Like the challenge of an Oxbridge course, but haven’t made a choice yet? If so, take a break from revision for yet another recci of this year’s Oxford or Cambridge prospectus. Each of them is full of tempting, well described courses: now is the time to look beyond courses familiar from school. Keep in mind, too, that the contents of an Oxford course may well differ from an almost identically named Cambridge one.
What's even more crucial is to read not just the course description but also the entry requirements, which can be quite detailed. To stand a good chance of a place, you may need to meet every single one. These will include A-level grade predictions of AAA, A*AA or even A*A*A, sometimes but not always in specific subjects.
The university may also mention an additional school subject, such as AS Maths, described as “helpful”, ”useful“ or “desirable”. If so, consider signing up for it now. You will not be turned down just for being unable to offer it, but taking it can move you further ahead in the queue.
This is even more true if something like a third A-level science or Further Maths is “recommended”, even if the course description says the university will accept course applicants with, say, only two sciences.
If an A-level subject is “highly recommended” or “highly desirable”, some 90 per cent of those admitted may have taken it. Only if a student’s school does not offer that subject (or it clashes with other key ones) is s/he really likely to get in without it. For one or two much contested courses, a university may even insist that all A-levels are taken in the same year.
Do also keep in mind that while such course rules tend to apply to all colleges at Oxford, individual Cambridge colleges may differ on them. This can narrow your choice at the application stage, so look out for college names mentioned in the course requirements section.
Oxbridge, in short, seeks more than just high ability and high A-level grades for a growing number of its courses. So, before deciding whether to apply there, do check that your qualifications and Oxbridge requirements are a good match. If they are not, you may not even be invited for a test or interview, unless there are special circumstances.
Even when a course page does not specify any required A-level subjects, applicants will still normally need at least two “hard” A-levels to get in. And although you won't need an A-level in Law to study Law, or A-level Economics to study Economics at Cambridge (or Economics & Management at Oxford), their admissions tutors do seek very convincing proof of academic ability, hard work and writing skills.
Even when a course page does not specify any required A-level subjects, applicants will still normally need at least two “hard” A-levels to get in. And although you won't need an A-level in Law to study Law, or A-level Economics to study Economics at Cambridge (or Economics & Management at Oxford), their admissions tutors do seek very convincing proof of academic ability, hard work and writing skills.
No comments:
Post a Comment