Hello,
I am an A level student currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Religious Studies. I originally wanted to apply for PPE (Hence the Religious Studies) but changed my mind during Year 12 and decided to apply for Chemistry instead. I did have time to do some preparation, including relevant competitions and work experience. Sadly, I was rejected pre-interview. I Currently Hold offers from Bath and UCL (which are great unis) but I really liked the history and experience of it all and I know I will regret it forever if I don't try again.
However, I'm not sure what to do to reapply: in their website Oxford said we are welcome to reapply, but also said that "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." My questions are:
1) Is a gap year a requirement when reapplying? Can I possibly get my grades for A level, Study at one of the other unis for a year and then start the course over again?
from
https://uni-of-oxford.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/35/related/1 :"If you apply for a taught course and your application is unsuccessful, you may not make a further application for the same course within the same admissions year." does this imply that a gap year is required? if I do take a gap year, is it possible at all to defer my entry to say, UCL or will I have to completely restart on 5 choices? It would be my dream to go to Oxford, but I don't want to take the chances of working a year behind my friends only to be rejected again, I'm not sure if I could take that.
2) If I do have to take a gap year, will my application be in any disadvantage? I know the website said they will compare all applicants fairly, but I've heard rumours that oxford don't like gap years and of course next year there will be lots of strong competition too.
3) Since I got rejected pre-interview, and Chemistry doesn't have any admission tests or written work required, I think the problem lies in my Grades(A*A*AA, which I am working for 4A*'s in my A level if all goes well), or my Personal statement. should I rewrite my PS with all the things I would do in undergraduate? If I have to take a gap year, will my actual A level grades be effective enough at getting an offer instead of predicted, to make it worth it? or will a gap year mean not much experience would be added to make my application stand out against all the other "fresh" ones from 2026?
Thank you so much!