Oxbridge views on my situation
Hi, so I’m in year 12 I do bio, chem and English lit. I’m aiming of going to Oxbridge for something to do with biomedical sciences, biochemistry or English. However, I do a sport competitively which I’m also thinking about doing professionally. I don’t want to rule any of these out, as I’ve worked hard in both my academics and sport. I was thinking, since I’m struggling to fit in time to do my sport because of the long commute and workload of sixth form, that I could drop an a level and focus on just two for now. Hopefully by the time I’m 18, I’ll have an idea on what path I want to go to and if need be I could do the other a level later if I decide on uni. But I know Oxbridge would probably view this as a disadvantage, as only two levels may show that I can’t handle the workload, which I can if if I wasn’t also trying to build a professional career outside of academics. Any advice?
All courses at Oxford and Cambridge (and most universities in the UK I'd note) normally require 3 A-levels (and Oxbridge tend to prefer these are taken together in the standard two year time frame, sitting the exams for all three subjects in one exam sitting). I'm not aware of them making exceptions for professional or elite athletes.
If you drop an A-level and only take two A-levels then I think you would be making a decision to not go to uni in the immediate future. You would need to later probably do an access to HE course or similar, or take a further A-level and apply only to unis which don't mind if you take A-levels in multiple sittings (which may rule out some of the universities you are thinking of if you are aiming at Oxbridge).
I don't think dropping an A-level is the solution to your actual problem, which is lack of time due to a long commute. I think the solution to that problem is either to move closer to where you are studying with your family, or to change to a 6th form closer to where you live.
If you drop an A-level and only take two A-levels then I think you would be making a decision to not go to uni in the immediate future. You would need to later probably do an access to HE course or similar, or take a further A-level and apply only to unis which don't mind if you take A-levels in multiple sittings (which may rule out some of the universities you are thinking of if you are aiming at Oxbridge).
I don't think dropping an A-level is the solution to your actual problem, which is lack of time due to a long commute. I think the solution to that problem is either to move closer to where you are studying with your family, or to change to a 6th form closer to where you live.
Reply 2
As a previous user highlighted, Oxbridge require 3 A-Levels in the same exam sitting and commuting is likely a factor as to why you're struggling with the workload, but also your dedication to sports is also likely to add to that but it's great you're passionate.
Have you spoken with your parents or teachers to get their thoughts on how you can manage and aim for Oxbridge?
Have you spoken with your parents or teachers to get their thoughts on how you can manage and aim for Oxbridge?
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousHi, so I’m in year 12 I do bio, chem and English lit. I’m aiming of going to Oxbridge for something to do with biomedical sciences, biochemistry or English. However, I do a sport competitively which I’m also thinking about doing professionally. I don’t want to rule any of these out, as I’ve worked hard in both my academics and sport. I was thinking, since I’m struggling to fit in time to do my sport because of the long commute and workload of sixth form, that I could drop an a level and focus on just two for now. Hopefully by the time I’m 18, I’ll have an idea on what path I want to go to and if need be I could do the other a level later if I decide on uni. But I know Oxbridge would probably view this as a disadvantage, as only two levels may show that I can’t handle the workload, which I can if if I wasn’t also trying to build a professional career outside of academics. Any advice?
Why not aim for Bath or Loughborough where sport can be done alongside your degree? For example Sam Cook [cricketer] did his degree and played first class cricket at the same time.
Reply 4
Original post
by Muttley79Why not aim for Bath or Loughborough where sport can be done alongside your degree? For example Sam Cook [cricketer] did his degree and played first class cricket at the same time.
Hmmm I’ll look into it definitely
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