Russell Group university GCSE requirement and having grades higher than typical offer

I had 12 A-C. I just realised that I only put 10 on my UCAS form last year I better go and add the rest for this year lol. Your grades are great don't worry you wont be hindered. Just have a really good personal statement (don't mention a particular university) state why you like the course, skills you have etc.. and you should get an offer.
Fingers crossed we'll be seeing each other next September

I've posted several threads here asking questions about the GCSE requirements for certain unis/courses but unfortunately here is another one.

1)I've been told pretty much all Russell Group unis would like at least 5A*/A at GCSE, regardless of course and requirements but this could be just rumour. Does anyone have any concrete information on this mysterious 5A/A* standard.
Also, how strict are Birmingham and LSE on GCSES? I'm predicted above the A-level requirements for the course I want to apply for (which leads me on to my second question) but do not have great GCSEs.

2)My first choice uni and course (Birmingham, Social Policy) only requires BC with one extra as at B or BBC with no extra as whereas I'm predicted A*AB (or maybe an A, depending on how nice my classic teacher is and I was only 4 marks off...anyway ) with an addition as at grade B with another one in critical thinking on the way. Is it possible for a uni to reject me if I'm quite far above what they are asking and it may look like I've just picked them for an insurance? Also along with personal statement/reference/interveiw going well could there be any chance of an unconditional offer?


Thank you

In answer to your first question, no that isnt true. Universities understand that some people do better in A Levels than in GCSE, unless they specify GCSE grades in their entry requirements then I wouldnt worry, especially if you got all A*-C.

Second question, if your reference predicts you these grades then its very likely you will get an offer from them, however, you can still be rejected despite being predicted higher than theyre asking for. You can never guarantee getting an offer, especially when courses are becoming increasingly competitive.

You shouldn't have a problem. My sister got AABB BBB BC and got into Birmingham( can't remember the course. She got something like ABBD at AS. People on TSR really exaagarate the importance of GCSEs. With A*AAB you should get in easy

Ahh thanks, very reassuring! yay, although it'll (fingers crossed) be A*AA at a level then another two AS at grade B rather than 4 full A-levels.

I've posted several threads here asking questions about the GCSE requirements for certain unis/courses but unfortunately here is another one.

1)I've been told pretty much all Russell Group unis would like at least 5A*/A at GCSE, regardless of course and requirements but this could be just rumour. Does anyone have any concrete information on this mysterious 5A/A* standard.
Also, how strict are Birmingham and LSE on GCSES? I'm predicted above the A-level requirements for the course I want to apply for (which leads me on to my second question) but do not have great GCSEs.

2)My first choice uni and course (Birmingham, Social Policy) only requires BC with one extra as at B or BBC with no extra as whereas I'm predicted A*AB (or maybe an A, depending on how nice my classic teacher is and I was only 4 marks off...anyway ) with an addition as at grade B with another one in critical thinking on the way. Is it possible for a uni to reject me if I'm quite far above what they are asking and it may look like I've just picked them for an insurance? Also along with personal statement/reference/interveiw going well could there be any chance of an unconditional offer?


Thank you

I didn't get all A* to C, I got 8 A-C then a D and an E which worries me a bit because I did so few really. Thank you though

Okay, so pretty much similar predictions to me as I hope to have A*AAbb by the end of year 13 so that's reassuring. The highest asking offer for my course at any uni is ABCpass so I'm not worried about A-level grades, more gcses.

I just looked at LSE the website and it says 4A* minimum, with 6A* desired. Nope, I have no A* at GCSE (AAAABBCCDE were my GCSES) so it seems LSE will not be happening, despite the fact I'm predicted an A* at Alevel when the course demands BBB.

No problem and your GCSEs aren't that bad 50% are As. I would even say maybe add one more 'dream uni' because if the requirements are BBBC? you are likely to get in, if everything else is in order.

i certainly hope KCL doesn't want GCSEs that high, i only got A BB CCCCCC DDD. The wonders of comprehensive education

Funnily enough, as soon as i transferred to a sixth form college i got AAB with no effort whatsoever, and am predicted A*AAb next year

What did you get in English and Maths, if you dont mind me asking?

Link please!?!?
i'm kinda in your boat.

What unis specifically are you looking at? Some of your shortcomings at GCSE may be offset by good A level predictions. Anyway, only the most competitive ones will have GCSE requirements, not all of them will have strict rules.

Specifically I am looking at Birmingham to do social policy, which I have heard prefers applicants with high GCSE results but I'm hoping my predictions, which are above what they're asking for, will offset the GCSEs I do (or don't ) have

A good personal statement and interview (assuming they give you one) will also work in your favour. Do you have any achievements in extra curricular activities?