University Applications

I am a Year 12 Student looking to apply for Universities next academic year, and I am curious as to whether I should even attempt to compete for Oxford or Cambridge.
My GCSEs are 988777655, and I have a strong chance of being predicted A*A*A or A*A*A* for A-Level
I understand that there are a multitude of factors that play in, like the LNAT, personal statement etc, however I am seemingly unable to get a full answer on whether or not my GCSEs are enough to bring me down below any other competitive candidates.
Please could someone tell me if it is worth applying, as I want to go to a top 5 University in order to go into the working world with a reputable degree.

Cambridge yes, Oxford not so much. Oxford is more GCSE heavy. Cambridge is more holistic. If you do well in your LNAT you may have a chance

I wonder how this perception originated. Each of Oxford and Cambridge state on their websites approaches to GCSE grades which are not materially different.

Perhaps it is only for my subject (Medicine). I’ve been to many access events at both unis. Oxford told me repeatedly that they’d effectively rank us by GCSEs and admissions test. Cambridge is more holistic and will look at everything a bit more than Oxford does. Albeit both still want high GCSEs generally.
Also many individuals on TSR who have more experience than me tend to say Oxford accepts people with higher GCSEs.
At the end of the day though they’re both quite ambiguous with how they accept/assess people.

"Many on TSR say so" is simply repetition of a rumour. The universities are very clear about how they assess applications. They have no reason to operate a secretive system.

You definitely have a good chance for Cambridge and other top unis. GCSEs aren't the only part of your application. Spend year 12 focusing on law specific extracurriculars for your personal statement and doing well in your exams for good predicted grades. It's definitely worth a shot and you can always put safety unis down as well.

Thank you for your reply, I am trying to rack up experience this year and it has been quite successful! I appreciate the hope you have for me and I will be applying to cambridge and some safety unis as you have said.

I didn’t mean to suggest it was secretive, apologies. And yes you are likely right that misconceptions have spread online. When I spoke to admissions officers at these establishments, the earlier statements were what I received.
You are correct the Uni websites are best to source info from.

A tip for supercurriculars, Cambridge is looking for engagement with academic law through books, podcasts, programmes, masterclasses/subject tasters (Cambridge offers a lot of these so keep a look out), essay competitions etc. Work experience can be good but anything more on the academic side of law will boost your application more. Good luck!