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Can I get into oxbridge with btechs?

I’m going into yr 12 in a week, I got 5As 1A* 2Bs and 1C in GCSE (877777665) I’m planning on taking Alevel physics, maths and engineering btech(worth 3 alevels), I’m asking if I could still stand a chance at getting into oxbridge with those subjects and I’m planning on getting A*s in all of them and I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 1
Original post by Bluelilies
I’m going into yr 12 in a week, I got 5As 1A* 2Bs and 1C in GCSE (877777665) I’m planning on taking Alevel physics, maths and engineering btech(worth 3 alevels), I’m asking if I could still stand a chance at getting into oxbridge with those subjects and I’m planning on getting A*s in all of them and I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff

I think it may put you off a bit but you still can apply without a doubt. Bare in mind extracurriculars doesn't help your application much, try doing some good supercuriculars!
Reply 2
Original post by SofiiaI
I think it may put you off a bit but you still can apply without a doubt. Bare in mind extracurriculars doesn't help your application much, try doing some good supercuriculars!

I am planning on learning computer science by myself, and maybe some part of further maths, would that increase my chance?
Original post by Bluelilies
I am planning on learning computer science by myself, and maybe some part of further maths, would that increase my chance?
Taking CP1, CP2, FM1 and FM2 for Further Maths as a Private Candidate would certainly gain you an interview at Cambridge.
Reply 4
Original post by thegeek888
Taking CP1, CP2, FM1 and FM2 for Further Maths as a Private Candidate would certainly gain you an interview at Cambridge.

What is cp1
Original post by Bluelilies
I’m going into yr 12 in a week, I got 5As 1A* 2Bs and 1C in GCSE (877777665) I’m planning on taking Alevel physics, maths and engineering btech(worth 3 alevels), I’m asking if I could still stand a chance at getting into oxbridge with those subjects and I’m planning on getting A*s in all of them and I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff


I think it’s likely to hinder your application, consider taking chemistry instead - very enjoyable at A level and won’t hinder any accessibility to engineering courses at oxbridge
Original post by Bluelilies
What is cp1
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Further Maths papers:

CP1 is Core Pure 1
CP2 is Core Pure 2
FM1 is Further Mechanics 1
FM2 is Further Mechanics 2

All the content is in Year 1 and some in Year 2 of a Cambridge Engineering degree and interview questions will be based on some of the content too. 🙂
Reply 7
Original post by thegeek888
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Further Maths papers:
CP1 is Core Pure 1
CP2 is Core Pure 2
FM1 is Further Mechanics 1
FM2 is Further Mechanics 2
All the content is in Year 1 and some in Year 2 of a Cambridge Engineering degree and interview questions will be based on some of the content too. 🙂
Alright thank you
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous
I think it’s likely to hinder your application, consider taking chemistry instead - very enjoyable at A level and won’t hinder any accessibility to engineering courses at oxbridge

Chemistry is my worst science, i don’t get it no matter how much I try
Original post by Bluelilies
I’m going into yr 12 in a week, I got 5As 1A* 2Bs and 1C in GCSE (877777665) I’m planning on taking Alevel physics, maths and engineering btech(worth 3 alevels), I’m asking if I could still stand a chance at getting into oxbridge with those subjects and I’m planning on getting A*s in all of them and I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff

I can only speak for Cambridge. but here is my advice:

Which subject are you thinking of applying for? If it's Engineering, you will find that Further Maths will provide a lot more utility. 96% of successful applicants had it and some colleges require it. If it is Natural Sciences (e.g. Physics) or Maths, you don't meet the minimum entry requirements.

From the Cambridge University website: "VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs can’t usually be used to replace the A level requirements for our courses.
We may accept a combination of A levels and VCE or other qualifications for some Cambridge courses.
In these cases, you would need to have taken any required or highly desirable subjects. A six-unit VCE or Applied A Level could then be taken instead of a third A level or as an additional fourth broadening subject."

"I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff" - extracurriculars unrelated to the degree will confer no advantage at all. Only relevant supercurriculars will provide any benefit.
Original post by thegeek888
Taking CP1, CP2, FM1 and FM2 for Further Maths as a Private Candidate would certainly gain you an interview at Cambridge.

Not "certainly". It is true that Cambridge interviews most applicants but it is not certain, especially if the minimum grade / subject requirements are not on track to be met.
Original post by melancollege
I can only speak for Cambridge. but here is my advice:
Which subject are you thinking of applying for? If it's Engineering, you will find that Further Maths will provide a lot more utility. 96% of successful applicants had it and some colleges require it. If it is Natural Sciences (e.g. Physics) or Maths, you don't meet the minimum entry requirements.
From the Cambridge University website: "VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs can’t usually be used to replace the A level requirements for our courses.
We may accept a combination of A levels and VCE or other qualifications for some Cambridge courses.
In these cases, you would need to have taken any required or highly desirable subjects. A six-unit VCE or Applied A Level could then be taken instead of a third A level or as an additional fourth broadening subject."
"I will also try and do extracurriculars in sports, maybe volunteering and other stuff" - extracurriculars unrelated to the degree will confer no advantage at all. Only relevant supercurriculars will provide any benefit.

I wanna take engineering maybe mechanical and dive into robotics/mechatronics but thank you for telling me that info, I have decided to move sixth forms and take maths,physics,computer science (because I didn’t reach the grades for further maths but I’ll try and ask if I can self study so the schl can let me take the tests) and Dofe but I went on the Cambridge website and it stated this

“All Colleges, except Trinity College, welcome applications from students taking A Level Mathematics and a suitable vocational qualification, e.g. a BTEC Higher National Diploma, in an engineering discipline. Applicants are expected to achieve the highest possible grades in A Level Mathematics and the vocational qualification. Those taking the Single Award Applied A Level in Engineering or the Principle Learning components of the Advanced Diploma in Engineering must also be taking A Levels in Mathematics and Physics.” I was previously planning on taking a level 3 extended diploma in engineering but I’m quite confused with what you stated in your reply, I’m really sorry for taking a part of your time but I’m really confused right now 😭
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Bluelilies
I wanna take engineering maybe mechanical and dive into robotics/mechatronics but thank you for telling me that info, I have decided to move sixth forms and take maths,physics,computer science (because I didn’t reach the grades for further maths but I’ll try and ask if I can self study so the schl can let me take the tests) and Dofe but I went on the Cambridge website and it stated this
“All Colleges, except Trinity College, welcome applications from students taking A Level Mathematics and a suitable vocational qualification, e.g. a BTEC Higher National Diploma, in an engineering discipline. Applicants are expected to achieve the highest possible grades in A Level Mathematics and the vocational qualification. Those taking the Single Award Applied A Level in Engineering or the Principle Learning components of the Advanced Diploma in Engineering must also be taking A Levels in Mathematics and Physics.” I was previously planning on taking a level 3 extended diploma in engineering but I’m quite confused with what you stated in your reply, I’m really sorry for taking a part of your time but I’m really confused right now 😭

I would advise contacting the admissions office of the college(s) you're thinking of applying to, as recommended on this page: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/accepted-qualifications:
"VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs can’t usually be used to replace the A level requirements for our courses.
We may accept a combination of A levels and VCE or other qualifications for some Cambridge courses.
In these cases, you would need to have taken any required or highly desirable subjects. A six-unit VCE or Applied A Level could then be taken instead of a third A level or as an additional fourth broadening subject.
If you are taking these qualifications, we recommend that you contact a College Admissions Office as soon as possible."

Most successful candidates will have A-Level Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Of those doing A-Levels, all had A-Level Maths and Physics and 96% had Further Maths. That's not to say they are required but Cambridge is already very competitive. I can't advise further but this may be something to bear in mind.

Also, if you're doing D of E for your own enjoyment, that's great, but it will confer no specific advantage to your application. Only supercurriculars that directly relate to your degree will provide any benefit.
Original post by melancollege
I would advise contacting the admissions office of the college(s) you're thinking of applying to, as recommended on this page: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/accepted-qualifications:
"VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs can’t usually be used to replace the A level requirements for our courses.
We may accept a combination of A levels and VCE or other qualifications for some Cambridge courses.
In these cases, you would need to have taken any required or highly desirable subjects. A six-unit VCE or Applied A Level could then be taken instead of a third A level or as an additional fourth broadening subject.
If you are taking these qualifications, we recommend that you contact a College Admissions Office as soon as possible."
Most successful candidates will have A-Level Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Of those doing A-Levels, all had A-Level Maths and Physics and 96% had Further Maths. That's not to say they are required but Cambridge is already very competitive. I can't advise further but this may be something to bear in mind.
Also, if you're doing D of E for your own enjoyment, that's great, but it will confer no specific advantage to your application. Only supercurriculars that directly relate to your degree will provide any benefit.

I was taking a Dofe for my own enjoyment but if I was to do an EPQ in something relating to the degree I wanna take would that also count as a supercurricular?
Original post by Bluelilies
I was taking a Dofe for my own enjoyment but if I was to do an EPQ in something relating to the degree I wanna take would that also count as a supercurricular?

That would, yes. I would say that an EPQ in something related to Engineering would be an excellent supercurricular. I didn't do one myself so I can't really advise on the specifics but I'm sure that you'll find something.

I should clarify that I'm not saying not to do these extracurriculars, just that they won't help your application. I did D of E and, barring a few arguments and some miserable weather, I really enjoyed it.
Original post by melancollege
That would, yes. I would say that an EPQ in something related to Engineering would be an excellent supercurricular. I didn't do one myself so I can't really advise on the specifics but I'm sure that you'll find something.
I should clarify that I'm not saying not to do these extracurriculars, just that they won't help your application. I did D of E and, barring a few arguments and some miserable weather, I really enjoyed it.

Yeahhh i understood what you meant, I only got confused with the extracurriculars and supercurricular because I was thinking of applying to American schools and they rather look at extracurriculars i think, but thank you soo much for your help 🙏 sorry for taking a bit of your time but I wish you have a great day :smile:))
Original post by Bluelilies
Yeahhh i understood what you meant, I only got confused with the extracurriculars and supercurricular because I was thinking of applying to American schools and they rather look at extracurriculars i think, but thank you soo much for your help 🙏 sorry for taking a bit of your time but I wish you have a great day :smile:))

That's okay, media tends to talk about American university applications more so than UCAS applications so it's completely understandable.

No problem at all, always happy to help
Original post by melancollege
Not "certainly". It is true that Cambridge interviews most applicants but it is not certain, especially if the minimum grade / subject requirements are not on track to be met.

This is very important to note. I applied for Classics in the last admissions cycle. Classics is a course that almost everyone gets an interview in, simply because there are relatively few applicants only about 300 overall, I believe. The only time I have ever heard of someone not getting an interview for Classics was when their predicted grades were too low. The typical offer is A*AA; their predictions were 3 As. If you’re predicted less than the typical offer, Cambridge is likely to reject you without an interview there’s not much point interviewing someone who’s not expected to achieve the grade requirement.
Original post by melancollege
Not "certainly". It is true that Cambridge interviews most applicants but it is not certain, especially if the minimum grade / subject requirements are not on track to be met.


I’d be happy to tutor you! Also chemistry at A level is more accessible than at GCSE(imo- went from being a subject I cried over to one I love), it’s worth giving a shot, or you could try biology or further maths, the only issue with further maths being some unis don’t recognise it as one of your a level subjects, try starting with 4 a levels and see how it goes- you can always drop one, best wishes!

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