Can I still get into a highly ranked University with poor GCSEs?

When I was in years 10-11 I struggled with school work due to losing my father and started not taking school seriously. I was predicted 6s and 7s all around in previous years, but my grades kept falling until I had 5s, 4s and 3s at GCSE, including a 3 in English Literature, 4 in English language, 4-3 in combined science and 4 in Maths. Not great.
I don't think the pandemic helped either as I had the silly mindset of "these are just mocks, they won't affect my GCSEs... they did lol

Once I barely got into 6th form, particularly the 2nd year, I started working harder and took an extended course to get my UCAS points up, I'm predicted 144 UCAS points (AAA).

I applied for digital media or very similar courses at a range of universities which allowed my low level grades at GCSE, the higher ones include Leeds, Sheffield and Exeter.

Do I have a chance of getting into these Unis? As long as I get a conditional offer I don't see why it would be a problem.
Feel free to be brutally honest.

Thanks!

Yes you have a chance unless any of them want 5 or better in English and maths.

yes if you looked at all the grade requirements and you meet it all then your fine

I made sure to only apply for the ones which require 4 or better, so hopefully I'm good.
Thank you very much!

When I was in years 10-11 I struggled with school work due to losing my father and started not taking school seriously. I was predicted 6s and 7s all around in previous years, but my grades kept falling until I had 5s, 4s and 3s at GCSE, including a 3 in English Literature, 4 in English language, 4-3 in combined science and 4 in Maths. Not great.
I don't think the pandemic helped either as I had the silly mindset of "these are just mocks, they won't affect my GCSEs... they did lol

Once I barely got into 6th form, particularly the 2nd year, I started working harder and took an extended course to get my UCAS points up, I'm predicted 144 UCAS points (AAA).

I applied for digital media or very similar courses at a range of universities which allowed my low level grades at GCSE, the higher ones include Leeds, Sheffield and Exeter.

Do I have a chance of getting into these Unis? As long as I get a conditional offer I don't see why it would be a problem.
Feel free to be brutally honest.

Thanks!

When I was in years 10-11 I struggled with school work due to losing my father and started not taking school seriously. I was predicted 6s and 7s all around in previous years, but my grades kept falling until I had 5s, 4s and 3s at GCSE, including a 3 in English Literature, 4 in English language, 4-3 in combined science and 4 in Maths. Not great.
I don't think the pandemic helped either as I had the silly mindset of "these are just mocks, they won't affect my GCSEs... they did lol

Once I barely got into 6th form, particularly the 2nd year, I started working harder and took an extended course to get my UCAS points up, I'm predicted 144 UCAS points (AAA).

I applied for digital media or very similar courses at a range of universities which allowed my low level grades at GCSE, the higher ones include Leeds, Sheffield and Exeter.

Do I have a chance of getting into these Unis? As long as I get a conditional offer I don't see why it would be a problem.
Feel free to be brutally honest.

Thanks!

As long as you reach the specific GCSE grade requirements then you are fine - well down for your A level predicted grades.

Hey @AlexAyy

Your GCSEs will not stop you from getting into a good university. Although I'm not sure about, like, the top five universities, it really is about your A-Levels when it comes to applying and UCAS. I didn't get amazing GCSEs and this didn't stop me from getting offers from multiple universities. I think you need at least a 4 in English and Maths to be considered, as you do have to put your GCSEs down somewhere, but your A-Levels are the real deal.

As long as you work hard now and have a good personal statement, I think you'll be fine.

I hope this helps, and good luck!
Quinn - Student Ambassador

thanks, unfortunately they're not the best subjects, but they do add up in ucas points.

Distinction / A in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (like an A-level and a half) - 72 UCAS Points

B in Finance (apparently LIBF isn't as highly respect among top Unis, but hopefully I should be ok) - 40 UCAS Points

Merit in IT (although I could potentially get a distinction) - 32 UCAS Points

Total - 144 / AAA.

The main course I'm after is digital media in Leeds as it looks like the one I would enjoy the most (ABB).
My personal statement is pretty decent as I talk about my expirence in video editing, passion for the subject, video I worked on which reach 8 million views and some other small unique stuff. I stressed over it, but I'm really hoping it works out.

These are a very different set of qualifications and to be honest I dont know how the universities will treat them. Universities usually count best 3 A level subjects for UCAS points and it seems you are including 3 and 1/2. I would suggest given the subjects you are taking you ask the universities themselves as it isnt quite like having 144 points from 3 A levels or an extended BTEC. The university will be better able to advise what they will and wont accept in your combination