The Student Room Group

Will my grades reduce my chance at an offer?

Hi everyone, I am wanting to apply for International Relations at the following: LSE, UCL, KCL, SOAS, Edinburgh

My IGCSEs were quite average: A*A*AAAAAA
My AS grades were: AAB

My Predicted grades are either: A*A*AA or A*A*A*A (I’m trying to convince my teachers I am good enough for triple A*)

My teachers said my personal statement is of a really high standard.

I’m worried my IGCSEs won’t make me a competitive applicant, even though IR isn’t the most popular course choice at these unis. What do you think?
Reply 1
Original post by uniacceptmepls
Hi everyone, I am wanting to apply for International Relations at the following: LSE, UCL, KCL, SOAS, Edinburgh
My IGCSEs were quite average: A*A*AAAAAA
My AS grades were: AAB
My Predicted grades are either: A*A*AA or A*A*A*A (I’m trying to convince my teachers I am good enough for triple A*)
My teachers said my personal statement is of a really high standard.
I’m worried my IGCSEs won’t make me a competitive applicant, even though IR isn’t the most popular course choice at these unis. What do you think?


this can’t be serious
Original post by krumel21
this can’t be serious

Yes, this isn’t serious. I enjoy wasting my time.

Why wouldn’t this be serious??
... Because your grades are far from average.

However, I don't know how competitive your choices are. Being mostly London will make the competition for places high.

You didn't include their grade requirements. Which is your backup choice?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by totallyfine
... Because your grades are far from average.
However, I don't know how competitive your choices are. Being mostly London will make the competition for places high.
You didn't include their grade requirements. Which is your backup choice?

Most LSE applicants I know and have heard from have IGCSEs that are mostly A*s/9s, and I know the weight they place on them is quite significant, which is why I was worried.

The A level grade requirements for them are AAA, except Edinburgh which is A*AA, however, there’s also a chance they reduce/increase my requirements. My backup choice is SOAS.

I appreciate the reply though, and I apologize if my previous reply sounded rude!
Original post by uniacceptmepls
Hi everyone, I am wanting to apply for International Relations at the following: LSE, UCL, KCL, SOAS, Edinburgh
My IGCSEs were quite average: A*A*AAAAAA
My AS grades were: AAB
My Predicted grades are either: A*A*AA or A*A*A*A (I’m trying to convince my teachers I am good enough for triple A*)
My teachers said my personal statement is of a really high standard.
I’m worried my IGCSEs won’t make me a competitive applicant, even though IR isn’t the most popular course choice at these unis. What do you think?


You’ll be fine, international relations isn’t as competitive than other courses
Reply 6
Hi there! I understand you're aiming high, which is great. However, applying to three London universities (LSE, UCL, KCL) could be a risky approach. These institutions are highly competitive, especially for International Relations, and tend to prioritize applicants with top grades across all their qualifications.

Given that your GCSEs are solid but not extraordinary by their standards, it might be wise to diversify your application with a mix of locations and select at least one less competitive choice. This strategy could strengthen your chances of receiving offers and reduce the pressure on achieving those highest predicted grades.

Best of luck with your applications!

Quick Reply