University Requirements

Will it significantly affect your chances of success in your application if you get a grade 8 rather than a grade 9 at GCSE in the subject you are applying to Oxford for?

(if most of your other grades are 9s)

Subject in question: Economics

I haven't taken the GCSE yet but I'm a bit scared because I'm taking it as an extra subject so I'm self-taught and worried that it won't go well

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

For a long time Oxford very clearly stated they consider 8 and 9 grades equivalent to the old A* grade and did not differentiate between them. While that specific language doesn't appear on their website anymore, they also don't say specifically that they do differentiate between them now.

I can't see that a single GCSE at an 8 is going to make a difference.

Reply 2

Sichwünschen

Original post

by artful_lounger

For a long time Oxford very clearly stated they consider 8 and 9 grades equivalent to the old A* grade and did not differentiate between them. While that specific language doesn't appear on their website anymore, they also don't say specifically that they do differentiate between them now.
I can't see that a single GCSE at an 8 is going to make a difference.

I think I heard that they do differentiate between them now though, and I would imagine that not getting a 9 in the very subject you want to do would certainly make a difference - would it?

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Sichwünschen

I think I heard that they do differentiate between them now though, and I would imagine that not getting a 9 in the very subject you want to do would certainly make a difference - would it?

I think an 8 would be sufficient. I imagine perhaps a 7 or below may raise an eyebrow for e.g. a maths applicant if it was in maths, but I don't know it would necessarily rule them out of contention.

Also bear in mind they have admissions assessments and/or submitted work to review. GCSEs aren't the be all and end all of their process. They have a lot of information about applicants to consider when deciding to invite to interview, and then after interview even more information from the interview itself.

As you haven't even done your GCSEs yet I wouldn't worry about it. Just do your best and then figure out later if you want to apply to that course at that uni or not.

Reply 4

Sichwünschen

Original post

by artful_lounger

I think an 8 would be sufficient. I imagine perhaps a 7 or below may raise an eyebrow for e.g. a maths applicant if it was in maths, but I don't know it would necessarily rule them out of contention.
Also bear in mind they have admissions assessments and/or submitted work to review. GCSEs aren't the be all and end all of their process. They have a lot of information about applicants to consider when deciding to invite to interview, and then after interview even more information from the interview itself.
As you haven't even done your GCSEs yet I wouldn't worry about it. Just do your best and then figure out later if you want to apply to that course at that uni or not.

Does 'sufficient' mean very much not advisable?
How much worse would it be compared to getting a 9?

Reply 5

Stiffy Byng

Original post

by Sichwünschen

I think I heard that they do differentiate between them now though, and I would imagine that not getting a 9 in the very subject you want to do would certainly make a difference - would it?

"I have heard" is just gossip. Oxford is interested in academic progress. An 8 in your chosen subject is no bar to admission if your application is otherwise strong.

Reply 6

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Sichwünschen

Does 'sufficient' mean very much not advisable?
How much worse would it be compared to getting a 9?

At this point I don't think there is anything more to be gained here - I would recommend you focus on actually preparing for the GCSE in question rather than having debates about hypotheticals. Once you have achieved an 8 or a 9 or whatever else then perhaps revisit the issue at that time.

Avoid procrastinating by hyperanalysing hypothetical situations instead of actually working on the material in front of you :wink: