will one low mark on my transcript mean I can't apply to Oxbridge for a MA?

I consistently get firsts and 2.1s, but in one of my second year modules I got 2.2, quite a low one too :/ I'm in my second year, will one bad mark affect where I can apply for masters, considering I normally get high grades?

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 1

Bedaquiline

9

It's unlikely to rule you out entirely. It might damage your chances if it's in a topic very closely related to what you want to study at master's, or if it brings your overall grade to below 65%, but the thing to remember is that Oxford - or any university application tbh - is about the overall picture. So consider your strengths and positives too, and see if you can maximise those to outweigh the grades you're insecure about. I really wouldn't worry too much!

Original post by hello5789

I consistently get firsts and 2.1s, but in one of my second year modules I got 2.2, quite a low one too :/ I'm in my second year, will one bad mark affect where I can apply for masters, considering I normally get high grades?

Completely depends on the relevance of the module, and your other grades, as the poster above has said. I got my worst mark in a module which is extremely relevant to my masters thesis. One of my friends had to resit a year, and ended up at Oxford for his masters. They know you are human, so as long as the good outweighs the bad, you should be fine. However, if it's an extremely competitive course, this might knock your chances more.

Reply 3

hello5789

OP

11

Original post by Sandtrooper

Completely depends on the relevance of the module, and your other grades, as the poster above has said. I got my worst mark in a module which is extremely relevant to my masters thesis. One of my friends had to resit a year, and ended up at Oxford for his masters. They know you are human, so as long as the good outweighs the bad, you should be fine. However, if it's an extremely competitive course, this might knock your chances more.

You said you got the worst mark in a module relevant to your masters thesis, did you do your masters at Oxford?

Reply 4

hello5789

OP

11

Original post by Bedaquiline

It's unlikely to rule you out entirely. It might damage your chances if it's in a topic very closely related to what you want to study at master's, or if it brings your overall grade to below 65%, but the thing to remember is that Oxford - or any university application tbh - is about the overall picture. So consider your strengths and positives too, and see if you can maximise those to outweigh the grades you're insecure about. I really wouldn't worry too much!

thank you, it is only really one grade I'm worried about so hopefully it should be fine. thanks again

Reply 5

HS98JH

3

I just got accepted to a Masters at Oxford despite having a few bad grades in my second year due to bad exam stress, I should add I did graduate with a first with high grades in my third year 😊 So I definitely agree that one or two bad grades won't affect your chances if your academic profile, research experience, etc. is otherwise strong.

Original post by hello5789

You said you got the worst mark in a module relevant to your masters thesis, did you do your masters at Oxford?

Cambridge, but close enough.

Reply 7

hello5789

OP

11

Original post by HS98JH

I just got accepted to a Masters at Oxford despite having a few bad grades in my second year due to bad exam stress, I should add I did graduate with a first with high grades in my third year 😊 So I definitely agree that one or two bad grades won't affect your chances if your academic profile, research experience, etc. is otherwise strong.

can i ask what those grades were? no worries if you don't want to say, I'm just worried your version of 'bad grades' is a low 2.1 haha.

Reply 8

hello5789

OP

11

oh thats amazing, what was your lowest mark can i ask?

Original post by Sandtrooper

Cambridge, but close enough.

Original post by hello5789

oh thats amazing, what was your lowest mark can i ask?

Think it was either 65 or 66 in a final year module.

Reply 10

HS98JH

3

Original post by hello5789

can i ask what those grades were? no worries if you don't want to say, I'm just worried your version of 'bad grades' is a low 2.1 haha.

One or two 57/58 grades, I really wouldn't over analyse it though, focus on getting a first and building up some good work experience/research work that's far more important than one bad grade, try to put it out of your mind 😊. Also writing a killer personal statement is very important (Oxford careers website has some good advice https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/personal-statements-for-further-study#collapse1543471), just try to sell yourself and your passion for your subject.

Reply 11

hello5789

OP

11

Original post by Sandtrooper

Think it was either 65 or 66 in a final year module.

with all due respect, thats a solid 2.1 mark, there's no reason why that would have impacted your Cambridge application. My concerns have arisen because I got a low 2.2 mark.

Original post by hello5789

with all due respect, thats a solid 2.1 mark, there's no reason why that would have impacted your Cambridge application. My concerns have arisen because I got a low 2.2 mark.

The point that I was trying to make was that it was extremely relevant to my current thesis, and relatively, getting your worst mark in the module which you hope to base your MPhil thesis on, is not a 'good look'.

If it's just a one off, you should be all right, but as has been mentioned, it depends on your course, the level of competition, your other grades, and what you plan to focus on. I know of people who have got in with the odd 2:2 mark, and many who have a number of 2:1 marks, who have been accepted, but there are so many other factors that it will be hard to predict. Just do your best in the modules you still have to complete, and that will give you the best possible chance.

will one low mark on my transcript mean I can't apply to Oxbridge for a MA?

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