ? if so, what skills have you learnt which belie your suitability for studying such a course at their university?

To be honest, there are a plethora of factors you'll have to consider when applying to either University, only you can decide which of the universities you're best suited to.
Good luck!

Course: Biomedical sciences, infectious diseases and virology
Universities: Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol and Glasgow
GCSE grades: 4 A* 6 A
AS grades (predicted/achieved): AAAA
A2 grades (predicted/achieved): I'm hoping for A*A*A or A*AA at the very least
Extra curricular: Read heavily around my subjects (mainly about infectious diseases), biosciences summer schools in July, I won a free trip to Grenoble to see the ESRF, HE+ in biochemistry, week long research project coming up in July, going to CERN, attended a pathology lecture, genetics workshop, biology sessions at Lancaster Uni coming up this month, I run an online infectious diseases/biomedical blog (here if anyone's interested) and I follow a podcast called This Week in Virology
Other: I've been playing the violin for 8 years now and I'm doing NCS this August