Is there nothing I can do now?

I didn't get the right level for higher maths and all the decent universities require higher maths for my course. Do universities tend to stick to those requirements? Is there anything I can do here on out to improve my chances, GCSEs were eye opening and a good experience, but not being eligible for higher maths is a huge sting.

I'm slightly confused as to what you mean by "higher maths". What grade do you have at GCSE?

Most unis are pretty inflexible about their GCSE requirements, but most will only want a 5 or a 6. If you were close to the grade you need, you could resit and see if you can improve? Unis don't mind resits at GCSE.

I'm slightly confused as to what you mean by "higher maths". What grade do you have at GCSE?

Most unis are pretty inflexible about their GCSE requirements, but most will only want a 5 or a 6. If you were close to the grade you need, you could resit and see if you can improve? Unis don't mind resits at GCSE.

I'm guessing they mean they're in year 9 or 10, and their school wants to enter them for foundation maths rather than higher in year 11.

Edit: never mind, just re-read the OP and now I'm confused, too.

Unis don't know which exam you've sat though, and you can get a grade 5 on foundation, which is good enough for lots of unis- so even if this is the case, the post doesn't make a lot of sense!

Sorry, I was very vague. I know there's a difference between further maths and higher level maths. I'm doing the IB and it's higher level maths.I got a level 7(few marks from level 8). And every decent university seems to want high level maths, but not crazy high points at like 42+.

Sorry, I was very vague. I know there's a difference between further maths and higher level maths. I'm doing the IB and it's higher level maths.I got a level 7(few marks from level 8). And every decent university seems to want high level maths, but not crazy high points at like 42+.

Oh, I see!

Which subject do you want to study at university?

I'm going to try and get this thread moved to the IB forum, as people in there are more likely to be able to help.

Computer science, which I got a 9 in. I do feel that high 7 in Maths was an anomaly, having worked not as hard as I could have. But they won't listen, which is very understandable. Thanks for the help!

Ah, I see. For CompSci, maths is obviously very important, so I can see why unis would want higher level maths. This is very likely to be a hard requirement that they won't waver on, unfortunatley.

However, if you have a high 7, I'm surprised you are not allowed to do higher level maths. This would be enough for A-level Maths at most schools.

This is going to sound a bit drastic, but have you considered switching schools to somewhere you could do A-levels instead?

Have you got a parent around who can support you in talking to your school?

Hmm, I might try that. It would be very good for me to just focus on 3 subjects. I'll see what I can do. Do you think it's too sudden? I've only had my foot in one school, which was the school I already went to. I especially don't want to do the language aspect. There is a really good A-Level school pretty close to the my house and I might consider there.I mean I got 4A* 4 A with 2 C and 1 B, so my options are wide. I was not willing to switch, but for my future, I'll take the weird interaction with people I used to know. But your comment has really made me think about how it's more about my future. A levels just seems less stressful than the IB and I'm very adamant on what I want to do. Computer science, and work in the economic sector.

Those are really great results, well done.

Why not see if you can have a chat to the A-level school at least? At least then you will know if it's an option or not! If you give them a ring now, I bet there will be someone around who can help you.

If you want to specialise, I think A-levels can be a better option, whereas IB is mainly good for all-rounders.

Yes, I'm immediately convinced to want to switch to the other A-Level school. Standard Maths in IB seems to get to less places than standard Mathematics at A-Levels and I won't have to deal with English and Chinese at the A-Level school. Wow, you don't understand how much this is going to change my life, from just this small interaction, which changed my view. I was feeling down I couldn't do higher level maths at IB, now seeing the other options. I'm sure I'll be much happier, not having done Chinese and English. I can now do Comp sci, Economics, Mathematics, all things I have passion for. I was honestly dreading the extra luggage with IB, now I'm FREE.

I'm really glad I've been able to help!

Have you spoken to the other school yet? If not, do speak to them ASAP to make sure it's possible to switch.

Good luck with everything!

I've sent a letter, following everything they ask for late admissions. And I thank you so much for your help. This is going to immensely change the course of my life for better.