Number of GCSE A*s for my friend to have a good chance of UCL

UCL has a holistic approach to their shortlisting of candidates, meaning everything will be taken into account: A low number of A*s can be made up for with a strong PS and BMAT score. So no, it isn't over yet but a lot of work is on the way next year.

Thanks for the reply. I think he knows that My theory is the lower grades were a combination of bad luck (with exam questions and marking perhaps) and 'contentness'/slight arrogance (after getting predicted all A*). I think he would have been capable of more.

Do you happen to know what the average number of A*s for a successful applicant is, just to get an idea?

My friend really wants to study medicine at UCL. He just got his GCSE results, and did worse than expected: he got 4A*s (plus an A* in maths taken early) and I think the rest were A's. He did not get an A in OCR Additional Maths.

We're at one of the top (according to league tables) independent schools, so there is no contextual data to weigh in his favour.

I know medicine is very competitive, particularly at UCL; I also know there are many other factors, such as PS, interview, BMAT, predicted grades, etc. But what is the average number of A*s for a successful applicant and would he have a decent chance?

Please be honest. If the answer is no, then so be it.

Thanks!

EDIT: He got an A* in Biology and Physics (separate sciences) but not Chemistry (he missed out by 2 marks!). I persuaded him to remark, so the total could be 6A* if things go well...

Many people don't know that UCL has a banding system in place apparently. This is based off a freedom of info request on whatdotheyonow.

Band 1 - All A* in English, science and maths subjects with half of all GCSEs being at least A* with rest A. (More than 10 GCSEs must be taken).

Band 2 - 3A* in English, maths and science and the rest A grades. 9-10 GCSEs must be taken with at least half of them being an A*.

Band 3 1-2 A* in English, maths and science subjects and the rest A grades. Overall, 7 or more GCSEs taken with grades of A* - B

Band 4 - no A* grades in English, maths and science. (If you achieve say ALL A grades at GCSE, you'd still fall into this band).

Band 5 - Mostlt below B grades at GCSE and/or 6 or less GCSEs taken without good reason.

Your friend would fall in Band 2, so he's got a good shot.

Many people don't know that UCL has a banding system in place apparently. This is based off a freedom of info request on whatdotheyonow.

Band 1 - All A* in English, science and maths subjects with half of all GCSEs being at least A* with rest A. (More than 10 GCSEs must be taken).

Band 2 - 3A* in English, maths and science and the rest A grades. 9-10 GCSEs must be taken with at least half of them being an A*.

Band 3 1-2 A* in English, maths and science subjects and the rest A grades. Overall, 7 or more GCSEs taken with grades of A* - B

Band 4 - no A* grades in English, maths and science. (If you achieve say ALL A grades at GCSE, you'd still fall into this band).

Band 5 - Mostlt below B grades at GCSE and/or 6 or less GCSEs taken without good reason.

Your friend would fall in Band 2, so he's got a good shot.