Should I just give up?

Yeah I get you, if my maths teacher did predict me an A* I'd only accept it knowing I was capable and I think I am since I was only let down by S1, if I'm predicted an A* in anything I'd do all I could to fulfill, although aiming and working for an A* without an a* predication just doesn't seem worth the effort to me

I've started by Rewriting all my politics essays and questions which I'll resubmit this week, hopefully that'll work :biggrin:

my economics teacher is just a matter of persuasion

Have you thought about taking a gap year and applying when you've got your A2's?? At the Oxford open day they said you'd be guaranteed an interview if you were applying with the minimum requirements

Reply 21

3121

OP

21

Original post by AfcFob

Have you thought about taking a gap year and applying when you've got your A2's?? At the Oxford open day they said you'd be guaranteed an interview if you were applying with the minimum requirements

Omg this changes everything.... if I apply to my other universities with a deffered entry and accept an offer if i get one, would I be able to apply to oxford in September 17 (my gap year)? If so that'd be the perfect solution

Edit: just found out that's not possible. I guess a gap year is still something to consider… I don't want to apply to other universities then reject their offer simply to reapply next year. Perhaps this year I'll only apply to oxford and see how that goes then next year I'll apply to oxford again + my others.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 22

AfcFob

18

Original post by zayn008

Omg this changes everything.... if I apply to my other universities with a deffered entry and accept an offer if i get one, would I be able to apply to oxford in September 17 (my gap year)? If so that'd be the perfect solution

Edit: just found out that's not possible. I guess its something to consider… I don't want to apply to other universities then reject their offer simply to reapply next year. Perhaps this year I'll only apply to oxford and see how that goes then next year I'll apply to oxford again + my others.

I know it sucks that you'd have to reject offers if you wanted to reapply but it's just an option to think about (depending on my A2's I'm considering reapplying and doing my YinI if I don't get QMUL either as its my second choice)

Reply 23

samendrag

9

For physics atleast at Oxford, GCSE's mean very little and as long as you meet the requirement so do predictions. Though physics is different as they place much more importance on the PAT if you do good in that you are almost guaranteed an interview, and do good in interview and your chances are very much in your favour

Reply 24

jamestg

21

Original post by AfcFob

Honestly I do understand your situation, I've wanted to do BioSci at Oxford for ages now. I got 1A* 8A's and 2B's at GCSE and ABBB at AS, with the A being in Biology (and a high one too) but my maths is a low B which I have had to declare as I'm resitting one. I have had to beg my biology teacher to increase my predicted to an A* and I needed to ask twice as the first time she refused.

I've applied anyway (waiting for my rejection like) as I don't want to be constantly thinking "what if" when I'm older. You need to beg and beg this week so you can get a predicted moved up to an A* (if your other A was in maths, can you not ask your maths teacher for an A*??) tell your teachers you're desperate to apply and will dedicate all of your time to the subjects, they might give in.

Try for this A*, but if they say no you will most likely get an automatic rejection as you won't reach the minimum standard. My advice is beg and beg and beg until your Econ or Math teacher gives in (it sounds awful but sometimes you just got to do it to get what you want).
If you want to go to Oxbridge, fight for the grades you deserve!!

What are your predictions?

Reply 25

AfcFob

18

Original post by jamestg

What are your predictions?

A*AA with the A* in Bio

Reply 26

jamestg

21

Original post by AfcFob

A*AA with the A* in Bio

Wtf no offence but you got ABBB, how is it fair that you can be predicted that? Especially with your maths teacher offering to predict you an A* when you got a B :frown:

(I'm not trying to be rude or anything, please don't get annoyed, but it's really not fair when you got 2 grades lower than me and you're predicted higher)

I got AAAB at AS and I may only be predicted AAA. I got strong As in Maths and Politics, yet for maths I have to get 90% in everything I do to be predicted an A* (which is fair enough, but it's not fair when other schools don't have to go through that). I need A*A*A and there is no chance I'll be predicted that, despite my teachers saying they won't be surprised if I get straight A*s.

Reply 27

Doones

21

Original post by zayn008

Omg this changes everything.... if I apply to my other universities with a deffered entry and accept an offer if i get one, would I be able to apply to oxford in September 17 (my gap year)? If so that'd be the perfect solution

Edit: just found out that's not possible. I guess a gap year is still something to consider… I don't want to apply to other universities then reject their offer simply to reapply next year. Perhaps this year I'll only apply to oxford and see how that goes then next year I'll apply to oxford again + my others.

The other universities will not "bear a grudge" if you decide to withdraw after results day to take a gap year and reapply. It's not uncommon and won't be a problem.

Reply 28

Doones

21

Original post by samendrag

For physics atleast at Oxford, GCSE's mean very little and as long as you meet the requirement so do predictions. Though physics is different as they place much more importance on the PAT if you do good in that you are almost guaranteed an interview, and do good in interview and your chances are very much in your favour

This is PPE not Physics.

Reply 29

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OP

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Original post by jneill

The other universities will not "bear a grudge" if you decide to withdraw after results day to take a gap year and reapply. It's not uncommon and won't be a problem.

Thanks, I guess that's the plan then… hopefully it all works out :h:

Reply 30

lalaa64

12

Hey, I am kinda in the same position as you... and I feel your painn! I got quite rubbish GCSEs (1 A* and 1 A rest are Bs and Cs) whereas for AS i got AAB - now predicted A*AA and wanted to apply for English at Oxford. They want AAA, and I went to the open day, and was really encouraged - but completely forgot the fact that I have rubbish GCSEs. So in comparison to thousands of applicants with shining 12 A*/As, my application will be completely disregarded. Before, I didn't even think of applying but my mum really wants me to get into either of them - I doubt I will get in - but Cambridge seem to focus less on GCSEs so I am gonna have a shot at applying there. So you can try too? Yeah there is the slim chance of getting in but you will never have an offer from these places if you never apply.

Actually I just checked the entry requirements and the courses at Cambridge. They don't offer PPE but do have economics and philosophy as separate subjects. Econ - A*A*A :bawling:

and Philosophy - A*AA.
That is the catch with applying to cambridge as they tend to want at least one A* but focus less on GCSEs. If maybe you can tell your teacher that you are applying to Cambridge and that you are in need of an A* prediction, along with your promise to work hard and prove them wrong (I'm sure you are more than capable, seriously don't listen to them) Or find someway of convincing the one teacher at least to predict you?

In reality, they will only accept so many - I'm not gonna promise that they will accept you, because I'm sorry I can't :frown:

I am going to apply even though I know 99% I won't get accepted but I still kinda have hope. But look, you have 4 other options. If you are really passionate for PPE, then there are amazing other universities that you can apply to! UCL for example. Here are a few details on it to help,

for GCSE they want:
English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C, or grade A for students wishing to specialise in Philosophy and Politics. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

A level:
A*AA - AAA (highest grade in maths)

You could definitely get into UCL which is part of the russell group, as well as others :smile:

Do your research and make sure your personal statement is good!

I really hope this all goes well and good luck (prove everyone wrong) hopefully you will get accepted by all your choices Xx

Reply 31

AfcFob

18

Original post by jamestg

Wtf no offence but you got ABBB, how is it fair that you can be predicted that? Especially with your maths teacher offering to predict you an A* when you got a B :frown:

(I'm not trying to be rude or anything, please don't get annoyed, but it's really not fair when you got 2 grades lower than me and you're predicted higher)

I got AAAB at AS and I may only be predicted AAA. I got strong As in Maths and Politics, yet for maths I have to get 90% in everything I do to be predicted an A* (which is fair enough, but it's not fair when other schools don't have to go through that). I need A*A*A and there is no chance I'll be predicted that, despite my teachers saying they won't be surprised if I get straight A*s.

I know, I refused the A* because it was stupid, I mean I only just got a B so HOW would I get an A* (I thought an A was fair enough because I'm resitting C2 which is currently dragging me down to a B) and I'm only predicted an A* in bio because 1)I asked and 2)I got well over the A grade boundary.

In bio only a 10 people in the year are predicted an A* (with another 2 being in my class) so it's not like they're handing them out to everyone.

I see why you'd be pissed off, I think your college is being really unfair as you probably could have my predictions and achieve it easily. Typically at my college you get an A2 prediction a grade higher than your AS, with the exception being if you get an A at AS you usually get an A at A2 too. They only do t to make you more likely to get into uni

Reply 32

Nuba123

16

Original post by zayn008

Hello! I really wanted to apply for PPE, I know my chances are slim especially since my GCSEs are awful (only 2A's) however I really tried to push myself with the advice that upward trajectory at AS would sort of make up for it, I managed to get AAB and went through the effort of teaching myself AS Economics, however I've now been told I'll only be predicted AAA (in eco, maths & politics), no A*'s, I should've expected it since my school have always put me down for example when I said I wanted to drop business and do economics myself they said they'd kick me out, in the end it proved well. Anyway, without an A* prediction for A2 and awful GCSEs is there any realistic chance of getting an interview even if I ace the TSA?

It's hard to explain but I really wanted this. Everything I did was for this, and to come this far only to be told my teachers won't push me and help me to the next level is quite disappointing. When I asked why I wouldn't be predicted an A* I was told "that would mean you'd have to work really hard and I'd have to give you extra support which I'm afraid I can't offer", so do you think it's still worth a shot applying to oxford or should I just look elsewhere?

Funnily enough I'm in the same situation as you right now... My chemistry teacher is refusing to predict me A/B for chemistry which is going to seriously affect my application. :frown:

But I'm still under intense negotiation with my school so hopefully by Monday I'll bump it up. :smile:

Reply 33

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Original post by Nuba123

Funnily enough I'm in the same situation as you right now... My chemistry teacher is refusing to predict me A/B for chemistry which is going to seriously affect my application. :frown:

But I'm still under intense negotiation with my school so hopefully by Monday I'll bump it up. :smile:

Ahh good luck! My negotiations seemed to have only got me AAA, got a trick up my sleeve to get that to A*AA tho :wink:

Reply 34

Nuba123

16

Original post by zayn008

Ahh good luck! My negotiations seemed to have only got me AAA, got a trick up my sleeve to get that to A*AA tho :wink:

Does that 'trick' involve tears? Because I'm seriouslyconsidering it.XD

Reply 35

whatadon

14

Screw them do it yourself never give up aaaaassssaaveeennyyaa

Reply 36

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Original post by Nuba123

Does that 'trick' involve tears? Because I'm seriouslyconsidering it.XD

Ahh that could work, not quite what I had in mind tho

Reply 37

nexttime

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Original post by Nuba123

At some point I would like to set up hospitals in Africa (this is a real life goal btw hopefully it happens)

That's about as realistic as those gap yah students saving orphans if i'm honest with you :p:

But there are ways to improve healthcare and economic situations without creating dependency or just having all your resources consumed by corruption. I'm sure if you're determined you'll find a role.

Reply 38

Nuba123

16

Original post by nexttime

That's about as realistic as those gap yah students saving orphans if i'm honest with you :p:

But there are ways to improve healthcare and economic situations without creating dependency or just having all your resources consumed by corruption. I'm sure if you're determined you'll find a role.

This is so true btw. Omg did you study modern studies tho? That stuff genuinely comes in handy. But yeah, thank for crushing my childhood dreams... But you're totally right. See if debt was wiped out for African countries and the corrupt leaders patched progress would be made. It's kind of rubbish that African countries pay higher interest rates than say Britain. It's almost setting them up to fail? :frown:

But the children tho? Ahh I hate the world these days. Apathy is rising uno. :frown:

Reply 39

SteamboatMickey

20

Original post by AfcFob

I know, I refused the A* because it was stupid, I mean I only just got a B so HOW would I get an A* (I thought an A was fair enough because I'm resitting C2 which is currently dragging me down to a B) and I'm only predicted an A* in bio because 1)I asked and 2)I got well over the A grade boundary.

In bio only a 10 people in the year are predicted an A* (with another 2 being in my class) so it's not like they're handing them out to everyone.

I see why you'd be pissed off, I think your college is being really unfair as you probably could have my predictions and achieve it easily. Typically at my college you get an A2 prediction a grade higher than your AS, with the exception being if you get an A at AS you usually get an A at A2 too. They only do t to make you more likely to get into uni

Original post by zayn008

Hello! I really wanted to apply for PPE, I know my chances are slim especially since my GCSEs are awful (only 2A's) however I really tried to push myself with the advice that upward trajectory at AS would sort of make up for it, I managed to get AAB and went through the effort of teaching myself AS Economics, however I've now been told I'll only be predicted AAA (in eco, maths & politics), no A*'s, I should've expected it since my school have always put me down for example when I said I wanted to drop business and do economics myself they said they'd kick me out, in the end it proved well. Anyway, without an A* prediction for A2 and awful GCSEs is there any realistic chance of getting an interview even if I ace the TSA? It's hard to explain but I really wanted this. Everything I did was for this, and to come this far only to be told my teachers won't push me and help me to the next level is quite disappointing. When I asked why I wouldn't be predicted an A* I was told "that would mean you'd have to work really hard and I'd have to give you extra support which I'm afraid I can't offer", so do you think it's still worth a shot applying to oxford or should I just look elsewhere?

Hey, I'm applying and in a similar position to you grade wise (although I do have about five novels worth of extenuating circumstances to contextualise poor performance in both instances).

I got 3 A*s at GCSE, AAB at AS and I am predicted A*A*A*A* (including EPQ).

I think the reason for my predictions is because my work all year was strong and I got full marks in my History AS paper whilst getting strong marks in my other exams. My college decided my other History exam was an 'off-day'.

I don't think I have a chance of getting in either, as I don't have a string of 12 A*s at GCSE and like 5 A grades at AS or anything, but I'm in love with Cambridge's History course so I'm giving it a shot. My plan is to get A*A*AA, or preferably higher, and re-applying with those grades. So I sympathise with you guys! I really didn't want to take a gap year myself, but if I get what I'm predicted or just below, I'm definitely doing it.

Original post by jamestg

Wtf no offence but you got ABBB, how is it fair that you can be predicted that? Especially with your maths teacher offering to predict you an A* when you got a B (I'm not trying to be rude or anything, please don't get annoyed, but it's really not fair when you got 2 grades lower than me and you're predicted higher) I got AAAB at AS and I may only be predicted AAA. I got strong As in Maths and Politics, yet for maths I have to get 90% in everything I do to be predicted an A* (which is fair enough, but it's not fair when other schools don't have to go through that). I need A*A*A and there is no chance I'll be predicted that, despite my teachers saying they won't be surprised if I get straight A*s.

Your school sound so harsh when it comes to predicted grades! My college look at your performance all through the AS year, your exam performance and the first few assessments you do during your first few weeks as a second year. I really hope you can sort something out, but honestly, I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. :wink:

(Sorry that this is so long-winded!)

(edited 7 years ago)

Should I just give up?

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