Will my N5 results affect my application to St Andrews later in the year

I'm planning to apply to university at the end of S5, I'm working really hard for my highers and would love a full set of A's this year. I want to apply to St Andrews. The entry requirements only really mention highers, (and I think at least a C in English but that isn't a problem for me) but I'm worried about how my NAT5 results would make my application look as I know that it's a hard university to get into. The same with Edinburgh Uni which is a close second option.

I don't think I've done awful, but I know that it's not what I wanted. I've watched the provisional papers and based on my prelim results and how I found each paper I can say confidently that I have A's in English, Biology, Computing, and History, but I'm worried about chemistry, art and maths. I know for a fact that I only have a low C in Maths. I could possibly have a B in Chemistry and Art, but I feel like that's thinking verrrryyy wishfully. The chemistry paper was incredibly difficult for me, and my art work was only predicted a C in class. The only thing that would bring that up was the written art papers and my chemistry assignment. But even at that, those subjects are hard for me.

Is it possible that my application could get denied because of those bad nat5 results? I've considered resitting maths and chemistry, but surely an A at higher would override a bad n5 result? Any help would be appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

butteredupsy

Nat 5s aren’t considered, your predicted higher grades matter a lot more. Your N5s are also not “bad” at all.

I resat maths in S5 after failing in S4 and got an unconditional offer for Law at Edinburgh.
Just focus on your higher subjects!

Reply 2

IzzieBk

Original post

by dsfdds

I'm planning to apply to university at the end of S5, I'm working really hard for my highers and would love a full set of A's this year. I want to apply to St Andrews. The entry requirements only really mention highers, (and I think at least a C in English but that isn't a problem for me) but I'm worried about how my NAT5 results would make my application look as I know that it's a hard university to get into. The same with Edinburgh Uni which is a close second option.
I don't think I've done awful, but I know that it's not what I wanted. I've watched the provisional papers and based on my prelim results and how I found each paper I can say confidently that I have A's in English, Biology, Computing, and History, but I'm worried about chemistry, art and maths. I know for a fact that I only have a low C in Maths. I could possibly have a B in Chemistry and Art, but I feel like that's thinking verrrryyy wishfully. The chemistry paper was incredibly difficult for me, and my art work was only predicted a C in class. The only thing that would bring that up was the written art papers and my chemistry assignment. But even at that, those subjects are hard for me.
Is it possible that my application could get denied because of those bad nat5 results? I've considered resitting maths and chemistry, but surely an A at higher would override a bad n5 result? Any help would be appreciated :smile:

You sound so focused and determined — honestly, that work ethic will take you far! From what you’ve said, it sounds like you’re in a really strong position, especially with those predicted A’s in your Highers. That’s exactly what places like St Andrews and Edinburgh are really looking at, so try not to stress too much about the Nat5 results. Most unis only use Nat5s to check you’ve got passes in core subjects like English or Maths, and it sounds like you’ve got that covered. Plus, if you go on to do well in Chemistry or Maths at Higher, that more than makes up for a lower Nat5 grade — it shows progress and resilience, which admissions teams really value. Honestly, loads of students applying to top unis don’t have perfect grades across the board, but they still get in because they’ve shown strength where it matters. Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t let the worry get in the way of your confidence — you’re doing brilliantly!