Advice on Top Unis for Computer Science with AAA (Contextual Applicant)
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice on which universities to consider for Computer Science. My current predicted grades are AAA in Maths, Further Maths, and Computer Science. I'm a contextual applicant, which means I am eligible for reduced offers at many universities, but I’m unsure how much of a difference that actually makes when it comes to offer rates from the top unis.
I’ll be going to some open days soon, but before I visit, I’d really appreciate any thoughts or advice on:
- Which universities I should seriously consider applying to
- Which prestigious or competitive CS courses I might realistically have a chance at with my profile
- How much contextual status actually helps in practice. E.g. should I apply to unis that have A*AA general requirements but AAB contextual?
Ideally, I’m aiming for the best university possible that I have a decent shot at - mainly looking at name/prestige for now, but also for a strong CS department. I’ve looked into places like Warwick, Bath, Birmingham, Loughborough etc, but I’m open to more suggestions - especially if anyone’s had experience applying as a contextual student.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
I’m looking for advice on which universities to consider for Computer Science. My current predicted grades are AAA in Maths, Further Maths, and Computer Science. I'm a contextual applicant, which means I am eligible for reduced offers at many universities, but I’m unsure how much of a difference that actually makes when it comes to offer rates from the top unis.
I’ll be going to some open days soon, but before I visit, I’d really appreciate any thoughts or advice on:
- Which universities I should seriously consider applying to
- Which prestigious or competitive CS courses I might realistically have a chance at with my profile
- How much contextual status actually helps in practice. E.g. should I apply to unis that have A*AA general requirements but AAB contextual?
Ideally, I’m aiming for the best university possible that I have a decent shot at - mainly looking at name/prestige for now, but also for a strong CS department. I’ve looked into places like Warwick, Bath, Birmingham, Loughborough etc, but I’m open to more suggestions - especially if anyone’s had experience applying as a contextual student.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Reply 1
Original post
by wkuczaHi everyone,
I’m looking for advice on which universities to consider for Computer Science. My current predicted grades are AAA in Maths, Further Maths, and Computer Science. I'm a contextual applicant, which means I am eligible for reduced offers at many universities, but I’m unsure how much of a difference that actually makes when it comes to offer rates from the top unis.
I’ll be going to some open days soon, but before I visit, I’d really appreciate any thoughts or advice on:
- Which universities I should seriously consider applying to
- Which prestigious or competitive CS courses I might realistically have a chance at with my profile
- How much contextual status actually helps in practice. E.g. should I apply to unis that have A*AA general requirements but AAB contextual?
Ideally, I’m aiming for the best university possible that I have a decent shot at - mainly looking at name/prestige for now, but also for a strong CS department. I’ve looked into places like Warwick, Bath, Birmingham, Loughborough etc, but I’m open to more suggestions - especially if anyone’s had experience applying as a contextual student.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
I’m looking for advice on which universities to consider for Computer Science. My current predicted grades are AAA in Maths, Further Maths, and Computer Science. I'm a contextual applicant, which means I am eligible for reduced offers at many universities, but I’m unsure how much of a difference that actually makes when it comes to offer rates from the top unis.
I’ll be going to some open days soon, but before I visit, I’d really appreciate any thoughts or advice on:
- Which universities I should seriously consider applying to
- Which prestigious or competitive CS courses I might realistically have a chance at with my profile
- How much contextual status actually helps in practice. E.g. should I apply to unis that have A*AA general requirements but AAB contextual?
Ideally, I’m aiming for the best university possible that I have a decent shot at - mainly looking at name/prestige for now, but also for a strong CS department. I’ve looked into places like Warwick, Bath, Birmingham, Loughborough etc, but I’m open to more suggestions - especially if anyone’s had experience applying as a contextual student.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Hi!
Firstly congrats on your predicted grades!
Speaking on behalf of Bath, it's definitely worth considering. We have a great reputation for computer science, especially for employability and providing real world experience, which is partly due to our placement scheme. We have strong links with many top employers with whom students are often able to secure their placement year. Some of these students are also offered jobs in these companies for when they graduate. There's more information on why Bath might be a good fit for you here
Our contextual entry requirements are normally A*AA or A*A*B. While this is slightly higher than your grade profile, it's possible that you could still receive an offer especially if the rest of your profile is strong, for example your personal statement. Certainly at Bath, meeting the contextual requirements if you're eligible for them would likely result in an offer so it's worth doing.
Let me know if you have any more questions
Best of luck with your applications!
Lauren, University of Bath
Reply 2
20
Go to Open Days. Listen to the course/subject presentations, look around, ask questions - and think about the reality of being there. If any of these courses have any sort of work placement or study abroad, this is a major plus for your student experience and your graduate CV.
Contextual offers - check the criteria carefully for each Uni as they will all be slightly different.
If you are eligible, you only need to meet the Contextual grades not the Standard offer to be in contention for an offer from that Uni.
The usual advice about your 5 choices is :
1 choice just above your predicted grades - 1 grade and not in a vital subject. Risky, but you might get an offer.
3 at your predicted grades. These are your most likely offers.
1 choice well below your predicted grades as a potential Insurance choice.
Other Unis to look at - Sheffield, Southampton and Sussex.
Contextual offers - check the criteria carefully for each Uni as they will all be slightly different.
If you are eligible, you only need to meet the Contextual grades not the Standard offer to be in contention for an offer from that Uni.
The usual advice about your 5 choices is :
1 choice just above your predicted grades - 1 grade and not in a vital subject. Risky, but you might get an offer.
3 at your predicted grades. These are your most likely offers.
1 choice well below your predicted grades as a potential Insurance choice.
Other Unis to look at - Sheffield, Southampton and Sussex.
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