Could I get into Oxbridge?
Recently I had a trip to Cambridge with a HE+ (higher education plus) scheme with my sixth form college. Before the trip I'd thought of applying but I didn't think I was going to actually apply because it sounded too hard to even try to get in, however now I've been and seen it first hand I would really love to go as it just looks incredible.
At the moment I study biology, chemistry, physics, f/t maths (so maths A-Level in first year, then further maths next year) and music at AS-Level, all with MTGs (minimum target grade) of an A. My GCSEs were quite strong, but not the best in terms of the candidates applying to Oxbridge, I got 9A*s and 3A's. Next year I plan to drop physics and maybe music too because I'm finding physics quite difficult at the moment and I'm not planning a career in music, I just enjoy it.
I'm still not quite sure what I want to do in uni or as a career, something to do with biology/chemistry/maths - I wanted to do medicine for a while so that's the subject I chose to do on my HE+ course, but now I'm taking more of an interest in studying Natural Sciences and specialising in a biological science later. If I applied to Cambridge, as they are the ones who organise the HE+ scheme, obviously having done that scheme will be a great advantage to my personal statement, but instead of Natural Sciences I chose Medicine, so do you think that would affect my chances much? Would it show that I'm susceptible to changing my mind, and that I've not always been intent on doing Natural Sciences?
Also, I'm worried that I don't have enough work experience/volunteering. I do volunteer for about 2 hours a week at a social group for autistic adults, but I don't have any work experience at a research institute or lab or anything like that. What places do you think would take me on for work experience that would help me get into Oxbridge (or any of the best universities) for a degree in Natural Sciences or any biology related degree? I'm not really sure where to even begin looking for placements.
Finally, I plan to do an EPQ over summer on something related to biology (maybe the use and ethics of stem cells, or something related with human transport and the control of the heart) - any advice?
Thanks a lot! And also, sorry this post is so unnecessarily long.
At the moment I study biology, chemistry, physics, f/t maths (so maths A-Level in first year, then further maths next year) and music at AS-Level, all with MTGs (minimum target grade) of an A. My GCSEs were quite strong, but not the best in terms of the candidates applying to Oxbridge, I got 9A*s and 3A's. Next year I plan to drop physics and maybe music too because I'm finding physics quite difficult at the moment and I'm not planning a career in music, I just enjoy it.
I'm still not quite sure what I want to do in uni or as a career, something to do with biology/chemistry/maths - I wanted to do medicine for a while so that's the subject I chose to do on my HE+ course, but now I'm taking more of an interest in studying Natural Sciences and specialising in a biological science later. If I applied to Cambridge, as they are the ones who organise the HE+ scheme, obviously having done that scheme will be a great advantage to my personal statement, but instead of Natural Sciences I chose Medicine, so do you think that would affect my chances much? Would it show that I'm susceptible to changing my mind, and that I've not always been intent on doing Natural Sciences?
Also, I'm worried that I don't have enough work experience/volunteering. I do volunteer for about 2 hours a week at a social group for autistic adults, but I don't have any work experience at a research institute or lab or anything like that. What places do you think would take me on for work experience that would help me get into Oxbridge (or any of the best universities) for a degree in Natural Sciences or any biology related degree? I'm not really sure where to even begin looking for placements.
Finally, I plan to do an EPQ over summer on something related to biology (maybe the use and ethics of stem cells, or something related with human transport and the control of the heart) - any advice?
Thanks a lot! And also, sorry this post is so unnecessarily long.
Your GCSE's are fine, don't worry about that.
Changing your mind about what you want to study doesn't have to be a problem, as long as you're sure about what you want to do now and have done enough in terms of reading more about your subject than just your textbooks.
Volunteering isn't very important unless you plan on doing medicine. They want you to have done more things related to your subject than just school, but they don't care about extracurricular activities unless they are relevant to your specific subject. I hope this helps.
Changing your mind about what you want to study doesn't have to be a problem, as long as you're sure about what you want to do now and have done enough in terms of reading more about your subject than just your textbooks.
Volunteering isn't very important unless you plan on doing medicine. They want you to have done more things related to your subject than just school, but they don't care about extracurricular activities unless they are relevant to your specific subject. I hope this helps.
You're fine! Just focus on getting top marks in your AS exams, as this is the most important thing. If you get some ECs related to natsci, by all means go for it, but don't worry if not. Showing an interest and engagement with the subject is good, and you'll be doing that with the EPQ if you're planning to base it in biology.
You're in a great position at the moment, and have as much of a chance as anyone else. Focus on your exams now. If you have any questions about Cambridge in general, or the course ask me (I do MML though) or, TONIGHT on twitter, there is a Q&A hour 9-10pm, search the hashtag #CambTweet - you can ask a student directly any questions you might have!! We have accounts for both phys and bio natsci.
You're in a great position at the moment, and have as much of a chance as anyone else. Focus on your exams now. If you have any questions about Cambridge in general, or the course ask me (I do MML though) or, TONIGHT on twitter, there is a Q&A hour 9-10pm, search the hashtag #CambTweet - you can ask a student directly any questions you might have!! We have accounts for both phys and bio natsci.
Original post by Tian1Sky
Your GCSE's are fine, don't worry about that.
Changing your mind about what you want to study doesn't have to be a problem, as long as you're sure about what you want to do now and have done enough in terms of reading more about your subject than just your textbooks.
Volunteering isn't very important unless you plan on doing medicine. They want you to have done more things related to your subject than just school, but they don't care about extracurricular activities unless they are relevant to your specific subject. I hope this helps.
Changing your mind about what you want to study doesn't have to be a problem, as long as you're sure about what you want to do now and have done enough in terms of reading more about your subject than just your textbooks.
Volunteering isn't very important unless you plan on doing medicine. They want you to have done more things related to your subject than just school, but they don't care about extracurricular activities unless they are relevant to your specific subject. I hope this helps.
Ah okay, that makes me feel better! Yeah I see how reading up and researching about the subject is more useful than the work experience, there'll be plenty of opportunities at uni to gain experience I suppose. Thanks for replying! 😊
Original post by Paralove
You're fine! Just focus on getting top marks in your AS exams, as this is the most important thing. If you get some ECs related to natsci, by all means go for it, but don't worry if not. Showing an interest and engagement with the subject is good, and you'll be doing that with the EPQ if you're planning to base it in biology.
You're in a great position at the moment, and have as much of a chance as anyone else. Focus on your exams now. If you have any questions about Cambridge in general, or the course ask me (I do MML though) or, TONIGHT on twitter, there is a Q&A hour 9-10pm, search the hashtag #CambTweet - you can ask a student directly any questions you might have!! We have accounts for both phys and bio natsci.
You're in a great position at the moment, and have as much of a chance as anyone else. Focus on your exams now. If you have any questions about Cambridge in general, or the course ask me (I do MML though) or, TONIGHT on twitter, there is a Q&A hour 9-10pm, search the hashtag #CambTweet - you can ask a student directly any questions you might have!! We have accounts for both phys and bio natsci.
Yeah you're right, the most important thing is doing well academically at the moment. & Yes I agree, having an interest is more important than experience. I think that as I was thinking of applying to medicine for a while that having volunteer and work experience seems to be vital to get in to any university, haha!
Oh really? Thankyou so much, I'll take you up on that offer - I'll be sure to check out Twitter tonight! Thanks a bunch for replying! 😊
For NatSci, work experience isn't necessarily necessary. If you really wanted to do some work experience, I know there are a few pharmaceutical companies out there that let you do some placements. Read up on a few books to do with your course and that would help extend your knowledge beyond A Level to show you have some interest in your subject and you're good to go The most important thing would be to get above 90% UMS average, preferably >95% and it'll give you a better advantage. Extra-curriculars aren't really that important for Cambridge but they'd look good for other unis that might have different expectations for that side of things.
The most important thing would be to get above 90% UMS average, preferably >95% and it'll give you a better advantage. Extra-curriculars aren't really that important for Cambridge but they'd look good for other unis that might have different expectations for that side of things.Original post by Magnesium
For NatSci, work experience isn't necessarily necessary. If you really wanted to do some work experience, I know there are a few pharmaceutical companies out there that let you do some placements. Read up on a few books to do with your course and that would help extend your knowledge beyond A Level to show you have some interest in your subject and you're good to go The most important thing would be to get above 90% UMS average, preferably >95% and it'll give you a better advantage. Extra-curriculars aren't really that important for Cambridge but they'd look good for other unis that might have different expectations for that side of things.
The most important thing would be to get above 90% UMS average, preferably >95% and it'll give you a better advantage. Extra-curriculars aren't really that important for Cambridge but they'd look good for other unis that might have different expectations for that side of things.Ah okay, thanks! I'll see what placements any local pharmaceutical companies do, but as I've seen on all the replies it really isn't needed so it won't matter if they don't offer any. So yeah, I'll just keep reading up on my subjects and focussing on revision - I'll need to to get over 95% on all exams, haha! Thanks a million for the reply! 😊
Original post by rachelbeth
Ah okay, thanks! I'll see what placements any local pharmaceutical companies do, but as I've seen on all the replies it really isn't needed so it won't matter if they don't offer any. So yeah, I'll just keep reading up on my subjects and focussing on revision - I'll need to to get over 95% on all exams, haha! Thanks a million for the reply!
If you want to get work experience, you could also try contacting the relevant departments of local universities. That's how I got my work experience.
Original post by Chlorophile
If you want to get work experience, you could also try contacting the relevant departments of local universities. That's how I got my work experience.
On a similar note you could apply for a Nuffield Research Bursary, if the deadline hasn't closed(?)
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