Year 12, dreaming of Oxbridge. Unsure of whether it’s achievable.
Hello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
What degree and which A levels are you studying?
Reply 2
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Support is available in a number of forms, Zero Gravity may be an option for you and they provide mentoring, subject masterclasses and scholarships that will help: https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/school-students
Both Oxford and Cambridge run Widening Participation and Access programs that are pretty comprehensive too: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/find-out-more/widening-participation
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/increasing-access/uniq-news-and-updates
The Oxbridge colleges also run their own support programs, including residential courses to support year 12 students and they particularly focus on and prioritise contextual potential applicants. You will need to do your research on each of the individual college websites for full details.
However it’s important to understand that Oxbridge operate at the highest academic standards and they will assess your application with a view to ultimately deciding if you are, under the right circumstances, capable of achieving at that level. So your ability to demonstrate this as strongly as possible at sixth form level will make a material difference to that decision.
Good Luck!
Reply 3
Original post
by Muttley79What degree and which A levels are you studying?
I plan to do a history degree, although I may do history with political science. As for A levels, I’m doing History, Ancient history and Politics.
Reply 4
Original post
by keeganfautserI plan to do a history degree, although I may do history with political science. As for A levels, I’m doing History, Ancient history and Politics.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/history
I would suggest reading about eras outside your A level course - what do your teachers suggest?
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Go for it if you don't take the shot you will regret it. You never know don't listen to what everyone else says!
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Yeah, you should be fine if you do well in your A-Levels. When you apply, you'll be able to explain in more depth any extenuating circumstances and they really do value progression.
Reply 7
3
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Hi, Oxbridge may contextualise your GCSE. So did everyone at your school also struggle and achieve similar/lower grades than you? Basically how you fare with others on a normal distribution (somewhat). Also do some reading about your course/topics of interest AND reflect on them. It's important to show that your interest extends beyond the classroom. Try to attend some Oxbridge webinars (see which colleges have them) to get a better idea of what they want.
Also you can tell them about why you 'struggled' if you think it could be considered an extenuating circumstance/mitigating factor.
Start early. Be positive. All will be well with you.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
Original post
by AnonymousHello all! I’m in a sticky situation.
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
I’ve been told by many I’m capable of getting into Oxbridge. I have a great passion for academics, particularly history, and I have a really good work ethic when it comes to academia. This is all great, and I’m happy that people even consider me as a possible candidate for such prestigious establishments, but I don’t know if I can actually get in.
At GCSE I struggled - quite a bit. Ended up with 88887544 in the end, enough to go to my dream sixth form college but… idk if that’s enough for the universities I dream of. I understand context matters, I went to a pretty bad state school at secondary and live in what’s considered a deprived area. My parents never went to uni, and during the GCSE period I was undiagnosed autistic, and struggling a lot with the social aspects of school which really demotivated me to attend.
Now that I’m in college (huzzah!), I’ve been really proud of my progress and position.
If I can get A* x3, considering the context around my GCSE results, do I actually have a chance to go to Oxbridge? Whilst I’d be thrilled if I could, I don’t want to be hoping for it during my whole college tenure if it’s ultimately extremely unlikely, or just unachievable in general. If it is within my grasp, I think I’ll work harder than I ever have in my life lmao! Also, any advice on extra things I can do in and out of college to boost my chances is welcomed, but feel no obligation to answer if this question is already too long!
(Be brutally honest w me too, please :> )
Hope it goes well! I'm not really in a state to comment on this, but regardless hope you do well!!!!
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