Oxford reapplication from first year at another university

I was rejected by Oxford for an undergraduate History and Politics degree this year. I am considering reapplying but would prefer not to take a gap year as my second choice is a Scottish university; if I took a gap year and was rejected again that would effectively mean five years as an undergraduate level student. In my feedback I was told that I was on the ‘cusp’ of a place but had slightly underperformed in my essay and interview. I have since written a far better essay and can identify my key interview failures. Is it worth trying again? And if so, from another university?

APPLYING OXFORD REAPPLYING

Answer

Many people have two attempts at an Oxford application. Are you planning to apply for the same course again? It might be worth contacting the university to ask for its advice. There is nothing to stop you starting at a Scottish university this year and putting in an application for Oxford through UCAS for next year's cycle of admissions, except for the cost and the uncertainty. Who knows; you may find you settle very happily at your Scottish university in the end. Take a look at our guide to applying to Oxford and Cambridge.