Crucial things for getting accepted at Oxbridge

Hi!

What is important when it comes to getting accepted at Oxbridge? For example, how much do grades matter? Is a GPA of 4.8/5 good enough?

Also, I personally had a final grade 4/5 in my sophomore year in one of the math classes, the field I want to study. However, nowadays I know all that stuff. So, do you people think that they would definitely reject me due to that? How much such things matter? And how can one nullify them? For example, if I win an IMO silver this year, will it be enough to nullify it?

To get into oxbridge you'll need to convert the required grades of your desired course into your own education system, although the website with the course listings may provide clarifications on what it means in different countries. This only applies really to graduation year grades, e.g. Senior year or A-level year.

As an example, you may need A*A*A at alevel or equivalent and a minimum of a 4 in English and maths at gcse or equivalent.

Secondly there is more to the application than just a grade result, especially for maths you will need to do a seperate test called the MAT or Maths aptitude test. If you do well enough you'll be invited into an interview and if you get past that you'll be offered a place. After that, all that matters is meeting the minimum grade requirements.

Lastly, I don't think awards like the IMO have any impact on results since they don't count as qualifications but don't quote me on that

You will only have to sit the MAT if you are thinking of studying at Oxford. Cambridge uses STEP II and III.

An IMO medal is an absolutely huge achievement. It's the best super-curricular you could have, and you may even be known by some of the professors. It certainly has an impact, and you would practically ace any entrance exam if you were able to get a medal on the international stage.