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Can I apply to universities using my First Year uni grades ?

Im currently doing Software Engineering (first year student ) and want to do Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence either in york , leeds or sheffield . However, my a level grades do not meet the requirements for any of the unis i want to apply for first year . Has anyone ever had a similar experience ? Can you apply with your first year degree rather than your a level grades? Also , im considering retaking A level maths during my first year , will that help too ?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Prince1999
Im currently doing Software Engineering (first year student ) and want to do Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence either in york , leeds or sheffield . However, my a level grades do not meet the requirements for any of the unis i want to apply for first year . Has anyone ever had a similar experience ? Can you apply with your first year degree rather than your a level grades? Also , im considering retaking A level maths during my first year , will that help too ?

If you retook A level Maths, would you potentially meet the standard entry requirements of the courses you want to join? The reason I ask is that the modules which you've done so far, and any credits which you've earned, can't be used to meet the entry requirements of another university, and it's very common for them to stipulate that you meet their standard entry requirements when you transfer from one university to another - however well you're doing in your first year there.

For example, Leeds say here that, "Many of our academic schools will consider requests to transfer onto a course from another university. You usually need to show that you've met the course's standard first-year entry requirements and that you're performing well in your current degree, which must be relevant to the new course. For further information, get in touch with the relevant admissions team using the contact details on the course page."
Reply 2
Original post by DataVenia
If you retook A level Maths, would you potentially meet the standard entry requirements of the courses you want to join? The reason I ask is that the modules which you've done so far, and any credits which you've earned, can't be used to meet the entry requirements of another university, and it's very common for them to stipulate that you meet their standard entry requirements when you transfer from one university to another - however well you're doing in your first year there.
For example, Leeds say here that, "Many of our academic schools will consider requests to transfer onto a course from another university. You usually need to show that you've met the course's standard first-year entry requirements and that you're performing well in your current degree, which must be relevant to the new course. For further information, get in touch with the relevant admissions team using the contact details on the course page."

I believe I can get the required entry requirements or close to it so an A/B which is a huge improvement from what I initially done . I am also undergoing Edx courses , particularly LSE's course title 'Introduction to Pre-University Mathematics' where it covers A level standard maths as well as receiving a certificate should i get 60% or more on their exam . Do you think it is something that will help for my application
Original post by Prince1999
I believe I can get the required entry requirements or close to it so an A/B which is a huge improvement from what I initially done . I am also undergoing Edx courses , particularly LSE's course title 'Introduction to Pre-University Mathematics' where it covers A level standard maths as well as receiving a certificate should i get 60% or more on their exam . Do you think it is something that will help for my application

I never seen a university mention edX courses in their entry requirements or admissions policies. So I doubt that it would make any difference from that perspective. However, if your grades were borderline and they were deciding whether to give you the benefit of the doubt or not, it might just swing it in your favour.
Reply 4
Original post by DataVenia
I never seen a university mention edX courses in their entry requirements or admissions policies. So I doubt that it would make any difference from that perspective. However, if your grades were borderline and they were deciding whether to give you the benefit of the doubt or not, it might just swing it in your favour.

I mean i achieved an A in my GCSEs and an A / B in my mocks last year but due to some personal reasons , revision towards the exams was difficult , however i do not want to make this an excuse as to why i did not perform well , which is why im curious to whether the universities will prioritise my university credits rather than my a level grades as well as willing to resit maths if they are still not satisfied ( i also did biology and chemistry where i acheived mid grades but i do not see the point of resitting those if i am going to apply for computer science degree)
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Prince1999
I mean i achieved an A in my GCSEs and an A / B in my mocks last year but due to some personal reasons , revision towards the exams was difficult , however i do not want to make this an excuse as to why i did not perform well , which is why im curious to whether the universities will prioritise my university credits rather than my a level grades as well as willing to resit maths if they are still not satisfied ( i also did biology and chemistry where i acheived mid grades but i do not see the point of resitting those if i am going to apply for computer science degree)

When establishing whether you meet the entry requirements for the course, they'll look at your A levels, or equivalents, only. Hence why Leeds say, "You usually need to show that you've met the course's standard first-year entry requirements". They'll also want you do be doing well at uni, which is why Leeds also say, "...and that you're performing well in your current degree".

Are you trying to transfer into year two, or start your new degree back at year one? Assuming it's the later, you'll be competing again students who are about to do their A levels - and will need to have grades which match theirs. Your success during your first year at a different uni won't really count for much - if anything - if you don't have the A level grades.
Reply 6
Original post by DataVenia
When establishing whether you meet the entry requirements for the course, they'll look at your A levels, or equivalents, only. Hence why Leeds say, "You usually need to show that you've met the course's standard first-year entry requirements". They'll also want you do be doing well at uni, which is why Leeds also say, "...and that you're performing well in your current degree".
Are you trying to transfer into year two, or start your new degree back at year one? Assuming it's the later, you'll be competing again students who are about to do their A levels - and will need to have grades which match theirs. Your success during your first year at a different uni won't really count for much - if anything - if you don't have the A level grades.

I would prefer to transfer into year two , but the uni of leeds said they wont accept me despite my modules being the exact same as the first year module + other modules which is why im applying for first year . So do you think retaking A level maths will give me a better chance of being accepted ? Should i not be accepted now , shall i give it a go during clearing as their might be some spaces available ?
Original post by Prince1999
I would prefer to transfer into year two , but the uni of leeds said they wont accept me despite my modules being the exact same as the first year module + other modules which is why im applying for first year . So do you think retaking A level maths will give me a better chance of being accepted ? Should i not be accepted now , shall i give it a go during clearing as their might be some spaces available ?

Did they say why they wouldn't accept you? It may have simply been down to your A level grades, which a retake of A level Maths will obviously help with.
Reply 8
Original post by DataVenia
Did they say why they wouldn't accept you? It may have simply been down to your A level grades, which a retake of A level Maths will obviously help with.

No they did not . I think my best option is to retake a level maths and score 70% on my first year
Original post by Prince1999
No they did not . I think my best option is to retake a level maths and score 70% on my first year

That sounds like a good plan to me.
Reply 10
Original post by DataVenia
That sounds like a good plan to me.

Thanks for the advice . I'll try my best to keep you up to date

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