When I was in Y11 (now in Y12), I was keen on doing Math at Uni but spent this summer learning Python and some CS topics and found that I really like CS so now I am thinking strongly of doing CS at Uni perhaps with Maths.
I would like a reality check on my chances at Oxbridge based on my details below. My main concern is that I just recently started CS so whether I can evidence enough passion and co-courriculars in my personal statement
My track record
- I did well in my GCSE with ten "9s" and one A* (additional maths)
- I have selected Maths, FM, Physics and CS for A-Levels and I am currently doing well in all of them so 3 or 4 A*s is within reach
- Just started to take part in Olympiads (BMO & BIO). I don't think I will progress far but I did scrape to the 2nd stage of BMO
- I plan to do an EPQ in a topic such as ML or Quantum Computing and my CS department will support it
- I have a couple of 1-week work experiences doing some vaguely CS related work (one in a fintech and one in a web dev lab)
- I aim to be proficient in Python and some advanced topics such as algorithms and ML by the time I apply for Uni
- I am the chair of my schools Computing Society (there are only 12 CS students in Y12 and only I volunteered :-)
- I have started preparing for STEP (not MAT) as my school has a "STEP club"
- I hope I come across as rounded as I play a sport (squash) and am in my schools debating team and symphonic orchestra. Also a Grade 8 in Piano, Violin and Speech & Drama. But I have heard these simply don't matter at Oxbridge
So from a GCSE and A-Level results perspective, I may hopefully have the right set of results.
I am more worried about my CS background. I simply don't have enough time to do that much in 12 months. I can see some who did get into Oxbridge for CS have had coding as a passion for several years and have coded several projects
So what are my chances for CS?
Is any one of the two Unis any easier than the other to get in?
My other 4 choices may be Imperial, UCL and then 2 of Warwick/Bristol/Bath/Birmingham