Do I stand a chance applying to oxbridge and tips
Hi,
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
Original post by Anonymous
Hi,
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I would say to consider it still. It may be worth emailing directly your preferred college(s) and discussing with them directly. Being care-experienced especially is a contextual flag that they take a lot of notice of and, alongside your educational disruption, they may be a lot more understanding of your GCSE grades, especially if you show significant progress with your A-Levels.
Reply 2
Hi, so right now your GCSE grades are on the whole too low, as it is recommended to get straight 9s. However, it would depend on your postcode area. I recommend you do some research on whether your address and your school are considered as less advantaged.
Seeing your enthusiasm however, I believe it would be best you do lots of UCAT practice over the summer, and in these few months before summer try to skim over all of your A level courses in order to brief yourself and gain A*A*A*A* for your predicted A levels.
The reason I put lots of emphasis on UCAT is because, I believe, as in I have read somewhere, that Imperial considers UCAT score highly, and perhaps exclusively (if my memory serves me right). This would help you to overcome the barrier which is your GCSE grades.
I recommend you apply for Imperial with one of your 4 slots. It ranked higher than Oxford on university rankings last year.
Now, your A level choices are already optimised in that, almost every medical school requires chemistry A level, and Imperial, on top of that, requires Biology.
Make sure to prioritise your Maths, Biology and Chemistry over EPQ even if that means it needs to be dropped. Cambridge and Imperial do not consider UCAS Tariff Points so EPQ will not be that important.
Seeing your enthusiasm however, I believe it would be best you do lots of UCAT practice over the summer, and in these few months before summer try to skim over all of your A level courses in order to brief yourself and gain A*A*A*A* for your predicted A levels.
The reason I put lots of emphasis on UCAT is because, I believe, as in I have read somewhere, that Imperial considers UCAT score highly, and perhaps exclusively (if my memory serves me right). This would help you to overcome the barrier which is your GCSE grades.
I recommend you apply for Imperial with one of your 4 slots. It ranked higher than Oxford on university rankings last year.
Now, your A level choices are already optimised in that, almost every medical school requires chemistry A level, and Imperial, on top of that, requires Biology.
Make sure to prioritise your Maths, Biology and Chemistry over EPQ even if that means it needs to be dropped. Cambridge and Imperial do not consider UCAS Tariff Points so EPQ will not be that important.
Reply 3
In general, I think it's fair to say that your predicted A-level grades are more significant (to whether or not you get an interview) than your achieved GCSE grades.
Colleges vary, in this regard: some take the view that less-than-perfect GCSE grades followed by stellar A-level grades are actually a good thing, because they indicate an upward academic trajectory.
That said, it's probably also true that A-level Physics would give you a better chance than Biology (and probably for valid reason, to be fair).
Colleges vary, in this regard: some take the view that less-than-perfect GCSE grades followed by stellar A-level grades are actually a good thing, because they indicate an upward academic trajectory.
That said, it's probably also true that A-level Physics would give you a better chance than Biology (and probably for valid reason, to be fair).
Reply 4
Original post by itstgy
Hi, so right now your GCSE grades are on the whole too low, as it is recommended to get straight 9s. However, it would depend on your postcode area. I recommend you do some research on whether your address and your school are considered as less advantaged.
Seeing your enthusiasm however, I believe it would be best you do lots of UCAT practice over the summer, and in these few months before summer try to skim over all of your A level courses in order to brief yourself and gain A*A*A*A* for your predicted A levels.
The reason I put lots of emphasis on UCAT is because, I believe, as in I have read somewhere, that Imperial considers UCAT score highly, and perhaps exclusively (if my memory serves me right). This would help you to overcome the barrier which is your GCSE grades.
I recommend you apply for Imperial with one of your 4 slots. It ranked higher than Oxford on university rankings last year.
Now, your A level choices are already optimised in that, almost every medical school requires chemistry A level, and Imperial, on top of that, requires Biology.
Make sure to prioritise your Maths, Biology and Chemistry over EPQ even if that means it needs to be dropped. Cambridge and Imperial do not consider UCAS Tariff Points so EPQ will not be that important.
Seeing your enthusiasm however, I believe it would be best you do lots of UCAT practice over the summer, and in these few months before summer try to skim over all of your A level courses in order to brief yourself and gain A*A*A*A* for your predicted A levels.
The reason I put lots of emphasis on UCAT is because, I believe, as in I have read somewhere, that Imperial considers UCAT score highly, and perhaps exclusively (if my memory serves me right). This would help you to overcome the barrier which is your GCSE grades.
I recommend you apply for Imperial with one of your 4 slots. It ranked higher than Oxford on university rankings last year.
Now, your A level choices are already optimised in that, almost every medical school requires chemistry A level, and Imperial, on top of that, requires Biology.
Make sure to prioritise your Maths, Biology and Chemistry over EPQ even if that means it needs to be dropped. Cambridge and Imperial do not consider UCAS Tariff Points so EPQ will not be that important.
Also, just a quick correction—it’s based on the school and not the postcode. And don’t say that the EPQ is pointless because Cambridge still takes into consideration the fact that someone did one; it just won’t be part of any offer condition. It’s also a nice thing to talk about during the interview.
Everything you say about Imperial is correct. If it was just about Oxford, it would be too, as well as anything you said about the UCAT.
Reply 5
Original post by Anonymous
Hi,
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
Hi there, I'm a Cambridge Med offer holder this year. I think you have a chance. GCSEs are a tricky subject, Cambridge is more holistic in their approach to GCSEs compared to Oxford Med who are effectively rank you on your GCSEs and UCAT. I'm no admissions officer, but I'd say your GCSEs are quite impressive considering your circumstances. Hopefully they will be of a similar opinion.
StemSMART and wider reading is great, keep up with that. Make sure you have a good reference when you apply.
However you'll know if it's really attainable after your UCAT. You'll want a high one of these generally for Med, but this and good predicted grades will be the things that will differentiate you from other applicant. Word hard on this in the summer.
My advice is not to forget it yet. Your UCAT ultimately decides where you apply (have to be strategic for Med), but if you do get a high one, why not try? You have 4 options, this could be your aspirational one! Even if you get rejected pre interview, you won't be wondering 'what if', and as long as you have safer options for the rest (avoid GCSE heavy ones like Cardiff and Belfast), then you'll still have a chance of going to med school.
Reply 6
Original post by Anonymous
Hi,
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I'm a current year 12 student who really (like really) wants to study medicine but I think my GCSEs may hinder that.
My GCSE stats are 777776666 (I have a mixture of circumstances, like relocating to countries with very different curriculums at the end of year 10, delayed school placement, going to not the best-performing school, and being in care).
I want to study medicine at Cambridge solely on the way the course is structured (and not Oxford cause I will get rejected)
I currently do bio, chem maths, and an epq. Im currently enrolled on stemSMART, and doing super curricular like wider reading, care placements etc. I don't do any extracurricular activities. My question is should I still consider Cambridge or forget it? Thanks
I'd recommend not doing medicine. Not because of your stats, but because medicine is medicine. Kinda a bummer once you graduate. Also only a minority of medical graduates end up reaching consultant level or become fully qualified GPs (guesstimating as per GMC workforce report 2022). Also checkout this LinkedIn post (by a Cambs med grad w/ PhD) for an idea of what you're in for https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7301287617327747074/
Reply 7
Do CS instead - really revolutionary work with a much more merit based job market
Reply 8
Original post by lanky_giraffe
For Oxford, sure. But for Cambridge, I’d say they are okay, especially considering the circumstances, because Cambridge doesn’t care too much.
Also, just a quick correction—it’s based on the school and not the postcode. And don’t say that the EPQ is pointless because Cambridge still takes into consideration the fact that someone did one; it just won’t be part of any offer condition. It’s also a nice thing to talk about during the interview.
Everything you say about Imperial is correct. If it was just about Oxford, it would be too, as well as anything you said about the UCAT.
Also, just a quick correction—it’s based on the school and not the postcode. And don’t say that the EPQ is pointless because Cambridge still takes into consideration the fact that someone did one; it just won’t be part of any offer condition. It’s also a nice thing to talk about during the interview.
Everything you say about Imperial is correct. If it was just about Oxford, it would be too, as well as anything you said about the UCAT.
This is definitely right.
As you can see in several different places on the respective universities' websites, where statistics are given, one of the great differences between Cambridge and Oxford admissions procedures is that for undergraduate degrees in general, Cambridge colleges tend to interview a far higher proportion of applicants than Oxford ones.
I've also even seen at least a couple of Cambridge admissions stating openly (including at least once in this forum) that they barely look at GCSE results at all.
Reply 9
Original post by VictoriaChenevix
This is definitely right.
As you can see in several different places on the respective universities' websites, where statistics are given, one of the great differences between Cambridge and Oxford admissions procedures is that for undergraduate degrees in general, Cambridge colleges tend to interview a far higher proportion of applicants than Oxford ones.
I've also even seen at least a couple of Cambridge admissions stating openly (including at least once in this forum) that they barely look at GCSE results at all.
As you can see in several different places on the respective universities' websites, where statistics are given, one of the great differences between Cambridge and Oxford admissions procedures is that for undergraduate degrees in general, Cambridge colleges tend to interview a far higher proportion of applicants than Oxford ones.
I've also even seen at least a couple of Cambridge admissions stating openly (including at least once in this forum) that they barely look at GCSE results at all.
I think GCSEs varies a bit for colleges. Mine told me they really prioritise most recent academic performance. For me that would be AS results but most people it would be GCSEs. That’s only for one college though (Churchill).
Reply 10
Original post by Anonymous
I'd recommend not doing medicine. Not because of your stats, but because medicine is medicine. Kinda a bummer once you graduate. Also only a minority of medical graduates end up reaching consultant level or become fully qualified GPs (guesstimating as per GMC workforce report 2022). Also checkout this LinkedIn post (by a Cambs med grad w/ PhD) for an idea of what you're in for https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7301287617327747074/
Hey, it's just that I genuinely want to do medicine because it's a passion I can't explain. I only want to apply to Oxbridge (especially Cambridge) because the course is taught the traditional way (pre-clinical and clinical)
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