The Student Room Group

Apply to optometry with underwhelming GCSE’s

Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!
Original post by Kravitz
Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!


Hi there,
It’s worth looking online at the entry requirements for the course you want to study. Here is the link for optometry at UWE https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/B511/optometry#entry
I’ve recently had my eyes tested at the UWE eye clinic where the optometry students do their placement and the resources there are incredible! It’s very modern and there is a lot of technical equipment!
It may also be worth contacting our admissions team if you have any further questions regarding entry. Here is their email: [email protected]
I hope this helps and good luck with you applications!
~Becky -UWE student ambassador
Original post by Kravitz
Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!

Hi,

It’s great that you’re pursuing optometry best of luck with your access course 👓

The best first step is to review the entry requirements for the universities you’re applying to. You can find detailed information about our optometry degree here: teessi.de/optometry-degree.

If you have specific questions or concerns about meeting the requirements, you can reach out to our admissions team at [email protected] they’ll be happy to help!

Best of luck☺
Original post by Kravitz
Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!


tbh predicted grades have greater weighting , as long as you have 5s in english and maths u should be fine
Reply 4
Original post by llasubbimaria
tbh predicted grades have greater weighting , as long as you have 5s in english and maths u should be fine


What if you don’t have a 5 in maths but have a 4 but 5s in English
Original post by Azzz128
What if you don’t have a 5 in maths but have a 4 but 5s in English


i’d suggest applying to a few of the foundation year courses just to make sure that you get a place somewhere, because ik that most unis require 5 in maths 5 in english and they may not be too nice about grades lower than that
but i think unis like plymouth and uwe bristol will have some form of leniency
Reply 7
Original post by llasubbimaria
i’d suggest applying to a few of the foundation year courses just to make sure that you get a place somewhere, because ik that most unis require 5 in maths 5 in english and they may not be too nice about grades lower than that


What foundation year courses ? And Huddersfield says you need a 4 in maths
Original post by Azzz128
What foundation year courses ? And Huddersfield says you need a 4 in maths


city , hertfordshire and i think plymouth do foundation year courses that have way lower grade requirements but it’s an extra year added to the moptom course. it may be more accessible for you so that u can get into the course with lower grade requirements. the application deadline has passed , but if you applied to huddersfield that’s good cause they will definitely consider u having met the gcse and a level requirements for predicted grades!
Reply 9
Original post by llasubbimaria
city , hertfordshire and i think plymouth do foundation year courses that have way lower grade requirements but it’s an extra year added to the moptom course. it may be more accessible for you so that u can get into the course with lower grade requirements. the application deadline has passed , but if you applied to huddersfield that’s good cause they will definitely consider u having met the gcse and a level requirements for predicted grades!


Yesss! Okay thankyou
Original post by Kravitz
Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!

Hiya!

Best of wishes for your applications - you've got this! :five:

Just to double check, are you applying for Optometry with Preliminary Year? Applying for Optom with Access to HE is definitely doable - but university advice is that you should apply to the version of the course that has a preliminary/ foundation year (source). The uni advises that: Applicants should include all of their educational history on their application and supply a personal statement which includes their motivation for taking an Access course. Just wanted to double check in case you didn't know! :smile:

According to the course page, these are the GCSE requirements:

You must have or be working towards:- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.- GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.

So, I would double check your GCSE grades and see if you meet these, though based on your forum post I'm assuming you do.

But if you had any other worries, I'd recommend emailing our admissions team at [email protected] :biggrin:

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
Reply 11
Original post by Kravitz
Hi I just wanted some advice as I’m applying to optometry by doing an access course to HE in science but I have very underwhelming GCSE’s at around 4/5s (I had no idea what I wanted to do academically so I didn’t put a single bit of energy into them) and I’m just wondering when I apply for optometry will I just get flat out rejected due to my bad GCSEs or will they at least offer up an interview as I’m stupidly scared that most of the unis I’m applying to (Plymouth, teeside, UWE and Cardiff) will just flat out reject me just wanting any honest truth in this matter, Many thanks!

It is defiantly worth a try!

I don't have any GCSEs, A levels or an access course - but I am part way through a masters so it can be done!

Even if you do not 100% meet the entry requirements it's still worth applying, maybe also email with a reason they are not met.

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