Subjects for Oxbridge History and Politics

if you're in year 12 and still saying "should of", I don't think there's much point in applying anyway

if you're in year 12 and still saying "should of", I don't think there's much point in applying anyway

This is a pretty common grammar mistake that students pick up from others, and I don’t think schools have the time to teach students otherwise. Not to mention this is an informal student forum. It’s unlikely that users are triple checking their messages for errors.

I am inclined to agree, but pointing out the appalling grammar, spelling, and punctuation displayed on TSR tends to produce responses equivalent to "OK, Boomer". Judging by some other posts I've seen on this forum, examination boards are awarding A grades in English Language to people who cannot string a grammatical sentence together.
Have you noticed that most of the posters here who appear to be fascinated by the Russell Group can't even spell the word Russell?

It couldn't take schools all that long to tackle such an error. The error shows a fundamental misunderstanding of verb forms. The argument "oh, this is just an internet forum" isn't persuasive. The OP didn't write in text speak or slang.

Your choice of A levels is fine. Skill in a modern language is an asset to a student of History. You could reinforce your application by reading books about politics. If your academic profile is strong enough, then there's no reason not to apply, but of course have a Plan B. Good luck!
PS: "Should have", not "should of". "Of" is not a participle of the verb "to have". Oxford and Cambridge History Dons tend to be particular about grammar.

I haven't been rude to you. Pointing out a mistake is not a personal attack. I doubt that you knew that "should of" was incorrect until this was pointed out to you. That is probably the fault of your school. I don't agree with the proposition that fundamental errors of grammar don't matter because "it's just a forum". Precision in the use of language is important to scholarship, and in general.

Hello, for my Alevels I chose History, English literature and German but I’m now thinking of aspiring to study history and politics at Oxbridge (preferably Oxford). I would really like to go into international affairs and didn’t realise that I should of taken politics. I’ve been trying to find the data for how likely it is to get in without politics but I can’t find it anywhere - does anyone know if I should still consider it as a viable option ?

I am inclined to agree, but pointing out the appalling grammar, spelling, and punctuation displayed on TSR tends to produce responses equivalent to "OK, Boomer". Judging by some other posts I've seen on this forum, examination boards are awarding A grades in English Language to people who cannot string a grammatical sentence together.
Have you noticed that most of the posters here who appear to be fascinated by the Russell Group can't even spell the word Russell?

This is where you overstepped the mark.The first sentence is condescending and thoughtless.You are dealing with a 16/17 year old and telling them it is not worth applying to Oxford because they made a grammar mistake.

Someone else made that comment, not me. The comment is no longer in the thread. I suggest that you direct your ire at the person who made the comment.
Not knowing the difference between "should of" and "should have" is a serious deficiency in grammar. I don't believe that anyone who knows the difference would ever type "should of", tired or not tired.
The fault probably lies with schools which do not teach grammar with sufficient care. Even in a world in which teenagers are wrapped in cotton wool by foolish adults, and told that they can do anything they like regardless of rules and structures, professional historians remain sticklers for linguistic precision, and it does someone who aspires to compete at the highest academic level no favours not to point out grammatical mistakes.
Did you see that the freshers at Wadham were given alpacas to pet at the end of Freshers' Week, to mitigate the stress of a week spent getting off their faces at parties? I despair. So do most of the History Dons I know. But now it's First Week, and the alpaca petting has been replaced by academic rigour, at least in the tutorials, if not in the offices of the Welfare Deans.
OP, if you think that having your writing criticised is a personal insult (it isn't), you may be in for a shock when you go to university.