Cambridge or Oxford applying?
Hello!
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
Reply 1
Hi there,
Although Bath don't offer medicine so I couldn't comment on what the course will be like, medical courses in the UK have a lot of content in common and so regardless of where you go to do your medical degree you will be taught everything you need to become a doctor/medic. From that standpoint there is no massive advantage to going to Oxford or Cambridge over another university.
However, if you wanted to aim for these, that is absolutely fine - both are extremely competitive places and so I would encourage you should you choose to apply for one, be very realistic with your other choices and try to have a good insurance choice or insurance course (biomedical sciences, pharmacy etc).
On how to choose between them - have you visited them both? Looked around the campuses/colleges and cities? If not, YouTube will have vids you can watch to get a sense, and there will also be plenty of TSR threads on here from current/former Oxbridge students which could be a helpful resource. Also, make sure to look at the contextual criteria for both unis and how they use that data - this may give you a sense of how your circumstances are considered by Admissions.
If you do get offers from them then they may invite you to offer holder visit days - if you are able, I'd encourage you to go - and also to check out any travel bursaries they have to help you towards travelling to the events. Visiting them in the flesh is a great way to get a sense of whether you could see yourself being happy there.
Hope this helps a little bit, best of luck!
University of Bath
Although Bath don't offer medicine so I couldn't comment on what the course will be like, medical courses in the UK have a lot of content in common and so regardless of where you go to do your medical degree you will be taught everything you need to become a doctor/medic. From that standpoint there is no massive advantage to going to Oxford or Cambridge over another university.
However, if you wanted to aim for these, that is absolutely fine - both are extremely competitive places and so I would encourage you should you choose to apply for one, be very realistic with your other choices and try to have a good insurance choice or insurance course (biomedical sciences, pharmacy etc).
On how to choose between them - have you visited them both? Looked around the campuses/colleges and cities? If not, YouTube will have vids you can watch to get a sense, and there will also be plenty of TSR threads on here from current/former Oxbridge students which could be a helpful resource. Also, make sure to look at the contextual criteria for both unis and how they use that data - this may give you a sense of how your circumstances are considered by Admissions.
If you do get offers from them then they may invite you to offer holder visit days - if you are able, I'd encourage you to go - and also to check out any travel bursaries they have to help you towards travelling to the events. Visiting them in the flesh is a great way to get a sense of whether you could see yourself being happy there.
Hope this helps a little bit, best of luck!
University of Bath
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
20
so I would encourage you should you choose to apply for one or both
You cannot apply for both Oxford and Cambridge !
You cannot apply for both Oxford and Cambridge !
Reply 3
11
Universities in the UK don't take DEI into account that much, you are just marked as having extenuating circumstances.
Oxford weigh GCSEs more, interviews are harder to get, but more are accepted from the interview round.
Cambridge won't weigh GCSEs as much and are more holistic, interviews are easier to get, but way fewer are accepted post-interview.
So if you want an interview, go for Cambridge. But statistically speaking, it is harder to get past their interview, so I would put your final odds at pretty similar levels between the two. Either way, if you are not an outstanding student, these marginal 'better odds' won't make the difference.
Oxford weigh GCSEs more, interviews are harder to get, but more are accepted from the interview round.
Cambridge won't weigh GCSEs as much and are more holistic, interviews are easier to get, but way fewer are accepted post-interview.
So if you want an interview, go for Cambridge. But statistically speaking, it is harder to get past their interview, so I would put your final odds at pretty similar levels between the two. Either way, if you are not an outstanding student, these marginal 'better odds' won't make the difference.
Reply 4
Original post
by McGingerso I would encourage you should you choose to apply for one or both
You cannot apply for both Oxford and Cambridge !
You cannot apply for both Oxford and Cambridge !
Yes I know that which is why I asked which one to chose
. Thanks for the reminder !Reply 5
Original post
by marcus.0Universities in the UK don't take DEI into account that much, you are just marked as having extenuating circumstances.
Oxford weigh GCSEs more, interviews are harder to get, but more are accepted from the interview round.
Cambridge won't weigh GCSEs as much and are more holistic, interviews are easier to get, but way fewer are accepted post-interview.
So if you want an interview, go for Cambridge. But statistically speaking, it is harder to get past their interview, so I would put your final odds at pretty similar levels between the two. Either way, if you are not an outstanding student, these marginal 'better odds' won't make the difference.
Oxford weigh GCSEs more, interviews are harder to get, but more are accepted from the interview round.
Cambridge won't weigh GCSEs as much and are more holistic, interviews are easier to get, but way fewer are accepted post-interview.
So if you want an interview, go for Cambridge. But statistically speaking, it is harder to get past their interview, so I would put your final odds at pretty similar levels between the two. Either way, if you are not an outstanding student, these marginal 'better odds' won't make the difference.
Thanks! I’ll consider these when deciding ! It’s really helpful.
Reply 6
Original post
by username7805784Hello!
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
I would strongly suggest you choose Cambridge instead of Oxford. For medicine in general you have exceptional GCSEs but Oxford weighs GCSEs incredibly heavily, and the average person shortlisted for interview this year at Oxford had 10.2 A* and no As. Your pA* at gcse is 0.5, and nobody who had a pA* of this or lower got an interview this year for Oxford.
Cambridge doesn’t weigh GCSE’s as highly.
Good luck with your application process and the UCAT!
Reply 7
Original post
by username7805784Hello!
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
I’m trying to decide whether to apply to Oxford or Cambridge for Medicine, but I’m a bit torn because their teaching styles seem quite similar. For context, my GCSEs aren’t exceptional, but I achieved 6 A*s and 6 As, which is slightly below the average medicine applicant.
At A level, I’m predicted A*A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus an EPQ (prediction not yet given, but I’m expecting at least an A).
Given my profile, which university would give me a better chance of securing at least an interview?
People have also told me that, because I have a (very minor) disability, come from a very under-represented ethnic background, and am a refugee, I might have a slightly higher chance of being accepted at these universities. I’m not sure how true this is, so I was wondering whether these factors could realistically make any difference.
Thanks!
( sorry for any spelling mistakes I wrote this quickly )
Do you mean your targets are those grades? If you are in Year 12 no teacher can honestly give A* predictions now.
There's no advantage in applying to Oxbridge for Medicine - in fact many bright students don't because you get less patient contact.
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