will my gcse's hold me down from uni?

8

hi. im in year 12, and am going to start applying for unis soon, so I really want to do a economics and maths course at university, and I am predicted A*** at math, physics and economics, im not sure if I will be dropping FM at the end of this year- I enjoy it but my school isn't letting me take it, so I might have to go the self-study route??Anyways my gcses at 8777776655 (5s are in re and French) -i didn't really have a great work ethic whilst doing my gcses. so my options are- Cambridge, LSE, imperial, UCL and kings. I think I have some decent extra circulars- gold in smc,going for the olypiads (hopefully a gold too), volunteering and debate clubs, doing a EPQ, have some self-studies computer science certificates, prepping for the TMUA and also sitting AEA in the future, is there something more I can do? or should I have a safe choice?

Reply 1

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

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Original post by LalalalallOL

hi. im in year 12, and am going to start applying for unis soon, so I really want to do a economics and maths course at university, and I am predicted A*** at math, physics and economics, im not sure if I will be dropping FM at the end of this year- I enjoy it but my school isn't letting me take it, so I might have to go the self-study route??Anyways my gcses at 8777776655 (5s are in re and French) -i didn't really have a great work ethic whilst doing my gcses. so my options are- Cambridge, LSE, imperial, UCL and kings. I think I have some decent extra circulars- gold in smc,going for the olypiads (hopefully a gold too), volunteering and debate clubs, doing a EPQ, have some self-studies computer science certificates, prepping for the TMUA and also sitting AEA in the future, is there something more I can do? or should I have a safe choice?

Hey,
I would have a look on each of the University's websites for specific entry criteria. Some specify that they look at GCSE grades and others don't. So it would be worth, having at least some you apply for who do not look at GCSE grades or have lower standards for them. Id also take a look at whether you need further maths, as some maths courses require it, so if its something that you cant take, then just apply to the courses/universities where it is not a requirement.
In terms of extra-curriculars, it sounds like you have done lots, which is amazing! But also do not let them take away from your A level work because at the end of the day, the entry requirements will be based on these.
In general it is always a good option to have a safer choice, but just because it has lower entry requirements it doesn't mean that it is a worse university. you might end up liking it more! Plus it's hard to predict what will happen on exam day. So I'd recommend having a look at some on open days and chatting to people at those universities to see if there are any that you'd be happy going to!
Evie (4th year medic at UoS)

Reply 2

LSBU Student Rep

10

Original post by LalalalallOL

hi. im in year 12, and am going to start applying for unis soon, so I really want to do a economics and maths course at university, and I am predicted A*** at math, physics and economics, im not sure if I will be dropping FM at the end of this year- I enjoy it but my school isn't letting me take it, so I might have to go the self-study route??Anyways my gcses at 8777776655 (5s are in re and French) -i didn't really have a great work ethic whilst doing my gcses. so my options are- Cambridge, LSE, imperial, UCL and kings. I think I have some decent extra circulars- gold in smc,going for the olypiads (hopefully a gold too), volunteering and debate clubs, doing a EPQ, have some self-studies computer science certificates, prepping for the TMUA and also sitting AEA in the future, is there something more I can do? or should I have a safe choice?

Hi @LalalalallOL ,

Firstly, I'd suggest that you have a look at the Universities that you have mentioned and look at the webpage for the course, to see if they look at GCSE grades. For the most part, the priority is the A-levels you do and the grades. However, for some unis and courses they do take GCSE into consideration. However, all sound be mentioned on the websites.

For most universities, they will mention if particular subjects are needed. Hopefully that will give you some insight on how useful keeping Further Maths will be. Most degree course look at three A-levels however, this can be slightly different.

Ultimately, you have good predictions for the A-levels and great extra/super curriculars. Ensure that your personal statement can be tailored and utilise this extra things you do.

Safety schools are always recommended even if you do believe that you will get top marks, because you never know what the further holds. I'd personally recommend having at least one safety school, you can to terms with picking one by looking at the ranking tables in a particular course, to see if it's still competitive for the course. Open days, to get a feel for the place, and it's surroundings. Using platform like UniBuddy to see if you can talk to people who take the course you are interested in.

Wishing you the best with your future applications!

Kaprice R [3rd Year - BSc (Hon) Forensic Science]
LSBU Rep

will my gcse's hold me down from uni?

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