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Applying for chemistry at all top unis?

I am applying for chemistry for 2022 entry, my predicted grades are A*A*A* and my GCSEs are 999988888855 and right now I'm thinking of applying at Cambridge (natsci), Durham, Imperial, UCL and Edinburgh.
Are the unis I'm applying for too risky or do you think I will get at least 3/4 offers?
Chemistry is not a competitive degree.

This is because there is a shortgage of Chem teachers, so fewer people do Chem A level and those that do tend to go into Medicine or Biomed etc and not straight 'Chemistry'. And Chemistry is such a valuable degree - it leads to so many different career possibilities : https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/chemistry

So - you are likely to get offers with high grades. Its then up to you to get those grades but in my experience you would probably still be accepted with a 'near miss' next August.
Original post by xxchem_nct
I am applying for chemistry for 2022 entry, my predicted grades are A*A*A* and my GCSEs are 999988888855 and right now I'm thinking of applying at Cambridge (natsci), Durham, Imperial, UCL and Edinburgh.
Are the unis I'm applying for too risky or do you think I will get at least 3/4 offers?

I'm going to do the same but next year and Oxford/Warwick instead of Cambridge/Edinburgh
Original post by xxchem_nct
I am applying for chemistry for 2022 entry, my predicted grades are A*A*A* and my GCSEs are 999988888855 and right now I'm thinking of applying at Cambridge (natsci), Durham, Imperial, UCL and Edinburgh.
Are the unis I'm applying for too risky or do you think I will get at least 3/4 offers?

Your grades are fantastic, but they are just the start when applying to Oxbridge. You will need to read round the subject, as per these Cambridge Demystified Natsci chapters:

Biological Natsci

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6467274&p=88366502#post88366502

Physical Natsci

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6481960&p=88515962#post88515962

Here is Oxford Demystified, giving you handy hints on applying in general to Oxbridge:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6100480

Applying to 3 difficult to get into unis? This can work two ways. The extra work you do for Oxbridge could impress the other unis enough to get you an offer. However, when my son applied to Oxford medicine, I advised him to also apply for the next tier down as well, so he would receive at least one offer from a medical school. The Oxford offer was A*AA, so he applied to a couple of other unis (including a London one) whose offer was AAA.
Reply 4
Original post by McGinger
Chemistry is not a competitive degree.

This is because there is a shortgage of Chem teachers, so fewer people do Chem A level and those that do tend to go into Medicine or Biomed etc and not straight 'Chemistry'. And Chemistry is such a valuable degree - it leads to so many different career possibilities : https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/chemistry

So - you are likely to get offers with high grades. Its then up to you to get those grades but in my experience you would probably still be accepted with a 'near miss' next August.

Yh I've heard it's not that competitive, but natsci at Cambridge is quite competitive, how about chem at imperial?
Reply 5
Original post by summerbirdreads
I'm going to do the same but next year and Oxford/Warwick instead of Cambridge/Edinburgh

Ayy what a levels r u doing
Original post by xxchem_nct
Ayy what a levels r u doing

chem, physics, math, further math, I'm predicted all A*s but I'm taking a gap year due to medical condition
what about you?
Reply 7
Original post by Oxford Mum
Your grades are fantastic, but they are just the start when applying to Oxbridge. You will need to read round the subject, as per these Cambridge Demystified Natsci chapters:

Biological Natsci

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6467274&p=88366502#post88366502

Physical Natsci

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6481960&p=88515962#post88515962

Here is Oxford Demystified, giving you handy hints on applying in general to Oxbridge:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6100480

Applying to 3 difficult to get into unis? This can work two ways. The extra work you do for Oxbridge could impress the other unis enough to get you an offer. However, when my son applied to Oxford medicine, I advised him to also apply for the next tier down as well, so he would receive at least one offer from a medical school. The Oxford offer was A*AA, so he applied to a couple of other unis (including a London one) whose offer was AAA.

Thank youu, in my PS i talked about the following:
-read Why chemical reactions happen by keeler and wothers
-Cambridge Chemistry Challenge - Gold award
-Attended a chemistry summer school
-Attended a chemistry masterclass
-Did a research project on a pathways programme
-Took part in a biological sciences essay competition
-Volunteering(charity shop and serving homeless)
-won 2nd place in an innovate competition

Do you think these super/extracurriculars are enough to impress oxbridge/other top unis
Reply 8
Original post by summerbirdreads
chem, physics, math, further math, I'm predicted all A*s but I'm taking a gap year due to medical condition
what about you?

bio chem and maths
Original post by xxchem_nct
Thank youu, in my PS i talked about the following:
-read Why chemical reactions happen by keeler and wothers
-Cambridge Chemistry Challenge - Gold award
-Attended a chemistry summer school
-Attended a chemistry masterclass
-Did a research project on a pathways programme
-Took part in a biological sciences essay competition
-Volunteering(charity shop and serving homeless)
-won 2nd place in an innovate competition

Do you think these super/extracurriculars are enough to impress oxbridge/other top unis

Excellent - as long as you discussed these ideas or explained 'what I got out of this experience was' and didnt just list them, that sounds a good PS.
Original post by xxchem_nct
Thank youu, in my PS i talked about the following:
-read Why chemical reactions happen by keeler and wothers
-Cambridge Chemistry Challenge - Gold award
-Attended a chemistry summer school
-Attended a chemistry masterclass
-Did a research project on a pathways programme
-Took part in a biological sciences essay competition
-Volunteering(charity shop and serving homeless)
-won 2nd place in an innovate competition

Do you think these super/extracurriculars are enough to impress oxbridge/other top unis

Depends how much the other candidates have done! The real impressing comes with the interview - how well you can use the A level stuff you have learnt to answer unfamiliar questions. This will need keenness, concentration, flair. This is where the wheat really gets sorted out from the chaff, as tutors are looking for a natural interest in the subject. You cannot buy this with expensive schooling, or contacts etc. It all just comes from the heart.
Original post by summerbirdreads
I'm going to do the same but next year and Oxford/Warwick instead of Cambridge/Edinburgh

Here is the Oxford Demystified chapter for Chemistry

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=88020292&highlight=Oxford%20demystified

thank you so much!

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