[Solved] Aiming for Oxford/Cambridge universities

I thought it depended on what you wanted to study? Like those schools are good for law politics and stuff, but not zoology, for example. And I don't think you can apply for her, she'd have to do it herself?

She's in the top group for all her subjects, I would say that's pretty good. I think you should give her plenty of praise and encouragement and talk to her to find out what she wants to do.

I don't think you can apply for both - I think they have rules. It depends a lot on what subjects. My son applied for Cambridge to do a maths degree and never even got an interview, even though he got an A* in Maths (scored 98% if I recall) though my nephew did, so I've no idea what their criteria are.

However, I would ask your daughter what she wants to do - she's the one who's going to be there for 3 years, so she needs to have a lot of input.

Thanks for your responses

I studied at Cambridge University (maths). It is excellent, and I really enjoyed it. I came from a "non-traditional" background, so had to find out much of the information for myself. I started to seriously think about applying at age 17 (I started A levels 1 year late) and 2 years later I had met my offer and that was that! That was 8 years ago now...my how time goes by!

So year 9 is quite early to be thinking about such things. Generally, it is advisable to see how the first year of A levels/sixth form go, as some students "peak" early (at GCSE), while others are "late bloomers", etc.

But it does not hurt to aim high - as long as your daughter is OK with this. Oxford and Cambridge are not overly concerned with GCSE results - so the fact that your daughter is in the top set is positive, and her not being "stellar" is neither here nor there (at this moment in time). They care much more about A level results and potential, so if your daughter is serious about Cambridge or Oxford, the most important years are (in chronological order):
GCSE results/Transition to A-levels
1st year A level - as having the support of teachers/School is important (but not required) when applying to Oxbridge (e.g. she needs to be predicted at least AAB at A level)
last year of A level - as need to make the grade and do well in exams.

There are some excellent books and materials out there. The most simple ones to recommend are the following:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-into-Oxford-Cambridge-Entry/dp/1909319635/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KGHJZDK4SE1ZMCTGPCR&dpID=51yDoQLzX-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxbridge-Entrance-The-Real-Rules/dp/0954594479/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=17QEXGKJGGBHZHYENH9E

PM me if you want any subject specific advice.

I went to Oxford and GCSE results don't mean nothing. Isn't there a talk to take it back to O-Levels?

To get an interview, it's about her A-levels and supporting statement and an early application. Over subscribed courses like Law have a higher rejection rate...duh!

Oxford is also the most expensive place to live and highest homelessness in the country, far more than London...better start saving big time :).