I’m hoping to apply to Oxford in PPE, but just got my September ACT score which might throw a wrench in the process. On my past ACTs, I’ve been in the 35-36 range for English/Reading, and the 28-29 range for Science/Math. On this recent ACT, I got a 36R/34E/31S/26M. That math score is extremely low, especially for a proposed econ major. Since I have to report all scores to Oxford, does this essentially doom me? I’ve been scoring well on the TSA practice tests, so I was hoping to have a shot at the interview even with the 28/29 math score.
I was also looking at History and Economics, but it looks like Oxford requires an higher math standard for that than PPE, and History and Politics, but was worried that I won’t be able to get a finance career after that.
I know this is a bit of a rambling mess, any advice about any of these topics is much appreciated!
TLDR: Bad math score on September ACT has made be super confused about my chances/what to apply for at Oxford, not sure if PPE is feasible, and if History and Econ/Politics is a smart option.
Maths is a problem for PPE, b/c even though you can dump the Econ element after first year, you do have to do that first year. 90+ % of successful PPE applicants have some maths. Can you get a decent SAT math subject test in the October round?
stats-wise, HisPol is a tougher admit than PPE: it’s a much smaller intake, and they don’t even always take the max. Remember that in any joint subject, both/all sides have to agree to the applicant- & they all think that their subject is most important. If your heart is set on finance you may have trouble selling the history tutors that you are really interested in their subject.
And as for that: the finance houses in the UK take students from all disciplines. I know recent Oxbridge grads from Biochemestry, Theology, History, Classics, etc etc at Morgan Stanley, Citi, Goldman, etc. They recruit heavily from Oxbridge. Getting a place in their 10 week paid summer internships are the key (the 2 week ones in the winter & spring are ok, but at least 1 long one) much more than your subject. The main reason for doing it through PPE is that you are in with a LOT of other people who share your values. If you want to double-down on that, apply for PPE at Christ Church.
You are right that the TSA will be crucial…but it is very everybody 
@collegemom3717 thank you so much for that information - I decided to apply for PPE! I’m signed up to take the SAT 2 in October in both Math 1 and 2, would I report that as a pending score on the UCAS or just submit it after the deadline without mentioning it on the UCAS. I’ll get the scores after the Oxford deadline and I’m not sure how well I’ll do on Math 2.
You must report all scheduled tests on the UCAS.