Hi All

I just had a quick question in relation to which I am hoping that some of you might be able to shed some light.

I'm thinking of applying to a number of schools later this year (Oxbridge, the London universities and a few others). I know for Oxbridge that its fairly well accepted that one needs a "first."

I've completed my degree from a good (although not sandstone) Australian university. My concern is that I don't have a "first" in a strict sense. The university I attended has an archaic method for awarding firsts. Therefore, I only have a H2A but I ranked 3 out of 200+ in my graduating cohort.

My query, then, is whether the fact that I don't have a strict "first" will rule me out of the running for admission to Oxbridge. My university intends on writing an explanatory letter to be attached to my academic transcript which explains its method for awarding firsts and making it clear that I finished in the top 1% of my graduating year and that, by most other standards, I would have received a first. By way of further background, I have been told, anecdotally, that only one student in the past 5 years has received first class honours.

I am hoping that the fact that I don't have a strict first won't rule me out of the running, because that would be quite an arbitrary outcome. I welcome any thoughts, opinions, personal experiences etc.

Thanks everyone!

Dont worry about the wording, it all comes down to your ranking within your law school. A first means u finished within the best 10 % so u easily satisfy this condition.

Without knowing much about u and purely based on your grade, I predict u will walk into Oxbridge...

C. (just finished Cambridge LL.M)

Thanks Cedric. You've definitely allayed some of my fears, although you're demonstrably more optimistic about my chances than I am!

And congratulations on finishing the Cambridge LL.M - it is a terrific achievement!

Thanks Cedric. You've definitely allayed some of my fears, although you're demonstrably more optimistic about my chances than I am!

And congratulations on finishing the Cambridge LL.M - it is a terrific achievement!