Can I get into Oxbridge with these GCSE's?

Question

Just got GCSE results I got:

4 A* in maths, english language, geography, biology

5 A in ICT, business studies, literature, physics, music

1 B in Graphic products.

I know these are good for a state school but I was on track for higher results but had problems with the school. 3 of my A's should have been stars had it not been for the school losing my courseworks the last few weeks of term (I had to redo them quickly without help) and we didn't have a teacher in graphics, ICT and business the second year.

If I work really hard at A level and get very high standard grades in hard subjects will I have a chance?

Ive heard having other qualities helps and I have a teacher's diploma (highest grade) in guitar playing which I have studied outside of school and have just received which I worked really hard for. That can be used as an official qualification.

I know Oxbridge isn't be all and end all but I would like to think I have a chance as I was let down after hard work

Answer 1

Firstly.. well done on the good grades!!

GCSEs don't determine whether Oxbridge will let you in. They'll look at your A Level results, and if it comes to deciding between you and someone with the same A Level results, then they go further back to your GCSE results. And yours are really good.

Plus, extra curricular stuff helps. So the guitar thing will probably work well, and anything else you can involve yourself in in the next couple of years too, such as voluntary/charity work and other extra-curricular activities (perhaps at college/sixth form).

However, I don't think they'll take into account the fact that the school lost your coursework, or that you didn't have a teacher for some subjects. When they see your results they'll see the list of grades, not an NB by the side trying to justify them.

You should be able to talk to a careers advisor if you need more specific guidance.

Good luck and well done again on the results!

Answer 2

They're GREAT results, and they're lots of other good unis though.

Answer 3

my sister got into oxford, last year, and she was told that they dont even bother interviewing you if you dont have atleast 5A* at GCSE, HOWEVER this was also because , then, the highest you could get at Alevel was an A, and so many people were getting them, the top universities, such as oxbridge, needed to find a way to differenciate between the high sorers, perhaps, next year, when A*'s will be introduced into Alevels, this will change, on the other hand though, she easily got 9A* and 1A at gcse and got 4A's at alevel, but is getting a 2:1 at oxford and is finding it very hard, as everyone there is so clever and determined to do well, it is hard to find, the much needed time between studying you need to relax and enjoy yourself. So make sure that you really want to go to oxbridge, and remember that you really will be among the best, and if you like being at the top, which you probably are at your state school (this is not a hit at state schools in general, i have just done my gcses in a state school) then you may well not be at the top of oxbridge,

oh and good luck, they really are terrific results you should be very proud of yourself!!  

Answer 4

do you mean oxford?

Answer 5

Crikey these are fabulous results and you should be very proud of yourself. You seem to be the sort of person who works hard for what they want for life so I am sure that you will be able to get into the college you want when you finish your A Levels. IT is your A levels results that will count when getting into Uni.

Relax a little and enjoy these years as the rest of it is work work work.

You have done very well, smile and please dont worry.