Can I get into Oxford to do English Language if I’m bad at maths?

I’m really passionate about English, and it’s my dream to go to Oxford. I have predicted grades of 7+ in all my GCSE’s apart from maths, but I’m at a predicted 9 for English.
If I can manage to get 9’s in everything apart from maths, will I have a chance of getting in to Oxford? Does the maths grade really matter if I want to study English? Maths is something I really struggle with and it doesn’t come naturally to me, so I believe my grade will be a 6.

Reply 1

KWad

Don't worry, they won't look at your singular grade in an unrelated subject from three years ago and reject you on that alone. GCSEs are just a very, very small piece of the puzzle which is an Oxford application.

That being said... try your very hardest to get a 7 or above in maths. You don't have to get a 9, but they like to see strong grades across the board. (But as previously mentioned it's not do-or-die. Don't stress too much about it.)

Good luck for your GCSEs and Oxford application.

Reply 2

TypicalNerd

Original post

by eviej0186

I honestly don't think a single grade will cause you any real issues - especially in a subject that isn't really that relevant to the one you are applying for. I got into Oxford (albeit for chemistry) with two grade 6's (in French and RE), but grades 7+ in everything else (in fact my next worst subjects grades-wise were biology and physics, which are arguably some of the most important subjects for chemistry).

Whilst GCSEs are one factor that is assessed, everything is looked at in context and holistically. Your performance in your A levels, interviews (if you are shortlisted) and in the entrance exam will be more important in deciding the outcome of your application. I'd say for now, your focus should be on getting the best GCSEs you can whilst maintaining a sensible work-life balance. You don't need all 8's and 9's (these are considered equivalent, by the way), but it would be to your benefit to have at least mostly 8's and 9's.

Reply 3

eviej0186

Thank you so much for the replies! Is there any way I could improve my maths by the time I get into year 11 for GCSE?

Reply 4

TypicalNerd

Original post

by eviej0186

Thank you so much for the replies! Is there any way I could improve my maths by the time I get into year 11 for GCSE?

Of course there is. Regular practice with past papers (or individual exam questions), followed by marking them and using the questions you got wrong to identify your weakest topics and focusing your revision there is what I’d recommend.

There are plenty of brilliant, free online resources you have at your disposal for GCSE maths. I would say mathsgenie, physics and maths tutor and theGCSEmathstutor are all excellent places to start.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 5

KWad

Original post

by eviej0186

Thank you so much for the replies! Is there any way I could improve my maths by the time I get into year 11 for GCSE?

•

Use the specification

•

Do all the past papers, and do them regularly

There was a point in my maths revision where I hit a temporary 'grade ceiling'. I did several papers and I couldn't get above ~82ish%, so I thought I was bound to get an 8 at most in my GCSEs. But I kept preparing and by the end I was doing papers with 15 minutes to spare and making only a single mistake per paper. My work paid off as I got 100% on one of my mock papers and a 9 in the actual exam, so hope that goes to show that even if it seems like you can't improve any further, you definitely can. Just keep at it.

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Articles for you

A guide to the Oxbridge application process

A-levels and AS-levels, explained

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.

Try out the app

Continue on web