University Grade Requirements

Hello student room!

I will be finishing my A Levels in 2026, and I just wanted to ask how likely it is to be able to get into a university if you are one grade too low for a subject. My ideal grade would be AAA (Biology, Chemistry, Geography) but I am worried I may get a B for chemistry instead of an A, as it is my weakest subject.

The courses I am looking at are:

Biology, Bath: AAB
Natural Sciences, Bath: A*AA
Environmental Biology, Nottingham: ABB
Biology, Nottingham: AAB
Biology, York: AAB

Reply 1

McGinger

Supposing that you do get PGs of AAB, Natural Sciences at Bath is probably pushing your luck - two grades adrift on a competitive high-grade course - yes, you could risk it, but be prepared for No.

I'd suggest that you include a BBB choice or somewhere less competitive like Sussex or Liverpool. They are more likely to be flexible on Results Day than the likes of Nottingham if you miss that offer and have to rely on your Insurance choice - Biology, undergraduate courses : University of Sussex

Reply 2

argentave4333333

Original post

by McGinger

Supposing that you do get PGs of AAB, Natural Sciences at Bath is probably pushing your luck - two grades adrift on a competitive high-grade course - yes, you could risk it, but be prepared for No.
I'd suggest that you include a BBB choice or somewhere less competitive like Sussex or Liverpool. They are more likely to be flexible on Results Day than the likes of Nottingham if you miss that offer and have to rely on your Insurance choice - Biology, undergraduate courses : University of Sussex

Thanks, yeah I did think natural sciences may be pushing it but I am confident that I can get an A* in biology, and possibly an A* in Geography. I put their just to try, really. My

Reply 3

mike23mike

You have a good chance. Environmental Biology at Nottingham is in clearing this year and accepting BBC.

Reply 4

University of York

Official Rep

Original post

by argentave4333333

Hello student room!
I will be finishing my A Levels in 2026, and I just wanted to ask how likely it is to be able to get into a university if you are one grade too low for a subject. My ideal grade would be AAA (Biology, Chemistry, Geography) but I am worried I may get a B for chemistry instead of an A, as it is my weakest subject.
The courses I am looking at are:
Biology, Bath: AAB
Natural Sciences, Bath: A*AA
Environmental Biology, Nottingham: ABB
Biology, Nottingham: AAB
Biology, York: AAB

Hi @argentave4333333

It's great to hear that you're considering York! As a Biology graduate from York, I'm happy to try to answer any questions you might have about life in York, or the course 😀

It sounds like you're on track to get some excellent grades, so you should be very proud of yourself! As you've mentioned, the A level entry requirements for Biology at York are AAB, including Biology and a second science; we accept both Chemistry and Geography as a second science. So, if you do get a B in Chemistry, you'd still meet the conditions of an offer at York 🎉

I hope this helps!
Hannah 😀

Reply 5

OxfordBrookesRep

Official Rep

Original post

by argentave4333333

Hello student room!
I will be finishing my A Levels in 2026, and I just wanted to ask how likely it is to be able to get into a university if you are one grade too low for a subject. My ideal grade would be AAA (Biology, Chemistry, Geography) but I am worried I may get a B for chemistry instead of an A, as it is my weakest subject.
The courses I am looking at are:
Biology, Bath: AAB
Natural Sciences, Bath: A*AA
Environmental Biology, Nottingham: ABB
Biology, Nottingham: AAB
Biology, York: AAB

Hi @argentave4333333,

Thank you for your message 😊.

It seems like you are on track to receive some excellent grades! It’s great to see that you’re thinking ahead and considering your university options.

Entry requirements listed on university websites are the standard offers, but what happens if you miss by one grade can vary. Some universities may still accept applicants who fall slightly short, especially if other parts of the application are strong or if the course still has places available. However, it’s important to remember that this isn't guaranteed, and decisions are made case by case.

On Results Day, universities will review your actual grades and update your status on UCAS. If you’ve narrowly missed your offer, they might still confirm your place. If not, there’s always Clearing, which offers another route to find a course.

Please feel free to visit our official Clearing thread for more information on how this works!

We would like to wish you all the very best!

Clare
Admissions
Oxford Brookes University

Reply 6

argentave4333333

Original post

by University of York

Hi @argentave4333333
It's great to hear that you're considering York! As a Biology graduate from York, I'm happy to try to answer any questions you might have about life in York, or the course 😀
It sounds like you're on track to get some excellent grades, so you should be very proud of yourself! As you've mentioned, the A level entry requirements for Biology at York are AAB, including Biology and a second science; we accept both Chemistry and Geography as a second science. So, if you do get a B in Chemistry, you'd still meet the conditions of an offer at York 🎉
I hope this helps!
Hannah 😀

sorry for the late response, but thats great to hear! I was worrying that it had to be an A in Chemistry. Thank you!