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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Psychology A Level/Oxford

196 replies

Tesstheteddybear · 27/07/2019 14:40

Hi my DS is applying to Oxford 2020 for Chemistry. He is a little concerned he may not receive an interview due to the fact he is studying Psychology, Chemistry, Maths not Further Maths, Biology, Physics etc for A' Level. GCSE's are very good.

Has anyone got any knowledge of this - thank you!

OP posts:
MoseShrute · 27/07/2019 14:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DadDadDad · 27/07/2019 14:42

The university's prospectus tells you any specific requirements for a subject, so what does that say for Chemistry?

Original poster
Tesstheteddybear · 27/07/2019 14:43

No only 3 Psychology, Chemistry Maths not the others! Yes he is worried about it being considered not strong enough.

OP posts:
DadDadDad · 27/07/2019 14:45

Mose - I think you've misread the OP. I thought the same as you but then realised that the OP was saying rather than doing the likes of Further Maths, Biology or Physics, he is (just) doing Psychology, Chem, Maths.

Original poster
Tesstheteddybear · 27/07/2019 14:46

Prospectus says the other 3 Physics, Biology and Further Maths recommended but not essential as 3rd option.

OP posts:
DadDadDad · 27/07/2019 14:46

Cross-post!

MoseShrute · 27/07/2019 14:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DadDadDad · 27/07/2019 14:48

Ok, so they have said those aren't essential. Is he predicted an A* in Chemistry as I would guess that's what they're most interested in?

Original poster
Tesstheteddybear · 27/07/2019 14:49

Yes 3*. Its only one option out of 5 but keen to not waste a choice!

OP posts:
peardrops1 · 27/07/2019 14:54

Psychology not the strongest A Level option for Oxbridge but if that's what he really wants to do, that shouldn't put him off. They'll look at his overall ability. his other two options will be seen as more academically rigorous.

peardrops1 · 27/07/2019 14:54

(P.s. A-level teacher here!)

DadDadDad · 27/07/2019 14:55

I'd really recommend going to their open day (I see they have one in September) - we went to one earlier this month and you get plenty of opportunities to speak to tutors in the subject you are interested in and can get their reaction to these questions.

Abetes · 27/07/2019 15:06

Reading the entrance requirements, the standard offer is A star, A star, A with the two A star grades being in science or maths subjects. They don’t consider psychology to be a science subject so your ds would have to get A stars in Chemistry and Maths with at least an A in Psychology. If he was doing another science subject then it would give a bit more flexibility in terms of the A star grades. All he can do is apply and see what happens I guess.

sandybayley · 27/07/2019 17:17

@Tesstheteddybear - DS1 is also applying for Chemistry at Oxford - he's doing Chemistry, Physics, Maths and History.

TBH I don't think Psychology is the best 3rd A Level but if he's predicted 3xA star I'd apply. If he does well at the at the TSA he's lowly to get an interview I'd guess.

sandybayley · 27/07/2019 17:18

Likely not lowly!

MollyButton · 27/07/2019 17:22

How keen is he on Chemistry? Can he express how keen he is? Why did he choose Psychology - can he justify his choice? What area of Chemistry is he most interested in now?

Best chances of an interview will come from great predicted grades, a great personal statement, real commitment to the subject and how he comes across at interview.

BubblesBuddy · 27/07/2019 23:13

I think it might be a little bit difficult to persuade them you are a dedicated scientist with only one science. I would have thought another science gives a better chance. I think the addition of psychology says you are not sure about science at Oxford level.

drspouse · 27/07/2019 23:26

I had to do some Chemistry at undergrad level and I'd have struggled with the topics without Physics A level though this was in the Dark Ages.

goodbyestranger · 27/07/2019 23:55

Tess he's doing Chemistry and Maths and has very good GCSEs, he'll be fine.

ErrolTheDragon · 28/07/2019 00:19

MollyButton has pretty much said what I would have.

Has he got an idea of where else he wants to apply to?

Original poster
Tesstheteddybear · 28/07/2019 09:05

Thanks for input.

Other choices DS is looking at Durham, Warwick, Bristol, Bath

OP posts:
goodbyestranger · 28/07/2019 10:06

Molly and Errol his best chance of an interview at Oxford is great predicted grades and a great score in the TSA. Chemistry and Maths are perfect subjects for doing well in the TSA. Also, Chemistry interviews almost all applicants (90% or so).

goodbyestranger · 28/07/2019 10:09

In fact that was written down wrong. His best chance of an interview are great achieved grades (which seem to be in the bag) and a great score in the TSA.

goodbyestranger · 28/07/2019 10:10

You need two A* anyhow for Oxford Chemistry so tbh everyone's grades will be at least that.

ErrolTheDragon · 28/07/2019 10:20

Sure, you're right about the TSA. As chemistry and maths are the only two subjects which are actually required, I assume that's what it's based on.

Given that I'd have thought he'd be likely to get offers from most if not all of the other 4 choices, I'll go with my usual 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' advice - but as always grounded in realism that the majority of Oxford applicants won't get an offer, and in this case he will be up against candidates who might seem stronger on the basis of their A level choices. On the other hand, if he's got a good reason why he chose psychology maybe he can make it a differentiator in a positive way?