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Biochemistry at Oxford

Hi! I was thinking about apply for biochem at oxford but i’ve got completely different advice from the oxbridge advisors. One said I stand a very good chance of getting in, while the other said that I shouldn’t bother applying at all as it is an unwritten rule that they don’t accept people without A Level Maths. (Anyone currently studying at oxford know if this is true?)

My grades are 9 8 8, 5 A*, 2 A, 1 B (german) at GCSE.
I do Biology, Chemistry, and English Combined at A level, and i got A* A* A in the year 12 mocks (A in chemistry). (plus i’m thinking about doing an EPQ)

I got an 8 in gcse maths but is it even worth applying without alevel?

Thanks for helping!!

So...what do Oxford say? You don't even mention that in your post!

username3911170

Original post by Artisticweapon

(Anyone currently studying at oxford know if this is true?)

So far, I’ve never come across someone (active user) who’s doing biochem at oxford here on TSR.

(edited 5 years ago)

username3941996

Original post by Çharizard

So far, I’ve never come across someone (active user) who’s doing biochem at oxford here on TSR.

What are you doing? Thought you were studying biochem?

username3911170

Original post by ProRoadman

What are you doing? Thought you were studying biochem?

Nope

:charm:

Original post by Çharizard

Nope

:charm:

Are you applying for it this year?

username3911170

Original post by Sinnoh

Are you applying for it this year?

Nope. I’m currently in Y12, so it’s gonna be next year and no, I’ll be applying for a chem/physics course instead.

(edited 5 years ago)

username3911170

Original post by Sinnoh

Are you applying for it this year?

Are you?

:charm:

If yes, for what subject?

(edited 5 years ago)

Original post by Çharizard

Nope. I’m currently at Y12, so it’s gonna be next year and no, I’ll be applying for a chem/physics course instead.

Well I meant the year 2018 because the Oxbridge deadline is October. Cambridge's Natural Sciences course appeals to me more, I'm currently debating between physics and engineering.

OP, you got the exact same set of GCSE grades I did. I believe if something is an actual requirement, they'll state so on the website. The advisors you asked - are they from those universities? Ask at an open day, that's your best bet.

username3911170

Original post by Sinnoh

Well I meant the year 2018 because the Oxbridge deadline is October. Cambridge's Natural Sciences course appeals to me more, I'm currently debating between physics and engineering.

OP, you got the exact same set of GCSE grades I did. I believe if something is an actual requirement, they'll state so on the website. The advisors you asked - are they from those universities? Ask at an open day, that's your best bet.

I’ll be applying to uni in 2019 (for 2020 intake).
Ah I see, good luck for your application!

Spoiler

(edited 5 years ago)

OP

Original post by nexttime

So...what do Oxford say? You don't even mention that in your post!

they say it’s “strongly recommended- not needed but would make an application more competitive”

Original post by Artisticweapon

they say it’s “strongly recommended- not needed but would make an application more competitive”

Then you have your answer.

If you want further info i suggest contacting them, attending an open day, or if you're very keen you could submit a Freedom of Information request for the success rates of candidates who do and do not have maths.

Original post by Artisticweapon

they say it’s “strongly recommended- not needed but would make an application more competitive”

We would agree. While it is possible to gain a place without Mathematics at A-level, in our experience this is quite rare. For guidance, across all colleges of students studying A-level combinations we think something like 1 or 2 in every 50 offer holders have not studied Maths to A-level. Hence as the Department says on its website, while not essential: "Maths to A-level or the equivalent is very helpful to students in completing the course and, although not required for admission, may make an application more competitive."

Note that this observation applies only to students studying A-levels. For guidance on other qualifications (eg IB and Maths at SL or HL), we would suggest approaching Biochemistry over what "Maths to A-level or the equivalent" means:

http://www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/ug_admissions

(edited 5 years ago)

Original post by citrus.tea

Hi! I was thinking about apply for biochem at oxford but i’ve got completely different advice from the oxbridge advisors. One said I stand a very good chance of getting in, while the other said that I shouldn’t bother applying at all as it is an unwritten rule that they don’t accept people without A Level Maths. (Anyone currently studying at oxford know if this is true?)

My grades are 9 8 8, 5 A*, 2 A, 1 B (german) at GCSE.
I do Biology, Chemistry, and English Combined at A level, and i got A* A* A in the year 12 mocks (A in chemistry). (plus i’m thinking about doing an EPQ)

I got an 8 in gcse maths but is it even worth applying without alevel?

Thanks for helping!!

Hey, what college are you applying to at Oxford for biochem? :smile:

:smile:

OP

Original post by jklasjrkx123

Hey, what college are you applying to at Oxford for biochem? :smile:

:smile:

Hey! I ended up applying for straight biology in the end, to Balliol :smile:

:smile:

You?

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