Advice for a someone going into yr 12 who wants to study at oxbridge?
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
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I’m at the end of y12 and I study physics chem maths and bio. Here’s my advice and what I wish I did I:
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc
)
Best of luck
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc
) Best of luck
That's awesome you're aiming for Oxbridge! With those subjects, you're definitely on the right track. My advice would be to keep your grades up, stay passionate about what you're studying, and don't forget to participate in extracurriculars related to engineering or computer science.
Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
I'm a y12 student hoping for med at oxbridge so here's some tips (bio chem maths and further)
Maths will be easy if you're naturally good and especially if you do further at gcse (not required), just practice consistently. Now FM I regret not preparing. When you finish a topic make some BRIEF notes and include examples, and then do questions banks, because this is not something you can just pick up quickly before the exams.
Now computing I know has a LOT of coursework - so keep on top of it. Maybe ask teacher what the timeline is for it and if you can come in for some spare lessons to do it (depending on howthey time you idk much about this).
Phys being a science I'd advise notes after you finsih each unit in class (you'll probably have a test after finishing a unit so you prepare for that and revision resources). i find recall handy for memorisation topics, but from my gcse recollection of phys it's a lot more practical, so again practice papers will be a lifesaver! Also learn practicals, science is a pain for including a practical you think you don't need to worry about for a 15 mark ish question haha
Now for personalising for Oxbridge - supercurriculars (extracurriculars but subject specific) are what they look for. Look into competitions like Big Bang, TDIs, F1 in Schools. Maybe do a CREST award (like a research project on a STEM area, so either computing or engineering will do, and depending on how much work they think you've done and quality you'll get a bronze gold or silver) - oxbridge likes research and it shows your passion. Read books if you'd like but your subjects have less books on them. Do your own coding projects. Try for STEMSmart with Cambridge. Summer schools if you get lucky to be accepted. Look at oxbridge website like recently they've had some invemtors comp for y12 - try for these things! Don't do all of this, pick what's most interesting and if you have a particular interest follow that.
You'll probably have admission tests in y13 too so remember that but again ages away.
Make sure mocks go well in y12 as these are usually your predicteds, and make sure your GCSEs are going well now. They are prestigious and have high academic requirements
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by Nat4695
I’m at the end of y12 and I study physics chem maths and bio. Here’s my advice and what I wish I did I:
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc)
Best of luck
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc
) Best of luck
Thankyou so much for your advice it’s really helpful!!! Icl it’ll take a lot of will power to get me in a gym lmao but I’ll try 🙏🙏
Original post by study23!
I'm a y12 student hoping for med at oxbridge so here's some tips (bio chem maths and further)
Maths will be easy if you're naturally good and especially if you do further at gcse (not required), just practice consistently. Now FM I regret not preparing. When you finish a topic make some BRIEF notes and include examples, and then do questions banks, because this is not something you can just pick up quickly before the exams.
Now computing I know has a LOT of coursework - so keep on top of it. Maybe ask teacher what the timeline is for it and if you can come in for some spare lessons to do it (depending on howthey time you idk much about this).
Phys being a science I'd advise notes after you finsih each unit in class (you'll probably have a test after finishing a unit so you prepare for that and revision resources). i find recall handy for memorisation topics, but from my gcse recollection of phys it's a lot more practical, so again practice papers will be a lifesaver! Also learn practicals, science is a pain for including a practical you think you don't need to worry about for a 15 mark ish question haha
Now for personalising for Oxbridge - supercurriculars (extracurriculars but subject specific) are what they look for. Look into competitions like Big Bang, TDIs, F1 in Schools. Maybe do a CREST award (like a research project on a STEM area, so either computing or engineering will do, and depending on how much work they think you've done and quality you'll get a bronze gold or silver) - oxbridge likes research and it shows your passion. Read books if you'd like but your subjects have less books on them. Do your own coding projects. Try for STEMSmart with Cambridge. Summer schools if you get lucky to be accepted. Look at oxbridge website like recently they've had some invemtors comp for y12 - try for these things! Don't do all of this, pick what's most interesting and if you have a particular interest follow that.
You'll probably have admission tests in y13 too so remember that but again ages away.
Make sure mocks go well in y12 as these are usually your predicteds, and make sure your GCSEs are going well now. They are prestigious and have high academic requirements
Maths will be easy if you're naturally good and especially if you do further at gcse (not required), just practice consistently. Now FM I regret not preparing. When you finish a topic make some BRIEF notes and include examples, and then do questions banks, because this is not something you can just pick up quickly before the exams.
Now computing I know has a LOT of coursework - so keep on top of it. Maybe ask teacher what the timeline is for it and if you can come in for some spare lessons to do it (depending on howthey time you idk much about this).
Phys being a science I'd advise notes after you finsih each unit in class (you'll probably have a test after finishing a unit so you prepare for that and revision resources). i find recall handy for memorisation topics, but from my gcse recollection of phys it's a lot more practical, so again practice papers will be a lifesaver! Also learn practicals, science is a pain for including a practical you think you don't need to worry about for a 15 mark ish question haha
Now for personalising for Oxbridge - supercurriculars (extracurriculars but subject specific) are what they look for. Look into competitions like Big Bang, TDIs, F1 in Schools. Maybe do a CREST award (like a research project on a STEM area, so either computing or engineering will do, and depending on how much work they think you've done and quality you'll get a bronze gold or silver) - oxbridge likes research and it shows your passion. Read books if you'd like but your subjects have less books on them. Do your own coding projects. Try for STEMSmart with Cambridge. Summer schools if you get lucky to be accepted. Look at oxbridge website like recently they've had some invemtors comp for y12 - try for these things! Don't do all of this, pick what's most interesting and if you have a particular interest follow that.
You'll probably have admission tests in y13 too so remember that but again ages away.
Make sure mocks go well in y12 as these are usually your predicteds, and make sure your GCSEs are going well now. They are prestigious and have high academic requirements
Thankyou so so much you have no idea how useful this is, especially the suppercurriculars I’ve been trying to find out things I could do for agesss so thankyou!! I’ve screenshotted it and saved it straight to my folder lmao 🙏🙏
Original post by Jones448
That's awesome you're aiming for Oxbridge! With those subjects, you're definitely on the right track. My advice would be to keep your grades up, stay passionate about what you're studying, and don't forget to participate in extracurriculars related to engineering or computer science.
I’ll make sure to do that thankyou so much!! 🙏🙏
Original post by Nat4695
I’m at the end of y12 and I study physics chem maths and bio. Here’s my advice and what I wish I did I:
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc)
Best of luck
Get into a good routine early on and do your work with good time. Don’t spend like all day studying or crazy schedules, keep time for your own hobbies and extracurriculars/supercurriculars. If you don’t understand a topic work on it there and then and don’t just leave it, it’ll bite you at the end of the year. If you are just consistent with building good habits like not procrastinating, sleeping and waking up early then you’re set. Stay calm.
Another thing I started this year which I’m so glad is exercising. It really helps me focus and feel better overall, I used to get horrible neck pains and shoulder pains but moving more really helps.
For academics:
Maths: y12 content isn’t that challenging but it’s important to stay in practice and on top of it so you don’t suddenly lose the flow of being able to do it.
Physics: pay attention to the mark scheme and how they like you to word ideas. It’s fine to break something down and learn it in your own way but aim to then make this fit the exam board/ mark scheme version. They are so picky.
Don’t have much advice for the comp sci sorry!
As for supercurriculars. Cambridge has a page on this so search it up and they give some recommended resources. Have a read and just explore ideas you find interesting, maybe keep a little diary or something to keep note.
That’s all and just take care of yourself, focus in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions etc
) Best of luck
I have my mocks next week and I was wondering if you had any advice for biology and chemistry specifically. I do AQA if that helps.
Original post by study23!
I'm a y12 student hoping for med at oxbridge so here's some tips (bio chem maths and further)
Maths will be easy if you're naturally good and especially if you do further at gcse (not required), just practice consistently. Now FM I regret not preparing. When you finish a topic make some BRIEF notes and include examples, and then do questions banks, because this is not something you can just pick up quickly before the exams.
Now computing I know has a LOT of coursework - so keep on top of it. Maybe ask teacher what the timeline is for it and if you can come in for some spare lessons to do it (depending on howthey time you idk much about this).
Phys being a science I'd advise notes after you finsih each unit in class (you'll probably have a test after finishing a unit so you prepare for that and revision resources). i find recall handy for memorisation topics, but from my gcse recollection of phys it's a lot more practical, so again practice papers will be a lifesaver! Also learn practicals, science is a pain for including a practical you think you don't need to worry about for a 15 mark ish question haha
Now for personalising for Oxbridge - supercurriculars (extracurriculars but subject specific) are what they look for. Look into competitions like Big Bang, TDIs, F1 in Schools. Maybe do a CREST award (like a research project on a STEM area, so either computing or engineering will do, and depending on how much work they think you've done and quality you'll get a bronze gold or silver) - oxbridge likes research and it shows your passion. Read books if you'd like but your subjects have less books on them. Do your own coding projects. Try for STEMSmart with Cambridge. Summer schools if you get lucky to be accepted. Look at oxbridge website like recently they've had some invemtors comp for y12 - try for these things! Don't do all of this, pick what's most interesting and if you have a particular interest follow that.
You'll probably have admission tests in y13 too so remember that but again ages away.
Make sure mocks go well in y12 as these are usually your predicteds, and make sure your GCSEs are going well now. They are prestigious and have high academic requirements
Maths will be easy if you're naturally good and especially if you do further at gcse (not required), just practice consistently. Now FM I regret not preparing. When you finish a topic make some BRIEF notes and include examples, and then do questions banks, because this is not something you can just pick up quickly before the exams.
Now computing I know has a LOT of coursework - so keep on top of it. Maybe ask teacher what the timeline is for it and if you can come in for some spare lessons to do it (depending on howthey time you idk much about this).
Phys being a science I'd advise notes after you finsih each unit in class (you'll probably have a test after finishing a unit so you prepare for that and revision resources). i find recall handy for memorisation topics, but from my gcse recollection of phys it's a lot more practical, so again practice papers will be a lifesaver! Also learn practicals, science is a pain for including a practical you think you don't need to worry about for a 15 mark ish question haha
Now for personalising for Oxbridge - supercurriculars (extracurriculars but subject specific) are what they look for. Look into competitions like Big Bang, TDIs, F1 in Schools. Maybe do a CREST award (like a research project on a STEM area, so either computing or engineering will do, and depending on how much work they think you've done and quality you'll get a bronze gold or silver) - oxbridge likes research and it shows your passion. Read books if you'd like but your subjects have less books on them. Do your own coding projects. Try for STEMSmart with Cambridge. Summer schools if you get lucky to be accepted. Look at oxbridge website like recently they've had some invemtors comp for y12 - try for these things! Don't do all of this, pick what's most interesting and if you have a particular interest follow that.
You'll probably have admission tests in y13 too so remember that but again ages away.
Make sure mocks go well in y12 as these are usually your predicteds, and make sure your GCSEs are going well now. They are prestigious and have high academic requirements
Hey I have my mocks next week and I was wondering if you had any advice for biology and chemistry specifically?? I do AQA if that helps. Thanks!
Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
Natsci offer holder here and honestly just engage with the topics you enjoy, read interesting STEM articles and generally do what you love. Genuine passion shines through more than anything. The two years fly by ridiculously quickly so take advantage of the first year where you have more time to explore new ideas!
Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
Hey, I’m just finishing y12 doing the same A levels as you, I’m also aiming for oxbridge (though entrance exams and interviews may be my downfall). I’d say just try and max out your PS. Attend lectures, read books, do courses, and keep track. If you decide to go down the engineering routes I would really recommend COMPOS this year, a maths and physics course run by Oxford. It can be a lot of work (especially when balancing with mocks) but I’m finding it very interesting and it really makes you take your skill to the next level. Others are mentioning competitions which are also a great idea, I personally did the Ritangle maths challenge and the Isaac physics challenge this year.
I applied to a lot of courses and summer camps with the philosophy that I’d likely be rejected from most. I ended up getting into about half, so I have 5 residentials this summer 😂
Idk how this website works but if you have any questions to someone in the same position as you a year ago feel free to pm me if that’s a thing.
Original post by LittleFire10
Hey I have my mocks next week and I was wondering if you had any advice for biology and chemistry specifically?? I do AQA if that helps. Thanks!
I’d recommend at this stage doing any past papers you haven’t been able to do - this is more ideal for chem I’d say than bio. For chem they use the same required practicals every year (like titration is always somewhere), and the maths questions are always similar (calculate moles, empiric formula etc.). From those past papers when marking write down your ‘targets’ basically the parts you lost most marks cause you didn’t know it. Then make a flashcard on that topic. Then you do recall, so hide the flaschard and try and write it all down from memory, then check - for anything you forgot you do the same process. This should really strengthen some of your weakest areas as I’m assuming you’ve got a good general knowledge of the courses it’s just finding out what you aren’t so sure of.
Biology will have plenty of quizlets online for terminology I’m sure, probably the same for chemistry too if you want to quickly practice with resources already made (I didn’t use any but I know people tend to use quizlet/Anki)
A good way to practice bio I’d suggest if you’re really low on time is to take the essay question from each paper from new and old spec (WJEC has one 9 mark essay per paper, I’m guessing aqa will have something similar?). For each essay question bullet point what you’d write, check mark scheme - if you’d give yourself about a 7/9 or equivalent, you move on to the next, you know that topic well. If there’s any repeats in similar essay questions skip them.
Id say that biology is an easier exam than chem in general as it’s a lot more knowledge based, when chem you have to use your knowledge of trends and chemicals to work out a type of problem. Perhaps you find chem easier tho and so you’d want to focus more on bio, choice is up to you. Either way I hope this helped a bit and I wish you luck in the mocks! Any other questions let me know
Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I want to study something to do with engineering or computer science and I’m taking maths, further maths, physics and computer science. Thankyou!!
Hi! I study the same A-Levels you will, and currently have an offer to study computer science at Cambridge. Heres my advice:
•
Start on supercurricular activities now. Whether that's reading books, articles, or listening to podcasts, any research you can do around the subject will give you lots to talk about in your personal statement, and also help you choose between engineering and computer science.
•
Dont be disheartened if you dont code 24/7. My coding knowledge barely extends beyond the A-level spec, and I met so many people at open days who would code all these incredible and mind boggling things. It made me feel quite intimidated. But, univeristies are looking for people who are open-minded, passionate, and eager to learn, not teenage know-it-alls who think that being able to develop their own chess AI makes them oxbridge material.
•
Do an EPQ. I don't think I got into Cambridge because I did an EPQ, but it did allow me to research a computing related topic in a lot of depth, and it was something I talked about quite a bit in my personal statement. I was even asked about it in an interview for a different university! Moreover, I foud doing an EPQ a really rewarding and enlightening experience and the skills and knowledge I developed from completing it would make it worth the time and effort, even if it didn't directly help my uni application. If you are worried about the workload: if you are an oxbridge calibre student you should be able to balance the workload of 4 a levels and an EPQ. If you choose to do your research on a topic you are genuinely interested in, it doesn't feel like work!
•
PREPARE FOR THE ADMISSIONS TEST!!!!!! This is something I wouldnt worry about until the start of the summer after Y12. In my year, 4 people including me applied for oxbridge computer science. The three others were stereotypical arrogant computing students who assumed that because they were getting straight A*s, they didnt need to prepare for the admissions test until a couple weeks beforehand. Anyway, they all flunked it and none of them were even offered an interview. Those admissions tests are designed to separate the 95% standard students from the 100% standard students. They are HARD. Read through the syllabus and notes for them at least 3-4 months beforehand. Start doing past papers every week 2 months before. Get your UCAS application done as soon as possible so you can focus on admissions test preparation.
•
Keep a good work life balance. Don't study all the time. Have a social life, have hobbies, be a well rounded person.
•
Keep on top of your A-Levels. For competitive courses like computer science, you really dont have a chance of getting an offer if you arent predicted 4 A*s. So revise for your year 12 mocks!!! Being well prepared for mocks also means you arent under as much pressure when you are revising for your actual exams, as you have a good foundation of knowledge.
I am yet another person doing the same A-levels as you and am going to apply to oxford in a few months for CS. The advice so far has been great, but I thought I might as well add my own two cents since I'm here.
The first, best thing you can do for yourself, is figure as early as you can if you want to do engineering or if you want to do CS. Most people consider CS and engineering to be similar. This is somewhat true, but there are different entrance exams and different expectations from you when it comes to applying to a top uni for those two courses. I'm not saying it has to be a right now decision, but the earlier you figure it out, the more you can focus your efforts on stuff that will be most productive to your application.
Secondly, as the previous post says, start on your supercurriculars early. Read books, participate in competitions when they come up and actively find stuff to do. There is plenty of stuff for engineering like F1 in schools, and there is also plenty of stuff for compsci like bebras, BIO, etc. For CS try to do a few side projects (although for CS try to make sure you are staying on the purer side of the subject rather than slipping into full-fledged software development). Also try to get in some maths-based supercurriculars like UKMT or ritangle as someone else suggested (this is especially important for applying for CS in my opinion as CS is a fundamentally mathematical degree)
The other advice is good also: make sure you get your A*s and focus on entrance exam prep since it is a big distinguishing factor between candidates. MAT score and contextual GCSEs combined are basically what get you an interview at oxford.
I'm doing an EPQ on a compsci topic but I can't comment on whether or not it is a massive bonus to your application. I probably won't end up talking much about it on my PS, so it was probably not a great idea for me to have taken it in the first place. Might not be the same case your you though if you decide to go into more detail about it on your PS.
Also get some good work experience if you can. And do it early. Y12 summer is not the time to start looking for work experience, you will have more important stuff to be doing (take it from me).
Good luck!
The first, best thing you can do for yourself, is figure as early as you can if you want to do engineering or if you want to do CS. Most people consider CS and engineering to be similar. This is somewhat true, but there are different entrance exams and different expectations from you when it comes to applying to a top uni for those two courses. I'm not saying it has to be a right now decision, but the earlier you figure it out, the more you can focus your efforts on stuff that will be most productive to your application.
Secondly, as the previous post says, start on your supercurriculars early. Read books, participate in competitions when they come up and actively find stuff to do. There is plenty of stuff for engineering like F1 in schools, and there is also plenty of stuff for compsci like bebras, BIO, etc. For CS try to do a few side projects (although for CS try to make sure you are staying on the purer side of the subject rather than slipping into full-fledged software development). Also try to get in some maths-based supercurriculars like UKMT or ritangle as someone else suggested (this is especially important for applying for CS in my opinion as CS is a fundamentally mathematical degree)
The other advice is good also: make sure you get your A*s and focus on entrance exam prep since it is a big distinguishing factor between candidates. MAT score and contextual GCSEs combined are basically what get you an interview at oxford.
I'm doing an EPQ on a compsci topic but I can't comment on whether or not it is a massive bonus to your application. I probably won't end up talking much about it on my PS, so it was probably not a great idea for me to have taken it in the first place. Might not be the same case your you though if you decide to go into more detail about it on your PS.
Also get some good work experience if you can. And do it early. Y12 summer is not the time to start looking for work experience, you will have more important stuff to be doing (take it from me).
Good luck!
Original post by ellminty
Natsci offer holder here and honestly just engage with the topics you enjoy, read interesting STEM articles and generally do what you love. Genuine passion shines through more than anything. The two years fly by ridiculously quickly so take advantage of the first year where you have more time to explore new ideas!
I’ll make sure to do that! Thankyou for your advice
Original post by lucyy06
Hey, I’m just finishing y12 doing the same A levels as you, I’m also aiming for oxbridge (though entrance exams and interviews may be my downfall). I’d say just try and max out your PS. Attend lectures, read books, do courses, and keep track. If you decide to go down the engineering routes I would really recommend COMPOS this year, a maths and physics course run by Oxford. It can be a lot of work (especially when balancing with mocks) but I’m finding it very interesting and it really makes you take your skill to the next level. Others are mentioning competitions which are also a great idea, I personally did the Ritangle maths challenge and the Isaac physics challenge this year.
I applied to a lot of courses and summer camps with the philosophy that I’d likely be rejected from most. I ended up getting into about half, so I have 5 residentials this summer 😂
Idk how this website works but if you have any questions to someone in the same position as you a year ago feel free to pm me if that’s a thing.
I applied to a lot of courses and summer camps with the philosophy that I’d likely be rejected from most. I ended up getting into about half, so I have 5 residentials this summer 😂
Idk how this website works but if you have any questions to someone in the same position as you a year ago feel free to pm me if that’s a thing.
Original post by hiba3000
Don't underestimate the admissions test like I did 💀 They care a lot more about the admissions test than they say they do (at least for Natural Sciences at Cambridge). Having said that, stress can really impact your performance so try not to be too stressed during the exam
Original post by helenasimp
Hi! I study the same A-Levels you will, and currently have an offer to study computer science at Cambridge. Heres my advice:
Honestly, 6th form have been the 2 busiest, most hectic years of my life, but they have also been 2 of the best! Enjoy them and make the most of them - good luck with everything!
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Start on supercurricular activities now. Whether that's reading books, articles, or listening to podcasts, any research you can do around the subject will give you lots to talk about in your personal statement, and also help you choose between engineering and computer science.
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Dont be disheartened if you dont code 24/7. My coding knowledge barely extends beyond the A-level spec, and I met so many people at open days who would code all these incredible and mind boggling things. It made me feel quite intimidated. But, univeristies are looking for people who are open-minded, passionate, and eager to learn, not teenage know-it-alls who think that being able to develop their own chess AI makes them oxbridge material.
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Do an EPQ. I don't think I got into Cambridge because I did an EPQ, but it did allow me to research a computing related topic in a lot of depth, and it was something I talked about quite a bit in my personal statement. I was even asked about it in an interview for a different university! Moreover, I foud doing an EPQ a really rewarding and enlightening experience and the skills and knowledge I developed from completing it would make it worth the time and effort, even if it didn't directly help my uni application. If you are worried about the workload: if you are an oxbridge calibre student you should be able to balance the workload of 4 a levels and an EPQ. If you choose to do your research on a topic you are genuinely interested in, it doesn't feel like work!
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PREPARE FOR THE ADMISSIONS TEST!!!!!! This is something I wouldnt worry about until the start of the summer after Y12. In my year, 4 people including me applied for oxbridge computer science. The three others were stereotypical arrogant computing students who assumed that because they were getting straight A*s, they didnt need to prepare for the admissions test until a couple weeks beforehand. Anyway, they all flunked it and none of them were even offered an interview. Those admissions tests are designed to separate the 95% standard students from the 100% standard students. They are HARD. Read through the syllabus and notes for them at least 3-4 months beforehand. Start doing past papers every week 2 months before. Get your UCAS application done as soon as possible so you can focus on admissions test preparation.
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Keep a good work life balance. Don't study all the time. Have a social life, have hobbies, be a well rounded person.
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Keep on top of your A-Levels. For competitive courses like computer science, you really dont have a chance of getting an offer if you arent predicted 4 A*s. So revise for your year 12 mocks!!! Being well prepared for mocks also means you arent under as much pressure when you are revising for your actual exams, as you have a good foundation of knowledge.
I literally love you sm that is so hopeful thankyou! I’ve put that all into my notes and I’ll make sure to do it 😊thankyou for the comment about the programming ik it’s different to uni but at the 6th form taster day I went to they all seemed to know so much and I only really know about python to GCSE level so thankyou for putting those worries at ease 🫶
Original post by KWad
I am yet another person doing the same A-levels as you and am going to apply to oxford in a few months for CS. The advice so far has been great, but I thought I might as well add my own two cents since I'm here.
The first, best thing you can do for yourself, is figure as early as you can if you want to do engineering or if you want to do CS. Most people consider CS and engineering to be similar. This is somewhat true, but there are different entrance exams and different expectations from you when it comes to applying to a top uni for those two courses. I'm not saying it has to be a right now decision, but the earlier you figure it out, the more you can focus your efforts on stuff that will be most productive to your application.
Secondly, as the previous post says, start on your supercurriculars early. Read books, participate in competitions when they come up and actively find stuff to do. There is plenty of stuff for engineering like F1 in schools, and there is also plenty of stuff for compsci like bebras, BIO, etc. For CS try to do a few side projects (although for CS try to make sure you are staying on the purer side of the subject rather than slipping into full-fledged software development). Also try to get in some maths-based supercurriculars like UKMT or ritangle as someone else suggested (this is especially important for applying for CS in my opinion as CS is a fundamentally mathematical degree)
The other advice is good also: make sure you get your A*s and focus on entrance exam prep since it is a big distinguishing factor between candidates. MAT score and contextual GCSEs combined are basically what get you an interview at oxford.
I'm doing an EPQ on a compsci topic but I can't comment on whether or not it is a massive bonus to your application. I probably won't end up talking much about it on my PS, so it was probably not a great idea for me to have taken it in the first place. Might not be the same case your you though if you decide to go into more detail about it on your PS.
Also get some good work experience if you can. And do it early. Y12 summer is not the time to start looking for work experience, you will have more important stuff to be doing (take it from me).
Good luck!
The first, best thing you can do for yourself, is figure as early as you can if you want to do engineering or if you want to do CS. Most people consider CS and engineering to be similar. This is somewhat true, but there are different entrance exams and different expectations from you when it comes to applying to a top uni for those two courses. I'm not saying it has to be a right now decision, but the earlier you figure it out, the more you can focus your efforts on stuff that will be most productive to your application.
Secondly, as the previous post says, start on your supercurriculars early. Read books, participate in competitions when they come up and actively find stuff to do. There is plenty of stuff for engineering like F1 in schools, and there is also plenty of stuff for compsci like bebras, BIO, etc. For CS try to do a few side projects (although for CS try to make sure you are staying on the purer side of the subject rather than slipping into full-fledged software development). Also try to get in some maths-based supercurriculars like UKMT or ritangle as someone else suggested (this is especially important for applying for CS in my opinion as CS is a fundamentally mathematical degree)
The other advice is good also: make sure you get your A*s and focus on entrance exam prep since it is a big distinguishing factor between candidates. MAT score and contextual GCSEs combined are basically what get you an interview at oxford.
I'm doing an EPQ on a compsci topic but I can't comment on whether or not it is a massive bonus to your application. I probably won't end up talking much about it on my PS, so it was probably not a great idea for me to have taken it in the first place. Might not be the same case your you though if you decide to go into more detail about it on your PS.
Also get some good work experience if you can. And do it early. Y12 summer is not the time to start looking for work experience, you will have more important stuff to be doing (take it from me).
Good luck!
People like u and the others on this discussion are genuine life savers I would have no idea where to start if u hadn’t spent your time typing that out so thankyou sm!! I’ve saved that too my notes and I’ll definitely start to read up on things now🫶I’ve been meaning to cs for a while and will prolly go that way so thankyou!!
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