Oxford GCSE Grades

Hello! I'm a year 12 and wondering if my GCSE grades will prevent me from getting into Oxford (Law). I chose History, Law and Psychology as my A-Levels and I'm getting all As so far but I'm aware it will get harder. My GCSE grades were:

History - 9
English Literature - 7
English Language - 7
Maths- 7
Science - 8-7
Business - 6
German - 6
Textiles - 6

I'm aware they're not the greatest and I've even seen people questioning if Oxford will take them when they've got all 9s, 8s and 7s. I was 2 marks off a 7 in Business and Textiles but stupidly missed the remark period as my school wasn't very helpful in explaining the process.

I've already started working on work experience and super-curriculars but will my GCSE grades completely destroy my chances of getting in or do they just mean every other aspect needs to be as perfect as possible. (I've also looked at the LNAT and it's right up my street so hopefully that'll be a high point.) I've also heard of them giving some grace to students from disadvantaged families and I come from one so I just thought I'd mention that. Thanks!!

Reply 1

Teadrinker2

I would say if you have strong predicted grades, strong personal statement and a brilliant LNAT score (which carries a lot of weight) then you could be shortlisted for an interview. However, if you are really concerned over your GCSE grades then you could take a gap year and apply with your A-levels (which would discount your GCSEs) and work really hard on the LNAT for next year. Obviously that would take careful consideration.

Reply 2

Dolce Vita

Original post

by isabellajaynexxx

Hello! I'm a year 12 and wondering if my GCSE grades will prevent me from getting into Oxford (Law). I chose History, Law and Psychology as my A-Levels and I'm getting all As so far but I'm aware it will get harder. My GCSE grades were:
History - 9
English Literature - 7
English Language - 7
Maths- 7
Science - 8-7
Business - 6
German - 6
Textiles - 6
I'm aware they're not the greatest and I've even seen people questioning if Oxford will take them when they've got all 9s, 8s and 7s. I was 2 marks off a 7 in Business and Textiles but stupidly missed the remark period as my school wasn't very helpful in explaining the process.
I've already started working on work experience and super-curriculars but will my GCSE grades completely destroy my chances of getting in or do they just mean every other aspect needs to be as perfect as possible. (I've also looked at the LNAT and it's right up my street so hopefully that'll be a high point.) I've also heard of them giving some grace to students from disadvantaged families and I come from one so I just thought I'd mention that. Thanks!!

Hi, I’d also say to make sure relevant contextual factors are included in your school reference. This will ensure that all aspects of your application are placed in appropriate context when assessing your application. Good luck.

Reply 3

thegeek888

Original post

by isabellajaynexxx

Hello! I'm a year 12 and wondering if my GCSE grades will prevent me from getting into Oxford (Law). I chose History, Law and Psychology as my A-Levels and I'm getting all As so far but I'm aware it will get harder. My GCSE grades were:
History - 9
English Literature - 7
English Language - 7
Maths- 7
Science - 8-7
Business - 6
German - 6
Textiles - 6
I'm aware they're not the greatest and I've even seen people questioning if Oxford will take them when they've got all 9s, 8s and 7s. I was 2 marks off a 7 in Business and Textiles but stupidly missed the remark period as my school wasn't very helpful in explaining the process.
I've already started working on work experience and super-curriculars but will my GCSE grades completely destroy my chances of getting in or do they just mean every other aspect needs to be as perfect as possible. (I've also looked at the LNAT and it's right up my street so hopefully that'll be a high point.) I've also heard of them giving some grace to students from disadvantaged families and I come from one so I just thought I'd mention that. Thanks!!

They're very good grades for somebody from a disadvantaged family background. So, don't forget to tell your referee to mention it in your reference.

Also, writing a 'stellar' UCAS Personal Statement will be advantageous as will scoring 30 and above in the LNAT admissions test, as well as a high score in the LNAT essay. 🙂

I wonder which college you've chosen?

I recommend St. John's, Hertford, Teddy Hall and Univ.

Also, don't forget to checkout: "The Oxford University Alternative Prospectus." 😉

College Suggester - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus

I wonder if you're also applying to the LSE? They love to see mostly 9/8/7 grades. ☹️

However, UCL only ask for C grades in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language!!! 😀 lol

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

isabellajaynexxx

Original post

by thegeek888

They're very good grades for somebody from a disadvantaged family background. So, don't forget to tell your referee to mention it in your reference.
Also, writing a 'stellar' UCAS Personal Statement will be advantageous as will scoring 30 and above in the LNAT admissions test, as well as a high score in the LNAT essay. 🙂
I wonder which college you've chosen?
I recommend St. John's, Hertford, Teddy Hall and Univ.
Also, don't forget to checkout: "The Oxford University Alternative Prospectus." 😉
College Suggester - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus
I wonder if you're also applying to the LSE? They love to see mostly 9/8/7 grades. ☹️
However, UCL only ask for C grades in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language!!! 😀 lol

i have considered LSE and i’m looking at Teddy Hall or i’m in love with Queens college.

Reply 5

tinkerbello

Original post

by thegeek888

They're very good grades for somebody from a disadvantaged family background. So, don't forget to tell your referee to mention it in your reference.
Also, writing a 'stellar' UCAS Personal Statement will be advantageous as will scoring 30 and above in the LNAT admissions test, as well as a high score in the LNAT essay. 🙂
I wonder which college you've chosen?
I recommend St. John's, Hertford, Teddy Hall and Univ.
Also, don't forget to checkout: "The Oxford University Alternative Prospectus." 😉
College Suggester - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus
I wonder if you're also applying to the LSE? They love to see mostly 9/8/7 grades. ☹️
However, UCL only ask for C grades in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language!!! 😀 lol

Please stop putting the word stellar in quotation marks - it doesn’t require it. It’s not a slang term or jargon.
It drives me potty!
Thank you

Reply 6

transient-jockey

Original post

by isabellajaynexxx

Hello! I'm a year 12 and wondering if my GCSE grades will prevent me from getting into Oxford (Law). I chose History, Law and Psychology as my A-Levels and I'm getting all As so far but I'm aware it will get harder. My GCSE grades were:
History - 9
English Literature - 7
English Language - 7
Maths- 7
Science - 8-7
Business - 6
German - 6
Textiles - 6
I'm aware they're not the greatest and I've even seen people questioning if Oxford will take them when they've got all 9s, 8s and 7s. I was 2 marks off a 7 in Business and Textiles but stupidly missed the remark period as my school wasn't very helpful in explaining the process.
I've already started working on work experience and super-curriculars but will my GCSE grades completely destroy my chances of getting in or do they just mean every other aspect needs to be as perfect as possible. (I've also looked at the LNAT and it's right up my street so hopefully that'll be a high point.) I've also heard of them giving some grace to students from disadvantaged families and I come from one so I just thought I'd mention that. Thanks!!

Where did you sit your Gcse's?

I believe Oxford calculate a score for you based on your results compared with your schools cohort. So someone with your grades at A state school that generally under achieves on gcses results would be valued equally/above someone with higher grades at A well performing at gcse grammar/selective/private school.

They call it the cgcse score- but I'm not exactly sure how they calculate it !