Are my GCSEs going to hinder Uni offers? HELP!

Hi so for my GCSEs I did a few level 2s as my options:

Business level 2 (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - level 2 distinction
Childcare (NCFE level 2) - A*
Animal care (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - Pass

Other GCSE grades:
Photography - 5
Maths - 5
Science - 6,5
English Lang - 6 (speaking and listening Merit)
English Lit - 5

A Level Predicted - English Lang - A, Business - A, Psychology - B and EPQ

I am applying for Loughborough (I think it will be my firm), Exeter, Aberystwyth and Huddersfield. I haven't thought of a 5th option yet.

Also I am eligible for contextual offers if they have them for free school meals/ household income under x amount.

Thanks in advance :smile:

Reply 1

zealous-disconte

Tbh not really, they only look at your A-level grades which are the most important ones. They will only need your GCSE eng and math grade. Don't worry!!!

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

annabellegeoo

Original post

by shanaeg23

Hi so for my GCSEs I did a few level 2s as my options:
Business level 2 (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - level 2 distinction
Childcare (NCFE level 2) - A*
Animal care (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - Pass
Other GCSE grades:
Photography - 5
Maths - 5
Science - 6,5
English Lang - 6 (speaking and listening Merit)
English Lit - 5
A Level Predicted - English Lang - A, Business - A, Psychology - B and EPQ
I am applying for Loughborough (I think it will be my firm), Exeter, Aberystwyth and Huddersfield. I haven't thought of a 5th option yet.
Also I am eligible for contextual offers if they have them for free school meals/ household income under x amount.
Thanks in advance :smile:

depends which degree you're planning on applying for

Reply 3

ageshallnot

Original post

by shanaeg23

Hi so for my GCSEs I did a few level 2s as my options:
Business level 2 (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - level 2 distinction
Childcare (NCFE level 2) - A*
Animal care (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - Pass
Other GCSE grades:
Photography - 5
Maths - 5
Science - 6,5
English Lang - 6 (speaking and listening Merit)
English Lit - 5
A Level Predicted - English Lang - A, Business - A, Psychology - B and EPQ
I am applying for Loughborough (I think it will be my firm), Exeter, Aberystwyth and Huddersfield. I haven't thought of a 5th option yet.
Also I am eligible for contextual offers if they have them for free school meals/ household income under x amount.
Thanks in advance :smile:

Contextual offers apply to A-levels, AFAIK. Your GCSE grades aren't great, but the key ones are maths and English language. Are they good enough for the course you want to study at those universities?

Reply 4

shanaeg23

Original post

by annabellegeoo

depends which degree you're planning on applying for

business management - I know that the ones I am applying for need maths 5 and Lang 6 at GCSE and for Loughborough they want 5 gcses grade 9-6. Surely the level 2's will be somewhat equivalent? Like A* childcare is a 9?

Also I know for the reference the college can put any factors that could affect my application so would it count if they put that the secondary I went to had a lot of level 2s rather than gcses?

Reply 5

shanaeg23

Original post

by ageshallnot

I believe so as they are often asking for like 5/6 gcses at grade 9-6 or 5 but I don't know if they convert the levels 2s like they do with level 3s for ucas points

Reply 6

ageshallnot

Original post

by shanaeg23

I believe so as they are often asking for like 5/6 gcses at grade 9-6 or 5 but I don't know if they convert the levels 2s like they do with level 3s for ucas points

You need to contact individual universities to see how they regard the other qualifications.

Reply 7

Pvosp

Absolutely not!! I just applied to Neuroscience at 4 russell group universities and I've received offers from all of them despite having 'bad' gcses!

My gcses are: Dist* 7 6 5 4 4 4 4
My A-level Predictions are: AAA

Reply 8

shanaeg23

Original post

by Pvosp

Absolutely not!! I just applied to Neuroscience at 4 russell group universities and I've received offers from all of them despite having 'bad' gcses!
My gcses are: Dist* 7 6 5 4 4 4 4
My A-level Predictions are: AAA

Thank you so much haha I was beginning to worry as when I emailed Loughborough about it as an enquiry they said it wouldn't consider an application. So fingers crossed when I send off my application I get an offer!

Reply 9

Ledel01

Original post

by Pvosp

Absolutely not!! I just applied to Neuroscience at 4 russell group universities and I've received offers from all of them despite having 'bad' gcses!
My gcses are: Dist* 7 6 5 4 4 4 4
My A-level Predictions are: AAA

Hi can I ask which unis you got the offers from and what A levels you’re taking?

Reply 10

Pvosp

Original post

by Ledel01

Hi can I ask which unis you got the offers from and what A levels you’re taking?

Yes of course. I study Biology, Psychology & English Literature. I got offers from Warwick, Bristol, Exeter and Nottingham

Reply 11

Ledel01

Original post

by Pvosp

Yes of course. I study Biology, Psychology & English Literature. I got offers from Warwick, Bristol, Exeter and Nottingham

Thanks, my A levels are the same so that’s extremely helpful. Do you mind me asking if the offers were in line with your predicted grades?

Reply 12

juice457

Original post

by Pvosp

Absolutely not!! I just applied to Neuroscience at 4 russell group universities and I've received offers from all of them despite having 'bad' gcses!
My gcses are: Dist* 7 6 5 4 4 4 4
My A-level Predictions are: AAA

Congrats on your offers!! I hope you don’t mind me asking but what did you get in maths and English language for your GCSEs?

Reply 13

Aberystwyth University Student Ambassador

Original post

by shanaeg23

Hi so for my GCSEs I did a few level 2s as my options:
Business level 2 (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - level 2 distinction
Childcare (NCFE level 2) - A*
Animal care (can't remember the qualification name/organisation) - Pass
Other GCSE grades:
Photography - 5
Maths - 5
Science - 6,5
English Lang - 6 (speaking and listening Merit)
English Lit - 5
A Level Predicted - English Lang - A, Business - A, Psychology - B and EPQ
I am applying for Loughborough (I think it will be my firm), Exeter, Aberystwyth and Huddersfield. I haven't thought of a 5th option yet.
Also I am eligible for contextual offers if they have them for free school meals/ household income under x amount.
Thanks in advance :smile:

Hey there,

Glad to hear you're considering Aberystwyth to pursue your studies! Can I ask what course are you looking to do?

Aberystwyth is surrounded by a beautiful environment - nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, our location provides a rugged landscape of rolling hills, valleys, sand and sea. Even the famous national parks, of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire, sit a short distance north and south of Aberystwyth.

Our Students' Union is very active with regular events and hold key events such as AberChallenge, Superteams, Varsity, Aber7s, and a Student Volunteer Week, which have hundreds of participants. We also have over 90 student societies and 50 sports clubs you can choose from who all hold various events throughout the week! Whether you're interested in drama, debating, dance, or outdoor adventures like surfing, hiking, or even caving, there are always evening activities planned by various groups, allowing you to find your crowd and join in on meaningful experiences.

Aberystwyth itself is very student-friendly, with a mix of independent cafes, local and charity shops, and a welcoming atmosphere. The town itself is a dream for nature lovers. You can walk along the promenade and watch the waves crash (or dive in if you're feeling brave!), or head up Constitution Hill to catch the best views. Devil’s Bridge and waterfalls are a short drive away, and the whole area is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

If you do have any questions about the university, please do get in touch with us.

All the best,
Mostafa
Student Ambassador