What are my chances?

Hello, I am currently studying for my a-levels. I'm entering as a private candidate; I'm predicted (by my tutors) A*AA at a-level with a further A at AS level.

My predicament becomes clear upon perusal of my GCSE results: ABBBBBCCCCD.

I did absolutely no study or revision for GCSE; I did not complete all of my coursework and only turned up to my lessons 50% of the time. I now see the error of my more naieve years and am consequently attempting to make amends.

I'm hoping to study either English or philosophy, or perhaps a combination of the two depending on the course. What are my chances of getting into a top uni?

I am 23 years old and have a good history of self motivated accomplshment. Winning national music competitions, having my music regularly played on Radio 1 etc..

Will universities take my circumstance into account and be impressed with my new found focus and enthusiasm, or am I to remain piqued on account of my GCSE results?

Thanks.

Reply 1

TheSownRose

Somewhere between 1% and 99%, assuming we are only taking integer values.

More expansive answer: your GCSEs were that long ago that unis likely won't be taking them into account, as long as you passed and that D isn't English language, maths or science. The music competitions won't play a part unless you can relate them to your desire to study English or philosophy.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 2

manza

I see, thank you for your response. No, the 'D' was in P.E, whilst the 'A' was in English. Your initial response is likely true though: time will bear the answer!

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 3

ByronicHero

Your GCSEs won't matter much to be honest, depending on how you define 'top'. They won't care much about your music but can't hurt mentioning it briefly.

Reply 4

manza

Thanks for the information. Well I'm not looking to go to Oxbridge, I am focused on UCL mainly.

Reply 5

ByronicHero

Original post by manza

Thanks for the information. Well I'm not looking to go to Oxbridge, I am focused on UCL mainly.

Just make a varied application. Couple of very competitive universities, couple you have a decent chance of getting into and one you should definitely get into. Make sure you get an offer :smile:

Which competition did you win BTW? You're not Tommy Reilly or something are you? Lol

Reply 6

Rascacielos

Original post by manza

Universities do care about GCSEs, but if you get A*AAa at A-level then I think you'll have proven yourself as a worth candidate.

Obviously admissions rest on a lot more than GCSEs/A-level, you have to take into account your personal statement, any entrance exams, references etc as well.

Reply 7

manza

Excellent, that sounds like good advice. Ha no, I'm not Tommy. I won the national 'Young Guitarist of the Year' competition a few years back. Lately I have just been producing music; I have been working with artists like Ms Dynamite etc. Not that that is likely to be useful on my UCAS application ha.

Reply 8

MathematicsKiller

Original post by manza

What?

Original post by manza

Thanks for the information. Well I'm not looking to go to Oxbridge, I am focused on UCL mainly.

Still competitive.

If you get an interview they will ask why didn't you do your A levels and apply to uni after your GCSEs.

Reply 9

TheSownRose

Original post by MathematicsKiller

What?

If you get an interview they will ask why didn't you do your A levels and apply to uni after your GCSEs.

It said good, not complete.

They might ask, but it's not likely to be a problem. Plenty of people don't feel ready for things at 16 that they later feel ready for at 22.

Reply 10

ByronicHero

Original post by manza

Damn, I liked Tommy :tongue:

Good for you though.

Good luck with your application :smile:

Reply 11

manza

Original post by MathematicsKiller

What?

Still competitive.

If you get an interview they will ask why didn't you do your A levels and apply to uni after your GCSEs.

I wasn't referring to my earlier academic record when talking of self motivation. I was apaphetic toward my school work in early years, as noted. My self motivation is apparent in my musical accomplishments as well as the fact that I will (if all goes to plan) be achieving A*AAa at a-level. I have studied for these a-levels in my spare time, largely on my own. I find it hard to see how this cannot be interpreted as self motivation; albeit in a more recent vein.

To quote J.A Froude: "Experience teaches slowly and at the cost of mistakes." As I have discovered, to my detriment. My motivation is now inspiring me to remedy the situation as opposed to succumbing to a paroxysm of self pity.

I see little reason as to why completing GCSEs / A levels in sequential fashion is of real significance.