<p>Hey photon, I applied through UCAS this year. What they’re telling you is spot on. You will need either A-Levels, IB, or APs. Those ECs honestly don’t matter much. The application is mostly about qualifications. Your acceptance is based on your test results, personal statement, recommendations, and predicted grades. Also, which subject do you want to enter? Because as you probably know, you get accepted Oxbridge in a subject, not the university itself if that makes any sense. You would get an offer either conditional or unconditional for that subject. It is possible to switch out, but it’s difficult - so pick wisely. (Because of the qualification thing). Your personal statement for the ivies and Oxbridge will be entirely different. For the ivies, you want to sound unique/have something to offer. For Oxbridge, you need to show that you’re interested in studying the subject that you have applied for and that you know something about it. Also the interview is different (Oxbridge definitely counts more). If you haven’t taken A-Levels/IB/AP yet, then everything will be based off predicted grades which will need to be 5554(AP) or AAAB(A-levels) or something like that.</p>
<p>If you want to take advantage of all those ECs, go Ivies. But if you want to get into a school based on actual talent, go Oxbridge (it’s difficult though!). Also, get a head start. Otherwise it’s difficult to chance you.</p>