I didn't get my A-Level grades, should I take a gap year to reapply to Oxbridge?

Maybe… It depends on a few things

Obviously, reapplying is going to be a major part of what you spend your gap year doing but this is (at most) only going to fill up the first few months until December. It’s worth thinking about what you would do with a year (other than reapplying) as it’s still a whole year of your life. If there is something that you've always wanted to do (learning a language, working a particular firm) then a gap year could be highly worthwhile. On the other hand, if you don't have a specific idea of what to do and applications finish in December you would find yourself sitting around for 10 months, then it may not be the best use of a year. It should also be noted that many people take gap years recreationally and are often very pleased to arrive at university that little bit more mature.

We also recommend reflecting on what could be different about you application this time as compared to your last application. Certainly, applying to an 'easier' college would make a difference, but it’s pretty opaque as to how significant a different that makes. Having strong grades under your belt will also make a positive difference but may not be massive game - changer, its generally my sense that having high enough grades is about crossing a threshold. The other factor to consider is that you will be a year older (and wiser) applying this time, with all the extra reading and contemplation which that entails as well as having that extra time to focus on your application.

It could also be worthwhile speaking to the admissions tutor and asking for all the data they hold on you which could help you make a decision. For example, if you found out your admissions test score was low in comparison with all the practice papers and that's why your application didn't progress, then that would certainly be a good reason to reapply. You can also find out this information by submitting a “subject access request”. This is where (because of data privacy laws) the college cannot hold any information on you without sharing it with you.

At University Admissions Tutors we are happy to help any student thinking of reapplying. Click here to speak to one of our delightful tutors.