Oxbridge with bad English GCSE?

I don't believe you have a high chance of being considered to Oxbridge since they generally tend to lean towards a minimum of at least 10 GCSE's (From memory as head of the sixth form told me) to even be considered an applicant that would not even be definitely offered a place.

I mean does it really matter, Oxbridge aren't the only universities that can offer you a good education out there!

Hi, I would like to study engineering at Oxbridge university however I feel my low English grades will limit my chances of being admitted.Besides, Ive done considerably well in other subjects listed below
Maths:8
Physics :8
Chemistry :9
Biology :7
Art: 7
geography: 8
Religious studies: 9
French: 5
English Language: 5
English literature: 6
I’ve done an English language resit during my AS,yet I still again received a 5.
Does low English grades and language affect my chances of going top university? I’ve heard you need a 6 to get in imperial ac etc.

I don't believe you have a high chance of being considered to Oxbridge since they generally tend to lean towards a minimum of at least 10 GCSE's (From memory as head of the sixth form told me) to even be considered an applicant that would not even be definitely offered a place.

I mean does it really matter, Oxbridge aren't the only universities that can offer you a good education out there!

Yes, sorry must have left that out.

It still doesn't hurt to apply though!

Don't be afraid of applying if you didn't achieve the best grades in subjects on the opposite end of the spectrum at GCSE level. Your grades in maths and sciences are excellent, which you should be proud of. I watched a video with a student at the university of Cambridge interviewing her college master, and the master's biggest advice was to not be put off applying if you didn't score highly in GCSE's non-related to the subjects you want to study at a level. Funnily enough her example was if you're applying for physics, don't be put off with low scores in English GCSE.

Point I'm saying is, yes the majority of Oxbridge applicants will gave All A*/8/9 at GCSE (as I did and was still rejected) so it's not a huge deal. The most important parts of the application of the admissions process is the entrance exam and the interview, both areas in which I think I didn't perform so well. You don't lose anything by applying, so I suggest you do and see where it takes you.

don't think it's anywhere near the majority, particularly at cambridge where GCSEs seem to form a lesser part of the admissions process.

don't think it's anywhere near the majority, particularly at cambridge where GCSEs seem to form a lesser part of the admissions process.

don't think it's anywhere near the majority, particularly at cambridge where GCSEs seem to form a lesser part of the admissions process.

Really? That would surprise me.

the majority of students at Cambridge will have all 8/9s at GCSE, i believe they have stated this before in regards to the competitiveness of their courses but i may be wrong, however OP definitely stands a chance as i believe those who perform this well at GCSE are likely to have the academic capacity and healthy study habits that lead to them achieving the required grades at A level and its the qualities of the people doing good at GCSE that get in not the GCSEs themselves

yes, iirc the average number of A* or equivalent is 5 or 6 at Cambridge. And, as you've said, that's not a requirement just an average.

At Oxford interviews, I met a girl who had a 4 in one unrelated subject and some 5s and 6s for others. I don't think she ultimately got in, but she was at interview, so they clearly thought she was capable. Don't let it hold you back. You won't know until you try!

Tis true. See my post above.



Nope.

Indeed having "less good" GCSEs followed by excellent AS-Levels is a sign of a "healthy" upward academic trajectory. Cambridge is very happy to see that.

i didn't say they wouldn't be happy with it, was pointing out that often those that excel at gcse also do so at A level and its not the gcses gaining them a place at Cambridge but just a correlation that those who achieve such grades at gcse often perform to the standard that Cambridge look for at AS and A2

But the majority do not have "all 8/9s at GCSE".