Easing A Level Anxiety

A Level Anxiety

Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly pay the way to success. Ask the parents at Westminster College! With state school students being disproportionately represented at Oxford and Cambridge, we are led to question how heavily your school impacts your chance of success.

For many students at the ‘elite’ schools and colleges, Oxbridge is just a stepping stone: a tradition. The small classes, debates and tutoring carefully craft ordinary teenagers into Oxbridge applicants, over the space of a few years. Intellectual debate or one-on-one academic gruelling may as well be daily rituals. Of course, I am not saying money buys intelligence. These students have every right to succeed and fulfil their potential. In fact, many selective schools accept students on academic merit. Instead, I take issue with state school students being less equipped for Oxbridge and elite university admissions. As helpful as state schools often are in preparing ambitious students, this aid could not shine a candle to the extensive ‘Oxbridge departments’ in private and selective schools. Whereas private school students are running a 100m race with crowd support, state school students are left stranded at the first hurdle.

Having gone through the Oxford admissions process twice, I understand the mine-field of university admissions. From admissions tests, to interviews to A Levels, the column will simply bring the unaltered truth, from a student’s perspective. To begin, let’s discuss the first stage: A Level choices.

Do I need to study 4 A Levels?

In all honesty, 4 A Levels are not necessary. Of course, there is no denying that your application will look more competitive, especially if you are applying for a competitive course or/at competitive universities. However, universities will offer you a place on the condition of achieving three grades. In fact, the majority of Oxford students studied three. If taking a fourth subject is going to hinder your chance of meeting your offer, stick with three. 

Do I need to take all ‘facilitating subjects’?

Facilitating subjects are deemed as ‘traditional’, ‘academic’ subjects. As degrees at Oxford and Cambridge are highly academic, it would be in your best interest to study at least one/two of these subjects. However, if you thrive creatively, don’t be put off studying drama or art or another subject you love. Initially, I studied A Level Maths because I thought it would ‘look good’.  If I could go back in time, I would tell my year 11 self to pick Drama instead. As an English and Modern Languages applicant, the tutors were not interested in my ability to differentiate. Take subjects you enjoy and do well in. Don’t make your sixth form a living Hell for the sake of appearing ‘well-rounded’ on the UCAS form.

Should I take an EPQ?

As a Welsh student, I studied Welsh Baccalaureate instead of EPQ. As dreary and long-winded as the qualification was, I do believe it enhanced my Oxbridge application. The personal investigation, which is very similar to an EPQ, enabled me to research deeply into my subject fields and develop essay-writing skills. An EPQ is not a prerequisite for Oxbridge success. Students have got in with, and without it. My advice would be to pursue one if you have the time, but don’t let it affect your other A Levels. 

 

All in all, my advice for state school students aiming for the dreaming spires would be to pick A Levels that you enjoy and will thrive in, rather than attempting to cater to a university. If your choices do not align with a course at your ‘dream university’, it is probably worth taking a step back and reconsidering whether it is the university or the prestige that has captured your fascination.

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