Oxford or Cambridge?

actually I would probably recommend Cambridge over Oxford as they interview more candidates so you're less likely there to be deselected before getting a chance to show what you're made of, and if you do make it to Cambridge interview stage even if you aren't made an offer it's likely you would then be eligible for adjustment as you'd hit the contextual markers so if you do get the A level grades you'd get an extra shot at it

what about the argument that those with better GCSEs should attempt Oxford instead of Cam?

this applicants GCSEs aren't particularly high? and tbh neither Oxford nor Cambridge put that much stock in GCSEs grades. for this person I think their chances are probably not that high of getting an offer unless they do very well at interview/admissions assessment so they want to maximise the chances of at least getting an interview and then if they do get the grades have the chance of still getting in

that was actually really good advice! i wasn't challenging you, just asking a question. Does Cambridge always go into adjucement though? and how much more are they likely to offer an interview than oxford? (figures?)

Cambridge run an adjustment scheme for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds who apply but are rejected after interview - you aren't guaranteed a place through adjustment even if you're eligible but it is a second chance

What if you are predicted 3 As instead of the min requirement A*AA? Should you still take a chance with Cam over Ox?

Can I pm you for further advice?

you should absolutely go for it, you really have nothing to lose by applying - check carefully though when choosing a college as a few don't accept the combined Lang/Lit a level

you may also want to email admissions tutors of any colleges you are thinking of applying for to get reassurance that it is worth applying but I suspect that most will say to go for it, the only way to be guaranteed you won't get in is by not applying

as for which uni to go for really it should depend only on which course you prefer more - do as much research as possible before you choose

Personally I would suggest applying to the one you prefer. If you don't mind, then apply to the one which places greater emphasis on the admissions process because that should hopefully offset your slightly weaker grades - generally, Oxford places more emphasis on this, as far as I'm aware.
If your predicted grades are triple A, I think it would be beneficial to apply to Oxford too because otherwise you're predicted below the Cambridge offer.
That said Oxford state that they interview 60% of candidates, as opposed to Cambridge's 80%. Make of that what you will.
Otherwise, make sure your reference and UCAS form detail all of your circumstances to ensure you're treated fairly!
(Btw I study humanities at Oxford, but not English)

That’s why I was thinking of Cambridge because they’d rather see a trajectory in grades apparently. I’m predicted A*AA so I think I meet both offers?

actually I would probably recommend Cambridge over Oxford as they interview more candidates so you're less likely there to be deselected before getting a chance to show what you're made of, and if you do make it to Cambridge interview stage even if you aren't made an offer it's likely you would then be eligible for adjustment as you'd hit the contextual markers so if you do get the A level grades you'd get an extra shot at it

Don't listen to this Tab. Oxford is running the same scheme from next year and it isn't a reason to choose to apply to one and not the other. You should visit both cities, consider the course at both universities and see which you like best.

Cambridge has 4 applications per place for English, so they accept 25% of applicants. They don't have interview stats. Oxford interviews 60% of their applicants. 24% are successful. Oxford interviews are also a hell of a lot more fun, as you get room and board for a few days. So they are less stressful, and you have more chance to meet other applicants.

The Entrance requirement at Oxford for English is also AAA, not A*AA like it is at Cambridge. All Oxford Colleges also accept combined LangLit. Your GCSEs are as good as mine were, and I study Maths at Oxford.

You'll meet better people at Oxford, as well.

The adjustment scheme at Cambridge (as it will be at Oxford,) is for candidates that are of the standard, but JUST don't get in. The college will contact you if a space becomes free to give it to you. It is NOT ADJUSTMENT. It is a callback/second chance scheme.

the adjustment scheme at Cambridge is for ALL applicants rejected after interview who meet three widening participation criteria - you don't have to meet a certain standard to be eligible but obviously the better you do at interview the more likely you are to get in during the adjustment selection pool once you have your grades.

really you should choose based on course as there are slight differences between the English courses - I recommend you do more research on both

That’s why I was thinking of Cambridge because they’d rather see a trajectory in grades apparently. I’m predicted A*AA so I think I meet both offers?

Don't listen to this Tab. Oxford is running the same scheme from next year and it isn't a reason to choose to apply to one and not the other. You should visit both cities, consider the course at both universities and see which you like best.

Cambridge has 4 applications per place for English, so they accept 25% of applicants. They don't have interview stats. Oxford interviews 60% of their applicants. 24% are successful. Oxford interviews are also a hell of a lot more fun, as you get room and board for a few days. So they are less stressful, and you have more chance to meet other applicants.

The Entrance requirement at Oxford for English is also AAA, not A*AA like it is at Cambridge. All Oxford Colleges also accept combined LangLit. Your GCSEs are as good as mine were, and I study Maths at Oxford.

You'll meet better people at Oxford, as well.

The adjustment scheme at Cambridge (as it will be at Oxford,) is for candidates that are of the standard, but JUST don't get in. The college will contact you if a space becomes free to give it to you. It is NOT ADJUSTMENT. It is a callback/second chance scheme.

Don't listen to this Tab. Oxford is running the same scheme from next year and it isn't a reason to choose to apply to one and not the other. You should visit both cities, consider the course at both universities and see which you like best.

Cambridge has 4 applications per place for English, so they accept 25% of applicants. They don't have interview stats. Oxford interviews 60% of their applicants. 24% are successful. Oxford interviews are also a hell of a lot more fun, as you get room and board for a few days. So they are less stressful, and you have more chance to meet other applicants.

The Entrance requirement at Oxford for English is also AAA, not A*AA like it is at Cambridge. All Oxford Colleges also accept combined LangLit. Your GCSEs are as good as mine were, and I study Maths at Oxford.

You'll meet better people at Oxford, as well.

The adjustment scheme at Cambridge (as it will be at Oxford,) is for candidates that are of the standard, but JUST don't get in. The college will contact you if a space becomes free to give it to you. It is NOT ADJUSTMENT. It is a callback/second chance scheme.

As a place, I prefer Oxford. However I’d be extremely grateful to go to either. I feel as though I’d have a slightly better chance at Cambridge - Oxford explicitly say that they put heavy emphasis on GCSEs whilst Cambridge say that post-16 results are a far better indicator which will make up for a less stellar performance at GCSE. But like you said, you have similar GCSEs to me and you’re at Oxford? If you don’t mind me asking: what did you get in your GCSEs, AS and A Level? It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me