The Student Room Group

Being realistic

Hiya, I’m just a couple days from applying and have gone through the whole oxbridge process but decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to get the grades. Coming up to application day, I realise that my predicteds are what I need to apply. Here’s everything:
- Maths A
-Biology A
-Geography A*

What I’m considering applying for is biology at Oxford, but if so I have no clue what colleges or if I even stand a chance.

If I didn’t apply to Oxford I would instead choose Plymouth, making my choices:
-Southampton
-Edinburgh
-UEA
-Aberystwyth
-Plymouth (or Oxford)

Either way, Aberystwyth will hopefully be my insurance uni as I am applying for environmental science for all of my options other than Oxford.

Please help!

Should i just go for it or save that spot for Plymouth?
One word...Apply!!! 😀
Reply 2
Original post by Lilly-Mai
Hiya, I’m just a couple days from applying and have gone through the whole oxbridge process but decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to get the grades. Coming up to application day, I realise that my predicteds are what I need to apply. Here’s everything:
- Maths A
-Biology A
-Geography A*
What I’m considering applying for is biology at Oxford, but if so I have no clue what colleges or if I even stand a chance.
If I didn’t apply to Oxford I would instead choose Plymouth, making my choices:
-Southampton
-Edinburgh
-UEA
-Aberystwyth
-Plymouth (or Oxford)
Either way, Aberystwyth will hopefully be my insurance uni as I am applying for environmental science for all of my options other than Oxford.
Please help!
Should i just go for it or save that spot for Plymouth?

go for it!! for picking a college, try and narrow down a shortlist e.g. using the http://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/suggester college suggester and then check out the college and jcr websites to get the most up to date details (the college suggester hasn’t been updated in a while as far as i know) and choose your college! or if you can’t decide in time just make an open application and you’ll get assigned a college.
Original post by Lilly-Mai
Hiya, I’m just a couple days from applying and have gone through the whole oxbridge process but decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to get the grades. Coming up to application day, I realise that my predicteds are what I need to apply. Here’s everything:
- Maths A
-Biology A
-Geography A*
What I’m considering applying for is biology at Oxford, but if so I have no clue what colleges or if I even stand a chance.
If I didn’t apply to Oxford I would instead choose Plymouth, making my choices:
-Southampton
-Edinburgh
-UEA
-Aberystwyth
-Plymouth (or Oxford)
Either way, Aberystwyth will hopefully be my insurance uni as I am applying for environmental science for all of my options other than Oxford.
Please help!
Should i just go for it or save that spot for Plymouth?


Hi not sure if this helps but someone I know got the exact same grades as you in similar subjects (A* in geography, A in maths and A in chemistry along with all 9s at gcses) and got a place at Oxford medicine! They did have extraordinary extracurriculars but you still have time and I'm sure you already do have some great extra curriculurs too. Now I am not saying biology at Oxford isn't competitive and tough, pretty much any course is Oxford is tough but medicine at Oxford is one of the if not the most competitive courses ever. So, if they can get in you are in a great position too. And even if you don't get in it will be worth a try so PLEASE APPLY 🙏
Reply 4
Original post by thegeek888
One word...Apply!!! 😀


AHHH okay!!
Reply 5
Original post by undefeated-sorbe
Hi not sure if this helps but someone I know got the exact same grades as you in similar subjects (A* in geography, A in maths and A in chemistry along with all 9s at gcses) and got a place at Oxford medicine! They did have extraordinary extracurriculars but you still have time and I'm sure you already do have some great extra curriculurs too. Now I am not saying biology at Oxford isn't competitive and tough, pretty much any course is Oxford is tough but medicine at Oxford is one of the if not the most competitive courses ever. So, if they can get in you are in a great position too. And even if you don't get in it will be worth a try so PLEASE APPLY 🙏


thank you so much! i’m gonna give it a go 🤭
Reply 6
Original post by eeeli
go for it!! for picking a college, try and narrow down a shortlist e.g. using the http://apply.oxfordsu.org/colleges/suggester college suggester and then check out the college and jcr websites to get the most up to date details (the college suggester hasn’t been updated in a while as far as i know) and choose your college! or if you can’t decide in time just make an open application and you’ll get assigned a college.


oh thank you so much that’s so useful! xx
Original post by Lilly-Mai
thank you so much! i’m gonna give it a go 🤭


As you rightfully should!! Keep us posted on how it goes
Original post by Lilly-Mai
Hiya, I’m just a couple days from applying and have gone through the whole oxbridge process but decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to get the grades. Coming up to application day, I realise that my predicteds are what I need to apply. Here’s everything:
- Maths A
-Biology A
-Geography A*
What I’m considering applying for is biology at Oxford, but if so I have no clue what colleges or if I even stand a chance.
If I didn’t apply to Oxford I would instead choose Plymouth, making my choices:
-Southampton
-Edinburgh
-UEA
-Aberystwyth
-Plymouth (or Oxford)
Either way, Aberystwyth will hopefully be my insurance uni as I am applying for environmental science for all of my options other than Oxford.
Please help!
Should i just go for it or save that spot for Plymouth?

Please apply to Oxford.
So I might be a bit late, but like the others I would suggest you apply, even if you don’t get a place it’s not a big deal because you have the other 4 unis to choose from. Or if you do want to go that badly you can always take a gap year and reapply, if you don’t get in the first time you can email for feedback on what to improve for next time. But honestly don’t stress and I wish you all the best!
Reply 10
Original post by undefeated-sorbe
As you rightfully should!! Keep us posted on how it goes


helloooo incase you were interested I unfortunately have been rejected from Oxford but have however been offered places at Southampton, UEA and Aberystwyth so still very happy! thanks for encouraging me to apply though, interview preparation really helped me build my critical thinking and i learnt so much more about biology!! :smile:
Original post by Lilly-Mai
helloooo incase you were interested I unfortunately have been rejected from Oxford but have however been offered places at Southampton, UEA and Aberystwyth so still very happy! thanks for encouraging me to apply though, interview preparation really helped me build my critical thinking and i learnt so much more about biology!! :smile:


I'm so so happy for you! Just remember rejection is redirection and it was clearly a great learning experience for you which is all that matters <3
Original post by Lilly-Mai
helloooo incase you were interested I unfortunately have been rejected from Oxford but have however been offered places at Southampton, UEA and Aberystwyth so still very happy! thanks for encouraging me to apply though, interview preparation really helped me build my critical thinking and i learnt so much more about biology!! :smile:

Hello @Lilly-Mai


Congratulations on your offers!! 😊

If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Wishing you the best,
UEA REP Tiffany
Hi there,

First off, congratulations on your predicted grades! You’re in such a strong position, and it’s fantastic that you’re considering UEA I’m currently doing my PhD here, and I’ve had such a positive experience.

The School of Environmental Sciences at UEA is really well-regarded, ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences. One of the things I love about UEA is how practical the courses are there’s a big focus on hands-on learning, fieldwork, and making real-world connections, which makes the degree so much more engaging. It’s no wonder that 100% of graduates from the school go on to work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course. That’s such a great stat to have in mind when thinking about your future.

The UEA campus itself is brilliant everything you need is on-site, and the lecturers are so approachable and passionate about their subjects. Norwich, where UEA is based, is such a vibrant yet relaxing city to live in. It’s a lovely mix of historical charm and modern energy, and it’s so student-friendly.

You’ve got some great options on your list, and it’s just about where feels right for you. If you’re still considering whether to apply to Oxford or Plymouth, I’d say go for what excites you most! If you’d like to know more about life here or the course, feel free to ask. 😊

Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology
Original post by Lilly-Mai
Hiya, I’m just a couple days from applying and have gone through the whole oxbridge process but decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to get the grades. Coming up to application day, I realise that my predicteds are what I need to apply. Here’s everything:
- Maths A
-Biology A
-Geography A*
What I’m considering applying for is biology at Oxford, but if so I have no clue what colleges or if I even stand a chance.
If I didn’t apply to Oxford I would instead choose Plymouth, making my choices:
-Southampton
-Edinburgh
-UEA
-Aberystwyth
-Plymouth (or Oxford)
Either way, Aberystwyth will hopefully be my insurance uni as I am applying for environmental science for all of my options other than Oxford.
Please help!
Should i just go for it or save that spot for Plymouth?

Hi there :smile:

It's great to hear that Aberystwyth will be your insurance choice!
If you have any questions, please let me know.

Anna

Quick Reply