Does my EPQ grade really matter?

I'm currently doing my EPQ and I am coming towards the end of it as I'm in Y13. However, I feel like it's not good enough nor is it academic enough and I'm worried that I won't get B or above. Two universities have given me lower grade offers based on it: one requires me to get an A in EPQ and BBC in my courses and the other needs me to get a B in EPQ with BBB in my courses. However, one of the universities has given me two alternative conditions one of which is the EPQ offer and the other condition just needs me to get BBB (as I'm eligible for their contextual offer) without an EPQ grade. If I don't do well in my EPQ, will my chances of getting into one of these universities be ruined?

You could just drop your EPQ and focus on the A levels. Lots of applicants do this once they have offers that don't require it.

Hi @ChikooA ,
Hope you're well 🙂 I wouldn't say your chances of getting into the universities will be completely ruined but it may affect the chances that's all. EPQ is a great side subject and project to work on which really does bump up your chances if you view it in the long-run - and as you've mentioned it will lower the requirements for your course which is great.
If you feel you're not doing too great with the EPQ at the moment, consider speaking to one of your teachers and book some time with them to go through it. Try your best to continue working on it especially as you picked it up from the beginning and it'll help your chances of being accepted into the course. Maybe your teachers can provide you with some extra support and guidance on how to achieve a better mark and what points you need to consider for the project you're working on. Best of luck with whatever you do, and remember not to give up! You can definitely do it.
~Zaynab
University of Bradford

Hi!
I did ask my EPQ co-ordinator if I could drop it but he didn't give me a clear yes or no answer. He made me continue it and add it to my UCAS application.