Is it worth applying to Oxford?

Question

I want ot apply to do English at Oxford next year. I am currently re-sitting yr12, having done much worse than expected last year - I missed many lessons etc. due to severe OCD (and poor subject choices). I did manage to get an A in English Literature (although I got a B in one module), but I also got a C in Biology, and E in Chemistry and a U in Maths. This year I am re-sitting the Biology and am now taking R.S. and History AS-levels as well as English Lit A-level.
I am currently expected to get A's this year at AS/A-level but I'd like to know if the extra year will count against me, and should I explain all this on my UCAS form?
Sorry this is so long, but any help would be appreciated.

Also my OCD has improved significantly over the summer and into this year (which has contributed to my higher grade expectations), so hopefully won't be a real problem in the future.

Answer 1

Your first year shouldn't count against you too much since you could call it a PEC (Personal Extenuating Circumstance), but you will need medical evidence to prove your OCD and how it affected your grades - evidence which I assume you have. You will be able to explain all this in your personal statement, and in the inverview which you will be likely asked to attend at Oxford. Above all you must aim to get your As in the A levels, or at LEAST (A)AAB (with AAB it will probably be a struggle to get in). Do you intend to do 4 A levels all together or finish up with 3? Assuming you will get 4 A levels, if you end up with 4 "A"s the first year should not count against you too much.

It might be a lot of work to get your grades up to A grade, and if your are just starting new AS levels you will obviously have to convert all of those to A Levels as well, so it will be a few more years before you will be applying.

Good luck
Bruver

Answer 2

Hiya,
I know a few people of oxbridge education. To my knowledge it states in the prospectus that you require for most courses AAA/AAB at the first attempt! (no resits allowed)
English is a very popular course at Oxford and Cambridge, and most applicants have grades above and beyond the entry requirements.
Personally, I'd apply to other universities. Newcastle, Warwick, Durham and Nottingham have excellent English departments rated 5*.
The other option is to take a gap year and apply after you have your A-Level results and know exactly which universities are realistic choices.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

hiya, i understand some human beings of oxbridge training. To my purposes it states interior the prospectus which you require for many classes AAA/AAB on the 1st attempt! (no resits allowed) English is an fairly primary course at Oxford and Cambridge, and maximum applicants have grades above and previous the get admission to needs. in my opinion, i could prepare to different universities. Newcastle, Warwick, Durham and Nottingham have fantastic English departments rated 5*. the alternative selection is to take a hollow 3 hundred and sixty 5 days and save on with as quickly as you have your A-degree effect and word of precisely which universities are reasonable alternatives. purely top achievement!

Answer 4

Go ahead and apply. There are lots of different colleges at Oxford and one of them could well accept you. Have a plan B though and C if necessary and apply to other places. Also make sure your Personal Statement is strong - they really do make a difference.

The OCD thing can be sorted out. I know that probably sounds quite scary but if it's holding you back you need to get it sorted.

Answer 5

You should talk to the admissions office and ask them these questions. They can give you good advice. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Answer 6

For a loan, no.

For an education, yes.

You know this so why ask.

Just go for it ;-))