Better GCSEs or better A-Levels?

From what I've seen it seems that it is better to have good GCSEs than A-Levels.

Top universities are able to give out contextual offers for A-Levels such as reducing A*A*A to AAA or something like that but good GCSEs help.

How come there isn't a similar process to GCSEs if I receive A*A*A*?

How come my GCSEs still hold me back after I achive A*A*A* but someone with AAA is able to get in with good GCSEs?

Reply 1

Picnicl

I can't find any reasons why but, in general, I suspect that Oxford prefer a good, consistent, 'all rounder'. Even the fact they offer more joint honours courses than Cambridge supports this. I know they still mostly care about you being great at your chosen degree, just like Cambridge, though.

Cambridge's system seems weirder to me - isn't it odd to accept the journey of someone who was potentially **** for brains 2 years before and somehow Brain of Britain 2 years later?

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by Picnicl

I can't find any reasons why but, in general, I suspect that Oxford prefer a good, consistent, 'all rounder'. Even the fact they offer more joint honours courses than Cambridge supports this. I know they still mostly care about you being great at your chosen degree, just like Cambridge, though.
Cambridge's system seems weirder to me - isn't it odd to accept the journey of someone who was potentially **** for brains 2 years before and somehow Brain of Britain 2 years later?