1 bad AS grade for Oxford

if you don't even meet the minimum requirements for your 3 A2's then I would say you stand no chance

I wouldn't think the D in Economics would matter but quoting @BrasenoseAdm and @LMH OXFORD to be sure

Hey everyone, hope your applications are going well!
I'm applying to Oxford Biochemistry this year. In my AS year I did Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Economics. I dropped economics half way through, but was still forced to sit the exam at the end of the year. I got a D in economics AS. Nevertheless, I picked up English Lit, and now doing two years in one. My question is: with A*(Bio)A*(Maths)A(Chem)B (Eng lit) predicted and an EPQ under way, to what extent has a D in economics affected my application to Oxford?
Min. Requirements for Biochem is A*AA

Thanks is advance

Hi there!

Looking at your predicted grades and subject choice, I can't see your Economics AS grade having a detrimental effect on your Biochemistry application - especially as you are predicted A*A*A in relevant science subjects. You would be surprised at how many very bright candidates (who are often successful at interview!) have had a similar experience to yours with a subject that didn't turn out to be the right choice for them.

It also sounds great that you're doing an EPQ, especially if it's related to Biochemistry (or one of your related A-Levels). Whilst an EPQ cannot form part of an offer, it's a great way of showing your super-curricular dedication to your subject choice, and getting experience of the independent research, analysis, and writing skills which are big parts of a degree somewhere like Oxford. EPQs are great for personal statements, and tutors will often ask about them at interview

Hope you find this helpful,

India

Thank you so much, India! Your just brought my spirit up big time! Hope you have a wonderful day🙃


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I wouldn't think the D in Economics would matter but quoting @BrasenoseAdm and @LMH OXFORD to be sure

Thanks for the summons!

We've seen a few queries like this one on TSR.

While a D is never an asset, it's not uncommon for applicants to take exams they don't need for reasons like the one specified and to have a single 'rogue grade'. There's nothing that can be done about the transcript - so our advice is try not to worry unduly about it.

Min requirements: A*AA
My predicted: A*A*A


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Thanks for your reply! For a subject like Biochemistry, where you don't have admission tests or need to submit any written work, once you get to the interview is whether you get an offer or not pretty much based on how well you do in your interview?


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Since it's economics, hopefully shouldn't be a problem. I got a D in maths AS but high A's in bio/chem/geog and 8 A*s at GCSE so I was encouraged to apply (mainly due to the latter) , and maths isn't a formal requirement for biochem. I got into the UNIQ summer school and loved it so I was certain I would apply.*

I did get an interview, but the first one at St Hughs was horrible, they asked 'What happened?' in maths, but the second one at Hilda's went much better, but I guess my overall interview performance wasn't good enough.

Nonetheless, I have no regrets about applying, and I'm glad I was considered for interview. So you should certainly go for it and hope you get a nice interviewer who will not put you on the spot about it!*

Thanks for advice! Where did you end up going?

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On the day of my Oxford rejection I got an offer for Natural Sciences at Durham, unfortunately I didn't meet my offer so I have ended up Nottingham, also for NatSci.*

To be honest I preferred the idea of NatSci rather than specialising in one, and didn't apply to Cambridge due to well... AS results!*

Anyway, good luck with your application! The best thing is to go for it but do have a sensible back up plan because getting an A* is not easy.*

Also, given a second chance what would you have done differently? What advice would you give yourself before the interview?


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Hey everyone, hope your applications are going well!
I'm applying to Oxford Biochemistry this year. In my AS year I did Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Economics. I dropped economics half way through, but was still forced to sit the exam at the end of the year. I got a D in economics AS. Nevertheless, I picked up English Lit, and now doing two years in one. My question is: with A*(Bio)A*(Maths)A(Chem)B (Eng lit) predicted and an EPQ under way, to what extent has a D in economics affected my application to Oxford?
Min. Requirements for Biochem is A*AA

Thanks is advance

When I applied(unsuccessfully) they said GCSEs are more important to them. I applied for history though so I don't know whether it's the same for sciences. You meet the minimum requirements and based on personal experience I believe a LOT depends on your interview performance now. Some people had 5 As and did great on the admission test but didn't get in because of their interviews performance. If your course doesn't need an admission test, do the best you can in the interview. Don't make the same mistake as I did.
I requested feedback after my rejection and fhey they said my admission test performance was satisfactory but my interview performance was "dissapointing " and so was my sample essay. They didn't mention my grades there. So I do think if you get the interview then, it all depends on how you perform in it.

Thanks! That is more or less what I suspected. I'm really looking forward to my interview though, I've done a lot of reading and cant wait to show them what I've got. I heard that history interviews are ridiculously hard. A friend of mine applied to Oxford History two years ago and didn't get in because he contradicted himself during his interview. If you don't mind me asking, what GCSEs did you get?


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