[TJBrunt89]

I've had a bit of an odd time with my A levels / degree choice at school.

Last year I wanted to do economics at uni, then I realised I was only doing it for the prospect of a well paid job when I'm older and found that it was tedious beyond belief. After some consideration I realised it was the last thing I wanted to do and through some quite incomprehensible thought process I decided to do medicine.

Now having technically left school I have 3 As in Economics, Biology and Maths with a B in music at AS. The obvious problem there is that I'm lacking chemistry so this year I've gone back to my school to do both AS and A2 chemistry and its going remarkably well, already getting through most of the AS course.

I was wondering therefore if you guys thought it would be worthwhile applying to Oxford. I do technically meet the requirements of AAA and I have 5 A*s 6 As for GCSE. This year I've managed to get loads of work shadowing done doing a week in Oxford at the JR and nuffield othorpaedic centre and at Stoke Mandeville Hospital where I live. I've also done the 20 week volunteering programme and am starting volunteering at the Royal Bucks Hospital to work with dementia patients. For the 5 years I've also been an assistant scout leader working with kids aged 6-8.

I've contacted the admissions tutor and waiting for them to get back to me but I'd like a second opinion and also what college recommendations anyone would make. Obviously with my special case I'm not exactly aiming for magdalen.

[nexttime]

magdalen is good?

tbh Oxford/cambridge is probably the most likely of the medical schools you would get into - it tends to make its decisions based more on academic merit than other criteria (though obv other stuff is still important...). if you're good enough, of course

[thomasjtl]

particularly for medicine, your chances are the same regardless Of college choice, choose Whichever you like best.

[Derek_the_Sheep]

Oxford medicine admissions are very centralised - all your college choice will do is give that college first dibs at you if the faculty offers you a place. So pick whatever college you like.

They do require that A grade at A2 chemistry. If you're predicted that for exams in '09, then go for it. The medical ECs you are doing, and the fact that you've made a positive decision to change course, show dedication, which is one of the things they are looking for.

You'll have to do well in the BMAT of course (as will any applicant, to stand a chance).

DtS

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by nexttime

magdalen is good?

Arguably the best

[nexttime]

Originally Posted by Teebs

Arguably the best

arguably indeed

[Q.E.D]

If you want to go, you are infinitely more likely to get in if you apply than if you don't, sounds obvious, but you have nothing to lose by applying, so I'd try anyways, coz you have 4 other choices too. good luck