how much do universities care about GCSE grades??
I’m in year 11 and about to do my exams.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Reply 1
Original post by aimessigma
I’m in year 11 and about to do my exams.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Hi @aimessigma
It sounds like you're on track for some amazing GCSE grades!
Most unis will be looking at your A Level grades/UCAS points when you're applying to uni. Of course, your GCSE's are still important, but these are sort of in the background when it comes to applying to uni. Each uni may differ and the entry requirements are always listed on each course page online - so if you have particular unis or courses in mind, definitely have a look on their websites.
I liked to see my GCSEs as my way to access my next steps, which was my A Levels and then my A Levels allowed me to access my degree course, so try to think of each stage as stepping stones to your degree.
So essentially, try your best in your GCSEs and I'm sure you will ace them! But also, try to take some pressure off from your future uni application, as your passing GCSEs will help you get to where you want to go later on.
Best of luck in your exams! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
Reply 2
Original post by aimessigma
I’m in year 11 and about to do my exams.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Hi there!
I would say that while universities consider your GCSEs, they mostly look at your A-Levels/BTEC/UCAS points. GCSEs are more of a stepping stone to your A-Levels/BTEC.
Most universities still require a pass in maths or english, but this varies uni to uni - to ease your mind, potentially look at the entry requirements for universities you may consider.
While it is amazing you are considering your future already - focus on smashing your GCSEs! Take the pressure off and good luck!
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)
Reply 3
Original post by aimessigma
I’m in year 11 and about to do my exams.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Obviously the dream would be to get all 9s and 8s but I know for me that’s not going to happen.
Realistically I don’t think I’ll get anymore than 2 9s but I definitely think I’ll be able to pass everything.
I still think I have a good chance of getting a 7 or above in everything except drama or maths where I reckon I’ll be able to get a 5 or maybe a 6 in maths.
I’m worried this will limit my choices for the future however and was wondering how much top universities will care about this as I hope and think I should be able to do well in the subjects I want to do at a level.
Hi,
Most Uni's only request that you have at least a 4 in English and Maths and don't really care other wise. Your school may use your GCSE's to see whether you are a candidate for Oxbridge but not for other top universities.
From CJ (Y12)
How long is a piece of string? Most don't really care so much outside of English and maths. Some may care a bit a more, this tends to be more course dependent than uni dependent. So for some medical schools, some courses at Oxford, and some courses at LSE, it may matter.
Note most UK unis still don't seem to differentiate between 8 and 9 grades at GCSE. I would prioritise making sure you get a 5 or above in maths, as that could limit your options a lot if you don't.
Note most UK unis still don't seem to differentiate between 8 and 9 grades at GCSE. I would prioritise making sure you get a 5 or above in maths, as that could limit your options a lot if you don't.
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