A Levels.....?

Question

I am going to be studying Geography, Economics, 2Oth Century History, Philosophy and Ethics and Critical Thinking for A levels. Are these a good combination to do if i want to read Geography at uiversity. Are they seen as soft options as I am aiming to go to Oxford. Also do GCSE's count towards uni entrance. Thanks

My GCSE's i am predicted 3 A*'s 5 A's and 4 B's

Answer 1

GCSE's don't count as long as you have at least C's in maths english science, then your ok. that is way too many A levels to do, it is better to do good in less subjects then fail 6. I go to a top college (greenhead college) and the most A levels we can do is 4 !!!

Answer 2

Forget anyone who tells you you need all A*'s at GCSE to get into Oxford and Cambridge- they don't know what they're talking about. GCSE's DO count for Oxbridge entry, but only as far as you need B's (minimum) in English, Maths and Science and passes in everything else.

A Levels are the main thing you need to worry about. Your choice of subjects would be perfect for that particular degree choice as P and E, Geography, Economics and History are all considered 'hard subjects- (it's media, textiles, health and social care and general studies you have to stay away from!) You don't even need to study geography at A level to do it at university- it's just one of those courses. Sciences etc would do equally as well as long as you still showed an interest in geography in your personal statement.

Critical thinking wouldn't count towards your main offer, but if there ends up being you and someone with similar grades and subjects to yours- except only you have crit. thinking- then obviously you'd be more likely to get the place. So if you think you can manage the extra work- go for it! (If you really are Oxbridge material I'm sure you'll be able to.)

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Hey, I think we've spoken before, haven't we?

The combination of subjects will fit the course you want to do pretty well though - I'm doing critical thinking at the moment though and I have to say that it doesn't really count for anything and it doesn't teach you anything (not to mention being tediously dull).

GCSE grades won't be counted in your offer but will be taken into consideration in terms of your whole profile. Your grades won't eliminate you from entrance to Oxford - to be quite frank, as long as you have 3 A's at A level it is more about the personal statement and interview than anything else - if they just don't like you they won't take you no matter how good you are.

I nearly went for Cambridge and my GCSE grades were worse than yours and I'm doing 4.5 A2's. I decided not to go for it in the end because I can't stand pressure. I would read 'Oxbridge Entrance: The Rules' to get a better idea of the whole system early on.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, first off GCSEs DO count for entrance, however, there's people in Oxbridge with grades similar to yours. Cambridge will actually give you a preferred 'pooling' thingy if you have more than 7 A*. Your A-levels sound good but you should drop critical thinking if possible, as it does not count towards offers. And remember: if you're doing 3 A-levels, your offer will be AAA, but if you're doing 4, chances are it'll be AAAA! It might be riskier to continue to pursue four.

If you'd like more info thestudentroom.co.uk is a good place to start.

Answer 5

I agree with the first answerer. You may be doing way too much. If you are set on doing all these subjects I think you have a nice variety of subjects, I don't see how they are 'soft options.' You should ask your careers advisor what the requirements are for entrance onto the Geography course at Oxford and make your decisions based on that.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Woah Oxford. (I live there, the whole city is owned by the uni - but its a sh**ty place) Good uni though .. so I'm told... I mean.. I'm just not that kinda guy. Know what I mean?(got CEE in AS) :-(

Answer 7

Your GCSEs don't count. You will have to do an extra test to get into Oxbridge. If you're Oxbridge calibre, your GCSE grades should really be better. All A*s.