Mid GCSEs for Russell group?

Hi,
I’m a y12 student I really want to get into a russel group but my GCSEs aren’t the best…8766665 ( the 5 is in maths ) due to extenuating circumstances but my A-level predictions are A*AA ( hopefully I can boost that up in September ) my extracurricular are okay I guess, I’ve conducted research for 3 months with PhD mentorship, read a lot of academic papers and books and im going to a Sutton trust summer school in the summer. How great are my chances? I know that Oxbridge is hopeless even though my dream uni was Cambridge but I don’t think that’s possible given my GCSEs

Reply 1

ASaxyPiano

Dude, you never know if you don't try, and GCSEs won't hold you back for Russel Groups whatsoever, provided decent A-levels, although I think GCSEs might hold a bit more weight for Oxbridge, but again, might as well try. Also for Oxbridge, entrance exams will hold even more weight, so if you think you can tackle them you should be good regardless

Reply 2

user488949439

GCSEs dont count for most RG universities other than English Language and Maths. You have both so for most courses it wont be a problem. Maths might be a problem for some subjects with Mathematical content such as Economics or Psychology though.

Universities are unlikely to accept your low Maths grade as an extenuating circumstan.ce as you have had chances to resit.

Reply 3

McGinger

'Russell Group' is just a marketing idea - it doesnt actually mean anything significant, and it certainly doesn't mean that those Unis are 'better' or than it makes their course are 'better' either. There are numerous 'top' Unis that are not part of RG and it certainly doesnt do their graduates any harm - Bath, St Andrews, Lancaster, Swansea, Loughborough as examples.

Go to some Open Days at a range of different Unis - listen to the subject presentations, look around and ask questions. Then make up your own mind about where you will be happiest.

Reply 4

Sarahf2507

Original post by swanseajack1

GCSEs dont count for most RG universities other than English Language and Maths. You have both so for most courses it wont be a problem. Maths might be a problem for some subjects with Mathematical content such as Economics or Psychology though.
Universities are unlikely to accept your low Maths grade as an extenuating circumstan.ce as you have had chances to resit.

Thanks for your comment, appreciate it really annoyed with myself of not thinking to retake maths and im not sure if it’s is pretty late by now but I’m thinking of applying for politics or international relations so I don’t think maths would be taken much into account.

Reply 5

Sarahf2507

Original post by McGinger

'Russell Group' is just a marketing idea - it doesnt actually mean anything significant, and it certainly doesn't mean that those Unis are 'better' or than it makes their course are 'better' either. There are numerous 'top' Unis that are not part of RG and it certainly doesnt do their graduates any harm - Bath, St Andrews, Lancaster, Swansea, Loughborough as examples.
Go to some Open Days at a range of different Unis - listen to the subject presentations, look around and ask questions. Then make up your own mind about where you will be happiest.

Thanks for the advice! I understand what you mean but honestly I feel like RG uni’s will better help in networking and getting me to a place where I have the opportunity to make valuable connections. I haven’t looked much on any other universities but will take this into account, thanks so much