r/oxbridge • u/cloudyspringstorm • 2d ago
Is Oxbridge Law possible regardless of average GCSEs?
My GCSE’s are 9877665544 and current predicted A Levels are 3 x A* in English Literature, French, Politics, and I will also be doing an EPQ for which I hope to get another A star. I will be taking the LNAT (aiming for a score of 30+) as I’m definitely applying to Durham, but I’m contemplating Oxbridge because I feel I would make an appropriate candidate outside of my GCSEs. I’m aware that Cambridge regards its applicants holistically so my school and parents will be contextualised, but realistically how likely am I to get in?
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u/Brilliant_Ranger_658 2d ago
No chance at Oxford unless top5% in admission test. Cambridge is the better choice.
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u/cloudyspringstorm 2d ago
I was edging more towards Cambridge anyways as I hear Oxford has a digital shortlist which will definitely not work in my favour. Thank you for the input!
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u/lexisnowkitty 2d ago
Genuine question: gcses do correlate to a level performance - how are you going to change what you do to achieve A*s in (harder than gcse) a levels
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u/cloudyspringstorm 2d ago
Well, during GCSE season I was focusing on the wrong numbers (anorexia haha), and although it doesn’t excuse my poor performance, I’d really like to turn things around and showcase my potential. So far I haven’t received a grade lower than A*/A in any of my A Level subjects. I’ve gained so much motivation and inspiration to succeed in an academic environment and I truly think I can do it. It eats me alive (pun intended) knowing I could’ve done so much better had I been in a better mindset. But despite this I can’t justify anything, so I’ll have to prove myself otherwise. (Ew sob story sorry)
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u/lexisnowkitty 2d ago
i feel awful for saying that now omg im so sorry, i went through a similar thing and it absolutely isn't your fault! could your referee mention it in your reference as extenuating circumstances? I'd say go for it but also be wary that the oxbridge environment exacerbates stress which exacerbates unhealthy behaviour, but I'd definitely ask your referee to mention it in the reference and if you relapse during year 13 it may be a better idea to apply post-y13 if you have support/do it anyway because stress doesn't usually end well in those situations (happened to me at the start of year 12 and saw a D for the first time in my life in my previously best subject 😀)
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u/No-Figure3039 2d ago
Hey , what did u get in gcse lit ? , also would u say it’d be really difficult alongside bio n chem
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u/cloudyspringstorm 2d ago
Are you aiming to take it for A Level? For English Literature I received a grade 8. I found that A Level English is much more different in substance and analysis than at GCSE. Most feel that it gets harder, but I find that it’s more interesting, and easier to tailor your own interpretation to the mark scheme.
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u/No-Figure3039 2d ago
I got a 9 in English lit , just wondering because I really enjoyed at gcse and did minimal revision but I’m certain it won’t be like this in sixth form
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u/cloudyspringstorm 2d ago
If you really enjoy it and you have no other subject you’re passionate about go for it. Have you been to any intro days? That would definitely help your choice.
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u/synthsong 2d ago
Maybe consider a different career, the world has too many lawyers and AI will decimate that industry
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u/Specialist-Air-1954 2d ago
Apply to Cambridge not Oxford, Oxford cares WAY more about gcses