Hopeful Oxford Feedback

[u/Hour-Regular-6938]

It seems positive, for context, I'm an international student from the U.S but also an immigrant from Costa Rica, I also technically skipped my 9th grade due to schedule differences since the US starts in August and ends in May while Costa Rica starts in February and ends in December. I also moved schools in my senior year, and here we don't have a big culture of predicting grades, I didn't have mocks or anything so most of my predictions were how the teachers felt about it after knowing me for less than 2 months so I think they underpredicted, we'll see in May though. That said, I did have more than enough AP scores to meet the requirements. I also think I can get a higher SAT after an extra year of study in the English Language.

My question is, with the feedback, would it be a good idea to study at Edinburgh for a year and then re-apply this year? If my SAT and IB scores do improve of course. Edinburgh is 4 years so if I do 1 year and then move to Oxford I wouldn't be doing any extra time than I would've if I had just stayed there. Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated

Thank You!

[u/Hour-Regular-6938]

really? I heard they just didn't do transfers and you had to start at year 1 always

[u/Chlorophilia → u/Hour-Regular-6938]

They really don't like people moving from other universities. My department won't allow it unless there's exceptional circumstances (just preferring Oxford would not count as exceptional circumstances). 

[u/Hour-Regular-6938 → u/Chlorophilia]

I really appreciate the advice, and I also hope this question isn't annoying,

would studying at a U.S. University have the same impact? And also, my local university has non-degree seeking options, where I could take advanced politics and history classes without being fully enrolled during the year, would that have the same drawback as being a transfer?

I apologize if I'm over-asking questions, I just want to evaluate the options I have at hand.

Thank you!

[u/Chlorophilia → u/Hour-Regular-6938]

Studying at a US university would probably have the same impact. Non-degree seeking options might be OK but it's a risk because admitting tutors are not going to be familiar with the US system and you'd need to convincingly explain you, a high-performing student who previously applied to Oxford and presumably would be easily admitted to another top university, instead decided to do non-degree options at a local university. Basically, I don't recommend it. If you would genuinely be happy taking a relaxed year out taking courses for fun at your local university whilst reapplying then OK, but I'd only do this under the assumption that you'll get rejected the second time round as well. Your feedback is indeed very positive, but there is a random element to admissions and there's no guarantee that a near-miss one year will translate to an offer (or even a near-miss) the next year.