HELP - Can I get into Oxford?

Do you really want to go into a law based career? If not then I don’t see the point in doing law if you’re more into politics, when you can still take the grad route to law. And secondly whilst it may be statistically unlikely to get an offer with your gcse grades it’s not impossible. I’m not sure if coming from a disadvantaged background makes a huge difference but if you experienced any mitigating circumstance during your studies that may be considered.

As long as you get the grades you can always apply the following year, but it is only one of your options and wouldn’t really be a waste if you did end up with an offer.

Do you really want to go into a law based career? If not then I don’t see the point in doing law if you’re more into politics, when you can still take the grad route to law. And secondly whilst it may be statistically unlikely to get an offer with your gcse grades it’s not impossible. I’m not sure if coming from a disadvantaged background makes a huge difference but if you experienced any mitigating circumstance during your studies that may be considered.

As long as you get the grades you can always apply the following year, but it is only one of your options and wouldn’t really be a waste if you did end up with an offer.

imo, if you got amazing AS results and write an amazing personal statement, then do amazingly at the interview, you probably have a decent shot at getting in. despite the fact that people that usually apply have a majority of A*s in their GCSEs (not trying to put you down), i think oxford does take a holistic view of things and they will take your disadvantaged background into consideration like they did with me (being a first generation asian girl and hella poor).

overall, please consider applying - you may as well take the chance and you have five options anyways.

about doing law or politics, i'd really advise you to choose the thing you love. you don't wanna be stuck doing a degree you hate. people wanted me to do medicine but what was the point if i knew i wasn't passionate about it? plus, if you do get to the interview stage, you're gonna have to be passionate about the subject and show that you absolutely love it - the interviewers are usually your potential tutors, and obviously their career revolves around the subject, so they'll be able to tell if you're not completely passionate about it. (i used the word passionate too much wow)

hope this helps in any way!

How do my grades affect things?

So, I took my GCSEs two years ago, and I got 2 9's, 3A's, 1 6, and 2 C's. Not great, I know. However, my predicted grades for A Level are A*AA (possibly A*A*A).

From what I've read, ordinarily I would not be in with a shot at Oxford, however, my school want to use the fact that I come from a severely disadvantaged background

- I am mixed race,

have a single parent on low income - to possibly appeal to Oxford.

As if this wasn't complicated enough, I can't decide between Law and PPE at uni.

Whilst I am suited to law, and it is probably better for my career, politics is my passion, and I'd probably enjoy it more. Currently I'm leaning towards law. I'm signed up to LNAT, but haven't booked yet, so I guess I could change.

Basically, I need advice on:
a) whether I can get into Oxford (is it even worth trying?)
b) What to study

Don't believe what you've read. With a good admissions test, you're in with a chance - that's as much as anyone (other than ATs) can say. I would encourage you to apply.


How is that a "disadvantaged background"?

I'd hope that this isn't a consideration. The only valid issue is a potentially under-performing school, although none of it sounds like "a severely disadvantaged background" (other then financially).


That is you're biggest issue. You need to show enthusiasm for your chosen subject(s).


a) Yes. Roll the dice;
b) PPE. You MUST go for what you're passionate about. Law will drain you if you're not.

If you go to an SEN school that doesn't give a standard primary school education, is that not a disadvantage?

The only valid issue is a potentially under-performing school, although none of it sounds like "a severely disadvantaged background" (other then financially).

I do have a passion for Law - perhaps I didn't phrase that correctly.

As I said:

Obviously, I'm going on what you've said, where it is difficult to judge degree. An AT will be able to give you a more accurate opinion.

You said that Politics was your passion, so I'd still go with that. A degree in PPE from Oxford is worthwhile, IMO, especially if your enjoyment gets you a higher classification. I tend to think that you must do what you'll enjoy most, and worry about the a career later, although neither option would be bad, IMO. Good luck.

Great reply
Did you get into Oxford?
What subject?

Curious