Are GCSE Languages Hard?

Do I still have a chance for an English/Modern Languages course at Oxford with an A at English GCSE?

• Hi, I've just finished my GCSEs and achieved a total of 10 A* grades and 2 A grades. However, one of the A grades was in English Literature.. Will this have a massive effect on any chance I would have had applying for this course when the times comes, even if I carry on to achieve the required A level grades? I have an A* in English Language as well as an A* in German, my chosen language, and plan in taking English Lang/Lit, German, Chemistry and Biology to A level. I also have a couple of German pen friends and plan on doing some work experience in Germany next summer, as I've heard Oxford likes candidates who take an interest in their subject outside of academic grades. Just wondered whether I should be changing my plans at this stage.. I understand that it's waay early to be thinking about this, but Oxford's sort of always been the dream and I'd be gutted if I've lowered my chances already! Thanks :)

• Answer:

  If it's a blip, you'll be fine. If you are 'only' an A candidate, i.e. 8% or so of students taking English Lit at GCSE are really better at it than you, then you don't stand much of a chance. But from your comments it sounds like a blip. Go for it. What's the worst that can happen - that they say no? You still have 4 other choices.