Big A* problem :S

**TheScaryPotato** · 26-12-2009, 06:40 PM

Hi This is my first post but I was searching round and came across this site and thought it would be suitable to ask my question in. I'm sorry but when I searched for Oxbridge things it came up with here and I know this isn't the right thread but I thought I would continue it on anyway... (sorry if u want me to post it elsewhere I will).

i was reading these grades and i heard the average Oxbridge applicant has 8A*s at GCSE :O ! How likely do u think it would be to get an offer if I applied with 3A*s?? I got 7A's and 1 B as well. :S
Is it silly to apply do u think? I'm really not sure...because on the entry requirements it doesn't specify a number of A*s but i think they will prefer candidates with more!
any ideas? btw I'm thinking Cambridge more than Oxford.

**House Jr.** · 26-12-2009, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by TheScaryPotato

Hi This is my first post but I was searching round and came across this site and thought it would be suitable to ask my question in. I'm sorry but when I searched for Oxbridge things it came up with here and I know this isn't the right thread but I thought I would continue it on anyway... (sorry if u want me to post it elsewhere I will).

i was reading these grades and i heard the average Oxbridge applicant has 8A*s at GCSE :O ! How likely do u think it would be to get an offer if I applied with 3A*s?? I got 7A's and 1 B as well. :S
Is it silly to apply do u think? I'm really not sure...because on the entry requirements it doesn't specify a number of A*s but i think they will prefer candidates with more!
any ideas? btw I'm thinking Cambridge more than Oxford.

yeah, they love those A*s XD
They use BMAT so a high BMAT score can make up for your GCSEs, however it's risky with the BMAT since you cannot change your options if you find out that your BMAT score wasn't very good. They also have loads of other info about you including your UMS marks in the modules that you took and so if you are strong in other fields, that can make up for your GCSEs too.
So yeah, you do still stand a chance at cambridge but it's risky especially with the BMAT, but then again applying to any med school is risky XD

**Rippy** · 26-12-2009, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by TheScaryPotato

Hi This is my first post but I was searching round and came across this site and thought it would be suitable to ask my question in. I'm sorry but when I searched for Oxbridge things it came up with here and I know this isn't the right thread but I thought I would continue it on anyway... (sorry if u want me to post it elsewhere I will).

i was reading these grades and i heard the average Oxbridge applicant has 8A*s at GCSE :O ! How likely do u think it would be to get an offer if I applied with 3A*s?? I got 7A's and 1 B as well. :S
Is it silly to apply do u think? I'm really not sure...because on the entry requirements it doesn't specify a number of A*s but i think they will prefer candidates with more!
any ideas? btw I'm thinking Cambridge more than Oxford.

In my opinion:

If you are applying to either, apply to Cambridge. You would find it very difficult to get an interview at Oxford, as they consider BMAT and GCSEs to select for interview.

OK, well, I've heard that at caius college cambridge last year, the average accepted applicant had 9 A*s at GCSE. Buut... people will get in with less. Yes, having more will look better, but not everyone who gets in will have lots of A*s. So, go for it if you want to.

**.a.** · 28-12-2009, 08:18 AM

Cambridge would probably be the better option, as Oxford don't interview as many people and they select who their interivew using a sliding scale system based on A* percentage and BMAT scores.
Yes most applicants probably do have more A*s, but Cambridge does adjust grades according to average GCSEs of the applicant's school and of course, they will consider AS module marks and other things...