should I apply to Oxford HoA without taking it as an A-level?
I am currently a Year 12 student studying Art, French, History at A-level and I want to apply for History of Art at university. My GCSEs are 9999999888, however because I don’t take HoA A-level my teacher has discouraged me from applying to Oxford. We had a conversation and she basically said - I’ve seen so many good art historians apply for oxbridge, what makes you think you can get in. I know that I would have to put double the effort inHowever I’m still thinking if I should give it a chance. Has anyone that gotten into Oxford for BA HoA without HoA A-level?
Original post by Anonymous
I am currently a Year 12 student studying Art, French, History at A-level and I want to apply for History of Art at university. My GCSEs are 9999999888, however because I don’t take HoA A-level my teacher has discouraged me from applying to Oxford. We had a conversation and she basically said - I’ve seen so many good art historians apply for oxbridge, what makes you think you can get in. I know that I would have to put double the effort inHowever I’m still thinking if I should give it a chance. Has anyone that gotten into Oxford for BA HoA without HoA A-level?
According to data from HESA (the Higher Education Statistics Agency), published here on The Uni Guide, History of Art doesn't even appear amongst the top three A levels studied by those currently studying History of Art at University of Oxford.
That would tend to suggest that a lot of students are accepted without having studied it.
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
I am currently a Year 12 student studying Art, French, History at A-level and I want to apply for History of Art at university. My GCSEs are 9999999888, however because I don’t take HoA A-level my teacher has discouraged me from applying to Oxford. We had a conversation and she basically said - I’ve seen so many good art historians apply for oxbridge, what makes you think you can get in. I know that I would have to put double the effort inHowever I’m still thinking if I should give it a chance. Has anyone that gotten into Oxford for BA HoA without HoA A-level?
im not at Oxford 💔 but I do art history at another uni and tbh it’s rare to come across people who actually did it? I did it and while it was really good to know artists, if you buy yourself a solid art history book and get to know some of the big names, you’ll be fine. Id learn Genres, Eras, styles etc but not in huge detail - just so you recognise them a bit. Personally I think it’s better to have a general knowledge BUT THEN deep dive into what you actually want to know, instead of trying to learn everything. Also art history a level was just essays, if you’ve done art / history you’ll be fine
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