Applying to Oxbridge. 2:1 now but can get 1st overall

I'm considering applying to Oxford and Cambridge and I'm in my second year.

I currently have a very low borderline 2:1, but I believe I can easily get a first overall by next year.

My transcript is quite unusual, I got bad grades at the start of the year but A grades at the end, as I had learnt to pace myself properly, so the evidence of my ability is there. Furthermore, I'm doing PPE, and my grade was dragged down by Economics, I achieved around 68% for each of politics and philosophy, and I want to do the masters in political theory, so my strong suits are relevant.

I will also support my application with research assistant experience, a research institute project, and a possibly a publication of one of my a grade essays, amongst other things.

I want to go into academia so my motives are there. I believe my application will be compelling apart from parts of my transcript.

Is it a realistic possibility that I could receive a conditional offer with all of this considered? Or would it be better to apply next year once I had achieved an actual first?

Thank you, Jamie

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 1

alleycat393

21

Original post by JayWalls

I'm considering applying to Oxford and Cambridge and I'm in my second year.

I currently have a very low borderline 2:1, but I believe I can easily get a first overall by next year.

My transcript is quite unusual, I got bad grades at the start of the year but A grades at the end, as I had learnt to pace myself properly, so the evidence of my ability is there. Furthermore, I'm doing PPE, and my grade was dragged down by Economics, I achieved around 68% for each of politics and philosophy, and I want to do the masters in political theory, so my strong suits are relevant.

I will also support my application with research assistant experience, a research institute project, and a possibly a publication of one of my a grade essays, amongst other things.

I want to go into academia so my motives are there. I believe my application will be compelling apart from parts of my transcript.

Is it a realistic possibility that I could receive a conditional offer with all of this considered? Or would it be better to apply next year once I had achieved an actual first?

Thank you, Jamie

No one can predict this. Apply and see. Worst case you will be rejected and can apply again.

Reply 2

Duncan2012

19

Original post by JayWalls

I currently have a very low borderline 2:1, but I believe I can easily get a first overall by next year.

Saying you can 'easily' get a First sounds extremely cocky. Going from 60ish% to 70+% is not easy. Good luck doing it though.

Original post by JayWalls

My transcript is quite unusual, I got bad grades at the start of the year but A grades at the end, as I had learnt to pace myself properly, so the evidence of my ability is there. Furthermore, I'm doing PPE, and my grade was dragged down by Economics, I achieved around 68% for each of politics and philosophy, and I want to do the masters in political theory, so my strong suits are relevant.

Not sure why you think that's 'quite unusual'. Again, good luck keeping up the A grades.

Original post by JayWalls

I will also support my application with research assistant experience, a research institute project, and a possibly a publication of one of my a grade essays, amongst other things.

Unless it's in a peer-reviewed journal I doubt it counts for anything, and I doubt any will publish undergrad essays.

Original post by JayWalls

I want to go into academia so my motives are there. I believe my application will be compelling apart from parts of my transcript.

Well, that wouldn't make it compelling then.

Original post by JayWalls

Is it a realistic possibility that I could receive a conditional offer with all of this considered? Or would it be better to apply next year once I had achieved an actual first?

I would think that applying with a borderline 2.1 will make you uncompetitive, and personally I would rather apply next year with (hopefully) a First in the bag. But it's up to you. You've only got the application fee to lose. Good luck with it all.