Are my GCSE grades good enough for Oxbridge?

I know A Levels are more important but I am unsure if my GCSE grades are good enough.

I am currently taking Maths, Further Maths, English Lit, Chemistry and Physics and General Studies (compulsory, I know it doesn't count for anything) at A Level.

At Gcse I got:
Maths = A*
Statistics = A*
Eng Lit = A*
Eng Lang = A*
Bio=A
Chem=A
Physics=A
IT=A
RE=A
History=B
German=B (I am retaking my German as I got A*s in both pieces of coursework but got moderated down to an A and a B.

So yeah, are these GCSE's good enough to get in to a competitive course?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

I know A Levels are more important but I am unsure if my GCSE grades are good enough.

I am currently taking Maths, Further Maths, English Lit, Chemistry and Physics and General Studies (compulsory, I know it doesn't count for anything) at A Level.

At Gcse I got:
Maths = A*
Statistics = A*
Eng Lit = A*
Eng Lang = A*
Bio=A
Chem=A
Physics=A
IT=A
RE=A
History=B
German=B (I am retaking my German as I got A*s in both pieces of coursework but got moderated down to an A and a B.

So yeah, are these GCSE's good enough to get in to a competitive course?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Try this thread.

But in summary, Oxford usually want more A*'s while Cambridge care more for your A-Level UMS.

Yes


Posted from TSR Mobile

1. What course?
2. Which university? (from oxbridge)
3. Your gcses look fine, you have A*'s in some of the toughest subjects, alevels matter more

I know A Levels are more important but I am unsure if my GCSE grades are good enough.

I am currently taking Maths, Further Maths, English Lit, Chemistry and Physics and General Studies (compulsory, I know it doesn't count for anything) at A Level.

At Gcse I got:
Maths = A*
Statistics = A*
Eng Lit = A*
Eng Lang = A*
Bio=A
Chem=A
Physics=A
IT=A
RE=A
History=B
German=B (I am retaking my German as I got A*s in both pieces of coursework but got moderated down to an A and a B.

So yeah, are these GCSE's good enough to get in to a competitive course?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

If you're applying for German/History, then there may be a problem, otherwise do well in your AS exams and you'll be absolutely fine.

Hey you're the guy who helped me with my C2 question. Hey again
I would prefer to do Computer Science or Natural Medicine, or dentistry. I would prefer Cambridge but wouldn't really be fussed. Is there a minimum requirement at GCSE for Oxford?

Oxford are usually more demanding when it comes to GCSEs, I think they usually want 6A* or more on average. Cambridge is more lenient with GCSEs and impressive grades at A-Level will more than compensate for so-so GCSE grades. As long as you have A*s, As and maybe the odd B (which you do) I doubt you'd be at a major disadvantage in the application process to Oxbridge - just push on with A-Levels, work as hard as you can a shoot for a 90+ UMS average across all four of your A-Level subjects.

Unless you want to apply for medicine or something I'd say so, I got an offer from Cambridge with only 2 A*s (the rest As) so you should be fine

I would say yes those being very good grades i am sure a lot of places will accept you even if they don't.

Good luck :)

Hey there!
For Cambridge read this:

''With the exception of those for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (grade C or above in GCSE Double Award Science and Mathematics), there are no GCSE requirements for entry to Cambridge, and there is no minimum number of A* grades required for any of our courses.

Our research shows that post-16 examination performance is a much better predictor of degree success at Cambridge. While GCSE results are looked at as a performance indicator, this is within the context of the school/college performance and strong performance in Years 12 and 13 can make up for a less stellar performance at GCSE.''

Source: http://www.study.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/requirements/thefacts.html
Oxford are the only ones who kick up a fuss about gcses, so try to get over 90ums and your good to go!

Oxford are usually more demanding when it comes to GCSEs, I think they usually want 6A* or more on average. Cambridge is more lenient with GCSEs and impressive grades at A-Level will more than compensate for so-so GCSE grades.

As long as you have A*s, As and maybe the odd B (which you do) I doubt you'd be at a major disadvantage in the application process to Cambridge (it might be a little disadvantageous in an Oxford application - but nothing stellar A-Level results couldn't circumvent) - just push on with A-Levels, work as hard as you can and shoot for a 90+ UMS average across all four of your A-Level subjects.

Oh right thank you very much once again

Don't worry about GCSE's. As long as you have a good bunch of A's and A*'s, especially in relevant subjects, you'll be fine. Worry about your AS marks.