Hi! I've got a dilemma. My GCSEs are 999998766, which makes me less than unlikely to be even interviewed for Biomedical Sciences at Oxford- since the average successful applicant has 9.6 A*s at GCSE. I reckon I could do some compensating in the BMAT, and my personal statement (like most applicants) will be the best it can- I've read books like The Selfish Gene ect. and I managed to get virtual work experience with a potential IRL week visit if that becomes possible. My school at GCSE and even more so at A level underperforms, so contextually I excelled- I'm the only one in my year applying for Oxbridge. The 2 6s were in art and music, and because of coursework moderation. For a good portion of year 11 I put my studying to the side a bit (still did a lot though) since we had a family thing.
After looking at the admissions statistics I think my chances are slim to none.
I have considered Natural Sciences (Biological) at Cambridge, and although it seems quite broad, a biomedical sciences course still covers more than the 3 I'd have to choose. Cambridge is also less expensive than Oxford, I know I'd get a higher student loan but that doesn't fully compensate, I'd still have to pay more outright at Oxford, and I'd need a job because my parents aren't going to help me. So another point to Cambridge because I'd be more comfortable financially. Everything I've done to work towards has been directed at Biomedical Sciences though, and I'm still planning to apply for biomedical sciences courses at other universities. Also no prep for NSAA but it seems quite similar to the BMAT just without the thinking skills or essay.
tldr- I've been preparing for Oxford but my grades are too low, the Cambridge alternative I'm not prepared for and clashes with a purely biological focus.