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If I got bad GCSE results but got all A*s for my A Levels would top unis want me?

If I got really bad GCSE results but got all 3 to 4 A*'s would top universities want me? Due to a close family member getting terrible cancer and my other numerous problems, I wasn't able to perform the best I could. So would top univerisites like Oxford want me if I got 3 to 4 A*s with terrible GCSE grades. Think four to sixes for my main science subjects. 4 Bio, 5 Phy, 6 Chem with a mysterious 7 in English Language as my top grade. Also, note that I only have 6 GCSEs up my belt as well, since I missed 2 of my GCSE exams. I did not fail any of my subjects however.

I'm on my way to getting 3 to 4 A*s in my A Level subjects currently as of this moment, which is why I'm asking this.

Reply 1

phob17

most unis dont care about gcse results and want u to have passed at least 6 so ur defo fine trust

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by phob17

most unis dont care about gcse results and want u to have passed at least 6 so ur defo fine trust

actually if u apply to dent or medicine they still expect 7s and above in gcses even w top alevel grades :,(

Reply 3

username6821119

Some Uni's care, others dont. Worth reading individual admissions policies. For instance University of Bristol openly admit that they dont look at personal statement, they rank candidates based on 20% GCSE achieved grades and 80% predicted A level grades, so GCSEs do matter. If all else fails and you dont get offers from where you want, you could always take a gap year and apply with achieved grades.

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 4

FrogLetta

Original post by 2024ucasappli

So theoretically if all else fails I could simply re-do ALL of my GCSEs within a gap year and then re-apply to a top university with no problems? And maybe even add some more GCSEs?

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 5

phob17

Original post by Anonymous

actually if u apply to dent or medicine they still expect 7s and above in gcses even w top alevel grades :,(

oh yh true but not all unis

Reply 6

Zarek

So, if you get 3 / 4 A* at A level you will have no problem getting in to university. The exception is highly competitive course like vet med, med and dentistry where everyone applying has achieved this level. Interview performance and explaining GCSEs would be important here. But if you have the ability and the drive everything is possible. I don’t think it will not be about repeating GCSE

Reply 7

username6821119

Original post by FrogLetta

So theoretically if all else fails I could simply re-do ALL of my GCSEs within a gap year and then re-apply to a top university with no problems? And maybe even add some more GCSEs?

No, i was thinking reapply with actual A level grades, then they're less likely to care what you got in your GCSEs.

Reply 8

Anonymous #2

Depends on the course and uni specifically, but don't most unis look at GCSEs in context? If there were genuine reasons why your GCSEs are not a true reflection of your ability, then as long as you can prove this to be the case within your UCAS reference I don't think this would be an application-ender in and of itself. That being said, you certainly will have to prove that it isn't a correct reflection of your ability in some other ways, e.g. having some supercurricular activities that evidence your aptitude (i.e. you need to pick up the slack elsewhere). Might be a good idea to reach out to some admissions officers at unis you are interested in and ask them how realistic an application to them might be. There are open days coming up, maybe you can ask there?

Reply 9

UtterlyUseless69

Original post by FrogLetta

If I got really bad GCSE results but got all 3 to 4 A*'s would top universities want me? Due to a close family member getting terrible cancer and my other numerous problems, I wasn't able to perform the best I could. So would top univerisites like Oxford want me if I got 3 to 4 A*s with terrible GCSE grades. Think four to sixes for my main science subjects. 4 Bio, 5 Phy, 6 Chem with a mysterious 7 in English Language as my top grade. Also, note that I only have 6 GCSEs up my belt as well, since I missed 2 of my GCSE exams. I did not fail any of my subjects however.
I'm on my way to getting 3 to 4 A*s in my A Level subjects currently as of this moment, which is why I'm asking this.

Most unis don’t care about GCSE grades - Oxford is one of the few that does. They usually expect the majority of your grades to be 7’s and upwards.

However, if your reference explains the circumstances for lower GCSE grades, you still have a chance of getting at least as far as interviews if your A level performance remains strong and you do well in any admissions tests you are required to do (if there are any).

(edited 9 months ago)

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