GCSEs - important

I would also point out that what a university states as a general admissions policy and their decision upon individual applications doesn't always correlate. I know plenty of people who are/were at university without meeting all entry requirements. I am currently in the application process for a course which I do not meet the GCSE requirements of. Despite this I have made it past the initial rejection process and been granted interviews.
If your heart is truly set on something then go for it!

Uh. You do realise that they could be expecting you to resit those GCSE in the summer?

Incredibly unlikely seen as I have stated 0 intention of doing so and have already completed my A2's.
Other areas of my application are far stronger than many candidates and so it balances out.

Okay but it's a risk..

Can confirm. After corresponding with Newcastle Uni, they informed me that even as a mature student, with level 3's in Maths, Business and Engineering, I would not be offered a place as I had a B in GCSE maths, not A.

Oh undoubtedly, but I wish to do no other course and therefore have nothing to lose. Hence I would advise applying with caution but if your heart is set on a specific career/subject/uni is it not worth the risk?

Whilst it is one of the most competitive courses many applicants overlook the fact while academic ability is required there are far more attributes that show them as capable or not.

Can confirm. After corresponding with Newcastle Uni, they informed me that even as a mature student, with level 3's in Maths, Business and Engineering, I would not be offered a place as I had a B in GCSE maths, not A.

Or you could avoid the risk entirely and simply retake the required GCSE,



But its the University making the decision not you. If they want grade A in Maths GCSE they wont give a monkeys what other 'attributes' you think you have.

Avoiding the risk simply isn't an option in some circumstances
It is the university making the decision and that is my entire point. Having grades is one thing but you tend to find the more academically gifted people are the less competent practically and socially they are. For a veterinary medicine course, and similar, these are equally important attributes hence exceptions to grade requirements.

Having other ""equally important"" attributes doesn't exclude you from the grade requirements...

If this is always the case then people that are required minimum AAB at A level with an A in chemistry and biology will never get into their chosen course with a B in chemistry. But this happens most years.