[Applepie:)]

Hey guys,

So, I'm in year 12 and I hope to do Law at degree level. I currently do Health and Social Care BTEC (equiv to a levels) and I'm predicted DD *meaning distinction which means grade A A ) and I then do Religious Studies (philosophy and ethics) which I love. I'm hopeing to get like AAB? the AA being in H&SC and the B evidently being in RS.

So, what I want to know is, what do you think my chances are if I get good like AAA/AAB/AAC of getting into law...I know my subjects aren't the most traditional or desired subjects for Law like English lit/lang and History are for example (wish I had taken those subjects and geography! I came late from holiday which was unplaned and this was all up for offer long story....)
But I'm content with my courses, well kind of and I'm sure I want to do law in uni, well I feel sure. So what's the odds? I do loads of extra curric activities and volunteering and work experience in Law firms...

It's late at night, I'm curious and I want to know what yall's think. Thanks !

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Hey guys,

So, I'm in year 12 and I hope to do Law at degree level. I currently do Health and Social Care BTEC (equiv to a levels) and I'm predicted DD *meaning distinction which means grade A A ) and I then do Religious Studies (philosophy and ethics) which I love. I'm hopeing to get like AAB? the AA being in H&SC and the B evidently being in RS.

So, what I want to know is, what do you think my chances are if I get good like AAA/AAB/AAC of getting into law...I know my subjects aren't the most traditional or desired subjects for Law like English lit/lang and History are for example (wish I had taken those subjects and geography! I came late from holiday which was unplaned and this was all up for offer long story....)
But I'm content with my courses, well kind of and I'm sure I want to do law in uni, well I feel sure. So what's the odds? I do loads of extra curric activities and volunteering and work experience in Law firms...

It's late at night, I'm curious and I want to know what yall's think. Thanks !

I think you should start researching now about the uni's you want to apply for law, because some may not accept your BTEC and some may have some course requirements...so an essay based course which they consider.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by Iqbal007)
I think you should start researching now about the uni's you want to apply for law, because some may not accept your BTEC and some may have some course requirements...so an essay based course which they consider.

Yeah, I have, many a times. And it seems as though I'm alright from what it says on there...But what I'm really asking is what do you think? I mean, even though it says (the many universities I've checked out) that they accept the BTEC at DD, what's the chances they'd pick me over the majority of people who are doing like four AS subjects like History, English, Gov&pol and one other subject of interest. I guess no one knows! haha

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Yeah, I have, many a times. And it seems as though I'm alright from what it says on there...But what I'm really asking is what do you think? I mean, even though it says (the many universities I've checked out) that they accept the BTEC at DD, what's the chances they'd pick me over the majority of people who are doing like four AS subjects like History, English, Gov&pol and one other subject of interest. I guess no one knows! haha

Well my opinion has always been against Btec, but that's cos I went to a college which was very traditional and who didn't do Btec. I have only 2 people at my university who were accepted through Btec alone, everyone else was either international or a-level students.

But you do put yourself at odds especially with the fact it's a Btec and it's in something that's not that well-known.

However some universities may still give you an offer, however the offers are well higher then the a-level equivalent, my mate need DDD to get into QM for EEE, yet others can get BBB in a-levels and get in.

[michael321]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Yeah, I have, many a times. And it seems as though I'm alright from what it says on there...But what I'm really asking is what do you think? I mean, even though it says (the many universities I've checked out) that they accept the BTEC at DD, what's the chances they'd pick me over the majority of people who are doing like four AS subjects like History, English, Gov&pol and one other subject of interest. I guess no one knows! haha

It really depends on the university. There are Law courses at not-so-good universities which remain unfilled, and enter clearing, year after year. Your chances of getting into one of these is pretty high.

There are also highly oversubscribed Law courses at top universities where you will be competing against a lot of students with AAA to A*A*A* in traditional A-level subjects. Personally I think you would be pushed to get into one of these with a BTEC; this is conjecture, but I think it's a pretty reasonable guess.

[member961189]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Hey guys,

So, I'm in year 12 and I hope to do Law at degree level. I currently do Health and Social Care BTEC (equiv to a levels) and I'm predicted DD *meaning distinction which means grade A A ) and I then do Religious Studies (philosophy and ethics) which I love. I'm hopeing to get like AAB? the AA being in H&SC and the B evidently being in RS.

So, what I want to know is, what do you think my chances are if I get good like AAA/AAB/AAC of getting into law...I know my subjects aren't the most traditional or desired subjects for Law like English lit/lang and History are for example (wish I had taken those subjects and geography! I came late from holiday which was unplaned and this was all up for offer long story....)
But I'm content with my courses, well kind of and I'm sure I want to do law in uni, well I feel sure. So what's the odds? I do loads of extra curric activities and volunteering and work experience in Law firms...

It's late at night, I'm curious and I want to know what yall's think. Thanks !

You can get into a lower uni easily but for a competitive one, you won't get in because your BTEC is extremely irrelevant to law (let's be fair) and that will limit your chances! Also philosophy and ethics is about religion and not law related however, you will get this apart of your offer


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Applepie:)]

[QUOTE=BobbyBurke;38043688]You can get into a lower uni easily but for a competitive one, you won't get in because your BTEC is extremely irrelevant to law (let's be fair) and that will limit your chances! Also philosophy and ethics is about religion and not law related however, you will get this apart of your offer


Hmmm...well I don't agree with you there at all haha said with a smile...
Well, I can milk my way in there surely? By saying all the skills I've got from h&sc and then in philosophy and ethics I learn about a lot of morals. We look at law cases, whether things are right or wrong, I develop my essay writing skills. And urm, in a 'traditional' subject let's say English now, that's not law related? LOL. Nor is History. You wouldn't learn about law in any of these traditional subjects. You just get skills from the AS course which you can apply to a Law degree. And actually, I met up with a girl today from my sixth form, and she told me she got 5 offers from Birmingham and four other top ones outside of London (cannot remember the name) and guess what she does? She does Health and Social Care BTEC like me and Religious studies as well as sociology. It depends on your personal statement and if they give you an interview also...

Hmmm..writing that response to you gave me more hope Well, thanks for your reply anyway.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by BobbyBurke)
You can get into a lower uni easily but for a competitive one, you won't get in because your BTEC is extremely irrelevant to law (let's be fair) and that will limit your chances! Also philosophy and ethics is about religion and not law related however, you will get this apart of your offer


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Hmmm...well I don't agree with you there at all haha said with a smile...
Well, surely I can get into some good unis..I mean by saying all the skills I've got from h&sc and then in philosophy and ethics I learn about a lot of morals. We look at law cases, whether things are right or wrong, I develop my essay writing skills. And urm, in a 'traditional' subject let's say English now, that's not law related? LOL. Nor is History. You wouldn't learn about law in any of these traditional subjects. You just get skills from the AS course which you can apply to a Law degree. And actually, I met up with a girl today from my sixth form, and she told me she got 5 offers from Birmingham and four other top ones outside of London (cannot remember the name) and guess what she does? She does Health and Social Care BTEC like me and Religious studies as well as sociology. It depends on your personal statement and if they give you an interview also...

Hmmm..writing that response to you gave me more hope Well, thanks for your reply anyway.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by michael321)
It really depends on the university. There are Law courses at not-so-good universities which remain unfilled, and enter clearing, year after year. Your chances of getting into one of these is pretty high.

There are also highly oversubscribed Law courses at top universities where you will be competing against a lot of students with AAA to A*A*A* in traditional A-level subjects. Personally I think you would be pushed to get into one of these with a BTEC; this is conjecture, but I think it's a pretty reasonable guess.

Well, the universities which claim to accpet students who are doing BTECS surely would keep to their word? But I understand that when up against people who take these desired subjects and are predicted amazing grades, with amazing personal statements which include their work experience..I may be in trouble. But I don't think I will apply for the crappy unis. That would be so stupid. I think I have a good chance of getting into good universities, maybe not amazing ones and that's a maybe! Think I'll apply for 2 'not so great ones' and the rest being good ones which accept the btec.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by Iqbal007)
Well my opinion has always been against Btec, but that's cos I went to a college which was very traditional and who didn't do Btec. I have only 2 people at my university who were accepted through Btec alone, everyone else was either international or a-level students.

But you do put yourself at odds especially with the fact it's a Btec and it's in something that's not that well-known.

However some universities may still give you an offer, however the offers are well higher then the a-level equivalent, my mate need DDD to get into QM for EEE, yet others can get BBB in a-levels and get in.

Hi, firstly let me tell you that the btec is indeed known! It's very known. It's known to the people it needs to be known to and that's the like university/education people. Since you, went to what, a 'traditional' college which did not do the btec, you never knew about it. But it's really common in many sixth forms and colleges..I think it's becoming more popular each year! But I also gotta say, I don't like the btec at all. I prefer traditional subjects by far. Oh wait, I mentioned that in my thread/post already didn't I ?
So, when I apply to university (obviously I'm only applying to universities which have on their site that they accept the btec) they evidently, from that knowledge would be aware of the btec and therefore my chances of getting in aren't so much in the midst of the odds.

AND I TOTALLY AGREE with you there about the btec requirements being much higher. ALL universities I believe as for DDD. It kinda sucks, even though it's quite very easy, it's long and usually the students don't even like it because it is just on and on again course work which is ugly. But hey... I'm predicted I found out today like PM! But I know I can move it up...just gotta sort a few things out. *bullies some kid into giving me work*

ehhe.

[infairverona]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Hey guys,

So, I'm in year 12 and I hope to do Law at degree level. I currently do Health and Social Care BTEC (equiv to a levels) and I'm predicted DD *meaning distinction which means grade A A ) and I then do Religious Studies (philosophy and ethics) which I love. I'm hopeing to get like AAB? the AA being in H&SC and the B evidently being in RS.

So, what I want to know is, what do you think my chances are if I get good like AAA/AAB/AAC of getting into law...I know my subjects aren't the most traditional or desired subjects for Law like English lit/lang and History are for example (wish I had taken those subjects and geography! I came late from holiday which was unplaned and this was all up for offer long story....)
But I'm content with my courses, well kind of and I'm sure I want to do law in uni, well I feel sure. So what's the odds? I do loads of extra curric activities and volunteering and work experience in Law firms...

It's late at night, I'm curious and I want to know what yall's think. Thanks !

Just so you're aware, getting DD in a BTEC is NOT the same as AA in two traditional A levels, no matter what you have been told, the top universities will not view your qualification this way. You need to research carefully which unis you would apply to in light of this. If you really want to do Law it won't be impossible but you may find it difficult simply because a BTEC is generally a more vocational qualification, you may need to justify why you've changed your mind from health and social care to Law. Although you could probably do this fairly easily in terms of concepts of justice, social care relating to perhaps prisoners and human rights etc. If you've done the Law work experience talk about that on your personal statement because that will be a key indicating factor that you are serious about a career in Law despite your BTEC. Which unis were you looking at applying to?

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Hi, firstly let me tell you that the btec is indeed known! It's very known. It's known to the people it needs to be known to and that's the like university/education people. Since you, went to what, a 'traditional' college which did not do the btec, you never knew about it. But it's really common in many sixth forms and colleges..I think it's becoming more popular each year! But I also gotta say, I don't like the btec at all. I prefer traditional subjects by far. Oh wait, I mentioned that in my thread/post already didn't I ?
So, when I apply to university (obviously I'm only applying to universities which have on their site that they accept the btec) they evidently, from that knowledge would be aware of the btec and therefore my chances of getting in aren't so much in the midst of the odds.

AND I TOTALLY AGREE with you there about the btec requirements being much higher. ALL universities I believe as for DDD. It kinda sucks, even though it's quite very easy, it's long and usually the students don't even like it because it is just on and on again course work which is ugly. But hey... I'm predicted I found out today like PM! But I know I can move it up...just gotta sort a few things out. *bullies some kid into giving me work*

ehhe.

When I mean well known, I mean particular ones within certain subject areas, admissions won't know the skills you will gain from it, etc.
In reality I would say they say they accept Btec, but at some top uni's they either don't accept or have a biased opinion on it, so less willing to accept...it all depends.

Well there's a reason why Btec have higher requirements, it's because you can redo your coursework to a higher standard while in A-levels it's much harder.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by infairverona)
Just so you're aware, getting DD in a BTEC is NOT the same as AA in two traditional A levels, no matter what you have been told, the top universities will not view your qualification this way. You need to research carefully which unis you would apply to in light of this. If you really want to do Law it won't be impossible but you may find it difficult simply because a BTEC is generally a more vocational qualification, you may need to justify why you've changed your mind from health and social care to Law. Although you could probably do this fairly easily in terms of concepts of justice, social care relating to perhaps prisoners and human rights etc. If you've done the Law work experience talk about that on your personal statement because that will be a key indicating factor that you are serious about a career in Law despite your BTEC. Which unis were you looking at applying to?

Why thanks for this post :')
And I'm considering applying to: Birmingham, SOAS, Queen Marry, surrey and sussex I think it was? But really, out of this lot, I really would like to go to Birmy or Queens!
...How does Kings College London, Durham, Aberdeen, Lancaster and Abereen look for me...

[michael321]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Well, the universities which claim to accpet students who are doing BTECS surely would keep to their word? But I understand that when up against people who take these desired subjects and are predicted amazing grades, with amazing personal statements which include their work experience..I may be in trouble. But I don't think I will apply for the crappy unis. That would be so stupid. I think I have a good chance of getting into good universities, maybe not amazing ones and that's a maybe! Think I'll apply for 2 'not so great ones' and the rest being good ones which accept the btec.

There aren't just amazing universities and not-so-good ones. For Law there are certainly middling ones where securing a TC or grad job won't be as easy as coming from one of the most favoured universities, but will be more likely than if you come from a bad one. There have been several threads around here asking what the good non-AAA universities are for Law. Have a look at some of those.

Work experience is useful but the main thing is personal statement, grades and LNAT.

As I said, my comment was conjecture. I am not an expert but since none has come along thus far I am happy to pitch in. I'd hazard a further guess that good universities want to give those from non-conventional educational/qualification backgrounds a chance, but will be looking mainly for the very best of these, hence some very good universities ostensibly accept BTECs. I also think that there are some subjects (mainly the more vocational ones) where a BTEC might be quite a reasonable substitute for A-levels. However, since Law is a very academic course, I think A-levels would be better preparation.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by Iqbal007)
When I mean well known, I mean particular ones within certain subject areas, admissions won't know the skills you will gain from it, etc.
In reality I would say they say they accept Btec, but at some top uni's they either don't accept or have a biased opinion on it, so less willing to accept...it all depends.

Well there's a reason why Btec have higher requirements, it's because you can redo your coursework to a higher standard while in A-levels it's much harder.

I'd obviously address all the skills I have gained from health and social and why it is helpful for a law degree and then drag in my work experience and add how the two linked even. And, yes I agree, the requirements are higher because it is 'easier' to pass than A levels I guess.

[infairverona]

(Original post by Applepie:))
Why thanks for this post :')
And I'm considering applying to: Birmingham, SOAS, Queen Marry, surrey and sussex I think it was? But really, out of this lot, I really would like to go to Birmy or Queens!
...How does Kings College London, Durham, Aberdeen, Lancaster and Abereen look for me...

No offence intended but you will certainly struggle for Kings and Durham with AAB, Kings is now A*AA I believe for Law and Durham is AAA too. I also don't think many of the universities you've chosen would accept a BTEC, especially not a health and social care one which is more directed at the health professions from what I've been told. Your best bet is to email them all and ask but AAB in A levels wouldn't be accepted, let alone a BTEC equivalent which isn't regarded as equal to the top unis. You also need to sit the LNAT exam, in case you didn't know about that haha, for a few of those unis. I don't know anything about Aberdeen/Lancaster/Surrey but the typical offer for Law last year (when I applied) was either AAA or A*AB, which also doesn't match your predictions. It is tough to get offers if you don't have the right predictions which suggests to me that you would further struggle. I'd suggest you research into some lower down unis which may go more on UCAS points rather than grades and thus your BTEC would be absolutely fine, perhaps places like Nottingham Trent etc.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Applepie:))
I'd obviously address all the skills I have gained from health and social and why it is helpful for a law degree and then drag in my work experience and add how the two linked even. And, yes I agree, the requirements are higher because it is 'easier' to pass than A levels I guess.

But they don't not know that, admissions people will already have a set opinion before that.....plus in your application you can get only so much in. Your only chance is work experience and explaining what you have learnt. You may not know this but LSE have a list which they publicly list.......essentially a blacklist other uni's say they don't have one, but it's likely they have some biasness.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by infairverona)
No offence intended but you will certainly struggle for Kings and Durham with AAB, Kings is now A*AA I believe for Law and Durham is AAA too. I also don't think many of the universities you've chosen would accept a BTEC, especially not a health and social care one which is more directed at the health professions from what I've been told. Your best bet is to email them all and ask but AAB in A levels wouldn't be accepted, let alone a BTEC equivalent which isn't regarded as equal to the top unis. You also need to sit the LNAT exam, in case you didn't know about that haha, for a few of those unis. I don't know anything about Aberdeen/Lancaster/Surrey but the typical offer for Law last year (when I applied) was either AAA or A*AB, which also doesn't match your predictions. It is tough to get offers if you don't have the right predictions which suggests to me that you would further struggle. I'd suggest you research into some lower down unis which may go more on UCAS points rather than grades and thus your BTEC would be absolutely fine, perhaps places like Nottingham Trent etc.

But, would looking/applying to universities which are quite 'low' be worth it in the long run? Surely we all know (those interested/doing law) that going to a 'lower standard' university makes it harder to get into the law field after uni and whatever...So I've heard. And, I haha, I know about the LNAT actually. I did it last year (retook the year) and scored pretty darn good I was shocked. But I had been reading news papers for months before and developing on essential skills to prep me for the test... urmm, well the girl I mentioned before, she did get in to Durham! (looked at one of her fb stats sharing with the world the uni she got in!) So, I guess it's obvious it depends on an individual basis..but her personal statement was A M A Z I N G she had a lot to write down. I don't think I will bother applying for more than one low university. I know I wouldn't be happy.... what would be the point in that? I'll apply for one low one, and the rest middle'ish. And my health and social care teachers kinda take the mick! They change our predicted grades like no mans business< Tomorrow I'll probably be at DM and then the next day at DD * I pray *.

[Applepie:)]

(Original post by Iqbal007)
But they don't not know that, admissions people will already have a set opinion before that.....plus in your application you can get only so much in. Your only chance is work experience and explaining what you have learnt. You may not know this but LSE have a list which they publicly list.......essentially a blacklist other uni's say they don't have one, but it's likely they have some biasness.

Well, all I can do is my very best! I will mention all the apparent 'skills' I've gained from the btec, how they link and from work experience how I applied my health and social care 'knowledge' into law and that obviously in law you would be working with people's needs (their clinets) and in health and social care we focus a lot on the needs of service users. And then I'd mention how I know aboutt he importance of effective communication which is vital for all work settings, including law firms or some jazz like that.. Hmm. My aim is just to make my personal statement amazing and well I'm praying I had a generous examiner for RS and that I get DD for health.

[infairverona]

(Original post by Applepie:))
But, would looking/applying to universities which are quite 'low' be worth it in the long run? Surely we all know (those interested/doing law) that going to a 'lower standard' university makes it harder to get into the law field after uni and whatever...So I've heard. And, I haha, I know about the LNAT actually. I did it last year (retook the year) and scored pretty darn good I was shocked. But I had been reading news papers for months before and developing on essential skills to prep me for the test... urmm, well the girl I mentioned before, she did get in to Durham! (looked at one of her fb stats sharing with the world the uni she got in!) So, I guess it's obvious it depends on an individual basis..but her personal statement was A M A Z I N G she had a lot to write down. I don't think I will bother applying for more than one low university. I know I wouldn't be happy.... what would be the point in that? I'll apply for one low one, and the rest middle'ish. And my health and social care teachers kinda take the mick! They change our predicted grades like no mans business< Tomorrow I'll probably be at DM and then the next day at DD * I pray *.

It's your choice of course but I wouldn't recommend it, you are going to be up against people predicted A*s at A level and you are putting yourself at risk of receiving 4 rejections. Would you go to university if you only got into your lower tier one? Perhaps take another year and do some A levels instead if you're truly passionate about a legal career? Lots of firms after uni to be a solicitor etc screen their applicants and say they need AAB minimum at A level, you may also be at a disadvantage at this point also. You need to weigh up whether it's worth it, it's a very risky position to be in.