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Oxford or Cambridge University?

Do Gcse's matter when applying for Oxford/ Cambridge University?

  • Heya, basically I am a GCSE students who is currently taking all my exams and am worried that ‘I won’t get the right grades. I will definitely get enough to go to sixth form and get my A level’s but worried that my GCSE’s will affect my hope and aspiration of going to one of the top universities. Realistically my grades at GCSE will be: Core Science A, Additional Science A(A* if I’m lucky), Math (A), Btec Music equivalent (2 A*'s) but as certificate some might say it’s only one unit of learning... so far so good, however: Graphics B, Art B, DIDA ICT Diploma Grade B (although 3 of them are A grade but the first one I did in year 10 was a B so brings them all down to an unfortunate B :( ), Devastatingly English will now be likely a C as I just messed up on one of my exam papers. Also if their included I should get 2 half GCSE's in RE and Citizenship probably add up to A/B if they count. Here is my scenario: In terms of A grades I will get 6 A’s to A*’s at GCSE level depending if BTEC’s count as 2 A* Grades, I heard a rumour that in order to get to Oxford, you need to have achieved 7 to 9 A/A* grades a GCSE level. I am a bit concerned as I will only have 5/6 depending on if they class BTEC’s as one or two A Levels. I am really concerned as my life ambition is to go to oxford or Cambridge University and I am worried that I won’t get in because of my GCSE’s Do GCSE’s really matter when going to university, shouldn’t it be A Levels that really count. As long as you get 3 A grades should that not be enough? At A Level I will be Taking: Maths, Physics, Music, Computing and Music Technology and don’t want to be forced to drop any because I need to retake GCSE’s as all these subjects are equally important to me. I am really confused and depressed about this and wonder if anyone has any advice about Oxford and Cambridge and whether this GCSE thing is a rumour or fact! If I happen to do well at A Levels and say I get 4 A Grades (although odds are against me) would my GCSE’s matter that much? Does anyone have any advice on what I should do?

  • Answer:

    Well Birmingham look at your top 8 GCSEs, and compare you against other applicants, so I expect it'll be similar, if not more, for Oxbridge. They don't ask for a minimum grade (i.e. 8 A*s), so theoretically if EVERYONE else does crap, you may just have a shot.

Shane at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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The rumour is correct in some ways. You don't need that many A*s to get in - but only if your A Level results are amazing and you are able to convince the interviewers that you are genuinely passionate about your subject. However, most of the applicants and offer holders do have that level of standard. If you're applying for 2012 entry, chances are that AAA is not going to be enough. You would most likely to get an offer of at least A*AA. Apparently - but I'm not too sure on this - if the subject you're applying for requires a test before the interview, then the results of that test would account for more than your GCSEs. Anyway, Oxbridge are not the only 'good' unis around. You may find that by the time you got round to look at other universities, you might prefer another. Just work your hardest for your exams right now, and don't worry about universities yet.

Miki

YES. In the current climate most people are capable of getting x many A's at A level. Unis often look back at GCSEs for signs of diversity and ability. Because many GCSEs are compulsory eg Maths; the university gets an idea of how clever you actually are. I would imagine you need at least 8 or 9 Top grades to get to oxbridge. I have to say with one C pending and a couple of Bs you would be well and truly out of there. You should be aiming for only one or two As and the rest A*s

oneonesselsfand one

In a nutshell: yes, Oxbridge will look at your GCSE grades. For A2 levels, you really need to be looking at AAA at the very least...more likely to be A*AA for some subjects. Above and beyond all this academic excellence, you need to show how well-rounded an individual you are, whether this be through D of E or similar, volunteering, WEX, playing an instrument etc etc. Just think of the sheer number of people applying for each place. The harder you work, the more chance you stand, but it isn't easy. It's unlikely that Bs at GCSE will work in your favour for the application, but your AS and A2 grades will carry more weight.

Kate

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