University Application options for CS
Hi all, so I'm currently doing a level 3 BTEC extended diploma in computing alongside A-level Maths and Further Maths, which I should finish in my gap year. I'm currently aiming to get a D*DD or D*D*D in my BTEC extended diploma this year in computing. and I am predicted to get A*A in A level Maths and further maths for when I take the exam next year and was wondering if the following university applications are good and also my main point being that if I should switch kings for Oxford, as they do take BTECs alongside A levels, and I do meet the requirements; however, the worry I have is that my GCSEs are really poor; therefore, I will retake 4 GCSEs, and my updated GCSE results will be around 988776543. I understand that Oxford contextualises GCSE results based on school performance (which my school was poor), but I was still worried that I'm just simply not good enough. My following current university choices are as follows, in order of preference, and the reason for considering Oxford was just simply to give it a shot, even if I'm at a disadvantage, so I'm wondering if my university choices are suitable for applications for computer science and if I've got a good chance of getting into them and, more specifically, my chances for Oxford or Kings.
1) Kings College London/Oxford
2)Glasgow
3)Leeds
4)St Andrews
5)Exeter
1) Kings College London/Oxford
2)Glasgow
3)Leeds
4)St Andrews
5)Exeter
Reply 1
20
BTEC Extended Diploma AND 2 A levels. The equivalent of 5 full A levels - really?
Reply 2
Original post
by McGingerBTEC Extended Diploma AND 2 A levels. The equivalent of 5 full A levels - really?
Yes it would be equivalent to 5 a levels.
Original post
by Raj787Yes it would be equivalent to 5 a levels.
Why are you doing the equivalent of 5 A'levels? You just have steam coming out of your ears.
Reply 4
Original post
by mesubWhy are you doing the equivalent of 5 A'levels? You just have steam coming out of your ears.
Because for the university's I've stated above doing a levels in maths is a must alongside a BTEC Extended diploma and the BTEC Extended Diploma doesn't consume as much time as you may think it does. which allows me to focus on my maths and further maths hence why I took it up.
Original post
by Raj787Because for the university's I've stated above doing a levels in maths is a must alongside a BTEC Extended diploma and the BTEC Extended Diploma doesn't consume as much time as you may think it does. which allows me to focus on my maths and further maths hence why I took it up.
Different strokes for different folks I guess.
What was the grade 3 in? Whilst Oxford does contextualise (I'm no Oxford expert), unless you had mitigating circumstances, they'll be looking for higher GCSEs unfortunately (at least 7s).
Kings is a London Uni - always popular and so again potentially a risk. Luckily they do have "BTEC/CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with overall grade DDD and two A levels at A*A", so you're in luck. This is your "risky" option.
Haven't had a chance to look at the others, but make sure the entry requirements are broad (1/2 "risky", 3/2 that match (or are slightly below) and then 1 that's significantly below.
Reply 6
Original post
by mesubDifferent strokes for different folks I guess.
What was the grade 3 in? Whilst Oxford does contextualise (I'm no Oxford expert), unless you had mitigating circumstances, they'll be looking for higher GCSEs unfortunately (at least 7s).
Kings is a London Uni - always popular and so again potentially a risk. Luckily they do have "BTEC/CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with overall grade DDD and two A levels at A*A", so you're in luck. This is your "risky" option.
Haven't had a chance to look at the others, but make sure the entry requirements are broad (1/2 "risky", 3/2 that match (or are slightly below) and then 1 that's significantly below.
What was the grade 3 in? Whilst Oxford does contextualise (I'm no Oxford expert), unless you had mitigating circumstances, they'll be looking for higher GCSEs unfortunately (at least 7s).
Kings is a London Uni - always popular and so again potentially a risk. Luckily they do have "BTEC/CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with overall grade DDD and two A levels at A*A", so you're in luck. This is your "risky" option.
Haven't had a chance to look at the others, but make sure the entry requirements are broad (1/2 "risky", 3/2 that match (or are slightly below) and then 1 that's significantly below.
The grade 3 Was in GCSE PE and I did have mitigating circumstance in the build up to my GCSE exams whilst I did think that my GCSES were what would of held me from being able to apply to oxford do you still think I would have a chance with the GCSES I have above as I would have a mixture of 9 8s and 7s by that I mean just getting an interview.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post
by Raj787The grade 3 Was in GCSE PE and I did have mitigating circumstance in the build up to my GCSE exams whilst I did think that my GCSES were what would of held me from being able to apply to oxford do you still think I would have a chance with the GCSES I have above as I would have a mixture of 9 8s and 7s by that I mean just getting an interview.
What did you get the 9s, 8s and 7s in?
Reply 8
Original post
by mesubWhat did you get the 9s, 8s and 7s in?
9 was in history 8-8 in science and 7 in maths and computer science and that 6 was meant to be a 7 for English literature
Original post
by Raj7879 was in history 8-8 in science and 7 in maths and computer science and that 6 was meant to be a 7 for English literature
I mean it's possible, but again Oxford use so many different things (and there's additional components like interviews and the MAT).
If you think you'll be able to write a killer PS and carry yourself through the process, then go ahead and apply - it's one of the few chances in life where you don't have anything to lose if you get rejected.
If you do decide to do Oxford and Kings, make sure your other three choices are a lot less competitive.
We do get people who decide to apply to five super competitive unis and get no offers (despite their impressive stats) - don't be one of them.
Reply 10
Original post
by mesubI mean it's possible, but again Oxford use so many different things (and there's additional components like interviews and the MAT).
If you think you'll be able to write a killer PS and carry yourself through the process, then go ahead and apply - it's one of the few chances in life where you don't have anything to lose if you get rejected.
If you do decide to do Oxford and Kings, make sure your other three choices are a lot less competitive.
We do get people who decide to apply to five super competitive unis and get no offers (despite their impressive stats) - don't be one of them.
If you think you'll be able to write a killer PS and carry yourself through the process, then go ahead and apply - it's one of the few chances in life where you don't have anything to lose if you get rejected.
If you do decide to do Oxford and Kings, make sure your other three choices are a lot less competitive.
We do get people who decide to apply to five super competitive unis and get no offers (despite their impressive stats) - don't be one of them.
Yeah to be honest I don't think Oxford would sensible as yes it could be achievable but the additional requirements such as the entrance exams would take too much time out and I think kings is already really good enough for computer science so I'll just stick with that as my main choice and keep the rest of the choices unchanged
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