The Student Room Group

How many gcses do unis look at?

Currently in year 11 but just thinking ahead. I'm aiming for 8s/9s in almost all my subjects but with art I don't think I'll be able to achieve more than a 7. I was told unis only look at the top 8 gcses so I just wanted to check if this is true since I am hoping to apply to some very competitive unis. thank you! :smile:
Original post by issyb_123
Currently in year 11 but just thinking ahead. I'm aiming for 8s/9s in almost all my subjects but with art I don't think I'll be able to achieve more than a 7. I was told unis only look at the top 8 gcses so I just wanted to check if this is true since I am hoping to apply to some very competitive unis. thank you! :smile:


I highly doubt getting a 7 in art will hold you back, and they mostly look at how you're performing in your A-levels anyway. I got an offer from Warwick which was the most competitive university I applied to with 888877776A in my GCSEs and A*AA at A-level. They really won't mean as much in the grand scheme of things so just try your best and you'll be fine :smile:
It varies depending on the course and the university but most unis are transparent about what they are seeking. e.g. Nottingham med school. - "A minimum of six GCSEs at Level 7 (A), including both Biology and Chemistry, you must have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 (B) in Maths and English Language."

I think 9 good GCSEs will mean you can get an offer from any uni. It always confuses me why schools insist on students studying 10 or even 11 GCSEs; its putting extra pressure on students.
Reply 3
Original post by mike23mike
It varies depending on the course and the university but most unis are transparent about what they are seeking. e.g. Nottingham med school. - "A minimum of six GCSEs at Level 7 (A), including both Biology and Chemistry, you must have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 (B) in Maths and English Language."
I think 9 good GCSEs will mean you can get an offer from any uni. It always confuses me why schools insist on students studying 10 or even 11 GCSEs; its putting extra pressure on students.

i study 13 😃
Reply 4
Most 'top' Unis will only specify GCSE grades for Maths and/or English depending on the degree subject, but may 'score' your top 5 or top 8 GCSE grades. Other Unis will not even bother looking at your GCSEs.

Focus on your A levels - they are the grades that really matter. Most Unis that do score GCSEs use it as a tiny part of their assessment and it wont be a deal breaker if you have sensible A level predicted grades.
Original post by issyb_123
Currently in year 11 but just thinking ahead. I'm aiming for 8s/9s in almost all my subjects but with art I don't think I'll be able to achieve more than a 7. I was told unis only look at the top 8 gcses so I just wanted to check if this is true since I am hoping to apply to some very competitive unis. thank you! :smile:

Hiya!

All universities will state their entry requirements on their website, so if you have anywhere or a specific course in mind feel free to have a look and do some research!🙂

From what I have seen, and from the DMU website regarding GCSE's the entry requirements usually state "Plus five GCSES at grade 4 or above including English and Mathematics or equivalent". Sometimes the including section is different for different courses but grades wise they follow the theme of being grade 4 or above.

Incase you are interested here is a list of the Undergraduate courses we offer at De Montfort University under Art, Design and Humanities 🙂

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/arts-design-humanities/undergraduate/arts-design-humanities.aspx

I hope this helps and provides some reassurance
-Maddie, Second year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University

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