Cambridge or Oxford medicine

I got straight 9s (10 9's) at GCSE and am currently in yr 12 doing A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

My super and extra curriculars for medicine:
-I'm a youth volunteer and I volunteer on the wards at my local hospital
-Pfizer's work experience programme
-medicmentor virtual work experience
-I have been selected for work experience (shadowing/observation) at one of the largest hospitals in the county
-gold in ukmt and intermediate physics challenge
-attended BPho masterclass residential at oxford uni
-prefect, mental health champion, and also form guardian for yr 7
-done astrophysics research in collab with ucl
-i started and lead stem club for younger years
-level 2 qualified sports leader

I believe I have a good shot at applying for Oxbridge however I'm torn as to which uni to apply for.

I've wanted to go to Cambridge for years and I've done a lot of research into Cambridge, which I've really enjoyed doing (exploring the colleges online, reading every information I can find online, researching the colleges). I also know that Cambridge is regarded as better for STEM.

However, I know that Oxford regards GCSEs higher than Cambridge does so I would be at an advantage when applying for Oxford, particularly as they only interview 25% of applicants. I think this would increase my chances of getting in with my stats? And Cambridge places emphasis on interviews as they interview 75%, so if I botch my interviews I might botch my Cambridge application, whereas I might be better off applying to Oxford with their higher post-interview rate.

Both unis are beautiful and amazing, and I'd be privileged to be able to go to any of them. I really want to go to Oxbridge and I want to maximise my chances of doing so. I'm just quite torn as to which to go for and would appreciate any advice or suggestions. I've done research into the differences between them and the medicine course is similar, but I also know about the differences in location and size and such. If anyone can help I'd greatly appreciate it :smile:

(edited 4 weeks ago)

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

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Reply 2

marcus.0

Hi, I wouldn't pay too much attention to statistics here, apply where you think you would want to go. While it's true that Cambridge interviews more than Oxford, both require you to be outstanding in the interview phase to get in - it's not as if the Oxford interview is any easier.

Oxford does also consider GCSEs more than Cambridge, but the main factor both will be looking at will be UCAT score. I believe Oxford also don't pay as much mind to the personal statement as Cambridge, so make of that what you will.

Reply 3

acruelsummer

Original post

by marcus.0

Hi, I wouldn't pay too much attention to statistics here, apply where you think you would want to go. While it's true that Cambridge interviews more than Oxford, both require you to be outstanding in the interview phase to get in - it's not as if the Oxford interview is any easier.
Oxford does also consider GCSEs more than Cambridge, but the main factor both will be looking at will be UCAT score. I believe Oxford also don't pay as much mind to the personal statement as Cambridge, so make of that what you will.