Are these grades good enough for History at St Andrews?

I got 4 A's at AS in History, English Lit, RS and Psychology but it's my GCSE's that I'm worried about. I did work hard at GCSE, but my school was in special measures at the time (not an excuse, I know) so I was pleased anyway. Then I moved to a grammar school and now they don't seem so great!
English Lit - A
English Lang - A
Biology - B
Physics - A
Chemistry - A
RS - A*
History - A*
Art - B
Maths - B
Distinction * in Business Studies Btec (not a great choice on my part, but I didn't realise in year 9 that equivalent to 2 GCSE's doesn't really mean equivalent at all...)

So, should I apply for History at St Andrews or would it more than likely be a waste of time? I'm sorry if this is a silly question, I just have no idea what universities are an option for me. I didn't even realise I could go until January.

I got 4 A's at AS in History, English Lit, RS and Psychology but it's my GCSE's that I'm worried about. I did work hard at GCSE, but my school was in special measures at the time (not an excuse, I know) so I was pleased anyway. Then I moved to a grammar school and now they don't seem so great!
English Lit - A
English Lang - A
Biology - B
Physics - A
Chemistry - A
RS - A*
History - A*
Art - B
Maths - B
Distinction * in Business Studies Btec (not a great choice on my part, but I didn't realise in year 9 that equivalent to 2 GCSE's doesn't really mean equivalent at all...)

So, should I apply for History at St Andrews or would it more than likely be a waste of time? I'm sorry if this is a silly question, I just have no idea what universities are an option for me. I didn't even realise I could go until January.

You need a C at a modern language GCSE OR equivalent. I assume you could do some sort of language course to satisfy that requirement.

My GCSEs were similar to yours A*A*A*A* (2 were a BTEC) AAAAAA B and I got an offer for history You need a kickass personal statement and a kickass prediction which you should be fine for

Of course they're good enough! Plus, your AS grades clearly show potential to meet the entry requirements.

Besides, an impressive personal statement is a lot more important than GCSE results. Make sure you get that right and you'll stand as good a chance as anybody else.

I knew that a GCSE in a modern language would be a problem, but I didn't realise it was a requirement (I thought it was preferred) The thing is, I wouldn't be able to do fulfill it by the time we have to hand in our applications.

Was St Andrews one of your top choices, if you don't mind me asking? Thank you for your advice!

I wouldn't worry too much about your GCSEs, the important thing is that you have at least a B in both Maths and English, which are the minimum requirement for St Andrews. If you are predicted at least three As at A-Level (the entry requirements for History) then there is no reason why you shouldn't apply. Having four As at AS is a very good start. Of course it's important to remember that just having the required grades in no way guarantees a place. St Andrews gets a lot of applications and History is quite a competitive course so you'll need to have a good personal statement and reference etc.

I know St Andrews likes applicants to have a modern language at GCSE, but I don't know how much weight they place on this.

When they came to my school they said they required a MFL :/ maybe it isn't the case maybe if you just put it as pending?

It was actually my second choice to Durham at the time I applied. When I visited St. Andrews and Durham, St. Andrews became my top choice

I knew that a GCSE in a modern language would be a problem, but I didn't realise it was a requirement (I thought it was preferred) The thing is, I wouldn't be able to do fulfill it by the time we have to hand in our applications.

Was St Andrews one of your top choices, if you don't mind me asking? Thank you for your advice!

When they came to my school they said they required a MFL :/ maybe it isn't the case maybe if you just put it as pending?

It was actually my second choice to Durham at the time I applied. When I visited St. Andrews and Durham, St. Andrews became my top choice

Yeah, it's a requirement for the faculty of arts to have a modern language. As Callum said, you can still do it and put it as pending on your UCAS. The Dean of Arts can make an exception, but I'm not sure how likely that is considering it's one of the basic requirements.

In addition to the specific subject entry requirements listed above, candidates must also possess the following minimum qualifications, although the Dean of Faculty has the authority to exempt applicants from one or more of these:

• SQA Credit Level Standard Grade, GCSE (A or B) or equivalent, or IB at least Standard IB Level, in English and Mathematics.

It is also desirable that candidates possess the following minimum qualifications:

• SQA Credit Level Standard Grade, GCSE (A or B) or equivalent, or IB at least Standard IB Level in a language other than English (with the exception of Modern Languages students who will have higher entry requirements).

This is from the list of degrees and entry requirements (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/admissions/prospectus/2013-2014/Degrees%20and%20their%20Entry%20Requirements%20for%202014.pdf)

I would suggest that "desirable" means "not compulsory"

Thanks for this, it was compulsory back in the day

Thanks for this, it was compulsory back in the day

No, you're probably right about the language. I might email the department and ask them, to be sure.

Oh right Both look lovely, what was it that stood out for you at St Andrews?

I went to the lecture for my course (combined arts) and the lecturer seemed a bit snobby

It was compulsory for 2013 entry




Durham was REALLY unfriendly. I went to the lecture for my course (combined arts) and the lecturer seemed a bit snobby and the students seemed very snobby, and even though I went to a private boarding school, I was very put off by it. St. Andrews had a much better feel, and I like the flexible system

Thanks for this, it was compulsory back in the day