Oxford rejection - gap year and reapply?

7

Hey,
I get that this happens a lot to many people but I really am struggling to cope a bit. Like I'm not sure how to feel, I've cried for days and im just so annoyed at myself for this. I've been preparing nonstop since January and I am confident in my abilities but it honestly just kinda hurts to be rejected pre-interview just due to stress. Just some background, I come from a non-selective state school with predicted A*A*A*A (I think its quite realistic for me to get a 4th A* aswell, but my school doesn't predict A*s for further maths) in maths, FM, physics and art (unique selection aha). My gcses were 999999998 + D*. I think I'm more annoyed at myself for the most part as I found the PAT questions easy (i understood it all, im not being overconfident i swear). I could do them all but time and just the pressure being around others ruined me, like I carried through the simplest arithmetic errors in so many places and i got stressed and wasted time because I was confused as to how i got nothing like the answers given (literally straight after the test i redid it on my phone and got the right answers) and im just so annoyed w myself because I wasn't even sure i answered all the questions because of that.

Either way, I understand whats done is done and I think ill get an offer from uni of manchester for theoretical physics, but im honestly weighing whether a gap year would be worth it (like ill defer manchester if i can as my backup)? my mental health honestly has been **** for years and maybe a year where i can get a job (get money and maybe become better in social places), learn to drive, whilst maintaining my skills for uni the next year at my own pace would be worth it - and on that note reapply to oxford and maybe apply to imperial this time. honestly I really wanted to go to oxford bc its one of the only unis ive seen take upon major research that im interested in around superconductivity and its modules in quantum theory really do look interesting (tho ig it could be similar in other unis, but i think what really makes me like oxford is the way how they focus more on the theoretical side of physics in general aswell). i guess i also just would be disappointed in how i wouldnt be able to look into their libraries too as that was a big selling point to me.

I do consider taking maybe manchester up to masters and then apply for a phd in oxford as then the research in superconductivity would be more useful to consider, but i just really am disappointed in myself for losing an opportunity pre-interview because of my stress and bad timing. I genuinely do believe i would excel and enjoy taking upon a degree in oxford (altho i do understand there are still many who dont get a place even w exceptional results etc). I just wonder if it would be actually worth it in the end, is it realistic to improve the way i act w stress and time until the next PAT and would it even be worth losing a year of education for? Also im not even sure if i can defer the offer for manchester (but ill enquire about it). I guess also one more thing that could impact this is my autism and OCD assessments bc then maybe i could qualify for some access arrangements like at least a separate room (but this is iffy bc idk where im at w the waitlist and now that im not w camhs, they hadnt even contacted me about anything?? even a last session wasnt arranged so idk, but i might do it privately because the wait of 3 years is getting ridiculous).

Oh yeah another thing to consider maybe, I guess this year i got into quantum club ran by oxford (lasts all year) which i could add as smth extra for my ps if i were to reapply but yeah ill do some other stuff too ig.

im sorry for how long this is but i think thats all. i understand this is something that only i can really decide on but id really appreciate it if someone gave me advice on this situation or maybe how to cope as i honestly feel so dull about this and idk really what to think about it anymore.

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I’m in the same situation so can really sympathise with the situation. I’ve got a place at Birmingham for particle physics and cosmology, but not sure if I should defer and reapply to Oxford. I think we just need to accept that there are many great unis in the country, especially for science, and it’s great to be accepted to one of them

Reply 2

stilllearning123

16

Original post

by chericheri

Hey,
I get that this happens a lot to many people but I really am struggling to cope a bit. Like I'm not sure how to feel, I've cried for days and im just so annoyed at myself for this. I've been preparing nonstop since January and I am confident in my abilities but it honestly just kinda hurts to be rejected pre-interview just due to stress. Just some background, I come from a non-selective state school with predicted A*A*A*A (I think its quite realistic for me to get a 4th A* aswell, but my school doesn't predict A*s for further maths) in maths, FM, physics and art (unique selection aha). My gcses were 999999998 + D*. I think I'm more annoyed at myself for the most part as I found the PAT questions easy (i understood it all, im not being overconfident i swear). I could do them all but time and just the pressure being around others ruined me, like I carried through the simplest arithmetic errors in so many places and i got stressed and wasted time because I was confused as to how i got nothing like the answers given (literally straight after the test i redid it on my phone and got the right answers) and im just so annoyed w myself because I wasn't even sure i answered all the questions because of that.
Either way, I understand whats done is done and I think ill get an offer from uni of manchester for theoretical physics, but im honestly weighing whether a gap year would be worth it (like ill defer manchester if i can as my backup)? my mental health honestly has been **** for years and maybe a year where i can get a job (get money and maybe become better in social places), learn to drive, whilst maintaining my skills for uni the next year at my own pace would be worth it - and on that note reapply to oxford and maybe apply to imperial this time. honestly I really wanted to go to oxford bc its one of the only unis ive seen take upon major research that im interested in around superconductivity and its modules in quantum theory really do look interesting (tho ig it could be similar in other unis, but i think what really makes me like oxford is the way how they focus more on the theoretical side of physics in general aswell). i guess i also just would be disappointed in how i wouldnt be able to look into their libraries too as that was a big selling point to me.
I do consider taking maybe manchester up to masters and then apply for a phd in oxford as then the research in superconductivity would be more useful to consider, but i just really am disappointed in myself for losing an opportunity pre-interview because of my stress and bad timing. I genuinely do believe i would excel and enjoy taking upon a degree in oxford (altho i do understand there are still many who dont get a place even w exceptional results etc). I just wonder if it would be actually worth it in the end, is it realistic to improve the way i act w stress and time until the next PAT and would it even be worth losing a year of education for? Also im not even sure if i can defer the offer for manchester (but ill enquire about it). I guess also one more thing that could impact this is my autism and OCD assessments bc then maybe i could qualify for some access arrangements like at least a separate room (but this is iffy bc idk where im at w the waitlist and now that im not w camhs, they hadnt even contacted me about anything?? even a last session wasnt arranged so idk, but i might do it privately because the wait of 3 years is getting ridiculous).
Oh yeah another thing to consider maybe, I guess this year i got into quantum club ran by oxford (lasts all year) which i could add as smth extra for my ps if i were to reapply but yeah ill do some other stuff too ig.
im sorry for how long this is but i think thats all. i understand this is something that only i can really decide on but id really appreciate it if someone gave me advice on this situation or maybe how to cope as i honestly feel so dull about this and idk really what to think about it anymore.

If I were you, I would. It seems as if everything point towards you waiting a year to get your life straight and having an improved chance.
It is a big decision, but you only live once- why settle for second best?

Reply 3

chericheri

OP

7

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in the same situation so can really sympathise with the situation. I’ve got a place at Birmingham for particle physics and cosmology, but not sure if I should defer and reapply to Oxford. I think we just need to accept that there are many great unis in the country, especially for science, and it’s great to be accepted to one of them

well done on your offer!! and yeah i agree w you, in the end as long as you get a first class degree, it wouldnt matter that much in the future which uni you did it in for a phd or job

Reply 4

chericheri

OP

7

Original post

by stilllearning123

If I were you, I would. It seems as if everything point towards you waiting a year to get your life straight and having an improved chance.
It is a big decision, but you only live once- why settle for second best?

i mean im leaning more towards a gap year tbh and ig if i use that year productively then it wouldnt be that big of a deal in the end and yeah i agree, best try whilst you can and have the motivation to do so. it wouldnt be much of a loss in the end

Reply 5

moonlily_13

8

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in the same situation so can really sympathise with the situation. I’ve got a place at Birmingham for particle physics and cosmology, but not sure if I should defer and reapply to Oxford. I think we just need to accept that there are many great unis in the country, especially for science, and it’s great to be accepted to one of them

Hi, how do you defer an entry as backup? I'm in a similar situation for medicine, but can't see anywhere where they allow anyone to deffer once applied and then reapply? How does the system work?

Reply 6

Anonymous #2

Before this comment sounds too cocky lemme just say I was also rejected ore interview. I had a very similar situation in which I found most of the MAT easy but things like stress and pressure from exams and expectation etc. If u really want to do gap year to reapply it’s your choice but I just saw it as, if I couldn’t handle the pressure and constant stress during 1 exam, then I may not “survive” the constant competitive pressure and workload required at Oxford. May be hard cope or excuses but oxbridge is either for those who had the opportunities (rich) or academic weapons where studying is their entire life almost (unless they a genius which is also possible). Also look into the field you want to go in career wise because some careers it doesn’t matter too much which uni u go at least a russel group may be enough

Reply 7

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by chericheri

Hey,
I get that this happens a lot to many people but I really am struggling to cope a bit. Like I'm not sure how to feel, I've cried for days and im just so annoyed at myself for this. I've been preparing nonstop since January and I am confident in my abilities but it honestly just kinda hurts to be rejected pre-interview just due to stress. Just some background, I come from a non-selective state school with predicted A*A*A*A (I think its quite realistic for me to get a 4th A* aswell, but my school doesn't predict A*s for further maths) in maths, FM, physics and art (unique selection aha). My gcses were 999999998 + D*. I think I'm more annoyed at myself for the most part as I found the PAT questions easy (i understood it all, im not being overconfident i swear). I could do them all but time and just the pressure being around others ruined me, like I carried through the simplest arithmetic errors in so many places and i got stressed and wasted time because I was confused as to how i got nothing like the answers given (literally straight after the test i redid it on my phone and got the right answers) and im just so annoyed w myself because I wasn't even sure i answered all the questions because of that.
Either way, I understand whats done is done and I think ill get an offer from uni of manchester for theoretical physics, but im honestly weighing whether a gap year would be worth it (like ill defer manchester if i can as my backup)? my mental health honestly has been **** for years and maybe a year where i can get a job (get money and maybe become better in social places), learn to drive, whilst maintaining my skills for uni the next year at my own pace would be worth it - and on that note reapply to oxford and maybe apply to imperial this time. honestly I really wanted to go to oxford bc its one of the only unis ive seen take upon major research that im interested in around superconductivity and its modules in quantum theory really do look interesting (tho ig it could be similar in other unis, but i think what really makes me like oxford is the way how they focus more on the theoretical side of physics in general aswell). i guess i also just would be disappointed in how i wouldnt be able to look into their libraries too as that was a big selling point to me.
I do consider taking maybe manchester up to masters and then apply for a phd in oxford as then the research in superconductivity would be more useful to consider, but i just really am disappointed in myself for losing an opportunity pre-interview because of my stress and bad timing. I genuinely do believe i would excel and enjoy taking upon a degree in oxford (altho i do understand there are still many who dont get a place even w exceptional results etc). I just wonder if it would be actually worth it in the end, is it realistic to improve the way i act w stress and time until the next PAT and would it even be worth losing a year of education for? Also im not even sure if i can defer the offer for manchester (but ill enquire about it). I guess also one more thing that could impact this is my autism and OCD assessments bc then maybe i could qualify for some access arrangements like at least a separate room (but this is iffy bc idk where im at w the waitlist and now that im not w camhs, they hadnt even contacted me about anything?? even a last session wasnt arranged so idk, but i might do it privately because the wait of 3 years is getting ridiculous).
Oh yeah another thing to consider maybe, I guess this year i got into quantum club ran by oxford (lasts all year) which i could add as smth extra for my ps if i were to reapply but yeah ill do some other stuff too ig.
im sorry for how long this is but i think thats all. i understand this is something that only i can really decide on but id really appreciate it if someone gave me advice on this situation or maybe how to cope as i honestly feel so dull about this and idk really what to think about it anymore.

First of all, I am sorry to read about your unsuccessful application. I can only imagine how much effort and time you probably put in your application.

My honest response is that you should not reapply. You have a strong academic record (grades and predictions) but so do others who have also been rejected. You should consider other universities like Imperial, UCL, Manchester, Durham etc, who are peer unis and can provide the same stellar university experience as Oxford.

You have also mentioned your mental health and struggles with handling pressure. My opinion is that Oxbridge is not for the faint-hearted. The terms are short, workload is high and performance is rigorous. Yes, you probably would have thrived there but the pressure could also have gotten to you. There are many other top unis with a better pace that can align with your abilities and capabilities.

My suggestion is to hold off thinking about reapplying to Oxford. Focus on applying to your other uni options and secure those offers. Then ensure that you secure those grades in August. At that point, if you are still pre-occupied with the thought of Oxford, you can simply take the gap year. Remember that nothing is guaranteed and you wont be sure of an offer next round.

Finally, I agree that you can consider Oxford for postgraduate studies. I wish you the best and hope you have an excellent time at the uni that you end up in whether it is this cycle or next.

Reply 8

chericheri

OP

7

Original post

by Wired_1800

First of all, I am sorry to read about your unsuccessful application. I can only imagine how much effort and time you probably put in your application.
My honest response is that you should not reapply. You have a strong academic record (grades and predictions) but so do others who have also been rejected. You should consider other universities like Imperial, UCL, Manchester, Durham etc, who are peer unis and can provide the same stellar university experience as Oxford.
You have also mentioned your mental health and struggles with handling pressure. My opinion is that Oxbridge is not for the faint-hearted. The terms are short, workload is high and performance is rigorous. Yes, you probably would have thrived there but the pressure could also have gotten to you. There are many other top unis with a better pace that can align with your abilities and capabilities.
My suggestion is to hold off thinking about reapplying to Oxford. Focus on applying to your other uni options and secure those offers. Then ensure that you secure those grades in August. At that point, if you are still pre-occupied with the thought of Oxford, you can simply take the gap year. Remember that nothing is guaranteed and you wont be sure of an offer next round.
Finally, I agree that you can consider Oxford for postgraduate studies. I wish you the best and hope you have an excellent time at the uni that you end up in whether it is this cycle or next.

When I spoke of pressure, it was more to do with my social anxiety, which I get would affect some part of my studies but I'll probably feel that way anywhere I'd end up tbh and I usually do just fine under any other pressure so i dont really mind more workload etc.

But i do agree with you certainly on focusing on current grades, Ive already considered leaving it to how i do in august and deciding later on whether i still want to wait a year or not, but in general I think I have a rough plan for if stuff doesnt go as planned.

thanks for the reply!

Reply 9

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by chericheri

When I spoke of pressure, it was more to do with my social anxiety, which I get would affect some part of my studies but I'll probably feel that way anywhere I'd end up tbh and I usually do just fine under any other pressure so i dont really mind more workload etc.
But i do agree with you certainly on focusing on current grades, Ive already considered leaving it to how i do in august and deciding later on whether i still want to wait a year or not, but in general I think I have a rough plan for if stuff doesnt go as planned.
thanks for the reply!

Alright, good luck.

In the meantime, I’d suggest that you select some unis that you wont mind attending if you decide to go to uni next September. There was a thread last year or so, where the OP realised that they did not actually like their firm or insurance choices and had to take a year out.

Reply 10

TypicalNerd

18

Original post

by moonlily_13

Hi, how do you defer an entry as backup? I'm in a similar situation for medicine, but can't see anywhere where they allow anyone to deffer once applied and then reapply? How does the system work?

I don’t think you can get away with doing this for Oxford (or any other university). UCAS would expect you to decline any offers you have and reapply from a gap year rather than defer them if you are looking at making a second application.

https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/dates-and-deadlines-uni-applications/deferred-entry
See the last sentence on the “how to defer your application” part.

Reply 11

TypicalNerd

18

Original post

by chericheri

Hey,
I get that this happens a lot to many people but I really am struggling to cope a bit. Like I'm not sure how to feel, I've cried for days and im just so annoyed at myself for this. I've been preparing nonstop since January and I am confident in my abilities but it honestly just kinda hurts to be rejected pre-interview just due to stress. Just some background, I come from a non-selective state school with predicted A*A*A*A (I think its quite realistic for me to get a 4th A* aswell, but my school doesn't predict A*s for further maths) in maths, FM, physics and art (unique selection aha). My gcses were 999999998 + D*. I think I'm more annoyed at myself for the most part as I found the PAT questions easy (i understood it all, im not being overconfident i swear). I could do them all but time and just the pressure being around others ruined me, like I carried through the simplest arithmetic errors in so many places and i got stressed and wasted time because I was confused as to how i got nothing like the answers given (literally straight after the test i redid it on my phone and got the right answers) and im just so annoyed w myself because I wasn't even sure i answered all the questions because of that.

Either way, I understand whats done is done and I think ill get an offer from uni of manchester for theoretical physics, but im honestly weighing whether a gap year would be worth it (like ill defer manchester if i can as my backup)? my mental health honestly has been **** for years and maybe a year where i can get a job (get money and maybe become better in social places), learn to drive, whilst maintaining my skills for uni the next year at my own pace would be worth it - and on that note reapply to oxford and maybe apply to imperial this time. honestly I really wanted to go to oxford bc its one of the only unis ive seen take upon major research that im interested in around superconductivity and its modules in quantum theory really do look interesting (tho ig it could be similar in other unis, but i think what really makes me like oxford is the way how they focus more on the theoretical side of physics in general aswell). i guess i also just would be disappointed in how i wouldnt be able to look into their libraries too as that was a big selling point to me.

I do consider taking maybe manchester up to masters and then apply for a phd in oxford as then the research in superconductivity would be more useful to consider, but i just really am disappointed in myself for losing an opportunity pre-interview because of my stress and bad timing. I genuinely do believe i would excel and enjoy taking upon a degree in oxford (altho i do understand there are still many who dont get a place even w exceptional results etc). I just wonder if it would be actually worth it in the end, is it realistic to improve the way i act w stress and time until the next PAT and would it even be worth losing a year of education for? Also im not even sure if i can defer the offer for manchester (but ill enquire about it). I guess also one more thing that could impact this is my autism and OCD assessments bc then maybe i could qualify for some access arrangements like at least a separate room (but this is iffy bc idk where im at w the waitlist and now that im not w camhs, they hadnt even contacted me about anything?? even a last session wasnt arranged so idk, but i might do it privately because the wait of 3 years is getting ridiculous).

Oh yeah another thing to consider maybe, I guess this year i got into quantum club ran by oxford (lasts all year) which i could add as smth extra for my ps if i were to reapply but yeah ill do some other stuff too ig.

im sorry for how long this is but i think thats all. i understand this is something that only i can really decide on but id really appreciate it if someone gave me advice on this situation or maybe how to cope as i honestly feel so dull about this and idk really what to think about it anymore.

I can understand the desire to reapply to Oxford following an unsuccessful application - I did so myself and got in (albeit for chemistry), but this was following a post-interview rejection and the decision was made in light of admissions feedback sent to me highlighting that my weakness was how I performed in the interviews (my score was just below that of the average offer holder) and not the UCAS application itself (my score was on par with the average offer holder) - from this and having additional supercurriculars I could discuss, I determined my chances of reapplication to be reasonably good. I think with pre-interview rejections, it’s much harder to assess whether a second application would have a particularly good chance of success, even with admissions feedback requested and sent.

I think it is a good idea to consider studying elsewhere in case you decide against taking a gap year or in case you do and are unsuccessful again. I would really recommend looking at some other universities on open days (if you can of course) - ones you have applied to this time and others you would consider applying to alongside Oxford if you were to try again. You should be able to ask about the research carried out at each of these institutions whilst visiting and perhaps you might stumble across something just as interesting, if not more so than the research that drew you to Oxford.

I wish you all the best for whatever happens going forward.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 12

Anonymous #3

I am in a similar situation, because I got rejected (preinterview) from Experimental Psychology at Oxford and I got accepted to two other universities in England and I also an international student, so I also have opportunities in my country. If I receive scholarship, I would like to attend one year of Psychology in the UK and then I consider reapplying to Oxford. Do you think it would be possible? Is it worth it?

Reply 13

Anonymous #3

Original post

by Anonymous

I am in a similar situation, because I got rejected (preinterview) from Experimental Psychology at Oxford and I got accepted to two other universities in England and I also an international student, so I also have opportunities in my country. If I receive scholarship, I would like to attend one year of Psychology in the UK and then I consider reapplying to Oxford. Do you think it would be possible? Is it worth it?

*and I am also an international student:-)

Reply 14

TypicalNerd

18

Original post

by Anonymous

I am in a similar situation, because I got rejected (preinterview) from Experimental Psychology at Oxford and I got accepted to two other universities in England and I also an international student, so I also have opportunities in my country. If I receive scholarship, I would like to attend one year of Psychology in the UK and then I consider reapplying to Oxford. Do you think it would be possible? Is it worth it?

I don't believe that plan is likely to work out for you, unfortunately

https://uni-of-oxford.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/547/~/can-i-apply-for-an-undergraduate-degree-course-if-i-am-already-studying-at

"If you are currently studying at a UK university and are thinking of applying to Oxford to start the first year of an undergraduate course, please note that normally we will only consider such applications in exceptional circumstances and you should make very clear in your application why you do not wish to continue on your current course. Please note we are not able to give examples of these exceptional circumstances as applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis."

Reply 15

Anonymous #3

Thank you for your answer and attached link with information.
And if I decided to study in my home country, could I reapply to Oxford?

Reply 16

Anonymous #3

Original post

by Anonymous

Thank you for your answer and attached link with information.
And if I decided to study in my home country, could I reapply to Oxford?

*to study one year in my home country

Reply 17

TypicalNerd

18

Original post

by Anonymous

Thank you for your answer and attached link with information.
And if I decided to study in my home country, could I reapply to Oxford?

I'd guess it's the same answer, but I'll look and see what information I can find. Failing that, you can always write an email to the appropriate person(s) asking whether this is possible.