[Shizzam]

Hello,

So, I want to go to the Uni of Edinburgh and take French and English literature.
However, lurking through the site of this Uni, specifically reading their conditions for admission, it clearly says that a strong set of GCSE A* is advisable.

The thing is, while I do have grades ranging from A* to a B, that particular B was in English literature...

So, my question is: is it worth retaking this particular exam just to get an A*? I did the EDEXCEL iGCEs programme and currently doing the GCE A2 ones. I have 5A's in AS level, as well predictive grades of 5As in A2.

[itssketan]

Depends on what you do in Uni but it would definitely be better to get an A* to have a full set. If you have the chance to resit it, take it.

[TheWorldEndsWithMe]

Assuming you're taking the Lit to A-level, then I don't see the point- you're predicted an A there and that's going to be more relevant (because it's up to date) than a B at GCSE.
Then again, that's just my opinion.

[SBarns]

I would agree, as you're predicted an A for the full A level and have got an A for AS, the B at GCSE isn't really relevant anymore. The best way to get a definitive answer would be to email the admissions tutor for English and see whether it would disadvantage you.

[kayleigh.jean]

My GCSEs also ranged from A*-B and at an Edinburgh open day I was told that it could limit my chances of getting in and I know that this was the same for a few others...however, I got an offer of BBB, as did some other people in the same situation so if you've taken English Lit to A2 I shouldn't worry about resitting your GCSE grade as if you have an otherwise strong application with a good personal statement you should stand a chance of getting an offer

[Shizzam]

Thanks guys for the reply.

Yes, I also take A2 English (Lang & lit.).

And about the resitting, I am not actually anxious of the fact that I'd have to study the same course again, as I frankly enjoy reading and analysing, but rather the costs to doing it. A hefty fee of 135 pounds--of course, it is no where near the price of studying an A-level (I study at a private school, so one A-level subject costs around 4200-4600 pounds), but I'd probably take a distance learning course to ensure that full A* grade :P. I think that the only reason that I got a B was because of the fact that I was previously in a French school, where English was taught as a secondary language.

(Original post by kayleigh.jean)
My GCSEs also ranged from A*-B and at an Edinburgh open day I was told that it could limit my chances of getting in and I know that this was the same for a few others...however, I got an offer of BBB, as did some other people in the same situation so if you've taken English Lit to A2 I shouldn't worry about resitting your GCSE grade as if you have an otherwise strong application with a good personal statement you should stand a chance of getting an offer

For which degree?

[kayleigh.jean]

(Original post by Shizzam)
For which degree?

French, Spanish and EU Studies

[AboveTheLine]

If you're able to resit and you don't have a ton of other exams to worry about, go for it.

I resat Business to get an A* and English to get up from a B to an A.

[itssketan]

Oh wait sorry you said you have a A in AS and A2 but a B in GCSE? Oh then don't worry about it, if your AS/A2 is higher than yeah no one will care and for the crazy price I wouldn't!