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help me decide my ucas choices for politics and ir!!

My predicted grades are distinction, B and a merit, which i think is equivalent to ABC. I’m also eligible for contextual offers.

my two safety’s are kent and aston but i might replace aston with Surrey. i’m currently looking at loughborough, southampton and nottingham.
I don’t think i’ll get an offer from nottingham but i might aswell try ig.

Notts- standard entry is AAB but and i’m pretty sure the contextual offer is ABB. But, the enhanced contextual offer( I'm eligible for it)are usually 2 grades below standard which is ABC. should include notts?

Loughborough- standard is ABB and contextual is BBC.

Southampton- standard is ABB.

Are these solid options? should i change UON or just keep it as my aspirational?

also is politics& ir a competitive course?

Reply 1

Just be aware that although your grades may be 'equivalents to ABC' at A level, many of the Universities that make offers in grades and not UCAS points, will only accept 'single' BTECs alongside two A levels.

You need to check that your chosen Unis will accept your qualifications before you apply.
Phone the Unis on Monday to check - don't email, as you wont get responses in time.

Reply 2

i’ve called all 3 unis last Wednesday they said it’s perfectly fine. what do you think of my choices? do i have chance at notts?

Reply 3

Original post
by mysticwarrior
i’ve called all 3 unis last Wednesday they said it’s perfectly fine. what do you think of my choices? do i have chance at notts?

No-one can tell you for certain.
It depends entirely on the number of applications, and pressure for places. Politics courses are now usually not mega-competitive but that doesnt mean that they just give away offers.

Check the eligibility for Contextual offers carefully - it will be different for each Uni, and if you are not certain if you qualify, phone the Admissions team to check this, before you apply.

Its worth having one risky choice - ie. a grade above your predictions - you might get an offer and this can be very motivating to then work hard for those grades. Just make sure that your other choices are more realistic, and that you have an obvious lower grade choice as a potential Insurance choice.

Other things to consider :

Do any of the degrees have any sort of work placement or study abroad - this adds enormously to your graduate CV.

Think about the cost of housing - Surrey is going to be more expensive than your other choices.

Aston is predominantly science/engineering focused.

Loughborough has probably the best sports facilities of any UK Uni - even if you are not into sport, just having a decent swimming pool for a lazy Sunday afternoon swim is a plus.

Original post
by mysticwarrior
My predicted grades are distinction, B and a merit, which i think is equivalent to ABC. I’m also eligible for contextual offers.
my two safety’s are kent and aston but i might replace aston with Surrey. i’m currently looking at loughborough, southampton and nottingham.
I don’t think i’ll get an offer from nottingham but i might aswell try ig.
Notts- standard entry is AAB but and i’m pretty sure the contextual offer is ABB. But, the enhanced contextual offer( I'm eligible for it)are usually 2 grades below standard which is ABC. should include notts?
Loughborough- standard is ABB and contextual is BBC.
Southampton- standard is ABB.
Are these solid options? should i change UON or just keep it as my aspirational?
also is politics& ir a competitive course?

Hey mystic warrior, I’m really excited hearing about you are interested in Southampton and can’t wait seeing you on campus in the future. You’ve clearly worked hard, and I believe it will pay off. Don’t stress too much, even if you don’t get the offer now. You can still call Southampton on Results Day in August and apply through Clearing. Whatever happens, I’m sure you’ll end up at a great university. You’ve got this!

Best wishes
Juanfran, Southampton student ambassador

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