Is it possible to get into Oxford with these grades?
Hey there,
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
Reply 1
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hey there,
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
ppeadmissions2019-20furtherstatisticsfinalpdf.pdf (ox.ac.uk)
Also, the more recent document for PPE:
ppeadmissions2022-23informationforapplicantsfinalpdf.pdf (ox.ac.uk)
Your GCSE grades are fine. Because Oxford PPE admissions regards 9s and 8s as the same. I wonder what subjects you achieved the 7s? 😧
Remember just 11% of PPE applicants get accepted by Oxford. As well as a high proportion being predicted 3A* or 4A* and some 5A* so it is competitive.
I wonder which A-Level subjects you've chosen? A-Levels in Maths and History are highly regarded for PPE admission.
Have you decided which college at Oxford you wish to apply to yet? 😧
Jesus, Wadham, St. John's, New, Hertford, Christ Church, Magdalen, Balliol and University are all large and include accommodation for the entire duration of your course on-site.
Good luck.
Reply 2
Hi,
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
Reply 3
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hi,
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
While officially "not essential" the PPE page makes it pretty clear that Oxford are looking for proven mathematical ability. Not taking maths will be a far greater handicap than your GCSE results.
Reply 4
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hi,
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
Okay that’s good to hear. The 7 was in Further Maths (an extra subject I took) and Geography! All I can say for Geography is that I had an awful time in the exam hall.
I’m taking Politics, History and Economics at A-Level. I was going to take Maths after looking at the PPE course recommended subjects online, but I thought that I’d be able to get a higher grade in economics as I am not as inclined mathematically. Although the 9 I received was in Maths so maybe I am wrong!
I haven’t thought about the colleges yet, should I start looking into it?
Reply 5
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hey there,
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
Doing the D of E, being House Captain, and so on are irrelevant to admission to Oxford. The university and colleges are interested only in academic potential. Super curricular activities may assist.
Reply 6
Original post by thegeek888
Maths, Economics and History would be the best combination.
OP, the geek888 means well but he doesn't have any experience relevant to Oxford admissions, and you should take his pseudo-authoritative pronouncements with a large pinch of salt.
I suggest that you do three A levels in subjects which you are interested in and in which you are likely to do well. There is no magic combo. Good luck.
Reply 7
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hey there,
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
hello, i know i am a bit late, but take politics, philosophy, economcics and maths. and history. if you only get 5 A and a few A* in these will you be admitted to oxford, and im not kidding at all. dont listen to these stupid illogical kids in here that say, 'do what you love and um um um, yeah'.
you already like PPE. so you will like politics, economics and philosophy. and maths is to rough it all up because maths is very repsected, most respected really. and also take english language, that is also very respected. and i mean, i really mean it that this is the only way you have an 100% chance of admissions, and these are not very hard at all if you like them and study hard, i assume you like essays. just so that i do not look like a hypocrite, i am reatking year 12 and finally following my passion which is physics, i alreay liked it from gcse, but i didnt take it last year. so this year i am taking, maths,physics,further maths, econoimcs,computer science, IT,engineering. last 2 are btecs. and i am not even that much studying. if you do what u love and love the destination you will be successfull. if you want more advice let me know
Reply 8
Original post by kingofkings24
hello, i know i am a bit late, but take politics, philosophy, economcics and maths. and history. if you only get 5 A and a few A* in these will you be admitted to oxford, and im not kidding at all. dont listen to these stupid illogical kids in here that say, 'do what you love and um um um, yeah'.
you already like PPE. so you will like politics, economics and philosophy. and maths is to rough it all up because maths is very repsected, most respected really. and also take english language, that is also very respected. and i mean, i really mean it that this is the only way you have an 100% chance of admissions, and these are not very hard at all if you like them and study hard, i assume you like essays. just so that i do not look like a hypocrite, i am reatking year 12 and finally following my passion which is physics, i alreay liked it from gcse, but i didnt take it last year. so this year i am taking, maths,physics,further maths, econoimcs,computer science, IT,engineering. last 2 are btecs. and i am not even that much studying. if you do what u love and love the destination you will be successfull. if you want more advice let me know
you already like PPE. so you will like politics, economics and philosophy. and maths is to rough it all up because maths is very repsected, most respected really. and also take english language, that is also very respected. and i mean, i really mean it that this is the only way you have an 100% chance of admissions, and these are not very hard at all if you like them and study hard, i assume you like essays. just so that i do not look like a hypocrite, i am reatking year 12 and finally following my passion which is physics, i alreay liked it from gcse, but i didnt take it last year. so this year i am taking, maths,physics,further maths, econoimcs,computer science, IT,engineering. last 2 are btecs. and i am not even that much studying. if you do what u love and love the destination you will be successfull. if you want more advice let me know
Incoherent nonsense.
Reply 9
alright why is everyone arguing with each other T-T
i think you should carry on trying. that's a pretty neat set of GCSEs and honestly, GCSEs are more considered for courses with lots of competition such as medicine. that being said, take math. if you got a 9 in GCSE and a 7 in further math it looks like you're more than ready.
i think you should carry on trying. that's a pretty neat set of GCSEs and honestly, GCSEs are more considered for courses with lots of competition such as medicine. that being said, take math. if you got a 9 in GCSE and a 7 in further math it looks like you're more than ready.
Reply 10
I'm super late to this post, but I think I might have some useful insights.
I was in a somewhat similar position—I wanted to study Physics at Oxford and had mostly 8s and 9s at GCSE, except for a 7 in English Literature. While I did reasonably well on the admissions test, I didn’t get an interview, and I suspect my GCSEs played a role because they were lower than expected in context. It’s really about the context—things like how your results compare to others at your school, whether your area is contextual, and so on.
I was in a somewhat similar position—I wanted to study Physics at Oxford and had mostly 8s and 9s at GCSE, except for a 7 in English Literature. While I did reasonably well on the admissions test, I didn’t get an interview, and I suspect my GCSEs played a role because they were lower than expected in context. It’s really about the context—things like how your results compare to others at your school, whether your area is contextual, and so on.
The selection for interviews uses both your admissions test score and a contextualised GCSE score (cGCSE), which describes your results relative to your peers, address, first-generation university status, etc. Because I didn’t make it to the interview stage, I decided to take a gap year (which I’m currently on), and I feel my chances are stronger this time.
It’s not that you can’t get in—it just means you’d need to do a bit better than otherwise in the admissions test. With enough preparation, I’m sure you can do that! Also, keep in mind that Oxford doesn’t focus too much on extracurriculars; they’re more interested in whether you’re passionate and capable in your chosen subject. This might be different for PPE, I'm not too sure, but I know that they don't even read your personal statement until you have been called for an interview!
While the 7s might have a small impact, it depends largely on the performance of others from your school and area. For example, I went to a competitive state school where many students performed well, and a lot of them applied to Oxford. If your school doesn’t send many students to Oxford, you might get more of a contextual boost. For reference, the cGCSE typically ranges from -3 to +3, with most people falling between -1 and +1. It shifts things by around 10 points or so in total.
I think you definitely could get in, just make sure to keep reading around your subject, keeping up with the news, etc, as well as maybe looking into the syllabus for the test and seeing what stuff you need to learn/find interesting. Right now, your main focus is probably on Y12, because, realistically, that's going to be more relevant, but I would say maybe around April time, you should start considering more dedicated study.
Good luck!
It’s not that you can’t get in—it just means you’d need to do a bit better than otherwise in the admissions test. With enough preparation, I’m sure you can do that! Also, keep in mind that Oxford doesn’t focus too much on extracurriculars; they’re more interested in whether you’re passionate and capable in your chosen subject. This might be different for PPE, I'm not too sure, but I know that they don't even read your personal statement until you have been called for an interview!
While the 7s might have a small impact, it depends largely on the performance of others from your school and area. For example, I went to a competitive state school where many students performed well, and a lot of them applied to Oxford. If your school doesn’t send many students to Oxford, you might get more of a contextual boost. For reference, the cGCSE typically ranges from -3 to +3, with most people falling between -1 and +1. It shifts things by around 10 points or so in total.
I think you definitely could get in, just make sure to keep reading around your subject, keeping up with the news, etc, as well as maybe looking into the syllabus for the test and seeing what stuff you need to learn/find interesting. Right now, your main focus is probably on Y12, because, realistically, that's going to be more relevant, but I would say maybe around April time, you should start considering more dedicated study.
Good luck!
Reply 11
Original post by kingofkings24
hello, i know i am a bit late, but take politics, philosophy, economcics and maths. and history. if you only get 5 A and a few A* in these will you be admitted to oxford, and im not kidding at all. dont listen to these stupid illogical kids in here that say, 'do what you love and um um um, yeah'.
you already like PPE. so you will like politics, economics and philosophy. and maths is to rough it all up because maths is very repsected, most respected really. and also take english language, that is also very respected. and i mean, i really mean it that this is the only way you have an 100% chance of admissions, and these are not very hard at all if you like them and study hard, i assume you like essays. just so that i do not look like a hypocrite, i am reatking year 12 and finally following my passion which is physics, i alreay liked it from gcse, but i didnt take it last year. so this year i am taking, maths,physics,further maths, econoimcs,computer science, IT,engineering. last 2 are btecs. and i am not even that much studying. if you do what u love and love the destination you will be successfull. if you want more advice let me know
you already like PPE. so you will like politics, economics and philosophy. and maths is to rough it all up because maths is very repsected, most respected really. and also take english language, that is also very respected. and i mean, i really mean it that this is the only way you have an 100% chance of admissions, and these are not very hard at all if you like them and study hard, i assume you like essays. just so that i do not look like a hypocrite, i am reatking year 12 and finally following my passion which is physics, i alreay liked it from gcse, but i didnt take it last year. so this year i am taking, maths,physics,further maths, econoimcs,computer science, IT,engineering. last 2 are btecs. and i am not even that much studying. if you do what u love and love the destination you will be successfull. if you want more advice let me know
You may mean well, but you are in no position to assure anyone that he or she will have a "100%" chance of admission to Oxford.
You contradict yourself in the fourth and penultimate lines of your post. In any event, it takes more than affection for a subject or a university to obtain a place at that university.
Your suggestion that a candidate should take five A levels is not helpful. Most candidates should take three levels, and no more than three. Those seeking to read Maths, Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, and Computer Science might benefit from adding Further Maths as a fourth A level. A candidate seeking to read PPE, or Economics and Management, should take A level Maths and two other subjects.
I suggest that you focus on your own sixth form studies instead of giving such inaccurate advice to other sixth formers. I wish you good fortune.
Reply 12
Original post by may_junejulyy
Hey there,
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
I received my GCSE grades last week and am starting A-Levels next week. I’ve been planning forward for a while now, and my dream is to go to Oxford University to study PPE. It sounds like an amazing course and of course Oxford is an amazing university - I’ve had an ambition to study there for a few years now.
I understand that there is no GCSE requirement for Oxford, but I also understand that GCSE results are reflective of work ethic and need to “wow”. On Results Day last week I received:
988888877 and D2* in Performing Arts
They’re not straight 9s I know, so I’d like to know if I should still keep pushing to go to Oxford. I’ve done things like bronze and silver DofE, been a house captain and taken part in school productions to broaden my “CV” for my application in a year or so time. I would just like to know if my grades show the standard of someone who could eventually study at Oxford.
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate any feedback.
From,
A very ambitious A-Level student-to-be!
Ive had a PPE interview offer with some dodgy GCSE grades. You'll be fine.
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