Gcses & Uni

missn2000

Just wanted to know from anyone if universities care about GCSE resists particularly universities like KCL, UCL or LSE and if they hinder your chances
Thank you !

Reply 1

DoctorDC

Nope - once you have your A-Levels - GCSE's are no longer relevant in higher education !!

Reply 2

ageshallnot

Original post by DoctorDC

Nope - once you have your A-Levels - GCSE's are no longer relevant in higher education !!

Not true. If you haven't got Maths/English Language GCSE at B or C (unis vary on this) then many good universities simply discard you on the first sorting as a method of cutting down on applicants.

Original post by missn2000

Just wanted to know from anyone if universities care about GCSE resists particularly universities like KCL, UCL or LSE and if they hinder your chances
Thank you !

However, once you have attained the required level at GCSE the issue is less important.

Reply 3

DoctorDC

Original post by ageshallnot

Not true. If you haven't got Maths/English Language GCSE at B or C (unis vary on this) then many good universities simply discard you on the first sorting as a method of cutting down on applicants.

However, once you have attained the required level at GCSE the issue is less important.

So if you had a C at GCSE maths and a D in GCSE English - but had an A in A-level maths and a B in A-level English - Universities would ignore your application !!

No - A-levels trump GCSE's as long as the subjects are relevant to the degree and to the level required by the university !

Reply 4

DoctorDC

Ucas points count first - subjects chosen second - personal statements third - any additional info fourth (e.g work experience and a desire to learn your subject) - GCSE's are not used in selection by most universities and if they are it is only on the most selective and over subscribed courses such as medicine etc.

Then beyond that - they are never menttioned, referenced or bothered about ever again !!

Reply 5

username2713253

Original post by missn2000

Just wanted to know from anyone if universities care about GCSE resists particularly universities like KCL, UCL or LSE and if they hinder your chances
Thank you !

Try contacting them and then ask about re-takes for the course that you want to do.

Reply 6

missn2000

Thank you for ur replies - I'll just have to wait and see what I got :s-smilie:

Reply 7

missn2000

Original post by Shazen

Try contacting them and then ask about re-takes for the course that you want to do.

Thanks I'll do that

Reply 8

Doones

Original post by DoctorDC

For one, OP didn't say they had A-levels in Maths & English.

Reply 9

jtebbbs

GCSEs are so over-hyped. Year 11s lose their minds over them, just get into sixth form with at least a C in Maths and English then get your head down and focus on the A-levels you actually need for uni

Reply 10

username2713253

Original post by missn2000

Thanks I'll do that

Welcome!

Reply 11

B_9710

Original post by DoctorDC

Well GCSE's are quite relevant for course such as medicine apparently.

Reply 12

ageshallnot

Original post by DoctorDC

Interestingly, I started to write something along these lines but cut it out for simplicity, which I shouldn't have. OK, yes, if you specifically supersede your GCSE Maths and English at A-level, then I agree - unis won't mind low-level GCSEs.

Original post by DoctorDC

However, you are simply incorrect that GCSEs aren't used in the selection process, even under the caveats you give. Many universities require a base level of ability, eg for many Psychology courses a B is required in GCSE Maths simply to ensure that students can cope with statistical analysis.

Also, 'Ucas points' are not used by top universities. They require specific grades, often in specific subjects. super

Reply 13

missn2000

I want to do law if that makes a difference

Reply 14

Klix88

Original post by DoctorDC

Nope - once you have your A-Levels - GCSE's are no longer relevant in higher education !!

Example at random - BA Philosophy at UCL specifies GCSE requirements alongside A Levels (English B, Maths C and a foreign language) :
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/degrees/philosophy-ba/

Assuming that GCSEs are irrelevant for higher education is a risky strategy until you have settled on which degrees you will put on your UCAS application - unlikely whilst you are working on GCSEs aged 13-16.

Reply 15

Gogregg

Of course, you want to do decently, but they aren't massively important. As long as you pass Maths and English Language with a B you should be fine.
That said, due to the removal of AS-Levels they are becoming increasingly important, but they aren't the end of the world.

Reply 16

DoctorDC

Original post by Klix88

Other example - Cambridge has no GCSE requirement unless you intend to study Medicine or Veterinary Science !

Reply 17

Doones

Original post by DoctorDC

Other example - Cambridge has no GCSE requirement unless you intend to study Medicine or Veterinary Science !

Again, OP hasn't said they are doing a) not doing Medicine b) applying to Cambridge c) not applying anywhere else.

It might be best just to let it go.

Reply 18

Doones

Original post by missn2000

Just wanted to know from anyone if universities care about GCSE resists particularly universities like KCL, UCL or LSE and if they hinder your chances
Thank you !

Original post by missn2000

I want to do law if that makes a difference

Sorry your thread has been a bit derailed by some questionable or irrelevant replies.

I suggest you contact the specific universities you are interested in to be sure of their stance.

I note, for example, UCL doesn't like* A-level resits/retakes but they may be more relaxed about GCSE retakes. (Assuming you need to retake anything of course... )

*UCL's view of retakes for Law: it may be different for GCSEs.
"We are unable to accept A level resits unless the first attempt was impacted by extenuating circumstances."
http://www.laws.ucl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/entry-requirements/

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 19

missn2000

Original post by jneill

Thank you I will and I know it's still a bit early as I've just finished my exams I'm just very worried it may affect me but I guess I'll know in August