Oxbridge Reapplication?

Personally speaking, I'm not really a fan of the idea of rejecting perfectly fine universities with the intention of reapplying to Oxbridge next year. You are putting unnecessary risk on your future by wanting to get into these elite institutions.

From what I’ve heard/read, if I achieve the grades and reapply to the same universities, then there’s little chance of rejection, so the overall risk seems quite small.
However it’s definitely something I need to take into consideration, especially as I’d be taking a year out and nothing is guaranteed.

Hi Guys
I applied to Oxford Biochemistry and was rejected pre‑interview in November. My GCSEs were 9999988776, which may have contributed.
I’m now considering reapplying to Oxbridge next year if I achieve my predicted 3 A*s in bio, chem and maths this summer. Most likely to Cambridge for bio natsci rather than Oxford again.
At the moment I have offers from Bath (Natural Sciences) and Warwick (Biochemistry), both of which I’d be happy to take if I don’t meet the grades to reapply.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Hey! I'm in a similar situation to yours. Got rejected from Oxford pre-interview to study Chemical Engineering, and I'm considering reapplying to Cambridge for Physical NatSci. In my case, I know the PAT was the problem, I messed it up completely, and I know that I'll do better in the ESAT. Also, I'd be studying at a university in my home country (I'm international) during my gap year in order to maintain the Maths, Phys and Chem skills (uni is basicaclly free here so it's not that big of a deal). To me, personally, taking a "gap year" does seem worth it, with the chances of getting in being significantly greater. Also, I am starting to think that the course I've applied to isn't really the right one. Either way, it is obviously a big decision and many factors have to be taken into account.
Anyways, this wasn't really useful but I thought I'd let you know you're not the only one in this position! Good luck!

Thank you for sharing.
I also think that the doing ESAT would give me an advantage if I reapply - especially as I have no other exams to focus on.
The fact that biochem at Oxford had no admissions test and I was rejected pre interview didn’t work in my favour, as there wasn’t any way to show what I can do.
With the ESAT, and that fact that Cambridge interview a much higher proportion of applicants, at least gives me a chance to demonstrate my ability.
I think applying post A-Levels puts me in a much stronger position, but I have to be realistic about my chances and if it’s worth taking a year out of education for a small chance I get it.
Good luck to you too!!

From what I’ve heard/read, if I achieve the grades and reapply to the same universities, then there’s little chance of rejection, so the overall risk seems quite small.
However it’s definitely something I need to take into consideration, especially as I’d be taking a year out and nothing is guaranteed.

Not the full picture with Oxbridge, you still have to impress in the admissions test + interviews. Predicted grades are viewed the same as achieved ones in admissions, it's just that your offer would be unconditional.

Hey! I'm in a similar situation to yours. Got rejected from Oxford pre-interview to study Chemical Engineering, and I'm considering reapplying to Cambridge for Physical NatSci. In my case, I know the PAT was the problem, I messed it up completely, and I know that I'll do better in the ESAT. Also, I'd be studying at a university in my home country (I'm international) during my gap year in order to maintain the Maths, Phys and Chem skills (uni is basicaclly free here so it's not that big of a deal). To me, personally, taking a "gap year" does seem worth it, with the chances of getting in being significantly greater. Also, I am starting to think that the course I've applied to isn't really the right one. Either way, it is obviously a big decision and many factors have to be taken into account.
Anyways, this wasn't really useful but I thought I'd let you know you're not the only one in this position! Good luck!

Oxbridge don't like applications from people already at university.

just in case you care, I asked basically all the Cambridge colleges and the ones that have answered have said there's no restriction whatsoever for students reapplying whilst studying at a foreign uni.

That's not what it says on the website ...

Hi Guys
I applied to Oxford Biochemistry and was rejected pre‑interview in November. My GCSEs were 9999988776, which may have contributed.
I’m now considering reapplying to Oxbridge next year if I achieve my predicted 3 A*s in bio, chem and maths this summer. Most likely to Cambridge for bio natsci rather than Oxford again.
At the moment I have offers from Bath (Natural Sciences) and Warwick (Biochemistry), both of which I’d be happy to take if I don’t meet the grades to reapply.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Oxbridge don't like applications from people already at university.

Hi Guys
I applied to Oxford Biochemistry and was rejected pre‑interview in November. My GCSEs were 9999988776, which may have contributed.
I’m now considering reapplying to Oxbridge next year if I achieve my predicted 3 A*s in bio, chem and maths this summer. Most likely to Cambridge for bio natsci rather than Oxford again.
At the moment I have offers from Bath (Natural Sciences) and Warwick (Biochemistry), both of which I’d be happy to take if I don’t meet the grades to reapply.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Your gcse's are below the average for those who get offers for biochemistry.This is the most likely reason for your pre interview rejection.

Hi,
Yeah I do think that was the most likely reason for the rejection.
I was mainly asking about peoples views on whether they think taking a gap year to reapply with achieved A-level grades is worth it.