Oxford realistic ?
On results day this year I got mainly 8’s in everything with one 9 in an irrelevant subject and a 7 in maths. I would want to do physics at Oxford. I am a very capable mathematician meaning I can still do further maths a-level at sixth-form. In past papers under exam conditions I was consistently getting 8’s or close to 9’s. The stress of the exam often made me preform worse though, with me even getting 6’s when I’m the exam hall sometimes. I was expecting an 8 on results day but was particularly anxious during the exams paper one and two making me loose marks on grade 3/4 topics through misreading the question or missing a part A.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
(edited 1 month ago)
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Provided you do well in maths and FM at A-level and any admissions tests, I don't think it's completely out of the question. Plus it's at most one option out of five so you don't have anything to lose if you pick your other choices judiciously 
Original post by Bethany_b__
On results day this year I got mainly 8’s in everything with one 9 in an irrelevant subject and a 7 in maths. I would want to do physics at Oxford. I am a very capable mathematician meaning I can still do further maths a-level at sixth-form. In past papers under exam conditions I was consistently getting 8’s or close to 9’s. The stress of the exam often made me preform worse though, with me even getting 6’s when I’m the exam hall sometimes. I was expecting an 8 on results day but was particularly anxious during the exams paper one and two making me loose marks on grade 3/4 topics through misreading the question or missing a part A.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
Your GCSEs are fine, it's much more about your A levels, even at Oxford. However, you should be aware that both Oxford and Cambridge base their degrees on end of year exams, sat in the traditional way, in a large exam hall. At Oxford I believe you even have to be in 'sub fusc' (look it up). So if you don't like the physical surroundings of an exam hall, these aren't the places for you.
Original post by Bethany_b__
On results day this year I got mainly 8’s in everything with one 9 in an irrelevant subject and a 7 in maths. I would want to do physics at Oxford. I am a very capable mathematician meaning I can still do further maths a-level at sixth-form. In past papers under exam conditions I was consistently getting 8’s or close to 9’s. The stress of the exam often made me preform worse though, with me even getting 6’s when I’m the exam hall sometimes. I was expecting an 8 on results day but was particularly anxious during the exams paper one and two making me loose marks on grade 3/4 topics through misreading the question or missing a part A.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
The main component of admission to Oxford Physics is the PAT and interviews. If you are indeed a "very capable mathematician" enough to score highly in the PAT, they probably won't think much about your 7 in GCSEs, as they believe their own exam to be a much better predictor of how well a student will perform during their course than GCSEs.
That said, if the "stress of exams" is a big obstacle to you, you may struggle with the PAT as well and underperform, so I can't really say whether or not Oxford is realistic for you. Your GCSEs aren't the most important factor though.
Original post by sound-famous-
The main component of admission to Oxford Physics is the PAT and interviews. If you are indeed a "very capable mathematician" enough to score highly in the PAT, they probably won't think much about your 7 in GCSEs, as they believe their own exam to be a much better predictor of how well a student will perform during their course than GCSEs.
That said, if the "stress of exams" is a big obstacle to you, you may struggle with the PAT as well and underperform, so I can't really say whether or not Oxford is realistic for you. Your GCSEs aren't the most important factor though.
That said, if the "stress of exams" is a big obstacle to you, you may struggle with the PAT as well and underperform, so I can't really say whether or not Oxford is realistic for you. Your GCSEs aren't the most important factor though.
No yeah I agree that I might struggle under the pressure, it was just wether or not I should even consider it with my gcses
Original post by threeportdrift
Your GCSEs are fine, it's much more about your A levels, even at Oxford. However, you should be aware that both Oxford and Cambridge base their degrees on end of year exams, sat in the traditional way, in a large exam hall. At Oxford I believe you even have to be in 'sub fusc' (look it up). So if you don't like the physical surroundings of an exam hall, these aren't the places for you.
I agree that I might struggle under the pressure. Thanks for the advice it’s mainly just thinking places to visit for open days and such
Original post by username6078267
No yeah I agree that I might struggle under the pressure, it was just wether or not I should even consider it with my gcses
You should look into some kind of counselling to help you find a way to deal with exam stress. You still have a lot more exams to get through over the next few years, maybe this could make it a little bit easier for you.
Original post by username6078267
On results day this year I got mainly 8’s in everything with one 9 in an irrelevant subject and a 7 in maths. I would want to do physics at Oxford. I am a very capable mathematician meaning I can still do further maths a-level at sixth-form. In past papers under exam conditions I was consistently getting 8’s or close to 9’s. The stress of the exam often made me preform worse though, with me even getting 6’s when I’m the exam hall sometimes. I was expecting an 8 on results day but was particularly anxious during the exams paper one and two making me loose marks on grade 3/4 topics through misreading the question or missing a part A.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
I have been very disappointed in this grade, especially as I knew I had the ability to do higher, is it worth the resit in November? I’m doing maths, further maths, physics and classics a-level.
I was also predicted a 9 in physics but night before the exam and morning I had a high fever and was genuinely quite unwell which threw me off obviously but I think it’s less relevant.
I know these are excuses but want to know how impactful this 7 in maths rather than an 8 will really be.
Original post by thegeek888
You could always consider applying to Cambridge University for Natural Sciences (Physical) as they don't place as much emphasis on GCSEs as Oxford University does sadly. ☹️
This is a myth. Both universities consider GCSE grades, but as part of an overall assessment of a candidate. They say so on their websites.
Why do you say "sadly"? You've mentioned that you plan at some point in the future to have a go at getting into Oxford to read law. Why does whatever Cambridge does when assessing applications to read National Science make you sad?
Original post by Stiffy Byng
This is a myth. Both universities consider GCSE grades, but as part of an overall assessment of a candidate. They say so on their websites.
Why do you say "sadly"? You've mentioned that you plan at some point in the future to have a go at getting into Oxford to read law. Why does whatever Cambridge does when assessing applications to read National Science make you sad?
Why do you say "sadly"? You've mentioned that you plan at some point in the future to have a go at getting into Oxford to read law. Why does whatever Cambridge does when assessing applications to read National Science make you sad?
I am sad that Oxford used place so much emphasis on GCSEs, but obviously nowadays they no longer do so. But I would be afraid of applying to Cambridge for Law, as they can set offers at A*A*A despite only asking for A*AA in the prospectus.
Yes, I will be applying for Law at Oxford University inshallah. I'm currently saving for the exam entry fees and tutors for French, Spanish and German. But I will will be visiting on the Open Days in 2026: Wadham College, St. John's College and St. Peter's College once I've achieved A-Level Maths early in Summer 2026. Wadham College is where one chap got accepted for Physics a while ago from my old school, as it was his Summer school partner college for Physics and it is also the representative college for Greater London/Essex too. 🙂 lol
(edited 1 month ago)
The best sources for information about admissions to Oxford and Cambridge are the websites of those two universities. Anecdotal evidence isn't really evidence (as is sometimes observed "the plural of anecdote is not data").
To apply to read law at Oxford, you should take three (and no more than three) A levels in any academic subject.
It's fun to see Greater London described as "near Essex". I suppose that you could say that New York City is "near New Jersey".
To apply to read law at Oxford, you should take three (and no more than three) A levels in any academic subject.
It's fun to see Greater London described as "near Essex". I suppose that you could say that New York City is "near New Jersey".
Original post by Stiffy Byng
The best sources for information about admissions to Oxford and Cambridge are the websites of those two universities. Anecdotal evidence isn't really evidence (as is sometimes observed "the plural of anecdote is not data").
To apply to read law at Oxford, you should take three (and no more than three) A levels in any academic subject.
It's fun to see Greater London described as "near Essex". I suppose that you could say that New York City is "near New Jersey".
To apply to read law at Oxford, you should take three (and no more than three) A levels in any academic subject.
It's fun to see Greater London described as "near Essex". I suppose that you could say that New York City is "near New Jersey".
Wadham College's "Outreach" is all over:
Barking and Dagenham, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hackney, Havering, Islington, Luton, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.
Original post by thegeek888
Schools and Outreach (ox.ac.uk)
Wadham College's "Outreach" is all over:
Barking and Dagenham, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hackney, Havering, Islington, Luton, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.
Wadham College's "Outreach" is all over:
Barking and Dagenham, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hackney, Havering, Islington, Luton, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.
The college keeps in touch with its alumni and some of us get involved in various things which the college does to assist prospective applicants to Wadham, to other colleges at Oxford, and to universities in general. Have you seen the new building in the back quad? It has replaced the 1950s Goddard Building, and includes facilities directed towards access programs.
This is great, but the loss of the Ho Chi Minh Quad is a sad thing, and the third iteration of the college bar since the 1950s is the worst of the three. Good job the KA is still the KA!
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Stiffy Byng
The college keeps in touch with its alumni and some of us get involved in various things which the college does to assist prospective applicants to Wadham, to other colleges at Oxford, and to universities in general. Have you seen the new building in the back quad? It has replaced the 1950s Goddard Building, and includes facilities directed towards access programs.
This is great, but the loss of the Ho Chi Minh Quad is a sad thing, and the third iteration of the college bar since the 1950s is the worst of the three. Good job the KA is still the KA!
This is great, but the loss of the Ho Chi Minh Quad is a sad thing, and the third iteration of the college bar since the 1950s is the worst of the three. Good job the KA is still the KA!
A chap from my old school got accepted into Wadham College to study Physics, so it must be making offers to state school sixth form pupils?!
I am impressed by the architecture and especially the library at Wadham College!!! 🙂 lol
It is arguably the most stunning library alongside St. John's College's latest construction of its study centre and library.
St. John's College's library does not have the beauty of the staircases at Wadham College's library?! 😧 lol
(edited 1 month ago)
Every Oxford college makes offers to state school pupils. Approximately 70% of Oxford undergraduates were at State schools.
I think that the most beautiful college libraries might be those of Queen's, Lincoln, and All Soul's, but Wadham's library is one of the best twentieth century library buildings in Oxford. The library was built in the late 1970s with funds donated, controversially, by the Shah of Iran. The Shah's twin sister Ashraf Pahlavi used to turn up for dinner on High Table every now and then. As you might expect of someone who considered herself to be a Princess of the oldest civilisation on the Planet, she was hilariously grand.
Near the entrance of the Pahlavi library is an area where current editions of journals are available, which has relaxed seating, and a view of the cloister garden.
The Old Library is on the first floor of the part of the college's main building on the left in the picture above. When the Pahlavi Library opened, the Old Library was for a while used as the Senior Common Room (where the academic staff socialise), but the SCR is now on the ground floor on the south side of the front quad, and the Old Library is used as an entertainment/meetings space.
Here is a virtual tour of Wadham.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/college-listing/wadham-college/wadham-college-virtual-tour
I think that the most beautiful college libraries might be those of Queen's, Lincoln, and All Soul's, but Wadham's library is one of the best twentieth century library buildings in Oxford. The library was built in the late 1970s with funds donated, controversially, by the Shah of Iran. The Shah's twin sister Ashraf Pahlavi used to turn up for dinner on High Table every now and then. As you might expect of someone who considered herself to be a Princess of the oldest civilisation on the Planet, she was hilariously grand.
Near the entrance of the Pahlavi library is an area where current editions of journals are available, which has relaxed seating, and a view of the cloister garden.
The Old Library is on the first floor of the part of the college's main building on the left in the picture above. When the Pahlavi Library opened, the Old Library was for a while used as the Senior Common Room (where the academic staff socialise), but the SCR is now on the ground floor on the south side of the front quad, and the Old Library is used as an entertainment/meetings space.
Here is a virtual tour of Wadham.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/college-listing/wadham-college/wadham-college-virtual-tour
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Every Oxford college makes offers to state school pupils Approximately 70% of Oxford undergraduates were at State schools.
I think that the most beautiful college libraries might be those of Queen's, Lincoln, and All Soul's, but Wadham's library is one of the best twentieth century library buildings in Oxford. The library was built in the late 1970s with funds donated, controversially, by the Shah of Iran. The Shah's twin sister Ashraf Pahlavi used to turn up for dinner on High Table every now and then. As you might expect of someone who considered herself to be a Princess of the oldest civilisation on the Planet, she was hilariously grand.
Near the entrance of the Pahlavi library is an area where current editions of journals are available, which has relaxed seating, and a view of the cloister garden.
The Old Library is on the first floor of the part of the college's main building on the left in the picture above. When the Pahlavi Library opened, the Old Library was for a while used as the Senior Common Room (where the academic staff socialise), but the SCR is now on the ground floor on the south side of the front quad, and the Old Library is used as an entertainment/meetings space.
Here is a virtual tour of Wadham.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/college-listing/wadham-college/wadham-college-virtual-tour
I think that the most beautiful college libraries might be those of Queen's, Lincoln, and All Soul's, but Wadham's library is one of the best twentieth century library buildings in Oxford. The library was built in the late 1970s with funds donated, controversially, by the Shah of Iran. The Shah's twin sister Ashraf Pahlavi used to turn up for dinner on High Table every now and then. As you might expect of someone who considered herself to be a Princess of the oldest civilisation on the Planet, she was hilariously grand.
Near the entrance of the Pahlavi library is an area where current editions of journals are available, which has relaxed seating, and a view of the cloister garden.
The Old Library is on the first floor of the part of the college's main building on the left in the picture above. When the Pahlavi Library opened, the Old Library was for a while used as the Senior Common Room (where the academic staff socialise), but the SCR is now on the ground floor on the south side of the front quad, and the Old Library is used as an entertainment/meetings space.
Here is a virtual tour of Wadham.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/college-listing/wadham-college/wadham-college-virtual-tour
Stephenson Harwood is offering £15,000 per year i.e. £45,000 in total over 3 years and more firms will offer similar scholarships to high achieving students.
Scholarships :: Stephenson Harwood Graduates (shlegal-futuretalent.com)
Original post by thegeek888
Wadham is lovely and so is St. John's, so I have to visit them both in September 2026. But it won't matter where I attend since I am hopeful of winning a Law scholarship from a Law firm.
Stephenson Harwood is offering £15,000 per year i.e. £45,000 in total over 3 years and more firms will offer similar scholarships to high achieving students.
Scholarships :: Stephenson Harwood Graduates (shlegal-futuretalent.com)
Stephenson Harwood is offering £15,000 per year i.e. £45,000 in total over 3 years and more firms will offer similar scholarships to high achieving students.
Scholarships :: Stephenson Harwood Graduates (shlegal-futuretalent.com)
I wish you luck, but it may be wise to manage your expectations. Competition for scholarships, training contracts, and pupillages is stiff. You will be up against people doing their A levels in one go. Your plan to spend several years doing what looks like a needless number of A levels might pay off, but it might not. Why not just do three A levels ASAP, and apply to five universities? Is there some obstacle to you doing that?
Original post by Stiffy Byng
I wish you luck, but it may be wise to manage your expectations. Competition for scholarships, training contracts, and pupillages is stiff. You will be up against people doing their A levels in one go. Your plan to spend several years doing what looks like a needless number of A levels might pay off, but it might not. Why not just do three A levels ASAP, and apply to five universities? Is there some obstacle to you doing that?
All in all, in August 2026, I will have A-Level Maths at A*, especially with so much help available with excellent YouTube channels and colourful textbooks with model answers.
August 2027, I should achieve at least 2A* 2A in Further Maths, Spanish, French and German.
During my gap year, I will work and might re-do A-Level Chemistry since I had high UMS scores in the AS-Level and high marks in practicals but suffered due to issues beyond my control. I will have past papers from January 2001 to June 2026 from AQA, SQA, IB, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, CAIE and CCEA and study for the LNAT and earn, since I will need the money and study for the CFAB Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business. Which are the first 6 papers of ICAEW ACA Chartered Accountant exams. They're like the Driving Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test exams i.e. Computer Based Exams and 100% multiple choice. So by the time I graduate, I will be a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, as well as being close to qualifying as a Barrister or even Solicitor.
But I had a horrible time many years ago in choosing the wrong subjects by a teacher who hated me and developed a personal vendetta against me, but he was reported and sacked and my friends grew very jealous. So I've had an ongoing feud with them. But ultimately, I will be the victor. 😉
(edited 1 month ago)
I suggest that life is not about getting even or settling scores. Victory and defeat are, in many contexts, equally illusory. Why not forget the past and focus on the future?
Why not just do three A levels in one go? That is all that you need for Oxford and other universities.
You might be over thinking things and over planning things, and maybe trying to do much at once. Might you perhaps be over-compensating for past disappointments?
Why not take things step by step?
By the way, graduating with a degree in law (or any other subject) doesn't place you super-close to qualifying as a lawyer, because to do that you need to pass some professional exams and complete some on the job training.
Why not just do three A levels in one go? That is all that you need for Oxford and other universities.
You might be over thinking things and over planning things, and maybe trying to do much at once. Might you perhaps be over-compensating for past disappointments?
Why not take things step by step?
By the way, graduating with a degree in law (or any other subject) doesn't place you super-close to qualifying as a lawyer, because to do that you need to pass some professional exams and complete some on the job training.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
I suggest that life is not about getting even or settling scores. Victory and defeat are, in many contexts, equally illusory. Why not forget the past and focus on the future?
Why not just do three A levels in one go? That is all that you need for Oxford and other universities.
You might be over thinking things and over planning things, and maybe trying to do much at once. Might you perhaps be over-compensating for past disappointments?
Why not take things step by step?
By the way, graduating with a degree in law (or any other subject) doesn't place you super-close to qualifying as a lawyer, because to do that you need to pass some professional exams and complete some on the job training.
Why not just do three A levels in one go? That is all that you need for Oxford and other universities.
You might be over thinking things and over planning things, and maybe trying to do much at once. Might you perhaps be over-compensating for past disappointments?
Why not take things step by step?
By the way, graduating with a degree in law (or any other subject) doesn't place you super-close to qualifying as a lawyer, because to do that you need to pass some professional exams and complete some on the job training.
1.
I went through a very tough time because of my tormentors and my Deputy Head of Sixth Form who developed a personal vendetta against me. However, I started weight training and they then did not want to fight with me anymore. I also prayed to God every day and my prayers were answered. Over the period of a decade, during various years, they all served prison sentences for attempted murder, theft, robbery, drug dealing and fraud (except one chap but he is going to serve his time eventually) and are now addicted to drugs or leading miserable lives with little or no purpose. Whilst the rest never met their UCAS firm or insurance choices.
2.
I can't just do Maths, Further Maths and Spanish, as it is not a 'broad' combination of subjects, so I need to offer 4 A-Levels. Also, since I am taking A-Level Maths on its own a year early, I would need to take another 3 A-Levels in the second year. Furthermore, my dad has promised to give me £5,000 for everything once he sees me finally achieve A-Level Maths in August 2026 and apply for UCAS.
3.
I'm not trying to do a lot as I've had just over a decade to learn about the ICAEW Accountant and CIOT Tax exams and have no problems sitting them but they need to be studied with care and more importantly the pass mark is just 55% for Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business. Also, I have been going to: "The Property Investor Show" at the Excel Exhibition Centre in the Docklands, London since April 2007 with my Uncle. I learned the overwhelming majority of people were ICAEW ACA, CIOT CTA, or ACCA Accountants and Tax Advisers. So I have no difficulty handling the workload with my passion and enthusiasm. I will breeze past the Law paper especially and wish to study Company Law as part of my Law degree and also Taxation.
4.
I know there is a requirement for further study and training after graduation for a career in Law. But I also have the option to work in Tax at an accounting firm too.
5.
I have developed a list of FTSE, NASDAQ and NYSE companies that I can sell my companies to for millions. As I did not stop 'learning' and reading as well analysing the markets during the last decade. So, I will be a multimillionaire donor to Oxford if I get accepted. If not, I can do a MSc and MBA at Oxford or even a PhD in Tax Law. 😉
6.
Also with the changes in the UCAS form in September 2025, I am confident I can write a 'stellar' UCAS Personal Statement and have also watched endless Oxford interview videos from many sources and in particular the admissions tutor with his own YouTube channel at Jesus College, Oxford. 😉 lol
7.
I am not going to practice as a Barrister or Solicitor forever, as I have plans for international business in the USA, the Middle East, and especially China.
(edited 1 month ago)
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