Can you re-apply to Oxbridge if you are unsuccessful in a previous year?

Hi there:

Thank you to all of you who respond to all the questions on here - in awe of your knowledge.

If I am unsuccessful at Oxford application for medicine (UCAT didn't go well ) - can I try again next year? Or is there, in essence, a "black list" of previous applicants that were not successful?

Have all GCSEs at 9 , work experience, etc...just found UCAT v hard on the day (2860) SJP Band 2.

Reply 1

Scotland Yard

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by smillan18

Yes you can reapply, there isn't any "black mark" against you. They might have your old application on file though so make sure your personal statement is suitably updated to make sure they know you haven't been sitting at home doing nothing and that you're being productive with your gap year!

Reply 2

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by smillan18

Hi there:
Thank you to all of you who respond to all the questions on here - in awe of your knowledge.
If I am unsuccessful at Oxford application for medicine (UCAT didn't go well ) - can I try again next year? Or is there, in essence, a "black list" of previous applicants that were not successful?
Have all GCSEs at 9 , work experience, etc...just found UCAT v hard on the day (2860) SJP Band 2.

You can definitely apply again the next year. You can ignore what the previous commenter said about having your application on file. It's true that they do — they keep all applications for 6 (I think, may be 5) years — but they would never check it to compare it to your old application.

It's still advised to apply to a different college just as the interviewers may remember you. They wouldn't go back and check your old application though.