help....is it worth me applying for cambridge or oxford?

Question

im currently in my first year at college and am starting to think about which university i would like to go to. I want to study law and although i only got 1A*,4A's,3B's and 3C's at gcse i am predicted to get 3 A's at A2 level. Is it worth me applying for cambridge and oxford even though my gcse results were quite low or have i got no chance of getting in? And also, because i have been to state school and not private does that give me an advantage/dissadvantage? thanks

Answer 1

Hi. I'm at Cambridge at the moment and I came from a State school background. Cambridge in NO way discriminate against you for going to a state school (if anything, they prefer it!).

I can''t really give you as much advice about Oxford (which works slightly differently), but at Cambridge your application is based on a series of things, and your GCSE grades are just one small part of it. Other factors will be your personal statement, your A level results, what your teachers say about you, the interview you have when you apply, and any tests you have to do at the interview.

It's really good you want to apply and whatever you do, don't assume that you can or can't apply based on any answer you get here. You really must get in contact with the admissions office, because they will be able to give you a definete yes or no. They are very friendly and will be able to answer all your questions. I've put the details at the end of this question. What I would say once again is please don't assume you can't apply and do contact the office.

Cambridge Admissions Office
Fitzwilliam House
32 Trumpington Street
Cambridge
CB2 1QY [Map]
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Answer 2

I'm currently at Cambridge; from a state school. However, if you're looking to read Law you will find the competition from people who got straight A*s at GCSE and 4 As will be high. This needn't put you off necessarily but you must have something which will make you stand out above these candidates. Lots of experience in Law will be extremely helpful to your application as would any other qualities that are relevant to Law. Such things are awards for essay writing or oratory.

Also remember that you can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge and not both.

Answer 3

If you don't try you'll never know. I was in a similar position to you in that my GCSE results were at best average because my school was poor. I went to a good 6th form and was predicted As for A level. I didn't get in, but I that was down to my poor interview technique (state schools don't coach you on this whereas private schools tend to) and I did get an interview even with my GCSE results - they look at your A level predicitions.

I would advise you (if you can) to get some private tuition on Oxford entrance exams / Cambridge STEP papers and interview technique.

Don't let being from a state school stop you. Why should Oxford / Cambridge be just for the rich kids?

Answer 4

in our widely diverse society coming from a state school gives you an advantage. this is because all schools and universities have to been seen not to discriminate. your results weren't the best, however with some extra work and effort you might do better than expected. also try some community volunteer work, such as in your local hospice or in a charity shop, as both of these universities are big on community.
i really wish you every success with your applications.

Answer 5

i think you can apply up to five universities on your UCAS form, so giving it a go will be worth it just for the experience if you don't get it. Good Luck though!x

Answer 6

I wouldn't think that those schools would accept any b's, let alone c's, but if it doesn't cost anything to apply, you might as well