Reapply to Oxbridge or Durham Uni

Hi. I am in a bit of a sticky situation. I received AAA in A-levels (Latin, Maths and History), but I could easily boost Latin and Maths by retaking 3 modules. The reason why I didn't do as well as I could was because I was feeling suicidal in June - I was living alone, I didn't have solid friendships in a new school, my teachers didn't give me the best encouragement, my sister is mentally ill and had a possibility of dying, my mum is involved in lawsuits... Basically, all of the pressure and negativity I received throughout the year was bottling up and I didn't talk to anyone as you can imagine not many people would understand what I'm going through. I have a place at Durham, however, I would really like to try to apply for Oxbridge. I applied for Ancient and Modern history at Oxford last year, but was rejected after my interviews - it took me time to realise that I am not actually PASSIONATE about history, and would enjoy more doing straight CLassics. Do you think I should take a gap year and reapply (I would put it to a really good use) or if I don't stand a chance for Oxbridge, just go to Durham? My other reasons for taking a gap year would be to help my mum (my dad passed away, so she has to do everything herself) and support her with my sister and admin stuff, get experience in law/journalism as potential career paths after Classics and resit 3 modules, because I know that I can definitely get A*s if I resat. Please help!!!! THX

Im not sure about oxford but Cambridge may take in applicants where few modules so i think 3 modules in your case should be fine. What you have described also counts as extenuating circumstance so if you apply don’t forget to add all you have mentioned! If you like Cambridge you should give it a shot! Also sorry about all you have went through i hope everything gets better soon

Thank you for such a positive reply xx I was thinking about Cambridge too, but my school suggested Oxford because their entry requirement is AAA :/

Your welcome x Also I don’t know how your gcses went but Cambridge don’t focus on them but Oxford do so take that into consideration too.

I got 9A* and 2As.The reason why I would prefer Cambridge is because they have a 3 year course, whereas Oxford doesn't so it would be 5 years until I actually finish uni