oxbridge / expectations ? ..
hii, i js wanted to come on nd ask a couple questions abt my chances of ever being accepted into unis like oxford / imperial / ucl, ect, with poor gcses. ik all abt the idea of extenuating circumstances on my ucas apps, but i'm still questioning if it's really worth trying for, kinda stressed LOL
backstory being, homeschooled from yrs 8-11, and everything was going rlly well, predicted 8's nd a 9 when i was in yr ten. but unfortunately in yr 11 my family, nd i had lots of severe mental health issues (especially round the time i was taking the exams, april / may), cahms nd stuff, etc, and i realise now, looking back it rlly, rlly affected me, as well as my online school completely changed from the jump to yr 11, and i literally failed most of my gcses. IK, rlly bad omg. but i've gotten my academic swing back, evr since then, since now im in college, nd doing a btec for now.
would it be worth giving it a chance, applying to oxford, (hopefully ppe, i hvnt made up my mind yet), if i resit gcses, do much better than i did in the first attempt, and follow through with high predictions for a levels, as well as hopefully, planning to prep for the tsa really well too, to really up my chances of being offered a place?
before yr 11, ive always been academically bright, nd high achieving, and my dream was to attend a uni like oxford / ucl, but ever since i've been researching into the application processes, it just looks and feels impossible with the set back i've faced. I just wnted to know if it's possible, considering im aware i'll need to put in extra, for all the **** tht happened in yr 11.
my plan, for this year, and going forward, is to resit gcses this year, smash them, nd get into sixth form a year late, do my a levels for the degree i wnna do, plus all the extra reading, epqs, maybe, as well as work exp, to really show my academic ability, despite what happend in yr11, since i'm really passionate abt the subjects in interested in.
but i just feel like, they'll reject me, be because of my first attempts at gcse, which is really unfortunate. should i try, as hard i'm aiming to? since ik on ucas, i have to declare every grade i've received, which will put my first gcse attempts out in the open, plus the btec im doing now, (which is unrelated to what i want to to at uni - mostly bcz of the little variation they hv at my local collage) will it all make my application look messy? i've read some other questions of ppl who have similar situations nd most say there is, but it depends rlly on your performance after gcses, but im still unsure if i should go forward this hopeful.
thank you soso much if youve read this far omg 😭
backstory being, homeschooled from yrs 8-11, and everything was going rlly well, predicted 8's nd a 9 when i was in yr ten. but unfortunately in yr 11 my family, nd i had lots of severe mental health issues (especially round the time i was taking the exams, april / may), cahms nd stuff, etc, and i realise now, looking back it rlly, rlly affected me, as well as my online school completely changed from the jump to yr 11, and i literally failed most of my gcses. IK, rlly bad omg. but i've gotten my academic swing back, evr since then, since now im in college, nd doing a btec for now.
would it be worth giving it a chance, applying to oxford, (hopefully ppe, i hvnt made up my mind yet), if i resit gcses, do much better than i did in the first attempt, and follow through with high predictions for a levels, as well as hopefully, planning to prep for the tsa really well too, to really up my chances of being offered a place?
before yr 11, ive always been academically bright, nd high achieving, and my dream was to attend a uni like oxford / ucl, but ever since i've been researching into the application processes, it just looks and feels impossible with the set back i've faced. I just wnted to know if it's possible, considering im aware i'll need to put in extra, for all the **** tht happened in yr 11.
my plan, for this year, and going forward, is to resit gcses this year, smash them, nd get into sixth form a year late, do my a levels for the degree i wnna do, plus all the extra reading, epqs, maybe, as well as work exp, to really show my academic ability, despite what happend in yr11, since i'm really passionate abt the subjects in interested in.
but i just feel like, they'll reject me, be because of my first attempts at gcse, which is really unfortunate. should i try, as hard i'm aiming to? since ik on ucas, i have to declare every grade i've received, which will put my first gcse attempts out in the open, plus the btec im doing now, (which is unrelated to what i want to to at uni - mostly bcz of the little variation they hv at my local collage) will it all make my application look messy? i've read some other questions of ppl who have similar situations nd most say there is, but it depends rlly on your performance after gcses, but im still unsure if i should go forward this hopeful.
thank you soso much if youve read this far omg 😭
Reply 1
of course it's possible, but there is never any guarantee you will get in or even get an interview in the 1st place. do you want to go to oxford so badly as to put yourself under an immense amount of stress for 2 years, retaking your gcses - you would also be expected to get all 8s and 9s - whilst doing a btec, then starting a-levels? are you desperate enough to spend a whole extra year in school?
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
brwnianf
OP
2
Original post
by checka888of course it's possible, but there is never any guarantee you will get in or even get an interview in the 1st place. do you want to go to oxford so badly as to put yourself under an immense amount of stress for 2 years, retaking your gcses - you would also be expected to get all 8s and 9s - whilst doing a btec, then starting a-levels? are you desperate enough to spend a whole extra year in school?
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
omg thank u for responding, i literally felt like i was talking into a void lol
anywho, yea, those r all rlly good points. ur answer gave me a good reality check. i think i shldnt give up, but also, not hv too high expectations if i do give myself a shot.
as for the work load, ik it seems super tricky, but this past year has really changed a lot for me, im eager to get back into doing more, ofc tht doesn't mean it wont be stressful.
as for the btec, im only doing it until this summer, and yes i literally am desperate enough to spend another year doing gcses 😭 plus, i know most of the content, i js need to do intense studying for the next couple months to make sure i do good. summer, then sixth form /all the work i intent to do in yr 12/13. + with the idea tht ill explain my entire yr 11 horror story to my tutors, nd have them mention it on ucas references
ik i sound crazy, but i literally think i have a slight chance, if i work rlly hard ofc.
im only rlly questioning if the literal fact i failed tht many gcses is gonna set me up for instant failure/ rejection, so i think i'll def take up ur advice nd email admissions abt my situation
of COURSE i get tht my chances, based on what happnd to me in y11 literally make it near impossible, and i likely won't apply, but im just planning, for now, looking over my odds, and i am super open to the idea of applying to less competitive unis, oxford isn't the end of it all, ofc.
also, congrats on all those rlly cool grades
) but im also js curious, u dont hv to answer, on what basis do u think ur chances r diminished bc of those two 7s? like, past applicants u know, or emails back from the places u applied to? u lowk sound like a rlly good applicant, hv more faith in urself <3Reply 3
Original post
by brwnianfomg thank u for responding, i literally felt like i was talking into a void lol
anywho, yea, those r all rlly good points. ur answer gave me a good reality check. i think i shldnt give up, but also, not hv too high expectations if i do give myself a shot.
as for the work load, ik it seems super tricky, but this past year has really changed a lot for me, im eager to get back into doing more, ofc tht doesn't mean it wont be stressful.
as for the btec, im only doing it until this summer, and yes i literally am desperate enough to spend another year doing gcses 😭 plus, i know most of the content, i js need to do intense studying for the next couple months to make sure i do good. summer, then sixth form /all the work i intent to do in yr 12/13. + with the idea tht ill explain my entire yr 11 horror story to my tutors, nd have them mention it on ucas references
ik i sound crazy, but i literally think i have a slight chance, if i work rlly hard ofc.
im only rlly questioning if the literal fact i failed tht many gcses is gonna set me up for instant failure/ rejection, so i think i'll def take up ur advice nd email admissions abt my situation
of COURSE i get tht my chances, based on what happnd to me in y11 literally make it near impossible, and i likely won't apply, but im just planning, for now, looking over my odds, and i am super open to the idea of applying to less competitive unis, oxford isn't the end of it all, ofc.
also, congrats on all those rlly cool grades) but im also js curious, u dont hv to answer, on what basis do u think ur chances r diminished bc of those two 7s? like, past applicants u know, or emails back from the places u applied to? u lowk sound like a rlly good applicant, hv more faith in urself <3
anywho, yea, those r all rlly good points. ur answer gave me a good reality check. i think i shldnt give up, but also, not hv too high expectations if i do give myself a shot.
as for the work load, ik it seems super tricky, but this past year has really changed a lot for me, im eager to get back into doing more, ofc tht doesn't mean it wont be stressful.
as for the btec, im only doing it until this summer, and yes i literally am desperate enough to spend another year doing gcses 😭 plus, i know most of the content, i js need to do intense studying for the next couple months to make sure i do good. summer, then sixth form /all the work i intent to do in yr 12/13. + with the idea tht ill explain my entire yr 11 horror story to my tutors, nd have them mention it on ucas references
ik i sound crazy, but i literally think i have a slight chance, if i work rlly hard ofc.
im only rlly questioning if the literal fact i failed tht many gcses is gonna set me up for instant failure/ rejection, so i think i'll def take up ur advice nd email admissions abt my situation
of COURSE i get tht my chances, based on what happnd to me in y11 literally make it near impossible, and i likely won't apply, but im just planning, for now, looking over my odds, and i am super open to the idea of applying to less competitive unis, oxford isn't the end of it all, ofc.
also, congrats on all those rlly cool grades
) but im also js curious, u dont hv to answer, on what basis do u think ur chances r diminished bc of those two 7s? like, past applicants u know, or emails back from the places u applied to? u lowk sound like a rlly good applicant, hv more faith in urself <3Aww thanks for your super sweet reply ! I was told by the Oxbridge coordinator at my college that the 7s are not really ideal . But, unlike you , i literally only decided to apply for Oxford about 2 months ago.
It seems like you’re prepared to put the work in , so as long as it’s not gonna put you under too much stress, you might as well retake . Even if you do change your mind about Oxford , you will still have those new amazing grades to apply elsewhere.
My personal opinion is that unis will actually be impressed by you taking initiative and working hard to ‘fix’ your grades , rather than instantly rejecting you like you think.
Also, remember that while grades are important, make sure your making time for extra/supercurriculars for personal statement , as well as time for yourself . You can also beef up your application/chances by applying to summer schools, competitions and other uni-led courses
Reply 4
Original post
by checka888of course it's possible, but there is never any guarantee you will get in or even get an interview in the 1st place. do you want to go to oxford so badly as to put yourself under an immense amount of stress for 2 years, retaking your gcses - you would also be expected to get all 8s and 9s - whilst doing a btec, then starting a-levels? are you desperate enough to spend a whole extra year in school?
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
my suggestion is dont do it - im in yr13 predicted 4A*s and got all 8s and 9s in gcse except for 2, and my chances are already diminished just because of those 2 7s.
other universities put much less weighting on gcses , and at the end of the day you will still be getting an education and a uni experience. i get the appeal of oxford, but i honestly dont think its worth all that extra stress. it might be worth retaking the gcses you failed to improve your chances of getting into a good uni and actually doing a-levels.
your best bet is to email all the universities you're thinking of applying to [ucl/kings/oxford etc] and briefly outline your circumstances [extreme extenuating circumstances , failure of majority gcses] and ask if you still have a chance. or, what they suggest you do in order to improve your chances.
also forgot to mention how tricky the tsa is to juggle, let alone interview prep if you get that far
Your chances are diminished because of 2 7’s? What subject would this be for?
Reply 5
brwnianf
OP
2
Original post
by checka888Aww thanks for your super sweet reply ! I was told by the Oxbridge coordinator at my college that the 7s are not really ideal . But, unlike you , i literally only decided to apply for Oxford about 2 months ago.
It seems like you’re prepared to put the work in , so as long as it’s not gonna put you under too much stress, you might as well retake . Even if you do change your mind about Oxford , you will still have those new amazing grades to apply elsewhere.
My personal opinion is that unis will actually be impressed by you taking initiative and working hard to ‘fix’ your grades , rather than instantly rejecting you like you think.
Also, remember that while grades are important, make sure your making time for extra/supercurriculars for personal statement , as well as time for yourself . You can also beef up your application/chances by applying to summer schools, competitions and other uni-led courses
It seems like you’re prepared to put the work in , so as long as it’s not gonna put you under too much stress, you might as well retake . Even if you do change your mind about Oxford , you will still have those new amazing grades to apply elsewhere.
My personal opinion is that unis will actually be impressed by you taking initiative and working hard to ‘fix’ your grades , rather than instantly rejecting you like you think.
Also, remember that while grades are important, make sure your making time for extra/supercurriculars for personal statement , as well as time for yourself . You can also beef up your application/chances by applying to summer schools, competitions and other uni-led courses
oooh i see, ur completely wlcm btw
), but yea ty for all tht advice and cool perspectives, really appreciated, i def will look into super curriculars whn i get my grades situation nailed down , since ik i have like, yrs before i even need to think abt my ucas. i think u shld apply, best of luck to u !!!Reply 6
Original post
by yay_526373Your chances are diminished because of 2 7’s? What subject would this be for?
PPL - not my words the words of an oxbridge specialist at my school !
Reply 7
Original post
by checka888PPL - not my words the words of an oxbridge specialist at my school !
dw bud you’ll be fine 🙏 great report, especially if the 7s aren’t too relevant to your course. i know someone who did natural sciences at cambridge and got all A*s in his gcses, except french in which he got a D. you got all A*s and 2 As, which is miles better. even if they are relevant, you’re doing good
Reply 8
Original post
by emmag258dw bud you’ll be fine 🙏 great report, especially if the 7s aren’t too relevant to your course. i know someone who did natural sciences at cambridge and got all A*s in his gcses, except french in which he got a D. you got all A*s and 2 As, which is miles better. even if they are relevant, you’re doing good
Omg, I’m an international student and applied to Oxford this year. I got 7A* in my IGCSE but one B in English as the first language. My alevels are fine(one achieved A* and 4A*predicted). But ive already got an 8 in the IELTS with no section below 7, which met the language threshold. I am not sure if this B will reduce my chances, or Oxford just doesn’t care much about IGCSEs, bc I’ve heard cGCSEs may be more important than GCSEs(i guess there is no way to calculate the cIGCSE score)
Reply 9
12
Original post
by checka888PPL - not my words the words of an oxbridge specialist at my school !
bro you do not need to worry about a couple of 7s, especially if they aren't in relevant subjects. Ik some guy who got 2 6s in English and a 4 in Art and still got in for physics. Obvs you want to have lots of A* but if you have a few that aren't that then its all good
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