I want to reapply to Oxford but I’m scared of people’s reactions

I initially made the decision not to reapply for Oxford because everyone told me ‘oh York is still a good university’ and I felt like i didn’t have any other option.

But deep down I really want to reapply, but it feels like everyone is just going to tell me ‘no just do this it’s not worth it’ when it’s really what I want to do.

Even if I wasn’t reapplying I’m taking a gap year anyway, so it would be either reapplying or taking deferred offers. But, I feel like my mind is made up and has been for ages, I just don’t know how to tell people.

Any advice?

Reply 1

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Anonymous

Just don't tell them; you are not obliged to.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by melancollege

Just don't tell them; you are not obliged to.

Sorry, maybe I should’ve clarified. Really, I mean my parents. They need to know cause currently they think I’m going to York this year!

Reply 3

The_Lonely_Goatherd

Original post

by Anonymous

Sorry, maybe I should’ve clarified. Really, I mean my parents. They need to know cause currently they think I’m going to York this year!

Generally, I don't advise people to reapply unless there's something explicit in your post-interview feedback, indicating that you were extremely close to getting a place. That said, in the interest of addressing the question at hand: how badly might your parents react? Are they likely to actively try and block you from reapplying to Oxford (like, by threatening to disown you, or saying they won't support you financially?)?

If not, try and think of all your reasons for reapplying and make them sound as convincing as possible. Make a list of reasons why you think it's in your best interest to reapply, and try and anticipate their counterarguments and have a counter-counterargument ready. If that makes sense?

Reply 4

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Anonymous

Sorry, maybe I should’ve clarified. Really, I mean my parents. They need to know cause currently they think I’m going to York this year!

Even still, you don't need to tell them you're applying to Oxford, just that you're doing a gap year.

I would take note of the other poster's point. Taking a year out of your life just to apply for Oxford is a very big gamble.

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

Original post

by The_Lonely_Goatherd

Generally, I don't advise people to reapply unless there's something explicit in your post-interview feedback, indicating that you were extremely close to getting a place. That said, in the interest of addressing the question at hand: how badly might your parents react? Are they likely to actively try and block you from reapplying to Oxford (like, by threatening to disown you, or saying they won't support you financially?)?
If not, try and think of all your reasons for reapplying and make them sound as convincing as possible. Make a list of reasons why you think it's in your best interest to reapply, and try and anticipate their counterarguments and have a counter-counterargument ready. If that makes sense?

Well, I received two interviews and in my first one the professor actually said that he really enjoyed it. Really I think I got unlucky with my second interview because I really clashed with the professors, whereas I really connected with the ones in the first. My teachers seem to think I was borderline but in the end I lost out.

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

Original post

by melancollege

Even still, you don't need to tell them you're applying to Oxford, just that you're doing a gap year.
I would take note of the other poster's point. Taking a year out of your life just to apply for Oxford is a very big gamble.

Well, I’ve already deferred my offers for York, so either why I’m taking a gap year for mental health reasons. So, my decision is keeping my deferred offer or reapplying for Oxford. The gap year is being taken regardless.

Reply 7

xyz1234567

I would be cautious of drawing any conclusions about your performance based on a professor saying he enjoyed speaking to you. That could just be a polite way of closing the interview that he said to every candidate.

Have you had any official feedback indicating that you were borderline?

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

Original post

by xyz1234567

I would be cautious of drawing any conclusions about your performance based on a professor saying he enjoyed speaking to you. That could just be a polite way of closing the interview that he said to every candidate.
Have you had any official feedback indicating that you were borderline?

Neither of the colleges actually gave feedback unfortunately. I was told on the decision letter.

Reply 9

xyz1234567

See how things go on on results day. If you meet or exceed your predicted grades then it is likely that York will offer you a place again so you lose nothing. I’m assuming you aren’t doing a mathsy type course where unis don’t like gap years.

If you are set on taking a gap year then the only downside of reapplying is that it will take up the first few months of that gap year. If you need a gap year for mental health reasons, is it going to help your mental health to go through the Oxford admissions stress all over again? And if you get rejected will it ruin the second part of the gap year?

What is it that you are worried your parents will say if you tell them you are reapplying?

Reply 10

The_Lonely_Goatherd

Some great advice/points on here, so no need for me to repeat most points. Just to echo the above point about safeguarding your mental health. Please do take care to ensure that, whatever you do (in terms of reapplying, accepting an interview invite (if offered one) and accepting an offer (if made)), that you always prioritise your mental wellbeing. I don't mean to be a party pooper, but I do think it's important for those with existing (or a disposition towards) mental health issues to go in with their eyes fully open. Also it's very hard to do a degree anywhere (let alone Oxbridge) if your mental health is not stable and you have a good support network, including professional help if appropriate.

You don't have to say what your mental health is like atm/any diagnoses but, if you have a diagnosis, then declare it on UCAS if you reapply and find out all you can about what support you can expect from Oxford (the uni, and your specific college) if you were to go there. Like, for example, what support would you get if you fell behind with work, or couldn't leave your accommodation. I would especially urge you to find out how/whether your mental health condition can be factored into reasonable adjustments for Oxford exams, and whether the examiners would consider your mental health diagnosis when awarding exam grades/final degree classification.

Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, or to turn down an offer (should you reapply and be fortunate enough to get one this time around)! Make sure you are happy with all the info you receive after your digging into Oxford's support, and compare it with the other unis you get offers from/York, and weigh it all up.

Health is always the most important thing :yep:

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 11

thegeek888

Original post

by Anonymous

I initially made the decision not to reapply for Oxford because everyone told me ‘oh York is still a good university’ and I felt like i didn’t have any other option.
But deep down I really want to reapply, but it feels like everyone is just going to tell me ‘no just do this it’s not worth it’ when it’s really what I want to do.
Even if I wasn’t reapplying I’m taking a gap year anyway, so it would be either reapplying or taking deferred offers. But, I feel like my mind is made up and has been for ages, I just don’t know how to tell people.
Any advice?

Are you applying to a different college at Oxford this time?

I wonder which degree course you're considering?

What are your A-Level predicted grades?