How strict are entry requirements?

So I've seen a few people post on here how entry requirements aren't always as strict as they seem (so people got through with ABC even though they needed ABB and people that needed AAB got in with ABB.) Obviously they will probably vary with each uni, but I was wondering how this applies in general?

Reply 1

coffeeandcats

7

That depends on the unis, entirely. More competitive unis (Russell Group) will probably stick to requirements as they have other candidates that will actually meet the grades.

You can apply through clearing from July - October, where courses may accept you on lower grade offers (more about this here - http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Guide_to_Clearing)

Also if you apply to a course with a range of entry requirements e.g. ABB - AAA, you will probably only receive the lower offer if you come from a badly performing school or if there are exceptional circumstances that are mentioned in your reference. These are called contextual offers.

You could probably email the unis you're applying or have applied to and ask about this. :smile:

Reply 2

KA1995

5

That pretty much depends on who else applies and whether they hit the entry grades or not.

Reply 3

SlowlorisIncognito

16

Original post by Mattestro

So I've seen a few people post on here how entry requirements aren't always as strict as they seem (so people got through with ABC even though they needed ABB and people that needed AAB got in with ABB.) Obviously they will probably vary with each uni, but I was wondering how this applies in general?

It will vary year on year as well, and even between departments within a uni. At the moment, most unis are keen to fill their courses, and they will have no student number controls at all this year- although there will usually be practical limits to the number of students they can accept on a course. Therefore, this year, I would expect most unis to let in some people who missed their grades, especially if they only miss out by one grade.

However, on an individual course, especially at more competitive unis, you could be in the situation where everyone else has met or exceeded their entry requirements, and the uni has no space to accept anyone who missed their grades. In this situation, they might offer an alternative course or they might just reject you.

Also, more universities have used clearing and adjustment over the past two years. If a uni is preparing to enter clearing anyway, and thinks they can pick up better applicants in clearing, again, they are more likely to reject you.

This is part of the reason why you get to pick a firm and an insurance choice. It's ok to take a bit of a risk on your firm, and go for somewhere asking for say, AAB, when you think you might only get ABB- but you need an insurance that you are happy to go to asking for something you are confident you can achieve.

A lot of things have changed with uni admissions/priorities even over the last five years, and there will be a general election between now and results day, which could change things again.

You also have to remember that there's no guarantee that your individual situation will match general trends.

Reply 4

SlowlorisIncognito

16

Original post by coffeeandcats

You could probably email the unis you're applying or have applied to and ask about this. :smile:

People can of course do this, but a uni is unlikely to be able/willing to make definite statement about results day at this stage in the application process. They won't have even given out all their offers yet!

It's very unlikely that a university will give you any sort of commitment beyond letting you know that this does sometimes happen, or they might offer you an alternative course- which isn't really that helpful.

Reply 5

Катя

18

Original post by coffeeandcats

That depends on the unis, entirely. More competitive unis (Russell Group) will probably stick to requirements as they have other candidates that will actually meet the grades.

You can apply through clearing from July - October, where courses may accept you on lower grade offers (more about this here - http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Guide_to_Clearing)

Also if you apply to a course with a range of entry requirements e.g. ABB - AAA, you will probably only receive the lower offer if you come from a badly performing school or if there are exceptional circumstances that are mentioned in your reference. These are called contextual offers.

You could probably email the unis you're applying or have applied to and ask about this. :smile:

You'd be surprised about the Russell Group thing... :tongue:

Reply 6

Chlorophile

20

It depends on the university. At least last year, I heard about quite a surprising number of Russell Groups who were being very lenient with their offers but it's really nothing you can bet on. Don't pin your hopes on something you can't be certain of. It's a good idea to just assume that if you don't get the grades you won't get in, and to let yourself be positively surprised.

How strict are entry requirements?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you