Only Just Made the Cut? - Grade Insecurity at Oxford

By Marie May

To any of my friends outside of Oxford, getting straight As at A Level would be a dream. On results day, my family was filled with pride, and I was so relieved to have actually made it. I barely considered the idea of doing any better. However, once I got to Oxford, this sense of achievement disappeared.

Official data suggests 47% of students admitted to the University achieve 3 A*s or more; at my college, this fact became obvious very quickly. I remember the sense of shame I felt admitting that I’d just about met my offer, and throughout the first few weeks, some people who had done particularly well weren’t reserved in their view that "Oxford should be far stricter with their requirements." All of this led to me believe that there must have been some sort of mistak: how could I deserve a place at this university, surrounded by people who were already far more accomplished than me?

Looking back, I realise how silly I was to think like this. However, confiding in others and realising I was not alone in this feeling has encouraged me to speak up, to ensure that current and prospective students never fall into the same trap. Some of the same people I had felt so inferior to looked at me and felt the same way.

Ultimately, Oxford can be extremely intimidating at first, and basing your self-worth on academic performance is not the way to go. A-Levels are indicative, but they do not define you. I study Law, and although my previous education has helped me build the skills I need for my degree, they did not determine how successful I would be in this new field. Oxford tutors have been admitting students for years: they have chosen you for a reason, and if you have faith in that choice, you will do well. Moreover, if you are thinking of applying to Oxford but feel your grades aren’t enough – do it. Primarily because if you can meet the requirements at all, you are already extremely capable. But secondly, because your grades are just one part of your person, and Oxford looks at you as a whole. Not everybody has been afforded the same opportunities - sometimes life gets in the way. The University goes to great lengths to ensure that this is reflected in their admissions.

I spent the beginning of term trying to prove myself to others - to prove I deserved my place. It was only when I realised the only person I had to make proud was myself that I started thriving both academically and personally. This is what I recommend to anybody reading today.

Your academic path does not have to be persistently perfect; there doesn’t have to be persistent improvement. What matters is that despite bumps in the road, you continue to strive towards doing the best you can do.