Fewer GCSEs

**Dexter27** · 02-10-2007, 04:45 AM

Due to illness, I have not been able to go full time to school and my GCSEs were taken in one year. I only took 5 GCSEs - English, Double Science, Maths and Spanish. I got A* in all of them.

Will this disadvantage me in any way when applying to Oxford?
Will they still count my GCSEs as 100% A*, meaning I need to be only in about the top 50% in the BMAT to get an interview?

Thanks.

Edit: My A-levels are not a problem (pred. aaaa in AS in 4 sciences), and I have lots of work experience so I'm only worried about my small number of GCSEs.

**persianmedic** · 02-10-2007, 04:47 AM

Ask the admissions. They are a more reliable source than this forum

**Huw Davies** · 11-10-2007, 04:42 AM

Slating somewhere you didn't apply seems slightly bad form.

There is some early patient contact, though much less than most other places (many people prefer it this way). I had around 3 essays every fortnight, "essay" meaning 1500-2000 words which isn't much. Certainly plenty of time to enjoy being there.

**annarchy** · 11-10-2007, 05:01 AM

They pretty much ALWAYS consider students with "extenuation circumstances" and if you can prove you were too ill to go to school for a year, they will totally judge you equally. Maybe you even stand a better chance

**persianmedic** · 11-10-2007, 07:02 PM

I stated my opinion of the place according to the research I'd done.
no one can argue that Oxford offers one of the most academic courses in Britain with more emphasis on core knowledge. is that not true?

**Huw Davies** · 12-10-2007, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by persianmedic

I stated my opinion of the place according to the research I'd done.
no one can argue that Oxford offers one of the most academic courses in Britain with more emphasis on core knowledge. is that not true?

It's not that you're factually incorrect - it's that it's incongruous for you to pop up on the Oxford forum offering one line of helpful advice on the question and two on why they shouldn't be applying there in the first place. Presumably this person's aware of the nature of the course and wants to apply regardless - different strokes for different folks. I don't pop up on the PMS forum replying to innocuous queries by talking about the weaknesses of PBL - it would be pointless and slightly pathetic.

I'm sure you're happy with your choices - this person might be just as happy with applying to Oxford.

**persianmedic** · 13-10-2007, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by Huw Davies

It's not that you're factually incorrect - it's that it's incongruous for you to pop up on the Oxford forum offering one line of helpful advice on the question and two on why they shouldn't be applying there in the first place. Presumably this person's aware of the nature of the course and wants to apply regardless - different strokes for different folks. I don't pop up on the PMS forum replying to innocuous queries by talking about the weaknesses of PBL - it would be pointless and slightly pathetic.

I'm sure you're happy with your choices - this person might be just as happy with applying to Oxford.

You're right.
i'm sorry.
i'll remove my comment.