Worse core maths results than expected?

10

Hello everyone!
I did my core maths qualification this year and I got a B. I'm a little bit disappointed and also worried that it'd impact my Oxford application. I didn't take it as seriously as I should've because I felt I didn't need it that much and wanted to focus on my other grades due to wanting to do a history degree and because I did it in my first year I had to keep on top of homework at the same time. I'm thinking of maybe trying to do an epq in year 13 to balance it out more

So, TLDR would a B in core maths negatively impact my Oxford history application

Reply 1

TypicalNerd

18

Original post

by Erinlol&lt

Hello everyone!
I did my core maths qualification this year and I got a B. I'm a little bit disappointed and also worried that it'd impact my Oxford application. I didn't take it as seriously as I should've because I felt I didn't need it that much and wanted to focus on my other grades due to wanting to do a history degree and because I did it in my first year I had to keep on top of homework at the same time. I'm thinking of maybe trying to do an epq in year 13 to balance it out more
So, TLDR would a B in core maths negatively impact my Oxford history application

I’m not sure they’d care much to be honest as a history degree probably won’t make much use of the core maths content. A good HAT score, solid predictions in your A levels and a strong set of GCSEs should be more important. I also probably wouldn’t worry about taking an EPQ as your focus should be on getting the best grades in your A levels you can.

Edit: also, a B in core maths really isn’t that bad of a result as it is the second best grade you can be awarded. A perfect set of grades isn’t required for Oxford, but a strong set of grades overall is required.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by Erinlol<3

Hello everyone!
I did my core maths qualification this year and I got a B. I'm a little bit disappointed and also worried that it'd impact my Oxford application. I didn't take it as seriously as I should've because I felt I didn't need it that much and wanted to focus on my other grades due to wanting to do a history degree and because I did it in my first year I had to keep on top of homework at the same time. I'm thinking of maybe trying to do an epq in year 13 to balance it out more

So, TLDR would a B in core maths negatively impact my Oxford history application

Hi, can I just check what qualification you mean by 'core maths'? And are you currently in Y12? :smile:

Reply 3

Erinlol<3

OP

10

Original post

by Saracen's Fez

Hi, can I just check what qualification you mean by 'core maths'? And are you currently in Y12? :smile:

Yes I am currently in year 12! By core maths I'm referring to the OCR level 3 qualification that's equivalent to an AS level :smile:

Reply 4

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by Erinlol<3

Yes I am currently in year 12! By core maths I'm referring to the OCR level 3 qualification that's equivalent to an AS level :smile:

Ahhh ok. It's possible because it's not formally an AS that Oxford will not take too much notice of it. It's also possible that because it's an AS equivalent that they will. It's not a qualification I've really come across before, but it might be something you can check directly with Oxford. Please don't do that today because they'll be very busy, but you could always contact the admissions office of the college you'd like to apply to and ask them about how they treat it! Or if you go to open days or outreach events between now and applying, ask there!

Reply 5

Erinlol<3

OP

10

Original post

by Saracen's Fez

Ahhh ok. It's possible because it's not formally an AS that Oxford will not take too much notice of it. It's also possible that because it's an AS equivalent that they will. It's not a qualification I've really come across before, but it might be something you can check directly with Oxford. Please don't do that today because they'll be very busy, but you could always contact the admissions office of the college you'd like to apply to and ask them about how they treat it! Or if you go to open days or outreach events between now and applying, ask there!