Ask Oxford - Will taking IB instead of A level reduce my chances? What about non-core subjects?

A couple of weeks ago I asked my audience what questions they would like to have answered by an Oxford official, so I recently sat down with my JCR access rep to get some answers. Maddy is a second year Biology student, elected by the student body to ensure that everyone that wants to apply to St. Peter's (and more broadly, Oxford) has access to all the information that may shape their application.
Really sorry about the constantly shifting focus - the camera I was using is new to me so I probably balls'd up setting the shot right. I hope it's not too distracting!
In this part:
How many A*s at GCSE do I need to stand a chance of getting a medical offer?
Will taking IB instead of A levels reduce my chances of getting in?
6 interviews and no place?
What does Oxford think about non-core A levels?
What if I got poor GCSE results but good A levels?
Check out parts 1 and 2 here:
Part 1: • Ask Oxford - How much ...
Part 2: • Ask Oxford - How many ...
--------- II ---------
I am Simon, a fourth year physics student at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford. I try my best to help applicants to Oxbridge with answers from the other side of the fence and, where possible, make videos that people will find useful.
/ spcoxford
www.spc.ox.ac.uk

[@SimonClark]

I'll be doing a video about the structure of the university in the near future, so stay tuned for that (too complicated to explain in the space here). As for work experience don't sweat it too much, basically if the opportunity arises to do something that you find interesting, do it! Even if it might not be directly related to areas of physics that you might like to research, if an activity like astronomy sounds cool then go for it :)

[@SimonClark]

Thanks! :D When I was in year 10 I knew that I wanted to do physics, but definitely hadn't made my mind up about where. From my grades it seemed like I should have been thinking about the top institutions, but I didn't concretely decide on Oxford until about year 12. Much better to focus on surviving GCSEs! As for a room tour I did one in my Oxvlog MT week 8 video! Enjoy :)

[@SimonClark]

So here you apply to a college for pre-clinical medicine, which lasts 3 years. Depending on the college you will either be guaranteed a room in college for all 3 years, or for the first and last years (I personally think that the latter is better, but biased). Then you apply to institutions for clinical medicine and you have a similar situation - some Oxbridge colleges will provide accommodation for all years, others won't. Most graduate medics live out though, to be nearer the hospital.

[@SimonClark]

My college library is 24/7, while most departmental and central libraries are open from 9AM to 10PM. And all loans are free! Loans from college library are 2 weeks in length (but renewable) while departmental libraries tend to lend books either for 7 days or for 24 hours, again renewable.

[@SimonClark]

1) Quite probably yes, but plenty of people here do economics not having done further maths 2) See the above, but it would probably be a good idea, provided you don't overstretch yourself! 3) Not as far as I know 4) Through my first few years (and bear in mind that physics is very intense) I typically had 12 hours of lectures a week, 7 hours of labs and about 3 hours of tutorials/classes 5) Lectures are not, as are some seminars, but some seminars are

[@SimonClark]

Pretty much anything you can think of! If you google Oxford sport, music and student societies it give you some idea of what to expect...

[@SimonClark]

For that particular example no - generally they tend to ask a throwaway question just to settle you in, e.g. why physics? what parts of physics interest you?, and then plough on with their preprepared questions about general physics. For an idea of what kind of questions they ask, check out my interview questions videos!

[@SimonClark]

I believe that you do need to take GCSE equivalents, which if that's what CXCs are then that shouldn't be a problem. I would recommend getting in touch with the university admissions team to be sure though.

[@SimonClark]

I'm pretty certain that you need one of IB or SAT, but there's no need to have both - email the university admissions office directly if you're concerned.

[@SimonClark]

From what I can find out from UCAS, about 90% - pretty much the same grade boundary as in the A level

[@SimonClark]

It wouldn't be a problem at all! Plenty of people here learned English via international schools and so speak with a mix of American and British terms. As long as it won't interfere with your ability to do your subject Oxford won't care :)

[@SimonClark]

I'm guessing that ordinary levels are equivalent of GCSEs? If so then when applying to Oxford they have some importance (not as much as A levels) and when applying to Cambridge barely important at all. Many people applying domestically with average GCSE results but great A level results and still get offered places, so it's definitely worth applying! If you were to apply with London A levels as well as your A levels then I could only imagine that your application would be stronger. Honestly dk

[@SimonClark]

From talking with my college's schools liason officer (head of outreach) this appears to be true. I might end up making a video either on this channel or on the college's channel to clarify the point.

[@SimonClark]

If you have the equivalent qualifications from your original country then it isn't a problem, if however you don't have anything of the equivalent standard then you would need to sit them as Oxford requires all non-native students to have grade B or above in their English Language GCSE, and many courses have requirements on your mathematical ability, assessed on GCSE grade.

[@SimonClark]

I think anybody that enters into closed environment like an Oxford college is viewed with mild suspicion at first, but I don't remember being teased as a fresher. There was a kind of expectation to join in with college life and traditions from the higher years, but never anything resembling bullying. It's not the same dynamic as between the years in secondary school at all. As for why grumpy fourth years dislike them, they have less work than us and we have earned our nice spots in the library!

[@SimonClark]

Oxford accepts thousands of international students, being from Portugal will be no disadvantage! As for tips on studying, my video 'How to study effectively' is the best advice that I can give :)

[@SimonClark]

In addition to AAA requirements, the website says 'Candidates are also expected to have at least a C grade in GCSE Mathematics, or other evidence to demonstrate that they are appropriately numerate. We accept any subjects at A-level except for General Studies. There is no particular advantage or disadvantage to studying Law before you apply.' Check the Oxford website for more info :)

[@Broncz101]

My school has said that 'Oxford care more about GCSE grades whereas Cambridge care more about AS/A-Levels', this is based upon their experience as a school with pupils applying. How true is this?

[@aboodfouda]

No offense to anyone taking A level: IB is more challenging.

[@CompCode-Central]

Obviously

[@naeembacha4534]

Giving subject choices and removing essays, no difference! But without that yah you’re right. I am saying subject wise

[@SimonClark]

If you google "oxford medicine entry requirements" it should be the first link :)

[@I3w1n]

Thanks for the quick answer! yes i saw the video and i asked, because of the exoplanet-detection question.

[@pkshabbaboy]

Hi, I will be really honest with my gcse grades. I got 3 As 3 bs and 3 cs, and I was farelly disappointed with my grades because I didn't take it serious enough but when I went on doing A level courses, I got an A in economics , A in Computing and A on biology. I currently applied for a russel group called imperial college, and they accepted me, so don't worry about gcses they aren't really important other than getting a C or above for Maths and English

[@SimonClark]

To be honest I doubt it will make that much difference either way! Depending on your subject it might make for interesting discussion in the interview, but otherwise I doubt they will consider it that much.

[@SimonClark]

Yes! Someone else who knows who he is! The world needs more Bob Ross...

[@audiobooksandmore-s3y]

1:25 Oh so we don't need to take both ? Just A levels are sufficient ?

[@metaomicron72]

Is there a closing time of the library, or you can get in or out t any time? Another question is, do you pay or have a limited time to keep the library books?

[@whakabuti]

Thanks for the quick response. Yes it's the equivalent of GCSEs used in former colonies. Really appreciate the videos. Thank you :)

[@charlaughsloudly]

Hi Simon! I just wanted to let you know I've watched nearly all of your videos and I enjoy them so much! Thank you for making them and I hope you continue to do so! I am currently 1 year away from taking my GCSE's so I'm working really hard to get there. I was wandering, when you were in year 10 like me before taking GCSE's, did you know you wanted/were going to go to Oxford? PLEASE CAN YOU DO A ROOM TOUR?! Thanks :-)

[@happyhippo3499]

The camera and it's focus is so annoying.

[@islandgoddess6614]

Also in the university website, it says that they would expect grade 5 in three or more advanced placement tests in appropriate subjects or SAT subject tests in three appropriate subjects at 700 or better. Does that mean that I don't have to take the AP tests? I hope so because Oxford is my dream school.

[@Alarm4d]

Are there lots of different societies you can join whilst studying at Oxford, and if so which ones?Ps you two make a wonderful couple thanks Simon.

[@RegisteredHuman-pk3ed]

The sixth form exam at my school is called CAPE?

[@khadhija7]

Same. I'm wondering what is the average grade for getting into medicine at Oxford for CAPE. Whether you have to get all 1's or distinctions...

[@khadhija7]

Thanks! :)

[@its9333]

Towana Semple are you in or near the Caribbean?

[@TrollKing21]

I get mid b's in everything science/maths is a high b's so do i have a any chance to get into Oxford/Cambridge. Thanks Simon

[@orangewithme]

I just moved to the UK and am now in sixth form, therefore I haven't done the GCSE's. Should I take the GCSE exams now? Will not having any GCSE's reduce my chances of getting in, even if they know that I'm not originally from the UK? :)

[@lurb1557]

Thumbs up for the john green quote! I so desperately want to do theoretical physics at oxford. I am actually doing igcses working on an online oxford learning school, will this effect my chance of getting in? I am of corse aiming for all seven to be a*'s. Is getting in ultimately down to your a levels? Also a friend who also wants to go to oxford told me that you have to be involved in a wide range of extra curriculum activities including being able to play an instrument, is this true?

[@Dannnytrules]

Nice and very helpful video Simon :)

[@fatemaaftab5659]

I tried searching it on the website about what subjects are required for medicine - but i couldn't find it. So can you please post a link that could help me with this?

[@TrollKing21]

Simon can i get into Oxford/Cambridge with no A levels but bs i try the best i can to so should even try

[@PR0FESSIONALN00B]

Hi Simon! I just wanted to know if do i need to do my GCSE exams to apply to University of Oxford. I live in the Caribbean and we only do CXC examinations and next year i will begin my A- Levels. So is it necessary to take the GCSE examinations?

[@pessoal223l]

hi Simon! i think that your channel is really helpful. i am from Portugal and i was thinking about applying to oxford, is there any possibilaty of the don't accept me just because i am from outside side uk? since you where accepted can you give some tips to study? my future depends on this!

[@ruin.daniel]

I reckon it is not required to take the SAT if one is also taking IB, no? My school offers the SAT tests, but I think it is too much of a burden on top of all the IB work. Does Oxford take the SAT tests into account at all, given that a student has an IB diploma?

[@ashleygarcia2472]

We do have to take the SAT, but we don't rlly see it as a burden that much. It's a pretty general knowledge kind of exam and you don't even need to study for it really.

[@whakabuti]

Hello,:) How much weight do Ordinary Level results carry in an application? If I were to have very ordinary O Level results (Two A's, 2 B's and the rest C's) but have 3 A's for my A levels would I still have a chance? Ps.These A levels and O levels aren't British exams. They're from my country and we don't have A stars. Furthermore if I did London A levels as well and got an A* and the rest A's and submitted both my country's A level results and the London A level results where would I stand?:)

[@gracesato6973]

Hello, I was wondering about the myth that top universities in the UK prefer students from private schools over state schools. This was certainly true in my mothers time(she's 48 now) and she was telling me how a friend of hers who went to a private school with a high status got an offer from Oxford or Cambridge as long as he had three Es in his A levels!! I'm not sure if the status of your school matters more than your grades. Thank you and your videos are fab!

[@SimonClark]

+Grace Sato Definitely not true! At least as far as Oxbridge is concerned. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXqueZ-IaKpod9E for more info :)

[@gracesato6973]

+SimonOxfPhys thank you very much!!

[@I3w1n]

Hi, I was wondering, in what way your answers will actually influence the interview. When they ask me what i want to do in physics, will my answer, in my case theoretical physics, result in them asking me about that topic or do they have sort of pre made questions across all topics?

[@MenezBale]

What is the equivalent of an A* at Scottish higher?

[@GeorgiaMyname]

My daughter attends to a British curriculum school in Greece , she is a very good student and wants to study in UK for medicine.The school has IB prog but she is between to choose IB or A level.For the IB wanted to take HL chemistry,Biology ,French and for SL english literature,maths and art.Unfortunately she can't have ART choosing 2 subjects from tha same group.So she is thinking to take Alevel .Do you think that the subjects of IB will make "good" impression for medicine? How easy or difficult if we can compare with IB 7 to A level A* ? The difficulty is the same or A level A* is easier ? Thank u in advance for your help

[@SimonClark]

+goutsmouts I believe that IB is generally regarded as being more challenging than A levels, but both are equally acceptable for medicine applications. Do remember that A level restricts your choice of subjects to 4-5, but then allows for greater depth in those subjects. A levels in chemistry, biology, and maths (and then one or two of her choosing) would be a good foundation for a medicine application.

[@GeorgiaMyname]

+SimonOxfPhys Thank you for your reply.What do you mean by saying IB is more challenging ? more difficult ? Thank u again

[@SimonClark]

Yes, that it's more difficult - though that's something I've only heard from a few friends of mine.

[@RandyJulio]

apparently yeah i finished my ib last year and now in university, i would say ib is way much more challenging than uni im currently doing, since the fact that in total we had 9 subjects including theory of knowledge, CAS and extended essay ( basically make 4000 words)

[@Alarm4d]

Thanks ill check out

[@TrollKing21]

When does your next term start Simon

[@vishwar3079]

I got reallocated from Brasenose to St.Edmund Hall, where I was interviewed twice, and I got a third interview from Merton. Do I have a higher chance of getting into St. Edmund Hall or Merton or does it depend on my interview with each college? Essentially, do you have a higher chance at getting into your primary interview college? Also, is there a chance that i get reallocated again to another college other than these two?

[@alexdo9388]

In Germany there are final exams called Abitur which have to cover at least one subject from languages, sciences and social sciences (you have to do 3 exams and one oral exam). It is completely irrelevant which advanced course you take, the only thing that actually counts is the average result (callled numerus clausus) to apply to a university course. In fact, I could get a place for medicine if I only had A*s (or an average result of 1.0), but my subjects didn't have anything to do with medicine. My advanced courses are German and English and I will do my third exam in Biology and my oral exam in History. I just wonder if they would care about the subjects at Oxford, even though it is irrelevant in Germany and a completely different system?

[@SimonClark]

From www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/international-qualifications?wssl=1it looks like they do look at marks in individual subjects as well as the average

[@alexdo9388]

thank you, that website helped a lot! :)

[@umaribnali2138]

Bro How was your A level results? I am Bangladesh and got A* in Maths, 2As in Chemistry and Physics. But I am studying in a very average uni in Malaysia because I don't have very good financial backing. Do you think I would be able to do Masters In Computer Science after I finish my graduation in Computer Science here?

[@SimonClark]

I talk about my results in kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWS3Yp1qfLF1pZY, and to answer your question, it really depends on what you do while an undergraduate! If you work hard, and also try and get some research done in the department on the side (try contacting academics and see if anyone has any research projects that they would like some help on) then for sure!

[@veronacolaco4329]

how to write a good personal statement?

[@dannykim1763]

Hey, Simon. I have one question. I live in Bulgaria, but when I finish high school want to I apply in Oxford. If my grades from high school diploma are not only "A" has a chance to accept me? If I do well at Interview and if I have three "A" on IB diploma , will they accept me in Oxford Is there a chance? :\ I really worry about it !

[@bluehairedshanks7699]

Also i do maths and physics with chemistry and economics, does that mean i wont be able to apply for physics?

[@SimonClark]

Yes absolutely (though look into trying to do some further maths on the side if you can), and to answer your other question yes it will hinder things slightly but as long as the rest of your results are As as you say then you should be able to make a good application :) All still to play for!

[@bluehairedshanks7699]

Would getting no A*'s at GCSE but rest A's and a few B's hinder chances of getting an interview?

[@adrianvasilache1460]

In my country there are no GCSE's, but when we finish high school we have a very big and important exam. (or series of exams, it would be more specific) So, depending on my results in those tests (only 3 tests) will I get an equivalance to CGSE's or will it be depending on my overall grades?

[@SimonClark]

Adrian Vas This sounds more like A levels than GCSEs - you can check www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/international-qualifications for more information on your country's qualifications

[@adrianvasilache1460]

THANKS! I think ir would be quite easy with what they ask from Romanians.

[@rehanehteshamulhaque3615]

SimonOxfPhys Hi simon can you tell me that is there a matter of preference between edexcel igcse and cambridge igcse. I mean I'm going to do my IGCSE but under which board should I give my exam, does board (edexcel or cambridge) has anything to do with the value of my certificate, or is it just that my grades are the only determinant factor as to the value of my o level IGCSE certificate. And thanks for your informative videos.

[@SimonClark]

Rehan Ehteshamul Haque hi! Sorry for the late reply. As far as I am aware there is no difference between IGCSEs from different exam boards - so choose whichever is easiest for you to take!

[@manz92]

This may sound like a silly question, but I need to be sure, if someone flops GCSE by which I mean no A's, and just about passes A levels but manages to perform well at degree level and graduates with a first, would they be able to do a graduate course at Oxford, in that they would only take into account the degree obtained and not A levels or GCSE? or do they still look at those? in which case I'm screwed.

[@SimonClark]

Yeah I should think that you would be able to apply for a graduate course no problem! Generally as you get older your GCSE and A level results count for less. Eventually even your degree won't count for much, but don't think that far ahead!

[@manz92]

Thanks a lot! :)

[@ytrew97]

does where your from effect your chances of getting in because i from canada and im not sure if that will reduce my chances

[@SimonClark]

Not at all! Oxford welcomes students from all over the world and just chooses those with the highest ability - as long as you are good at your subject and you speak good english, it doesn't matter where you come from :)

[@annapiwowarczyk3641]

How about BTEC Diploma level 3 in engineering... there's barely any schools that offer A levels

[@TheCallofdeath123]

+Anna Piwowarczyk non

[@antong4189]

can I apply before I start studying IB, like right after I get my igcse results?

[@SimonClark]

Nope you apply halfway through your IB, in the equivalent of year 12 in the UK system, or after you receive your IB grades

[@antong4189]

Okay thanks :)

[@TrollKing21]

To apply

[@Vijay-rr8px]

I from abord and haven't done gcse's but I am doing A levels so I can't apply for top universities because I don't have gcses is that true?

[@SimonClark]

For international students Oxbridge and other top universities normally consider the equivalent qualifications to GCSEs and A levels from the applicant's country. However if you do take A levels after an equivalent to GCSEs that's also fine too!

[@Enzophanis1892]

I am only 13 but I have wanted to be a Doctor of Geology by going to Oxford since I was 8. Which A Levels would I need to take to have a better chance of getting in?

[@SimonClark]

You can find this out, and a lot more information about the course at www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/earth-sciences-geology

[@risingstars3478]

omg you’re 17 now! did you apply/are you going to apply?

[@10tacle21]

Epic Bob Ross t-shirt...

[@Natalieee167]

hey guys! about the GCSE exams... I go to an international school in Ukraine. I am in grade 10 now, and next year I am moving to England, going to do A-levels. I am consider applying to Oxbridge for a history course. The thing is I didn't do GCSEs, we just don't have them in my school! We do the MYP programme... very confused. If you know anything about that matter any feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks :)

[@SimonClark]

You can check www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/international_applicants/international_qualifications/ if you don't believe me, but generally your A level results will be what they are interested in for an application - your previous qualifications are also used, but if you were on a different program to GCSEs then that will be considered in context.

[@Hak5050969]

Hey, Simon, could you let me know about the things I need to be good at besides studies? The extra curricular activities, to be precise. I'm a very good debater and attend a lot of debating tournaments, I have attended about 40 Model United Nations and 10 Parliamentary Style Debates. Are these enough? I also have 6 A*s, 7 As, and am expecting A*AA in my A'Levels.

[@SimonClark]

To be honest, you don't need to be good at anything other than your subject! I long believed that the admissions tutors do look for people who play sport and music and were head boy, but to be honest they only care about stuff directly related to your subject. That said, if you can link an extracurricular activity to your subject (e.g. public speaking and MUN to, say, PPE by an understanding of global politics) then it demonstrates your passion for your subject carries on past the classroom, which is exactly what the tutors *are* looking for.

[@AbiSheppard]

What subjects and grades did Maddy get for A Level?

[@Master1906]

Would I listen to you with regards to how hard A level is, or the ones in the video... hmm...

[@mutdpwnevery1]

Hey Simon, please check your inbox I need urgent advice. Thanks!

[@oclvcarbon123]

fix yo camera... pathetic for oxford