Do I have a chance to do engineering at Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial?

1

I'm in year 12 currently studying Maths, Physics and Business (I originally wanted to do economics & management) and I'm predicted 3 A*s. I am considering applying to Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial for general engineering at Oxford, specialising in mechanical, or Aeronautical/ Aerospace at Imperial/ Cambridge.

I know my A levels are quite weak so I'm doing extracurriculars. I'm taking the senior physics olympiad and a maths competition next month. I have also been reading a book on engineering mathematics to help me challenge myself with more difficult problems. I am reading a seperate book on aerospace engineering too and I have 3 relevant work experiences lined up with another online work experience I'm doing. I have applied to summer schools at Oxford and Imperial and, while I'm unsure of the relevance of this, I am a Powerlifter and have competed nationally. I currently hold three Welsh Records and I'm going for another this year.

I have lots more to talk about on my application that is relevant but I'm unsure if its even worth applying as I feel I have no chance of getting in due to my A levels.

I just want to know if I have any chance of getting an offer.

Thanks!

Reply 1

FijianCamper

5

I’ve got an unconditional offer from Cambridge for Engineering. One major question that matters. Does your school offer Further Maths? If not then you do have a chance. As interesting as the powerlifting is, extracirricular activities do not matter when it comes to Oxbridge and Imperial. They are solely interested in academics and academics outside school too which makes the Physics Olympiad Beneficial. But only 4 percent of Cambridge engineering students haven’t taken Further Maths and if you do not take it despite it being offered they expect a very very good reason for you doing so.

Reply 2

grey_boredom

12

Original post

by FijianCamper

I’ve got an unconditional offer from Cambridge for Engineering. One major question that matters. Does your school offer Further Maths? If not then you do have a chance. As interesting as the powerlifting is, extracirricular activities do not matter when it comes to Oxbridge and Imperial. They are solely interested in academics and academics outside school too which makes the Physics Olympiad Beneficial. But only 4 percent of Cambridge engineering students haven’t taken Further Maths and if you do not take it despite it being offered they expect a very very good reason for you doing so.

even out of those 4%, they would have still done AS Further maths

Reply 3

FarncombeBob

2

Short answer - yes, you do. It's definitely worth a go. You still have 3 more choices after Oxford or Cambridge (you can't apply to both) and Imperial. So go for it. [I work in admissions but not at these unis]

Reply 4

BA1234NL

7

Original post

by FijianCamper

I’ve got an unconditional offer from Cambridge for Engineering. One major question that matters. Does your school offer Further Maths? If not then you do have a chance. As interesting as the powerlifting is, extracirricular activities do not matter when it comes to Oxbridge and Imperial. They are solely interested in academics and academics outside school too which makes the Physics Olympiad Beneficial. But only 4 percent of Cambridge engineering students haven’t taken Further Maths and if you do not take it despite it being offered they expect a very very good reason for you doing so.

Which college

Reply 5

Asphalt777

2

Original post

by FijianCamper

I’ve got an unconditional offer from Cambridge for Engineering. One major question that matters. Does your school offer Further Maths? If not then you do have a chance. As interesting as the powerlifting is, extracirricular activities do not matter when it comes to Oxbridge and Imperial. They are solely interested in academics and academics outside school too which makes the Physics Olympiad Beneficial. But only 4 percent of Cambridge engineering students haven’t taken Further Maths and if you do not take it despite it being offered they expect a very very good reason for you doing so.

If you dont mind what were your stats: gcse and a levels

Reply 6

FijianCamper

5

Original post

by Asphalt777

If you dont mind what were your stats: gcse and a levels

9988888877 at GCSE. Not great compared to others but proves it is possible with very few 9’s. But I got A*A*A*A in Maths, FM, Physics, and DT respectively at A-Level so there was an improvement which I think they see as more important. At the offer holder day the DoS said that when he was selecting applicants it was all seen in perspective in your school. Even with the admissions tests they make an estimate as to what the average person at your school would achieve in the exam if they were to take it but they look at everything.

Reply 7

Asphalt777

2

Original post

by FijianCamper

9988888877 at GCSE. Not great compared to others but proves it is possible with very few 9’s. But I got A*A*A*A in Maths, FM, Physics, and DT respectively at A-Level so there was an improvement which I think they see as more important. At the offer holder day the DoS said that when he was selecting applicants it was all seen in perspective in your school. Even with the admissions tests they make an estimate as to what the average person at your school would achieve in the exam if they were to take it but they look at everything.

Was it unconditional because you took a gap year?

Reply 8

FijianCamper

5

Original post

by Asphalt777

Was it unconditional because you took a gap year?

Yeah. If I didn’t get the offer though there is a requirement where if you have A*A*A* in your A-Levels the shortest distance along the application process that you’re allowed to get is into the pool.

Do I have a chance to do engineering at Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial?

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