Join in on our 'Guess the Rep' Competition! >>

Gcse & ucas

Looking for advice
So I know you have to declare your GCSE results to UCAS.

I’m wondering
In what part of the application process this is done?
How much do universities care about GCSEs?

I have dyslexia and ADHD but was diagnosed with ADHD after my GCSE. I passed all my GCSE but didn’t get super high grades. I’m currently predicated very high grades at sixth form. Going on ADHD medication completely changed my ability at school. My current predicated grades give over 20 more UCAS points than the subjects I am looking at require.

Reply 1

kitty15

Study Forum Helper

Original post by MiaALD91

Looking for advice
So I know you have to declare your GCSE results to UCAS.
I’m wondering
In what part of the application process this is done?
How much do universities care about GCSEs?
I have dyslexia and ADHD but was diagnosed with ADHD after my GCSE. I passed all my GCSE but didn’t get super high grades. I’m currently predicated very high grades at sixth form. Going on ADHD medication completely changed my ability at school. My current predicated grades give over 20 more UCAS points than the subjects I am looking at require.

Hi, you disclose this in the part called ‘education history’ which is in a separate section to your personal statement. Usually this is completed before you upload your personal statement and usually upon first sign up to UCAS.

Some unis may set particular grade requirements in English and maths. Often these are either a grade 5 or 6 depending on your course. If you are applying for a competitive course e.g med then some unis may require at least a few 7s. I would recommend checking out the entry requirements for courses you are interested in.

Reply 2

user488949439

Universitiesdont generally care about high grades GCSEs. They want particular grades for English Language and Maths and usually passes in 5 subjects. For some subjects that have Mathematical contents they require grade 6 or 7 in Maths.

Check the entry requirements for the courses you intend applying to. This will give the GCSE requirements. If you meet them fine. If you dont resit it to obtain better grades. This will probably be English or Maths.

Reply 3

McGinger

If there is a reason that your GCSE grades were lower than you'd hoped, ie. a late ADHD diagnosis, then ask you school to mention this in their UCAS reference. It will not excuse you from any specific required grades as you would still be expected to resit those this year, but it may allow extra consideration for your overall GCSE profile.

Reply 4

MiaALD91

Original post by McGinger

Thank you
I have the GCSE grades needed for the courses I’m looking at. They just want a pass in English and maths. But I was concerned about how much my overall GCSE grades would be considered

Reply 5

MiaALD91

Original post by kitty15

Hi, you disclose this in the part called ‘education history’ which is in a separate section to your personal statement. Usually this is completed before you upload your personal statement and usually upon first sign up to UCAS.
Some unis may set particular grade requirements in English and maths. Often these are either a grade 5 or 6 depending on your course. If you are applying for a competitive course e.g med then some unis may require at least a few 7s. I would recommend checking out the entry requirements for courses you are interested in.

Thank you
I have the needed GCSE requirements for the courses I’m looking at. They just want a pass in maths and English. I was concerned about how much my overall GCSE profile would be assessed

Reply 6

MiaALD91

Original post by swanseajack1

Universitiesdont generally care about high grades GCSEs. They want particular grades for English Language and Maths and usually passes in 5 subjects. For some subjects that have Mathematical contents they require grade 6 or 7 in Maths.
Check the entry requirements for the courses you intend applying to. This will give the GCSE requirements. If you meet them fine. If you dont resit it to obtain better grades. This will probably be English or Maths.

Thank you
I have the needed GCSE requirements for the courses I’m looking at. They just want a pass in maths and English. I was concerned about how much my overall GCSE profile would be assessed

Reply 7

McGinger

Original post by MiaALD91

Thank you
I have the GCSE grades needed for the courses I’m looking at. They just want a pass in English and maths. But I was concerned about how much my overall GCSE grades would be considered

It depends entirely on the individual Uni - and the course.

GCSE 'profile' is usually assessed where a Uni needs to distinguish between applicants with the same A level predictions for a highly competitive course. For some Unis that is going to be most of their courses, for others it might just be a couple, others none.

Even where GCSEs are part of the assessment, it will be a small element within the overall score. As an example, for Law at Bristol its only 20% and only the top 5 GCSE grades are included. Its therefore not something you need to get worried about - but it is something you can ask about at Uni Open Days, UCAS events etc.