Is it impossible to get in as a non-contextual Scottish student?

Hi, I attend a pretty average (maybe below-average - 35% leave with 5 Highers) state school in Glasgow. I have read much about it being impossible for a Scottish student to get in given the government's restrictions on places for us, as well it being doubly challenging if you aren't a contextual student.

From my understanding, I don't meet any of the standards for a contextual application - my father is a single father, I am technically a second-generation immigrant as my father moved to this country from Iran in the 90s, and I faced a lot of difficulties due to my mother's abusive behaviour when I was younger. However, my SIMD decile now is 10 and does not qualify and frankly I don't want to make my application about how sad my life is.

I hope to study Economics and International Relations MA. At National 5, I got 9 A-band-1s with an average mark of 99%. At Higher, I got 6 A-band-1s with an average mark of 94%. I am currently studying 3 Advanced Highers in Maths, English, and History, as well as a crash Higher in RMPS.

I have completed supercurriculars such as being part of the national debating squad where I attend the Edinburgh Law School several times, tutoring other students at school in Maths, winning UKMT Golds, winning the Glasgow Schools Public Speaking Competition, and reading many political books.

Sorry if I sound like that guy asking if he can get in with straight-As but I really am curious about the difficulty of non-contextual Scots getting in as St. Andrews do not break down the acceptance rate online. Can anyone suggest, with my academic profile, if getting in may still prove difficult or based a bit on chance?

Reply 1

divgradcurl

I was a non-contextual Scottish state school applicant with worse grades than you (8 A1 at N5, 4 A1 1 A2 at higher, 1 A1 2 A2 plus distinction in the Science Baccalaureate at advanced higher). I did not do anywhere near the level of extracurriculars that you did. I was given an unconditional offer (for mphys theoretical physics). I know many people in the same position.

It is simply not true that it's impossible to get in as a non-contextual scot. This is a largely fictional narrative that people mostly propagate for political reasons.

I would be absolutely astounded if you were not admitted to St. Andrews.

(edit: for reference, I applied in 2023 so this information shouldn't be too outdated)

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Scottish universities literally don't care about bandings, they won't actually know or ask for them, neither will English unis aside from Oxbridge. You can put some of your personal life in extenuating circumstances on the ucas form if you think its relevant but this is usually done to explain why someones grades aren't up to parr so isn completely necessary in your case. As for acceptance, I see no reason why you wouldn't be given an offer as long are you personal statement is up to standard, they accept many Scottish pupils every year. one thing which is more of a myth is to be careful your PS doesn't sound too catered to an Oxbridge application as this may be off putting for them. This is not really the case and more of an accuse for unsuccessful applicants however just make sure your statement has a good personal to academic balance.

Reply 3

Helen2112

Scottish student here, 5 As at Higher, non contextual, state school student, I got an unconditional offer and so did two of my friends with exact same circumstances. So no, it is certainly not impossible.