GCSE Dropping subjects Advice: Is 10As better than 10A and 1B/c

If you are taking 11 GCSEs and get a B/C in a subject which is not considered core and A*s in all the rest, can you just not tell the uni/college you did the subject thus have 100% A*s for GCSE. Hopefully you understand what I meant

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Reply 1

Camoxide

Unless you're applying for OxBridge the uni's don't give a **** about your GCSEs

Your A level grades will eclipse any sort of meaning your GCSEs have.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 2

Blutooth

The latter would be marginally better if you were applying for medicine at Oxford as they take the ratio of A*s into account. In reality though, no one would care about the difference between the two sets of grades as there are much more important things to be focused on.

Reply 3

Camoxide

Shouldn't matter if you get a B in a non relevant subject especially at GCSE.

Reply 4

ttoby

It probably wouldn't make a lot of difference, however be aware that when applying to universities you are required to list all of your GCSE grades.

Reply 5

JaguarCello

Many medical schools ask for a certain percentage of A*s.

Reply 6

Xarren

I got an offer from Oxford with 7A*s 4As and a C. C in English Lit. Seems like it doesn't matter THAT much.

And you contractually have to notify them of every GCSE you have. Even the poor ones.

Reply 7

lordharvey

Original post by Camoxide

Unless you're applying for OxBridge the uni's don't give a **** about your GCSEs

Your A level grades will eclipse any sort of meaning your GCSEs have.

I got an offer from Oxford with only 2 A*s at GCSE. Cambridge are largely even less focused on GCSE results and use UMS points as more of a guide. In my knowledge and experience it is medical schools and LSE and not Oxbridge that are GCSE-focused.

Reply 8

JamalAhmed

Original post by Xarren

I got an offer from Oxford with 7A*s 4As and a C. C in English Lit. Seems like it doesn't matter THAT much.

And you contractually have to notify them of every GCSE you have. Even the poor ones.

I heard rumours that you don't have to do that but I believe you though :biggrin:

Reply 9

Xarren

Original post by JamalAhmed

I heard rumours that you don't have to do that but I believe you though :biggrin:

I checked it myself. I really didn't want to put that C down.

Reply 10

JamalAhmed

Original post by Xarren

I checked it myself. I really didn't want to put that C down.

So it is better if I don't even do the GCSE at all and tell my teacher "sir, these lessons were a waste of time for me"

Reply 11

Xarren

Original post by JamalAhmed

So it is better if I don't even do the GCSE at all and tell my teacher "sir, these lessons were a waste of time for me"

As long as its not too late to drop the subject.. Yeah.

Reply 12

JamalAhmed

Original post by Xarren

As long as its not too late to drop the subject.. Yeah.

Cool, might drop sports studies. I can't (be bothered to) learn 2 years worth of stuff in 3 months. I can but I don't want to just in case i flop

Reply 13

JamalAhmed

Original post by Xarren

I checked it myself. I really didn't want to put that C down.

lol

Reply 14

AspiringGenius

Original post by JaguarCello

~~Many~~One medical schools ask for a certain percentage of A*s.

only Oxford.

OP if you have 10 A* then one mediocre grade won't make the slightest bit if difference. Even wit oxford medicine, they put it in a algorithm with BMAT so it's not even that bad then.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 15

Kim-x

I'd drop it. In a way it's better because you've coped with more subjects, but it'll bring down your average point score so in thay respect it's better to go for consistency in your results.

Reply 16

username941859

Original post by AspiringGenius

only Oxford.

OP if you have 10 A* then one mediocre grade won't make the slightest bit if difference. Even wit oxford medicine, they put it in a algorithm with BMAT so it's not even that bad then.

Birmingham asks for 8 A* GCSEs. Minimum.

Reply 17

AspiringGenius

Original post by Calllu-m

Birmingham asks for 8 A* GCSEs. Minimum.

Don't post if you don't actually know. The most GCSEs Birmingham have ever asked for is 7A* minimum, however they have changed it for next years entry.

You now need A* in Maths, English and sciences. GCSE performance will be taken into consideration. So that is now 4/5A* based on whether one did separate sciences or just core and additional.