The Student Room Group

Is this too ambitious?

Hello, I was just wondering are my uni applications too ambitious. I'm currently doing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC RQF Extended Diploma, with predicted grades of D*DD. I was considering too applying for Accounting and Finance. I was also considering to apply to Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York, University of Exeter, and my safe option would be Aberystwyth University. Should I consider two safe options and are my other chosen universities too ambitious? Please be honest because I feel like I messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC.

Reply 1

Original post by patolc
Hello, I was just wondering are my uni applications too ambitious. I'm currently doing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC RQF Extended Diploma, with predicted grades of D*DD. I was considering too applying for Accounting and Finance. I was also considering to apply to Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York, University of Exeter, and my safe option would be Aberystwyth University. Should I consider two safe options and are my other chosen universities too ambitious? Please be honest because I feel like I messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC.

Have you checked that these Unis will accept that BTEC subject - many specifically exclude it as its seen as 'not sufficiently academic'.

Reply 2

Original post by McGinger
Have you checked that these Unis will accept that BTEC subject - many specifically exclude it as its seen as 'not sufficiently academic'.


I’ve already checked and none of these universities specify what BTEC qualifications they prefer, they also don’t exclude any BTEC qualifications.

Reply 3

Original post by patolc
I’ve already checked and none of these universities specify what BTEC qualifications they prefer, they also don’t exclude any BTEC qualifications.

Have you actually asked them - not just that its 'not mentioned' on the course page - and do you meet any GCSE Maths etc requirements?

Reply 4

Original post by McGinger
Have you actually asked them - not just that its 'not mentioned' on the course page - and do you meet any GCSE Maths etc requirements?


i meet all the GCSE requirements, i’ve not specifically asked the universities if they accept UPS

Reply 5

Original post by patolc
i meet all the GCSE requirements, i’ve not specifically asked the universities if they accept UPS

Then you need to ask them - before you start going to Open Days etc.

Reply 6

Is this for a 2025 start date or 2026?

Reply 7

Original post by ajj2000
Is this for a 2025 start date or 2026?


2025, i’m doing a late application. I recently changed my mind on uni

Reply 8

Original post by patolc
2025, i’m doing a late application. I recently changed my mind on uni

I'd send an email to each place you are considering and see if you can get definitive yes / no's in a decent timeframe.

Would a year out be an option? If so and you still want to apply for 2025 admissions just chance your arm and apply for 5 places you want to go and see what happens.

Reply 9

Original post by ajj2000
I'd send an email to each place you are considering and see if you can get definitive yes / no's in a decent timeframe.
Would a year out be an option? If so and you still want to apply for 2025 admissions just chance your arm and apply for 5 places you want to go and see what happens.


i think i’m going to give all of them a call tomorrow, see if they’d consider me and put my application through
Hey,

My name's Mostafa and I'm a student and ambassador for Aberystwyth University

First of all, don’t worry! You haven’t messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC. Universities increasingly accept BTECs for a wide range of courses, including Accounting and Finance, but please do make sure you check each university’s specific entry requirements to see how they view your qualifications. If you don't find BTEC requirements listed on the website, I highly suggest you get in contact with that university's admissions team, they may have a solution for you.

Aberystwyth University would be an excellent choice for Accounting and Finance, especially if you’re looking for a supportive environment, strong teaching quality, and a university that values students from a variety of educational backgrounds. The School of Business and Management at Aberystwyth has a fantastic reputation, and Aberystwyth is also ranked 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality, so you’ll be in excellent hands academically.

If you’re feeling unsure about how competitive your application will be at some universities, it’s always a good idea to have a balance of choices. A strong approach would be applying to a mix of universities - one or two where you are confident of receiving an offer, like Aberystwyth, and a couple that might be more competitive. That way, you can keep your options open without worrying too much about whether you’ll receive offers.

Aberystwyth is also a financially smart choice, with much lower living costs compared to bigger cities, and the guaranteed accommodation for first-year students makes settling in a lot easier. The student experience here is fantastic, and with the close-knit community, you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed. If you want a university that values student satisfaction and gives you the space to focus on your studies while still having an active social life, Aberystwyth is a great place to be.

Let me know if you have any questions about Aberystwyth - I’d be happy to help! 😊
Original post by patolc
Hello, I was just wondering are my uni applications too ambitious. I'm currently doing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC RQF Extended Diploma, with predicted grades of D*DD. I was considering too applying for Accounting and Finance. I was also considering to apply to Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York, University of Exeter, and my safe option would be Aberystwyth University. Should I consider two safe options and are my other chosen universities too ambitious? Please be honest because I feel like I messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC.

Hi!

If you have any questions about living and studying in York, drop us a message 🙂
Original post by patolc
Hello, I was just wondering are my uni applications too ambitious. I'm currently doing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC RQF Extended Diploma, with predicted grades of D*DD. I was considering too applying for Accounting and Finance. I was also considering to apply to Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York, University of Exeter, and my safe option would be Aberystwyth University. Should I consider two safe options and are my other chosen universities too ambitious? Please be honest because I feel like I messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC.

Hello @patolc

You said you were planning on contacting the universities with your questions, including Lancaster, so I hope that you did and you've managed to gain some clarity!

If you have any questions about studying at Lancaster feel free to respond here and one of our ambassadors will do their best to help you out. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our students that studies Accounting and Finance and ask them more subject specific questions if you'd like, they can be accessed HERE.

Taylor (Lancaster Uni Student Ambassador).

Reply 13

Original post by patolc
Hello, I was just wondering are my uni applications too ambitious. I'm currently doing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC RQF Extended Diploma, with predicted grades of D*DD. I was considering too applying for Accounting and Finance. I was also considering to apply to Lancaster University, University of Surrey, University of York, University of Exeter, and my safe option would be Aberystwyth University. Should I consider two safe options and are my other chosen universities too ambitious? Please be honest because I feel like I messed up by choosing Uniformed Protective Services BTEC.

contact the admissions offices. i’m doing the same thing and i’m going to apply to surrey and reading in clearing and i’m currently doing a film btec. I emailed both of them and told them everything and they said that It’s fine as long as I get the grades and do it quickly. dw:smile:

Quick Reply