Oxford Chemistry Students and Applicants

I only did one science (chemistry, obviously!) in the IB, although maths and further maths (as an extra subject) were also relatively relevant. My other four subjects were three language/literature subjects and philosophy, alongside the 'diploma core' (TOK/EE/CAS). And I got in.
The fact that you haven't done physics at A-level shouldn't really disadvantage you in the course itself, once you're past admissions. I didn't do physics, and I got the highest mark in the university in physical chemistry last year (don't know about the marks distribution this year yet).

It's a bit worrying what they're doing with the physical course this year though. Lecture lists have been published and first years apparently have no real 'physics' courses any more - no classical mechanics, no optics, waves and fields. I don't know how they expect people to understand quantum theory without it, although it could very well all be incorporated in the newly prolonged introduction to quantum theory course, or possibly the maths course (for some reason British people are often under the (delusional!) impression that mechanics is part of maths rather than physics ... ).

I'd be pretty sure you'd still get an interview... unless your third A-level is media studies or something.

I don't know if this is an unrealistic question to ask:

How many pages of notes (approximately or exactly even better) did you have for the first year? This includes all lecture notes, tutorial notes etc. that you would put in a folder.

I am intending to buy a folder for inorganic, organic, physical, and maybe even mathematics. Please tell me roughly how many sheets I should expect for each "subject".

A digital photo of all your notes would also do.

I dont think you have to declare your module grades do you. I know for my year (the year above you) lots of people didnt.

I don't know if this is an unrealistic question to ask:

How many pages of notes (approximately or exactly even better) did you have for the first year? This includes all lecture notes, tutorial notes etc. that you would put in a folder.

I am intending to buy a folder for inorganic, organic, physical, and maybe even mathematics. Please tell me roughly how many sheets I should expect for each "subject".

A digital photo of all your notes would also do.

I have three box files - one for each of org, inorg and phys. They're all pretty full. My maths notes are somewhat less, shall we say "consolidated" (i.e. I don't know where they all are).

Don't kow how many pages but I filled a huuuge lever arch folder for each one and still had some left over, but this included tute notes and problems where I sometimes filled maybe 20-40 sides for each.

1) Yes.
2) Impossible to answer, it varies every year.
3) Yes.
4) Yes, possibly.

Sorry for the blunt answers, but I recommend declining the D grade in CT - that is exactly what I would do. Modulely speaking, you are not so strong, but besides that 4A's is not bad. I would dare say your GCSE's are above average, but A-levels - slightly below average, if we take into account the module grades. But you still have a chance if you are up for the challenge.

Ok, here is what I would do: apply, because trust me, you are not wasting a UCAS spot, do not mention about the full marks in modules - it's overrated, and do you best in your PS and interview. Make sure your teacher writes a good reference about you. Do well in your coming A2 exams.

And finally, just don't worry too much about it. With 4 A's, I wouldn't worry too much.

why is it overrated to mention full marks? isnt that somehting to be proud of? i got 98% in my bio and maths as levels and full marks in two chemistry modules and i was planning to mention them or get referee to. are you saying this is a bad idea?

Also as a general quesiton i did volunteer work experience at a local hospital and my shcool say to mentin this jsut shwos ur not lazy and can organise somehting. but i think its clearly useless mentioning that when applyign to do chemistry. what is everyones opinion on this?

Your referee mentioning your excellent module marks wouldn't count against you, so don't worry about it! Mine didn't, but plenty of people do get specific marks mentioned (I didn't know that when I applied...).

I was in a fairly similar situation to you regarding the work experience. Over the past couple of summers (and this one) I've been working in doctors' surgery - it's a summer job, not work experience, but something that is typically associated with medicine applicants. However, if you have gained something useful (particularly chem related) out of the process there is no reason not to mention it; some of my work involved dealing with prescriptions, and I linked this to the relevance of chemists in creating these pharmaceuticals. I can't remember exactly what I wrote, but I made it clear that this enhanced my appreciation of chemistry (which is true). Although Oxford isn't bothered by extra-curriculars, other universities may well appreciate the organisational skills and a sentence or two in a mainly academic PS wouldn't be overdoing it.

Ok, here is what I would do: apply, because trust me, you are not wasting a UCAS spot, do not mention about the full marks in modules - it's overrated...

'This section should also be used to indicate... for example: performance in particular modules (UMS scores), if taking A levels...'