What are the chances of me getting into Oxford or Cambridge with 8 GCSEs?

[kirbsmeister]

I go to a privite school where you can only take 8 GCSEs. I know it is possible to to get into O and C with only a few GCSEs, but I was wondering what my chances were. I'm doing all accedemic subjects, but no languages. If I got 8 A*s, how likely would it be that I could study law in O or C?

[Buenchico]

The UCAS scoring system, for admission to any UK university, is based entirely upon post-GCSE qualifications (such as A-levels or the International Baccalaureate). GCSE results don't count for UCAS scoring purposes:
http://www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/index.html

However, that doesn't mean that university admissions panels don't take GCSEs into account. Oxford's law school states "most of those admitted will either hold or be predicted to obtain all As at A-level (or equivalent), and will already have an outstanding group of GCSEs (or equivalent) dominated by A*s and As". It's unlikely that they will differentiate between candidates who have 8, 9 or 10 GCSEs as long as there is clear evidence that the candidate is of the required academic standard:
http://www.competition-law.ox.ac.uk/undergradu ate/admitfaqs.shtml
and
http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/enreq.s html

At Cambridge, admission standards are set by individual colleges (and not by the Faculty of Law) but the same principles are likely to apply.

You should be aware that some independent schools tend to push their students towards Oxford or Cambridge simply because this tends to impress (at least some of) the pupils' parents. Don't limit your choices to these two universities. A law degree from the University of London, for example, is at least as good (and possibly better) than an Oxbridge law degree.

Chris

[Suzyboo]

You should probably work on improving your spelling to have a realistic chance of any of this

[Gef]

And you, Suzy, should work on your punctuation.

[Suzyboo]

Since I don't need any A* GCSE's or a place at Oxbridge to study Law, that isn't actually true Gef. The spelling comment was only relevant in light of the specific ambition held whereas my punctuation or lack of it is irrelevant

[horsestache1]

Go with Buenchico's answer, particularly the end bit about not limiting yourself to Oxbridge.

Also my eldest daughter has just finished studying Maths/Economics at Cambridge, and she still cant spell, so get your "A" Levels and go for it if that's what you want.

Good Luck

[Gef]

Soory, Suzie thought you might have a sence of humer.

[Suzyboo]

only sumtimes ;)

[ganesh]

You two crack me up, you should get married!

[almac1984uk]

A-Levels are probably more relevant to the application process for Oxbridge, but it will certainly help if your GCSEs are strong. Academic success alone won't do it for law though, I'm afraid. The interviewing process is rigorous and you will need to take an entrance examination to study law.

As a law graduate, I'd recommend looking at other institutions for law degrees. There are some truly excellent schools in the UK with some of the world's leading academics in their fields, so shop around a bit. I personally favour Nottingham, which is a top 5 school, but I'm totally biased lol. You'll find that the university experience is more than just the subject you study, so take that into consideration when you apply.
Best wishes!

[kirbsmeister]

Suzy, can you at least tell me what I spelt wrong? I can't see any obvious mistakes. Besides, I doubt Oxford or Cambridge check your spelling! Especially as my cousin got in, and she uses bad grammar!

[Suzyboo]

Not pretending it is of paramount importance, just seemed something that someone in your young ambitious position would want to improve so that you would have as many strengths as possible. I do wish I hadn't bothered now but since you asked...privAte, aCAdemic

[kirbsmeister]

Okay, thankyou for pointing it out. I personally think I'm OK spelling wise. Most others in my class (year 10) can't spell for their lives, and say things like "them lot" and "you was".