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I want to study biotechnology but my predicted are ABC

My C is on chemistry which is the problem because all unis require atleast a B in chemistry. I don't have a lot of options since not many unis offer a biotechnology course and those who do have entry requirements above what I have. Any other courses I should consider that are close enough? I'm thinking microbiology or genetics (surrey and reading offers foundation for microbio and royal holloway has BCC for genetics) but i don't really know how i'm gonna do my PS on 3 different courses or if i'm even allowed to apply to 3 different ones because my initial plan was: aspirational: nottingham or glasgow (both biotech) on par: surrey (foundation microbio) and royal holloway (genetics) then below: essex (foundation biotech)
Looks like biotech is out given your predicted grade of C in chemistry. Genetics and microbiology are very different subjects. Look into both and decide which one you actually want to study.
Two choices - look at different degree subjects, or work your socks off to get a better Chem grade and apply with achieved grades in a gap year.

Applying for several different is not a great idea as you only have one PS and if its obvious that you are not 100% committed to 'their' subject, many Unis will simply reject you,
Reply 3
Original post by mike23mike
Looks like biotech is out given your predicted grade of C in chemistry. Genetics and microbiology are very different subjects. Look into both and decide which one you actually want to study.
do you think it's a good idea to apply for biochem? my tutor said if i'm that indecisive for a career path then i should do biochem since it offers a wider range than genetics and microbiology. biochem was my first choice but what got me off that path is my predicted grade because it seems like my only choice is to do a foundation year
Original post by cheska15
My C is on chemistry which is the problem because all unis require atleast a B in chemistry. I don't have a lot of options since not many unis offer a biotechnology course and those who do have entry requirements above what I have. Any other courses I should consider that are close enough? I'm thinking microbiology or genetics (surrey and reading offers foundation for microbio and royal holloway has BCC for genetics) but i don't really know how i'm gonna do my PS on 3 different courses or if i'm even allowed to apply to 3 different ones because my initial plan was: aspirational: nottingham or glasgow (both biotech) on par: surrey (foundation microbio) and royal holloway (genetics) then below: essex (foundation biotech)

Hello @cheska15

It's great to see that you're considering the University of Essex for BSc Biotechnology! We offer the option for a Foundation Year, Placement Year or to Study Abroad - I spent a year in Hong Kong as part of my degree. 🗺️

The University of Essex is just outside of Colchester, less than one hour away from London on the train (with three stations near to campus). Our Students' Union is amazing, with over 165 societies to join, a library (open 24/7), gym and sports centre (free if you live on campus), cinema, two bars and a nightclub on campus. 🌟

If you are applying through UCAS, your personal statement needs to be relevant to the different courses and universities that you are applying for, but you can highlight any topics that have overlap - potentially the biological aspect or how the science based degree would help you in your future career. It is always great to talk a bit about yourself as well, so that the university can get to know you as well as your academic interest! We recommend that two-thirds of your personal statement is about your subject, and the final-third should be about any relevant work or voluntary experience you might have, and any extra-curricular activities, such as sport, music and leadership positions. You can always follow our guide here for help. 😁😎📚

Feel free to browse these links: 🔍️
Or chat to us: 🔬

[email protected] from our School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Enquiries

Or come along to our Open Day on the 26th October to meet us 😊

I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any more questions 👍️🎓️😎

Essex Official Rep - Amy 🌞
Original post by cheska15
do you think it's a good idea to apply for biochem? my tutor said if i'm that indecisive for a career path then i should do biochem since it offers a wider range than genetics and microbiology. biochem was my first choice but what got me off that path is my predicted grade because it seems like my only choice is to do a foundation year

why not consider Biomedical Science. Lancaster ask for AAB with and A in Biology but they dropped to ABB in clearing this year. Lancaster is a top uni.
UEA is another one to consider, they do a whole bunch of bio related courses and you can swap between some of them after year 1. Plus they have been pretty generous with their offers this year - and they do a decent Foundation if you needed that

Another alt is maybe Leeds? They do a nice Foundation, but you have to meet certain criteria
Original post by cheska15
My C is on chemistry which is the problem because all unis require atleast a B in chemistry. I don't have a lot of options since not many unis offer a biotechnology course and those who do have entry requirements above what I have. Any other courses I should consider that are close enough? I'm thinking microbiology or genetics (surrey and reading offers foundation for microbio and royal holloway has BCC for genetics) but i don't really know how i'm gonna do my PS on 3 different courses or if i'm even allowed to apply to 3 different ones because my initial plan was: aspirational: nottingham or glasgow (both biotech) on par: surrey (foundation microbio) and royal holloway (genetics) then below: essex (foundation biotech)

Hi there

It's great you're interested in studying Genetics at Royal Holloway. We hope you've found all the information you need? If you'd still like to find out more about this course, entry requirements and the Department of Biological Sciences, click here.

If you need some more information, we have several in-person and online Open Days coming up, which I would recommend signing up to if you can. Here you can meet students and staff from your chosen department, who will be able to give you a great insight into the course and what it's like to study at Royal Holloway. Alternatively, you can chat to a current student to find out more about student life and more.

I hope this helps in your decision.

Best wishes,
Royal Holloway, University of London

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