What are my chances of getting into University of Washington-Seattle and University of Oregon-Eugene?

What are my chances of getting into Oxford University?

• Hello! Okay so recently I visited a University local to me (i live in the UK) for a programme called "Gifted and Talented" where I looked at a few prospectuses as I have been interested in studying Law for a while, and since I have researched the topic thoroughly, I have decided that I would like to study Law in University. I have always had my heart set on Oxford as I feel that it would be such an amazing experience and I realise that they really study the subjects in great depth and detail which would really be truly incredible as I really am passionate about studying Law and in my opinion I think that Oxford would help me achieve my fullest potential. So now rant is over, but I am currently in Year 11 in Comprehensive school and have so far been predicted the following grades: Math: B / A English: A* History: B / A RE: A Science: A Science (additional) : A Catering: A* French: A Welsh: A Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass (equivalent to 3 GCSE's) So those are my predicted grades so far. Maths is really the only one which I find slightly difficult, but I am thinking of getting a tutor to make sure I achieve an A! For AS and A Level, these are the subjects I hope to take: Law English Biology Ancient History As I wish to do Law at University, I feel that by taking Law at A level, I will have some background knowledge on the subject. Do you think that these subjects are academic enough for Oxford? I believe that if I put in full effort and work to my absolute best, I could probably achieve A / A* for all of these subjects (especially English)! The current 'achievements' I have accomplished so far are: -Swimming (I used to belong to a swimming club and had swimming lessons from age 4-11) -Piano, started at age 13 and am now 15, on Grade 5 and planning on completing all grades. -Gifted and Talented (only a few students in my year at school were chosen for this.) -Volunteered for Barnardos for a few weeks (for Welsh Bacc) -Have had a French exchange Student. -Planning on going to Camp America during summer of A levels -Planning on getting a job when I turn 16 (in June) -Planning on going to UNIQ summer school (for Oxford) -I volunteer for walking people's dogs around the village I live in And those are all of the things I can think off the top of my head, but if you would like to know more (to be able to answer my question more thoroughly) then email me at [email protected] The School I attend is relevantly small but is a School (which you have to apply to to be able to attend) with around 550 pupils. Basing on the criteria that have provided (obviously I know that I would have to take the LNAT and interviews, but provided I do those decently..) do you personally think that I have a chance of getting into Oxford University? It has been my life's dream!! Thank you for reading this, as I would like to see if it is a realistic aim for myself. But, if I do achieve AAA at A level (predicted) then I will apply as I have nothing to lose! But realistically do you think I have a chance? Thank you for reading, Florence xx

• Answer:

  Don't take Law. Oxford and Cambridge love traditional subjects, and Law at A level is not one of those. To study Law you need a good background of history and to be charismatic (possibly English?). We got told this quote: "if you are the kind of person, who, standing at a bus stop, would take out a book and read it, just because you are the kind of person who wants to further their knowledge at every possible chance, then maybe you have what Oxbridge are looking for" I would also work very hard to get a few A*s at GCSE, and As at A level. Start nagging solicitor's firms now for work experience. Start a debating society, or a Law society (or both). Mentor history to younger students. Read books that are way past your intellectual level. Then, you might get in. Also, it helps if you speak in received pronunciation and are generally very middle class. That's why I hate Oxbridge, but whatever.