Damn the whole system!

Your "I can't be wrong" know-it-allism suggests that perhaps you need to take your nose out of your statistics and speak to individuals whom the numbers represent; those who are affected by the system/s.

Ah but the difference between AS results and A2 results is that by the end of A2, you will have finished your entire course. It is far easier I think to get a better idea of your 'worth' from the combined AS and A2 rather than just your AS (which is what I am complaining about). Personally I also feel it is easier to use already existing results to apply, rather than face the uncertainty and disappointment of "predicted grades" and conditional offers. So my criticism of the exam system and my criticism of the application criteria are different but related subjects.

That's true, it would be far better and far less stressful if everyone applied post A-level, but under the current system there simply wouldn't be time between the publication of results in mid August and the start of the university term in late September/early October for this to be possible. Even if there was time to assess everyone based on their UCAS form, there definitely wouldn't be time to interview people, get examples of their written work and ask them to sit written tests, hence the system would have to rely even more heavily on grades than it does now.

I already answered this. I said they ought to use ur combined A2 and AS grade as well as university and subject specific entrance tests. So I never said don't use exams, I just said put AS results as well as other exam results into context.

Supposed numerous examples? Now where did I quantify the examples as being numerous? One of the people that I am speaking of achieved 6A*s and 5 As at GCSE, with top marks in at least some of her subjects. She is doing all sciences for A level but decided she wants to read law. She applied with 3 As and a B at AS, and was not even given an interview despite having a good PS, references and work experience.

Maybe it was because she had all sciences rather than having at least 1 relevant essay-based subject, so they thought she wasn't committed enough to law. The AAAB at AS could also have been a factor, given how competitive law is. I agree she should have got an interview though.

How much more "affected by the system" can you get than someone who's actually been through the system?
There will always be exceptions to every rule imosed by a system.

And, the other thing, what did you expect anyone here to do about it?
Erm, it's a rant...you just want to get it off your chest, you don't necessarily expect those whom you complain to, to do anything about it

Again, prejudiced rubbish. In GCSE (perhaps even more so than in AS and A2) great emphasis is put on exam technique. Furthermore, you really truly believe that somebody who goes to a rubbish school where the teacher for that subject comes in once a month, loses your coursework, and doesn't actually do any teaching, might get a C simple because they "couldn't be bothered"? Get out of your ass and smell reality dude. It isn't always so clear cut. My proposal is aimed specifically to give smart kids a chance even if they did not go to a good school. The school you went to strongly affects your grades.

But why complain, and complain here? Why do you feel so strongly about it, since it doesn't affect you? Methinks you came in here with the intention of annoying people...

*mutters about blinkin' trolls*

But i don't blame them [Oxbridge] for it. My thread is entitled "damn the whole system".

I am really losing faith in the whole university system (especially the OxBridge system).

Your "I can't be wrong" know-it-allism suggests that perhaps you need to take your nose out of your statistics and speak to individuals whom the numbers represent; those who are affected by the system/s.

No not a troll, I use this place quite regularly. It does affect me. A good friend of mine seems to have been unfairly treated, and is very upset about it. Besides, whoever said things have to affect you directly to elicit strong feelings?

A good friend of mine seems to have been unfairly treated, and is very upset about it.

Is your friend still annoyed about it, nine months on? That seems a bit ridiculous to me. There are equally good universities out there, you know.

grr

Is your friend still annoyed about it, nine months on? That seems a bit ridiculous to me. There are equally good universities out there, you know.

well, i mean, there are colleges as good as say, Trinity. Try APU next time

So, if your friend aint still bothered, why are you? Is it that you're in love with this person and take their rejection personally, or do you have 'my friend has a problem' syndrome? Going on the basis that you apparently seem able to give only this singular example, which you seem very and personally angry about, I am taking the assumption that it is this single anecdote which has bothered you this much... that's slightly disturbing.