[gtcalder]

Guys I'm in need of some help! Basically I didn't put the work in last year and consequently under achieved at AS, ending up with ABC. My teachers therefore at a push were only prepared to predict me ABB, which I eventually (after a lot of reasoning) managed to get up to AAB, in order to broaden the range of universities I could apply for.

I ended up applying for Exeter, Lancaster, Durham, Kent and Oxford Brookes and I have managed to receive offers from all of them. I was set on firming Durham, mainly due to its reputation, however was not pleased with the campus on a recent visit, which combined with the distance away from home, wrote it off my list.

In my recent exams I did a lot better than expected and I'm on course for 3 A's (an A* in business if I match the performance of my unit 3 exam in the summer). However all my choices now don't appeal after knowing that I could do a bit better.

Is my only real option therefore to reapply next year (which I assume it is) and how do you think many of the uni's offering higher requirements would view a gap year? Obviously I would take up some work experience etc. What do you guys think? I've been quite interested in LSE, how do you think they would view this?

Thanks a lot

[mgarthwaite1330]

LSE has 17 applicants per place... I think Business A level is on the black list, what are your other A levels.

Successful applicants normally offer three A levels (A2s) in our generally preferred subjects, or two generally preferred subjects and one from the following list of subjects that are 'non-preferred.' The list is regularly reviewed by Admissions Tutors:

Accounting
Art and Design
Business Studies
Communication Studies
Design and Technology
Drama/Theatre Studies
Home Economics
Information and Communication Technology
Law
Media Studies
Music Technology
Sports Studies
Travel and Tourism

[gtcalder]

Really?! So I have no chance then? My other two subjects are Economics and Geography

[kpwxx]

(Original post by gtcalder)
Guys I'm in need of some help! Basically I didn't put the work in last year and consequently under achieved at AS, ending up with ABC. My teachers therefore at a push were only prepared to predict me ABB, which I eventually (after a lot of reasoning) managed to get up to AAB, in order to broaden the range of universities I could apply for.

I ended up applying for Exeter, Lancaster, Durham, Kent and Oxford Brookes and I have managed to receive offers from all of them. I was set on firming Durham, mainly due to its reputation, however was not pleased with the campus on a recent visit, which combined with the distance away from home, wrote it off my list.

In my recent exams I did a lot better than expected and I'm on course for 3 A's (an A* in business if I match the performance of my unit 3 exam in the summer). However all my choices now don't appeal after knowing that I could do a bit better.

Is my only real option therefore to reapply next year (which I assume it is) and how do you think many of the uni's offering higher requirements would view a gap year? Obviously I would take up some work experience etc. What do you guys think? I've been quite interested in LSE, how do you think they would view this?

Thanks a lot

Firstly, just because you think you could have got in to a more highly ranked uni doesn't mean you'd necessarily be better off doing so. Have you visited the other unis- do you like them? Do you think you'd be happy there, and do well? You don't have to go somewhere else just because you can.

Secondly, think carefully before making a big decision like this. You have offers now, if you turn those down then you can't be sure what will happen next year. Obviously it's sometimes great to take risks, but it needs careful thought first to make sure it's worth it.

Thirdly, take a look at the UCAS website and read about adjustment, like clearing but for people who exceed their offers- this is an option which I'd definitely at least take a look at for you, if there isn't anything you like available you haven't lost out and haven't had to make a commitment until you know your grades.

Good luck

xxx

[dotty_but_good]

(Original post by gtcalder)
I ended up applying for Exeter, Lancaster, Durham, Kent and Oxford Brookes and I have managed to receive offers from all of them. I was set on firming Durham, mainly due to its reputation, however was not pleased with the campus on a recent visit, which combined with the distance away from home, wrote it off my list.

Exeter gave me a three A offer I don't think it a that low ranked a University.

[victoryshinesonus]

(Original post by gtcalder)
Guys I'm in need of some help! Basically I didn't put the work in last year and consequently under achieved at AS, ending up with ABC. My teachers therefore at a push were only prepared to predict me ABB, which I eventually (after a lot of reasoning) managed to get up to AAB, in order to broaden the range of universities I could apply for.

I ended up applying for Exeter, Lancaster, Durham, Kent and Oxford Brookes and I have managed to receive offers from all of them. I was set on firming Durham, mainly due to its reputation, however was not pleased with the campus on a recent visit, which combined with the distance away from home, wrote it off my list.

In my recent exams I did a lot better than expected and I'm on course for 3 A's (an A* in business if I match the performance of my unit 3 exam in the summer). However all my choices now don't appeal after knowing that I could do a bit better.

Is my only real option therefore to reapply next year (which I assume it is) and how do you think many of the uni's offering higher requirements would view a gap year? Obviously I would take up some work experience etc. What do you guys think? I've been quite interested in LSE, how do you think they would view this?

Thanks a lot

I'd go with one of your first four. You've taken Business Studies and Economics, and that would rule a fair few out of the top 10, certainly I have never heard of anyone getting into Oxbridge or London with that combination. Warwick would be ruled out immediately.

LSE would probably be a 0% chance, what course do you want to go for?

Also, don't get your head up too much. Just because you're on 3 A's atm doesn't mean that will be the case come August, so pick a firm and an insurance and if you get better grades and want to reapply next year, then you can still do so. However, if you end up getting ABB or AAB, you may end up in clearing going somewhere you didn't want to go to or end up taking an unnecessary gap year. Furthermore if you chose you chose to apply to the same unis, they may question why you declined their offers.

[gtcalder]

For what I'd like to do in the future only Durham would give me a good enough chance, Accounting and Finance is the course, and I was attracted to LSE by the course structure it offers, the location in terms of being in the heart of all the bigger banks as well as having extremely good links with some of the top firms something none (bar Durham which I have ruled out) offer. I'm optimistic that with a lot of work I can achieve three A's and I've put myself in a good position with my January exams. So what you are saying is that because Business is on the blacklist, applying for any of the top 5 would be completely put of the question? Surely that isnt so, I find it just as hard as my other A levels and didn't think it was classed savage softer subject otherwise I wouldn't have chosen it! Perhaps ill send a few emails for clarification.
Thanks for your help guys

[gtcalder]

(Original post by mgarthwaite1330)
LSE has 17 applicants per place... I think Business A level is on the black list, what are your other A levels.

Successful applicants normally offer three A levels (A2s) in our generally preferred subjects, or two generally preferred subjects and one from the following list of subjects that are 'non-preferred.' The list is regularly reviewed by Admissions Tutors:

Accounting
Art and Design
Business Studies
Communication Studies
Design and Technology
Drama/Theatre Studies
Home Economics
Information and Communication Technology
Law
Media Studies
Music Technology
Sports Studies
Travel and Tourism

The LSE website says "Successful applicants normally offer three A levels (A2s) in our generally preferred subjects, or two generally preferred subjects and one from the following list of subjects that are 'non-preferred.'" So from what that says Geography, Economics and Business Studies would be a perfectly fine combination?

EDIT: Just found this fml
Business Studies:
Whilst not necessarily perceived as the best preparation, due to its vocational content, a number of applicants offering Business Studies alongside two other generally preferred subjects like Maths or English, do receive offers from LSE every year. However, the combination of Business Studies and Economics as two separate A levels is best avoided.

[mgarthwaite1330]

You should definitely apply! As you know LSE does not interview so your personal statement is very important part of the application.

Good luck. It's an amazing university and I loved every minute of going there.

[gtcalder]

LSE emailed me back the following "If you wish to apply for the Accounting and Finance programme the minimum entry requirement would be AAA at A Level. We would consider one ‘non-preferred’ subject when combined with two traditional subjects so, although slightly narrow, your subjects would be considered by the Admissions Tutor.

You can apply through UCAS for the 2013 cycle from September 2012. Your application would not be affected if you have chosen to take a gap year before applying; you may wish to mention any work experience you have in your personal statement to demonstrate your interest in the programme."

Kind of promising, but I take it that from this there isn't a chance LSE will offer places through adjustment, although they were initially in extra?

[Azland]

(Original post by gtcalder)
LSE emailed me back the following "If you wish to apply for the Accounting and Finance programme the minimum entry requirement would be AAA at A Level. We would consider one ‘non-preferred’ subject when combined with two traditional subjects so, although slightly narrow, your subjects would be considered by the Admissions Tutor.

You can apply through UCAS for the 2013 cycle from September 2012. Your application would not be affected if you have chosen to take a gap year before applying; you may wish to mention any work experience you have in your personal statement to demonstrate your interest in the programme."

Kind of promising, but I take it that from this there isn't a chance LSE will offer places through adjustment, although they were initially in extra?

It's a nice way of saying please apply but do not expect us to accept you. They cant directly say they wont except candidates with bad combinations. They do everything possible though to make it clear to applicants which subjects to avoid. If they still apply with those subjects then I suppose the inevitable is going to happen.

[gtcalder]

How would the universities view it if i were to take further maths on my gap year as well as work experience?

Thanks

[Azland]

Depends mate, what course are you trying for? Straight Economics at LSE is very tough to get into.

[cuckoo99]

(Original post by gtcalder)
How would the universities view it if i were to take further maths on my gap year as well as work experience?

Thanks

You sure taking Further Maths is a good idea when you dont even do Maths A-Level ?

[Azland]

(Original post by cuckoo99)
You sure taking Further Maths is a good idea when you dont even do Maths A-Level ?

Lol, I didnt even notice that. OP forget about any math related course.

[gtcalder]

(Original post by Azland)
Lol, I didnt even notice that. OP forget about any math related course.

(Original post by cuckoo99)
You sure taking Further Maths is a good idea when you dont even do Maths A-Level ?

Sorry I meant do the first year of further maths (so essentially just doing maths a level in one year)

Would apply for either stat&fin or Acc&fin

Thanks

[cuckoo99]

(Original post by gtcalder)
Sorry I meant do the first year of further maths (so essentially just doing maths a level in one year)

Would apply for either stat&fin or Acc&fin

Thanks

how are you going to do further maths without doing maths you will get slaughtered in the exam

[kpwxx]

(Original post by cuckoo99)
how are you going to do further maths without doing maths you will get slaughtered in the exam

I'm guessing op goes to a school where they call maths and further maths a-level combined 'further maths' and do the whole maths in year one, the whole further maths in year two.

OP, would you be self studying? Doing all of Maths in a year by yourself would be a struggle, but on the other hand if that's all you're doing you'd have more time (though I'm guessing they'd expect you to be doing other stuff as well to make your gap year productive and give a reason for why you took it). Plus if you do well it would show you have the initiative to do what you need to get what you want, and the self discipline to teach yourself.

I think in general maths would definitely be a plus for the courses you like, but you'd have to contact unis to find out exactly how much of a plus and how the year out would be viewed.

Xxx

[cuckoo99]

(Original post by kpwxx)
I'm guessing op goes to a school where they call maths and further maths a-level combined 'further maths' and do the whole maths in year one, the whole further maths in year two.

OP, would you be self studying? Doing all of Maths in a year by yourself would be a struggle, but on the other hand if that's all you're doing you'd have more time (though I'm guessing they'd expect you to be doing other stuff as well to make your gap year productive and give a reason for why you took it). Plus if you do well it would show you have the initiative to do what you need to get what you want, and the self discipline to teach yourself.

I think in general maths would definitely be a plus for the courses you like, but you'd have to contact unis to find out exactly how much of a plus and how the year out would be viewed.

Xxx

lol the whole of maths a level in 1year :O and further maths in the next rofl. thats pretty badass. My sixth form does Alevel maths and further maths as 2 seperate a levels which each have there AS year and A2 year.

[gtcalder]

(Original post by kpwxx)
I'm guessing op goes to a school where they call maths and further maths a-level combined 'further maths' and do the whole maths in year one, the whole further maths in year two.

OP, would you be self studying? Doing all of Maths in a year by yourself would be a struggle, but on the other hand if that's all you're doing you'd have more time (though I'm guessing they'd expect you to be doing other stuff as well to make your gap year productive and give a reason for why you took it). Plus if you do well it would show you have the initiative to do what you need to get what you want, and the self discipline to teach yourself.

I think in general maths would definitely be a plus for the courses you like, but you'd have to contact unis to find out exactly how much of a plus and how the year out would be viewed.

Xxx

Yeah that's how our school does it!

I'd have to look at the best way to go about learning the content but I would imagine self teach and then supplement this with an hour of private tuition a week.

I've heard a few people have sat all 6 of the maths exams in one season, considering I already have Maths at AS (poor grade so probably wouldn't make much difference), would have nothing else to focus on and would also have the summer to do any resits if a few modules were to go a little awry.

I'd end up applying for LSE and Warwick definitely, I know LSE don't mind the gap year but I will have to inquire regarding the maths in a gap year as I'm not sure if this would be classed as resitting!

Thanks a lot for your help