A levels Oxbridge Medicine

Hi
I want to get into an Oxbridge Uni Medicine Course. Currently in Year 11. I need to pick 4 A levels. Decided on 3: Maths, Biology and Chemistry. Thinking of Computer Science till I heard that these Unis like essay based subjects to ‘broaden’ your horizons. Is this really necessary? Anyone in a similar position or has gotten into medicine in Oxbridge without an essay subject? (Any statistics would help if possible, I have tried researching but can’t seem to find any.) I am not particularly keen on picking any essay subject to be honest.
I recently have heard about Oxbridge essay writing competitions. Are they worth doing for medicine? If they are, is it worth doing even if you are likely to fail or come last(would this reflect negatively or positively on you?) ? When should you apply and how many times can you try?
Thanks for the support everyone! (:

P.S. My school makes me do 4 A levels, 3 is not an option!

Reply 1

thegeek888

Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Reply 2

Rjclar

i haven’t heard anything about having to do an essay subject. i would do something you like/ know you’ll do well at. make sure to check the entry requirements on the website though!

Thanks 😊

I would volunteer or work with St John Ambulance

I would also do an Oxbridge essay writing competition, even if I come in last place

I don't know if unis are truthful when they say they like essay-based subjects to broaden one's horizons or if they're trying to catch dishonest applicants

Reply 5

A_P_ME

Hi
Will you be able to give me any information about St John? I have heard about this and can’t seem to find anything to get me started on it? Maybe a website link or even any experience about it?
As for the rest thank you! 😊

Reply 6

Jemnakas

Original post by Anonymous

Hi
I want to get into an Oxbridge Uni Medicine Course. Currently in Year 11. I need to pick 4 A levels. Decided on 3: Maths, Biology and Chemistry. Thinking of Computer Science till I heard that these Unis like essay based subjects to ‘broaden’ your horizons. Is this really necessary? Anyone in a similar position or has gotten into medicine in Oxbridge without an essay subject? (Any statistics would help if possible, I have tried researching but can’t seem to find any.) I am not particularly keen on picking any essay subject to be honest.
I recently have heard about Oxbridge essay writing competitions. Are they worth doing for medicine? If they are, is it worth doing even if you are likely to fail or come last(would this reflect negatively or positively on you?) ? When should you apply and how many times can you try?
Thanks for the support everyone! (:
P.S. My school makes me do 4 A levels, 3 is not an option!

I'm at Oxford for Medicine. I did Bio, Chem, German. I don't think they care what A-levels you do as long as you got Chemistry (and preferably Biology although not a must for Oxford). So I say do whatever you enjoy. I did not do any essay writing competitions but they are good at giving you a little taste of what you'll be doing for at least 3 years if you get in - writing lots of essays. So if you can find any essay writing competitions that interest you, go ahead. If not, don't sweat it.