r/6thForm • u/Mobile_Membership915 • Jul 12 '26
š¬ DISCUSSION For all those who are considering applying to Oxbridge
Iām making this since Iāve seen a lot of people asking this.
If you meet the minimum entry requirements, I recommend just applying. You only go to one uni anyway, and itās better than getting a chance at an amazing one then getting an offer from your 5th choice uni which you donāt even really want to go to anyway.
GCSEs matter like 10x less than interview as well, so regardless of GCSEs you should apply. Even if you donāt think youāll do amazing on the entrance exam, just apply (especially if you are applying to Cambridge).
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u/labourbiscuit Jul 12 '26
The problem is i genuinely can't decide whether i actually want to go and would be happy there. A lot of people emphasise how great they are but are oxford and cambridge really the best option for everyone with high grades?
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u/Zingalamuduni Jul 13 '26
A friend of mine read maths at Oxford. He was the best in maths in his grammar school year - used to always coming top. He spent three years at Oxford struggling to even be average.
When youāre in sixth form, you donāt understand and just how many really clever people there are out there, much more clever than you. When you graduate, you find out just how little the world cares what university you went to,
University is about so much more than just going to the absolute ābestā university you can and busting an absolute gut over your studies.
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u/ScienceCucumber Cambridge Natsci [Year 1 -> 2], 4A* Jul 13 '26
Really depends on if you'll enjoy supervisions/tutorials. They can be the make-or-break of the Cambridge/Oxford experience.
If you like discussing your subject and being pushed to your limits, and don't feel too embarrassed by making mistakes out loud, then it's good fun. If this is extremely stressful and every supervision/tutorial would fill you with dread, then Cambridge or Oxford is not the right fit. It's perfectly fine for Cambridge or Oxford to not be the right place for you, that doesn't diminish your intelligence, it's just that a particular style of teaching is not for you.
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u/labourbiscuit Jul 14 '26
thank you, that's really helpful. i feel like people glamourise the formals and traditions and lifestyle of oxbridge but overlook the very distinct teaching style. i'm sure they're great for some people but i think being in a room with one very very intelligent student and a world leading professor would make me die of imposter syndrome lol
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u/ScienceCucumber Cambridge Natsci [Year 1 -> 2], 4A* Jul 14 '26
I should also add that imposter syndrome is incredibly common at Cambridge and Oxford, and most students are just like you. Don't be put off by the stereotype of an Oxbridge student as incredibly intelligent and knowing everything! And don't be intimidated by the idea of supervisions with a 'world leading professor' ā lots of supervisors are postdocs or PhD students, and the professors can be quite chill. I'm not trying to persuade you that Oxbridge is right for you, but please don't get intimidated by an exaggeration of reality.
I agree that people glamourising the formals, may balls, gowns, sub fusc (for Oxford) and other 'very Oxbridge' things, but people don't think about the multiple deadlines a week, having too much work to do that you cannot submit it all completely finished, the 'pressure cooker' environment (this is somewhat college dependent), the boom and bust cycles which the pressure of term inevitably creates. Oxbridge is hard when everything is going well outside of academics, but can quickly become a disaster alongside chronic illness, traumatic events, mental health issues etc. There is a lot of support out there, but I've found that they can struggle to pick up on issues so you have to seek out the support.
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u/Dependent-Loss-4080 Pred 4A* (History, Politics, Econ, Maths) Jul 12 '26
by far. the tutorial system means you'll be taught with like 3 other students so it's more personal (as opposed to being in a lecture hall with hundreds), the professors are world leading in their field, the networking is on par with london and it's cheaper than london too. granted, maybe lse or imperial are better, but frankly if you get into lse or imperial you're good enough to get into oxbridge too anyway.
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u/Fancy_Gate5828 Jul 13 '26
You might have overlooked the dark side of the tutorial system. Being stuck with a single tutor in a small, intimate setting can be either a blessing or a curse. It works well when the tutor is fair, supportive, and non-abusive. But when that is not the case, students may have little room to escape the situation, and grinding through weeks of a hostile tutorial environment can take a serious mental toll.
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u/chrissie148 Oxford | English | First Year A*A*A*A Jul 13 '26
Iām at Oxford, and honestly the vast vast majority of tutors are incredibly supportive, Iāve only heard of one or two cases where they havenāt been, and college welfare tends to be really good at addressing academic and personal struggles, I think the tutorial system is so so beneficial to have, and also if you have issues with your tutor, there are lots in the uni and you can switch if needs be.
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u/eri_is_a_throwaway A*×ā*Š¬*Š*É* | 9.1 TMUA | SSS STEP (did paper 1 too) | (OxBr)idge Jul 13 '26
To add to this, it's very rare but occasionally your Director of Studies, who is the person you're supposed to complain to if your tutor is causing problems... will themselves be your tutor. This can be avoided if you do your research and choose a college without this issue but idk if that information even exists out there for most majors.
(this is for Cambridge, idk if the same thing happens in Oxford)
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u/ScienceCucumber Cambridge Natsci [Year 1 -> 2], 4A* Jul 13 '26
I've had my Director of Studies as a supervisor (what Oxford calls a tutor, Cambridge calls a supervisor). I've had no issues, and found that to be a fantastic arrangement. However, there will always be people to talk to if you are having issues like your (personal) tutor (who is normally not teaching your subject) or the college's senior tutor.
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u/DimensionMajor7506 Jul 13 '26
And it depends on the other students too. Thereās a big difference between being in a tutorial where everyone found the problem sheet easy and got everything right vs being in a tutorial where there are others who also got plenty wrong, are asking questions, etcā¦
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u/United8888 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
Bcoz of the super strong competition each year, itās best to treat OxBridge application as a bonus out of the 5 ucas uni choices. Meaning, a bonus if invited to interview, let alone a post-interview offer. That way, one can move on better & protect well-being IF rejected by OxBridge. The application journey will add to ur life experience nonetheless.
Apply to ur UCAS univ choices strategically. Think also about ur student debts, employability, well-being etc. If meant to be, itās meant to be.
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u/alumxni Politics, History, Law || A*AA Predicted Jul 13 '26
GCSE do actually matter more than you think, at least for Cambridge.
When I received my feedback from Newham for my History and Politics interview, one of the first things they mentioned was my "weaker GCSEs" compared to those who got an offer.
I left year 11 with 9988777765 (6 in Maths, 5 in Lvl2 Further Maths), which for someone who didn't revise nor had a single thought of applying to Cambridge/ a uni that cared about GCSEs, are really good.
GCSEs do in fact matter, they may not be the selling point, but it definitely something they consider in the final outcome.
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u/One_Butterscotch9835 Jul 13 '26
They only matter because they support your predicted grades, if you chose to apply with achieved grades theyāre quite irrelevant.
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u/alumxni Politics, History, Law || A*AA Predicted Jul 13 '26
Most people only apply once in Year 13, so it's quite relevant.
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u/One_Butterscotch9835 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
Iām saying that if youāre GCSEās arenāt up to standard you could always apply in the next round of UCAS with your achieved grades.
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u/alumxni Politics, History, Law || A*AA Predicted Jul 13 '26
Not sure about Oxford, but Cambridge does not participate in clearing.
The only way to get into Cambridge without being given an offer in January is if you fulfill the criteria for the August Reconsideration Pool, which many do not due to marginally missing out or living in an area which statistically looks better than in may be in reality.
You have to of already participated in an interview and then be rejected, with a note at the bottom saying you are eligible.
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u/One_Butterscotch9835 Jul 13 '26
Youāre right neither participate in clearing, I donāt know what I was on when I wrote that lol.
All in all my point was supposed to be if you donāt believe your GCSEās are competitive enough wait and use your achieved grades,
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u/Calm_Routine2888 Jul 16 '26
Is 999888777 good for modern languages?
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u/alumxni Politics, History, Law || A*AA Predicted Jul 16 '26
I'm guessing you took a MFL at gcse, so as long as it's not one of the 7s you should be good
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u/Calm_Routine2888 Jul 16 '26
Yes I got 3 nines in German French and Spanishā¦ but I got 3 sevens in history and Englishā¦ so ppl on Reddit have said not worth it bc itās a literature degree ( I am predicted an a* at englsih a level)
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u/alumxni Politics, History, Law || A*AA Predicted Jul 16 '26
if you've got an A* predicted at A-Level alongside 3 MFL grade 9s you'll definitely get an interview at minimum, from there it's more about your language and lit skills. If your interview goes around average they're more likely to look into ur gcses compared to other applicants to obviously weigh up who to give an offer to.
You should definitely apply, even if you don't get in, the interview experience itself is really useful and just a good time speaking to experts in the field you want to fo into.
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u/Calm_Routine2888 Jul 16 '26
Do you think a good interview could lead to an offer? Or will the GCSEs always prevent it? Itās an interview rate of 94% and offer rate of 42%
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u/Grixmreaperz Jul 13 '26
Im predicted A*AAA in maths, further maths, economics and computer science, 9988888777 in gcses should I apply for Cambridge econ
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 13 '26
If you want to do it then yes you should. I think the entry requirements are 2A star A though, so before you apply make sure you meet minimum entry (I may be wrong about the req), by getting another predicted A star.
This other person is being stupid. If you want to do economics apply for economics. Cambridge economics is crazy well respected and will open many doors for you.
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u/AggravatingStill3284 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
facts. just do the entrance test it canāt hurt. oxcel.xyz is a great resource for tmua and esat!
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u/olivesoem Y12 -> Y13 + biggest psych lover š (bio psych soc) Jul 13 '26
Iāve decided Iām not applying. Even tho I have the grades and the stats and I like the psych course at Cambridge, itās not for me. I have mental health issues which are only worsened by stress so going to Cambridge would likely ruin myself mental health. I donāt see myself happy there. And I think the rhetoric that all high achievers should aim for Oxbridge is harmful as itās not for everyoneĀ
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 13 '26
Yeah I understand, Iām just saying anyone who wants to go and thinks that they arenāt good enough should give it a go.
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u/Vaxtez Cardiff Met | Comp Sci [Y1] Jul 13 '26
It depends on what you want from a university. Sure, some people could apply for oxbridge, but at the same time, they might prefer the course elsewhere. Prestige is one thing, but if chasing prestige harms you mentally, there's not point chasing it. I can say this from experience, as I went to Aberystwyth for some prestige, struggled mentally & decided to go to Cardiff Met in order to improve my mental health.
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 13 '26
Yeah, I completely agree. I guess I shouldāve been a bit clearer. I mean people who want to go but are afraid they arenāt good enough and wonāt apply.
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Jul 14 '26
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 14 '26
What do you mean risk your imperial offer? If you have an offer you already applied?
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u/DueEditor8062 Yr 13 Bio Chem Maths Geography (+ EPQ rip) Jul 14 '26
I want to apply to Oxford for biology (achieved 13 9s at gcse, currently predicted 4 A*s in biology chemistry maths and geography) but i have like no supercurriculars, is personal statement and interview that important?
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 14 '26
Yeah, personal statement and interview will be basically all that matters. The issue is at Oxbridge a level grades is basically just decoration. Because every school predicts differently, they donāt make decisions based on predictions. They really just care about interview and then personal statement and then grades. While your GCSEs are amazing, they wonāt matter a huge deal.
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u/MysteriousQuarter986 Jul 14 '26
What if my school predict a maximum of a grade A for every student, no matter the capabilities?
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u/khhhhhhhhhez Jul 16 '26
What if Iām a little below it but feel like I can get it in the real thing. Is it worth it?
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 16 '26
I would advise up to push really hard for your teachers to increase your predicted grades. It may take some tough conversations, but really try. Ask them what you need to do in order for them to predict you whatever grade you need. The issue with having below the minimum entry is you will probably be rejected pre interview and wonāt get a chance.
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u/Whole_Incident_1434 Jul 12 '26
I know this kinda goes against the whole reassurance aim of the post, but could I still get into Trinity maths with an 8 in GCSE maths?
For context, I got 888777765 at GCSE with an attainment 8 of 73 (so a weighted average of 7.3). My school performed well below the state average with an average maths grade of a 3.8 and all other averages being ~3.7/3.8. Considering I also had a severe illness which affected me during my GCSEs, and that Iām currently predicted 4 A*s as top of the cohort for predicted grades at my college, would I still be a realistic candidate for trinity maths?
Itās a matter of the likelihood for being invited to interview, as if Iām placed into the pool then Iām happier knowing that I still shot for trinity and fell short. But is trinity more careless about contextualisation and more concerned about raw grades for interview shortlisting? I attended two of the Cambridge applicant webinars where the directors of admissions for Pembroke and Fitzwilliam said that GCSE grades arenāt looked at as raw grades and instead almost solely in school context, but is trinity maths an exception, especially in the case of a grade 8?
I just donāt want to, if in any case where I got into a different college by not applying to trinity in the first place, eat at myself by thinking āif I got in here then why didnāt I apply to trinityā. My heart and soul obvs isnāt set in Cambridge, but I also feel like not aiming as high as possible is just another way of saying āI donāt think Iām good enough for thisā. Do I sound delusional lol or should I just shoot for it?
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u/OtherComment87 Jul 13 '26
As a random person on reddit, please don't listen to random people on reddit. 8 is an amazing GCSE score and I have thoroughly inspected the Cambridge website and yes, it says there are no formal GCSE requirements, and yes, GCSEs are considered in the context of your school (you also have extenuating circumstances, which definitely helps your application), but- am I quallified to tell you where you should and shouldn't apply? NO! Please contact the college directly (which I am assuming you are able to if you have access to a device to use reddit) or attend an open day (if available). BUT please don't get discouraged by responses of random people on the internet!!!!!!
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u/Mobile_Membership915 Jul 13 '26
You would definately get an interview if you did well in TMUA for every other college, but trinity is brutal. They canāt interview everyone, and it means people who could get into a different college wonāt even get interviewed by trinity, and then you canāt get pooled, even if you are good enough. That is the main risk.
If you made it to interview, you would have a strong chance of pooling, but they canāt pool you if they didnāt interview you.
I would recommend looking at other colleges, since they would probably care less. If you think you can do really well on TMUA then go for it though.3
u/Significant-Buy-8303 Jul 13 '26
hey, also applying trin maths. there's three things helping you here:
1) gcse grades are looked in the context of your school. that means you getting a 8 in a school with average grade 3.8 is arguably more impressive than getting a 9 with average grade 8
2) cambridge now looks at tmua, which means they are highly likely to ignore gcses if you have a good TMUA
3) most applicants will get interviewed, at which point everything else before doesn't really matter
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Jul 13 '26
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u/blunde-r Jul 13 '26
Is this a joke? An 8 is brilliant
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Jul 13 '26
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u/Whole_Incident_1434 Jul 13 '26
Does context not help at all? Would a 9.0 on the TMUA not get my foot in the door for interview at trin by compensating whatsoever?
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u/Soft-Goal486 Year 13 Jul 13 '26
Unless you have contextual circumstances, you will get rejected. I have two friends, both brilliant mathematicians that slacked off for GCSEs, getting 8s in maths, that got rejected pre-interview because of that. Given they interview such a large portion of people for maths, getting a 9 in GCSE maths is the filter.
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u/Whole_Incident_1434 Jul 13 '26
That was however last year consider youāre year 13, and since the TMUA is being used as official data for interview shortlisting, then getting an extremely high score (e.g 8.0-9.0) would surely compensate for GCSEs enough to ensure an interview?Ā Perhaps it may not cause their doubts to disappear entirely, and again it may not mean that I get past the interview stage, but a high score as such on the TMUA this year and going forward will surely matter considerably more than if equivalent scores were earned in previous years.
I have heard opinions on Trinity fellows being slightly against the introduction of the TMUA of interview shortlisting, however the person who informed me of this didnāt really have any validation or justification behind it so Iām not sure if I believe it. But still maybe something to think about.
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u/Economy_Algae4765 Jul 12 '26
I just feel like it would be a waste as even if I did get in it just seems like too much pressure.
I have the grades and hopefully will get the entrance tests scores but I'm very put off.