How can I enhance my Oxford application with weaker GCSEs?

do related online courses (MOOCs) if you can find them, and include them in your personal statement, talk about what you have learned, how you’ll apply these new skills and knowledge and how they would be used in your degree/future career. work experience is also very very helpful to have in your personal statement, but i’m not sure how easy it would be to find something related to your course!

Hiya, I am seriously considering applying to Oxford for E&M for 2023 and was wondering how I would be able to enhance my application. I understand that my GCSEs are weak at 777777666 but have genuinely started to work hard in A-levels and have gotten a predicted A*A*A in Economics, Psychology and Maths, which I hope to be able to increase to an A* in maths as well (Likely as I did very well in my year 12 mock). I also have achieved an A in finance at AS and will most likely be able to achieve an A* in my EPQ.

I know the basics such as having a good personal statement and studying hard for the TSA, things which I have already started doing. I was just wondering if anyone had any other tips to improve my application which aren't widely known. Any replies would be appreciated

You have to be realistic about things, and it is unlikely that you would be shortlisted with those GCSEs. Most successful applicants have mainly 8s and 9s at GCSE, and GCSE performance is a tool used early on to cut the field down to size. It's unlikely that you would be called for interview at Oxford.

Cambridge places little importance on GCSEs and, ceteris paribus, you have a higher chance of being interviewed there. Maybe something to think about.

Yeh I've been told that Cambridge places less emphasis on GCSEs however I Oxford is a much better fit for me and I doubt I'd enjoy Cambridge. I also understand that my chances are low and that is why I'm attempting to do as much as possible to improve my chances.

OK, but the point is that your GCSEs are going to effectively rule you out of being shortlisted. There is nothing 'extra' you can do at this stage to mitigate that.

By all means apply, but the chances of being shortlisted are probably <1%. It's probably a waste of a UCAS choice.

@Oxford Mum

I agree reality. This is even harder to get into than medicine. Whether Oxford seems to be a better fit or not, those grades will be a drawback

Sorry to join in on this thread randomly. My gcse's are 9988888887 and a distinction* which is equivalent to an 8/9 but I know oxbridge are picky about their qualifications. Is there a point applying since acceptance rates are so low?

Which subject are we talking about here? Those grades would be fine for any subject.

grades are fine but it is an extremely competitive course. What matters for e&m most is the performance in TSA section 1. Try to secure within top 15% to secure an interview since they interview about 10-15% of the applicants. About 6% get offers. So, the best way is to secure as high as on TSA - aim for 100% and try your best.

grades are fine but it is an extremely competitive course. What matters for e&m most is the performance in TSA section 1. Try to secure within top 15% to secure an interview since they interview about 10-15% of the applicants. About 6% get offers. So, the best way is to secure as high as on TSA - aim for 100% and try your best.

Hiya, I am seriously considering applying to Oxford for E&M for 2023 and was wondering how I would be able to enhance my application. I understand that my GCSEs are weak at 777777666 but have genuinely started to work hard in A-levels and have gotten a predicted A*A*A in Economics, Psychology and Maths, which I hope to be able to increase to an A* in maths as well (Likely as I did very well in my year 12 mock). I also have achieved an A in finance at AS and will most likely be able to achieve an A* in my EPQ.

I know the basics such as having a good personal statement and studying hard for the TSA, things which I have already started doing. I was just wondering if anyone had any other tips to improve my application which aren't widely known. Any replies would be appreciated

boosting so someone can help <3

don't be so bloody rude

Eh?

eh? bloody rude you are acting so naff with me. bullying not tolerated in this chat rude little one. - mother of three

Hiya, I am seriously considering applying to Oxford for E&M for 2023 and was wondering how I would be able to enhance my application. I understand that my GCSEs are weak at 777777666 but have genuinely started to work hard in A-levels and have gotten a predicted A*A*A in Economics, Psychology and Maths, which I hope to be able to increase to an A* in maths as well (Likely as I did very well in my year 12 mock). I also have achieved an A in finance at AS and will most likely be able to achieve an A* in my EPQ.

I know the basics such as having a good personal statement and studying hard for the TSA, things which I have already started doing. I was just wondering if anyone had any other tips to improve my application which aren't widely known. Any replies would be appreciated