Oxbridge - school preventing me from applying. Should I rebel against it?

Reply 20

9

they can't stop you from applying, however, they do have to write an honest reference about you. They could, however, deliberately not write your reference in time.

Be real with yourself- are you one of the best students in your school? If yes, then you should apply. Tell the teacher that you are adament in applying and want to take your chances. It's very unlikely that she would deliberately sabbotage you, but she probably won't write you an amazing reference, either.

Reply 21

thefish_uk

14

Clarks_snuffed

Maybe rec53 is right...I don't think I will apply. My school is an independent school but a normal comprehensive. lol. It's just I've been set up by the school if you understand what I mean since year 9. I've been to Oxbridge conferences, visited cambridge with the school and now to say that I can't even apply is harsh but I suppose I'll get over it. The teacher said I should look at the other good ones like Nottingham and unis like that. Seeing as I live in Scotland, i might try my chances at Edinburgh and St Andrews. Thanks ppl whos replied - really apprecciate sumbody to talk to

This is damn annoying... I take it that your school is fee paying but all abilities? If I were paying through the nose for my kids to be educated I think I'd expect better.

It's a shame that by deciding not to apply you're letting her win. I wouldn't put up with it.

BTW - you can get the CAF off the Admissions Office website.

Reply 22

rec53

Clarks_snuffed

Maybe rec53 is right...I don't think I will apply. My school is an independent school but a normal comprehensive. lol. It's just I've been set up by the school if you understand what I mean since year 9. I've been to Oxbridge conferences, visited cambridge with the school and now to say that I can't even apply is harsh but I suppose I'll get over it. The teacher said I should look at the other good ones like Nottingham and unis like that. Seeing as I live in Scotland, i might try my chances at Edinburgh and St Andrews. Thanks ppl whos replied - really apprecciate sumbody to talk to

Schools aren't always right with these things, and being predicted AAA is matching what is required for Cambridge. You should really just decide on what you think/want to do. Any comments of mine that may appear negative are just trying to add a bit of sanity into the "OMG you got AAB and your school aren't letting you apply" reactions. Given you were likely to have been so close to the borderline in the B grades, and the fact your teachers are predicting you AAA, you don't have a bad change to get in. If you want to apply, do push your teacher to let you. Its your decision

Reply 23

RogueTrader

15

The whole point of the Oxbridge admissions process is to get past the illussion that grades can create. Some of the best candidates, who are passionate about and good at their subject will fail to meet their as predictions, yet there will be surprise candidates who get straight A's or those who train themselves to ace exams. The difference is, they will be shown up in what will be for them a highly stressful, probably almost painful interview, whereas if you truely are passionate about your subject, and love discussing it, you may even enjoy it, and as a result, will do much better.

From what I hear, the interview is the most weighted part, so I think its worth a shot.

(I also go to a private school)

Reply 24

lulu101

Don't let teachers bully you into not doing something that you really want to do. My head of sixth form did this with so many people in my year, being nice to people when they were applying for Oxbridge, then horrible when she changed her mind - she threw her personal statement at her! - Also not supporting people who applied. In the end those people who she had helped the most didn't end up getting in, and I, who had been encouraged to apply, but not given as much help as others go in. Teachers aren't admissions tutors - only they know what they are looking for - if you don't go for it, you will always regret it - it is only 1 space on your UCAS form and worth the shot even if you don't get in.

Reply 25

JohnStuartMill

8

Your teacher is an idiot. Tell her to bugger off. It is your decision whether you apply or not, people have applied and got in with grades just like yours. I have a friend who got into Oxford with AACC at AS-level and there are numerous examples of people getting in with your grades.

You at Robert Gordon's by any chance? *is curious, I just got back from staying in Aberdeen with friends*

Reply 26

Morbo

17

If I'm not mistaken, the reference a school gives is not specifically targeted at any one university, but forms a part of your UCAS application form that goes to every university you apply to, so I don't know what your teacher is saying about not being able to write an "Oxbridge-standard reference"? I thought they just put "is a strong student and is capable of undertaking further study" etc. for everyone in order to help them on their way. So if your teacher is saying she won't write you a good reference, she means that she won't do this for any university! Which is stupid given your exam results, and a stupid position for the school to take.

I think it's shocking that your teacher is discouraging you from applying, and deliberately placing obstacles in your way. Why the hell does where you apply affect the reputation of the school? It's a completely ridiculous, and this teacher needs to be told so. I'd personally come in and give her a slap, if I could! She must have a chip on her shoulder or something, given that she's the only one effectively "controlling" Oxbridge applications.

I say, apply to Oxbridge and give it your best shot. If you think your teacher will write a worse reference because you have applied to Oxbridge, then simply don't tell her that you have - they have no way of finding out. Also, research the avenues of getting a teacher with whom you have a good relationship for a while to write the reference. If you insist, I'm pretty sure the school can't do anything.

Also, request to see the reference after you have applied - they must provide you with this information under the "subject request" section of the Data Protection Act. If it is a clearly unfair reference, then go to your local paper and get this freak teacher bad-mouthed. She seems like a right c0nt to me, if you don't mind me saying.

Rargh, it's late, and I hate people like you have described.

Anyway, yes - APPLY APPLY APPLY!

Reply 27

kizer

15

Gareth_Fenney got into Christ Church at Oxford this year with AABC AS Levels. If your LNAT is exceptional, and with your GCSEs, they will be forced to take notice. APPLY. The school has no legal basis to stop you applying, and Cambridge want you to. Of course they do - they want the widest talent base possible when selecting candidates. It may well be you are perfectly suited to their law course, if not history and english AS - they are very different things!

Reply 28

Profesh

20

Clarks_snuffed

Thanks guys. The problem is one of my As was in general studies - a faffy subject. Therefore, one A isn't good enough is it? My teacher is really adament that I won't apply cos I kinda of, well, not argued but persisted her to let me into the early entry group but she won't. She won't write me a good reference. She's like the oxbridge guru at our school too so I really don't know what to do. Can the school legally stop you from applying?

Assuming that you're predicted three 'A's, that is a moot point.

Reply 29

Jigglypuff

16

Worzo

If I'm not mistaken, the reference a school gives is not specifically targeted at any one university, but forms a part of your UCAS application form that goes to every university you apply to, so I don't know what your teacher is saying about not being able to write an "Oxbridge-standard reference"? I thought they just put "is a strong student and is capable of undertaking further study" etc. for everyone in order to help them on their way. So if your teacher is saying she won't write you a good reference, she means that she won't do this for any university! Which is stupid given your exam results, and a stupid position for the school to take.

I think they may be referring to the optional additional statement that you right on the CAF (don't know about Oxford). The one where the teacher specifically rights about why you will be good at Oxbridge. Saying that, I don't know whether my teachers even wrote in that bit so it can't be that important.

Reply 30

LatinMachine

1

My tutor didn't write anything in the extra reference box on my OAF. It is rather depressing to repeatedly hear these stories :frown:

A lot of these nasty nasty humans should be sacked from the teaching profession.

To the original poster: please don't give up! My grades were AABBE at AS and I still got an offer. They may have to sign the CAF but they don't have to write a reference on it, fill it in yourself and take it to somebody and get them to sign it in your presence and then take it away again. There is plenty of time for you to get it all sorted - you'll never know if you don't try.

Reply 31

Nutter

16

Life's never absolutely fair Jen; take it in your stride and move on.

For goodness' sake, some schools actually allow their students write their own references and testimonials, let alone view them after the teaches completes it.

Can't do anything about it though so just make do with whatever you've got and maximise your own chances. :smile:

Reply 32

Queen_A

10

Just thought I'd add that the two Bs were only 3 marks from an A - this will make a difference, as Oxford and Camboth look at UMS score.
I say - go for it :biggrin:

Reply 33

RichE

15

Queen_A

Just thought I'd add that the two Bs were only 3 marks from an A - this will make a difference, as Oxford and Camboth look at UMS score.
I say - go for it :biggrin:

Not so - Oxford don't look at UMS score.

Reply 34

Queen_A

10

RichE

Not so - Oxford don't look at UMS score.

I thought from 2007 they were piloting a scheme with some of the top unis (including Oxford) where they would get UMS scores (not individual modules)?
Could somebody clarify?

Reply 35

leannemarie

11

Queen_A

I thought from 2007 they were piloting a scheme with some of the top unis (including Oxford) where they would get UMS scores (not individual modules)?
Could somebody clarify?

It was piloted this year and from now on they will get the grade for each module i.e. AAA in modules 1-3 at AS, but not the actual UMS, unlike Cambridge.

Reply 36

RichE

15

Queen_A

I thought from 2007 they were piloting a scheme with some of the top unis (including Oxford) where they would get UMS scores (not individual modules)?
Could somebody clarify?

Oxford (together with other unis) will get sent module GRADES not marks, and in any event - for this year at least - they will not be in time for the interview round. So, for 2006-7 anyway they will be there mainly for statistical use.

It will though be the case that Oxford and the other unis could make offers along the line of AAA with 4 or more A-modules in such and such. But I doubt they will until they had chance to look carefully at the spread of module grades.

Reply 37

sebbie

15

RichE

Oxford (together with other unis) will get sent module GRADES not marks, and in any event - for this year at least - they will not be in time for the interview round. So, for 2006-7 anyway they will be there mainly for statistical use.

It will though be the case that Oxford and the other unis could make offers along the line of AAA with 4 or more A-modules in such and such. But I doubt they will until they had chance to look carefully at the spread of module grades.

my school dont actually cash the grades in, so only cambridge would be able to see our unit grades and our AS level grades.... (im not sure whether to cash mine in as a result because worried it wont be as good for oxford if everything says pending)

Reply 38

thomasjtl

9

(im not sure whether to cash mine in as a result because worried it wont be as good for oxford if everything says pending)

Don't worry- it's quite normal for schools not to cash as levels in straight away, and all universities will know this. It's just easier for the school admin staff if you want to resit something. If you want to, you can always boast your grades in your PS.

Reply 39

MissSurfer

17

Have you tried emailing an admission tutor at cambridge just to ask whether you should consider applying with your grades?

I'm 100% surre they'll say yes but that isn't the point - you can print it off and show your teacher the reply. I know she's claiming Cam are 'lying' but it might help a little...

Oxbridge - school preventing me from applying. Should I rebel against it?

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