Should I think of oxford?

Hi!
Im currently in year 11 and looking at studying classics in uni.
My predicted gcses are 99999888887 (i think my teachers were glazing me and they should be more like 99988888777) with a 9 in latin and 8s in english literature and classics.
For a-level im planning to take classics, english, philosophy, and latin (id have to take it outside of school since my school doesnt offer it). If i eventually drop one, which would be best?
Also - what things should i look at doing outside of school to increase my chances?

as far as I know Oxford doesn't care if you have 4 a levels any more than if you do 3. and taking Latin a level outside of school would be so difficult! imo if your school doesn't offer Latin then either don't do it or go to another school. but of course if you work really hard you could do it, I just think it'd be insanely difficult.
ofc you should think of Oxford, you're clearly intelligent, and also if you're a FSM student apply to the Oxford UNIQ summer school and Cambridge Sutton trust summer school when u go y12. these are free as long as u meet the criteria. if not there are other opportunities that can boost your application but idk which ones I haven't researched any others.
you could go to Oxford open days and watch YouTube videos but by all means aim for Oxford if u want, even if you don't get in you don't waste anything by trying!!

Thanks @The_Lonely_Goatherd for the ping! @virtuous-window feel free to ask me any Qs about Oxford or the Classics degree
You don't need A-Level Latin to study Classics and Oxford - while obviously it's great to show interest (and already have some experience in the language at GCSE), if your school doesn't offer it then it is totally fine for you to not take as an A-Level. Oxford does need AAA for a standard offer so don't put your grades in danger if it'll be really difficult. The other subjects you mentioned would also be very useful for a Classics degree!
For extra activities, honestly anything Classics related is good. You can look into summer schools like UNIQ or the Wadham Classics summer school, enter competitions run by the Faculty of Classics outreach team, or enter essay competitions like the Mary Renault essay prize. But this can also just be reading books or listening to podcasts/talks etc about classics, you don't need to go to any special event! My personal recommendation would be to engage with 2/3 different areas of Classics you're particularly interested (for example a particular author, text, or time period) as this will really help you with your personal statement. You definitely don't need to stress about it until after your GCSEs though - focus on them for now, and good luck!

Thanks @The_Lonely_Goatherd for the ping! @virtuous-window feel free to ask me any Qs about Oxford or the Classics degree
You don't need A-Level Latin to study Classics and Oxford - while obviously it's great to show interest (and already have some experience in the language at GCSE), if your school doesn't offer it then it is totally fine for you to not take as an A-Level. Oxford does need AAA for a standard offer so don't put your grades in danger if it'll be really difficult. The other subjects you mentioned would also be very useful for a Classics degree!
For extra activities, honestly anything Classics related is good. You can look into summer schools like UNIQ or the Wadham Classics summer school, enter competitions run by the Faculty of Classics outreach team, or enter essay competitions like the Mary Renault essay prize. But this can also just be reading books or listening to podcasts/talks etc about classics, you don't need to go to any special event! My personal recommendation would be to engage with 2/3 different areas of Classics you're particularly interested (for example a particular author, text, or time period) as this will really help you with your personal statement. You definitely don't need to stress about it until after your GCSEs though - focus on them for now, and good luck!

hi, may I ask if GCSE results will have a large impact on chances of getting in? I got 9988776665 yesterday and it feels as if I don't stand a chance, but if I continue with super/extra curricular and get good alevels (im taking lit, classics and history as my two 9s were in english lit/lang and i got an 8 in ancient history), do I still have a good enough chance?

Hi!
Im currently in year 11 and looking at studying classics in uni.
My predicted gcses are 99999888887 (i think my teachers were glazing me and they should be more like 99988888777) with a 9 in latin and 8s in english literature and classics.
For a-level im planning to take classics, english, philosophy, and latin (id have to take it outside of school since my school doesnt offer it). If i eventually drop one, which would be best?
Also - what things should i look at doing outside of school to increase my chances?

Of course you have a chance with those grades - go for it - don’t overthink it.

hi, may I ask if GCSE results will have a large impact on chances of getting in? I got 9988776665 yesterday and it feels as if I don't stand a chance, but if I continue with super/extra curricular and get good alevels (im taking lit, classics and history as my two 9s were in english lit/lang and i got an 8 in ancient history), do I still have a good enough chance?

It's still worth a try, especially since they interview the vast majority of candidates. If the 5/6s are in less relevant subjects or you have any extenuating circumstances that will also play a factor. Many students who get all 9s are in really top performing or private schools - your GCSE grades are not necessarily a reflection of how you will do at university! Just focus on your A Levels and getting good predicted grades!

Thank you so much for replying - I feel deflated because every admission you see has mostly 9s, but do you really think the admissions test, predicted grades and provided essays etc from the application will be enough to present a good enough application?

I think it will be contextualised GCSEs plus the admissions test that will secure an interview. I think with predicted grades, as long as you meet the minimum, that’s all is required.