Extra Credit when applying for uni courses? Biological sciences

After rigorously searching for the right university course, I realised simple Biological Sciences was the right course for me and after being introduced to it, I'm really excited to do it being as it allows me to branch off into four topics I'm very interested in during my last year. However- I'm half way through year 12 and am predicted around an AAB which is the requirement grades for the course. This should mean I don't worry- but with only 230 places and 1900 applicants at the uni im applying to (Birmingham), i feel i really need to do something to stand out when applying. I'm aiming to get higher grades than predicted, but will this be enough? Do any of you know programs I could get onto this late in year 12 that would get me extra credit when applying?

It's worth aiming to exceed their offer - sometimes universities will increase their offer conditions and applicants don't always realise and get caught out.

I'd recommend trying to get involved with their outreach activities: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/biosciences/outreach/index.aspx (and asking your teachers to get involved if that's more appropriate). and keeping an eye on their news pages: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/biosciences/news/index.aspx

Some of the topics that are on their lecture list are also covered on their online MOOCs (free online courses that you can do on your own): https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/university-of-birmingham (and there are moocs on the same sorts of topics from other universities too).

However I wouldn't worry massively about the application to places ratio: http://university.which.co.uk/university-of-birmingham-b32/biological-sciences-4-years-9000-c102 every applicant makes 5 applications so a high ratio doesn't mean that every student has that course as their favourite. 94% of applicants get an offer, so a good proportion of applicants simply chose another choice.

However the things beyond getting great grades that will help (taking an interest in what a university department is doing, going along to outreach events and studying university topics in your spare time through MOOCs) will help when you get to university as well - so even if the course isn't massively competitive you will be doing yourself a favour by doing these things - you'll have a better idea what interests you, you'll make a more informed decision about what and where to study and when you get there you'll have a good grounding for your course