Should I apply to these unis?
On A*AB predicted in maths, FM + chem (it won’t change) and doing pure economics, home student with contextual.
(Aspirational)
Warwick + UCL both with A*AB average offer
Normal
Bristol + KCL both AAB offer
Safety
Nottingham ABB offer 90% acceptance rate
Is this a good mix? Should I change any based off of my grades, or make sure I have something like a good PS + TMUA?
Also what’s the difference between average offer and what grades I need. On UCAS for UCL it says average student grades were A*A*A, does that include contextual? Do I need to match entry requirements to be eligible for the contextual? Don’t want to get auto rejected
(Aspirational)
Warwick + UCL both with A*AB average offer
Normal
Bristol + KCL both AAB offer
Safety
Nottingham ABB offer 90% acceptance rate
Is this a good mix? Should I change any based off of my grades, or make sure I have something like a good PS + TMUA?
Also what’s the difference between average offer and what grades I need. On UCAS for UCL it says average student grades were A*A*A, does that include contextual? Do I need to match entry requirements to be eligible for the contextual? Don’t want to get auto rejected
Reply 1
Original post
by username28329On A*AB predicted in maths, FM + chem (it won’t change) and doing pure economics, home student with contextual.
(Aspirational)
Warwick + UCL both with A*AB average offer
Normal
Bristol + KCL both AAB offer
Safety
Nottingham ABB offer 90% acceptance rate
Is this a good mix? Should I change any based off of my grades, or make sure I have something like a good PS + TMUA?
Also what’s the difference between average offer and what grades I need. On UCAS for UCL it says average student grades were A*A*A, does that include contextual? Do I need to match entry requirements to be eligible for the contextual? Don’t want to get auto rejected
(Aspirational)
Warwick + UCL both with A*AB average offer
Normal
Bristol + KCL both AAB offer
Safety
Nottingham ABB offer 90% acceptance rate
Is this a good mix? Should I change any based off of my grades, or make sure I have something like a good PS + TMUA?
Also what’s the difference between average offer and what grades I need. On UCAS for UCL it says average student grades were A*A*A, does that include contextual? Do I need to match entry requirements to be eligible for the contextual? Don’t want to get auto rejected
In terms of grade requirements your choices are reasonable.
All your choices are very competitive unis. You may put in one to two less competitive unis in case any of the uni raises the requirement due to more than usual more applications. Good luck.
Reply 2
Original post
by cksiuIn terms of grade requirements your choices are reasonable.
All your choices are very competitive unis. You may put in one to two less competitive unis in case any of the uni raises the requirement due to more than usual more applications. Good luck.
All your choices are very competitive unis. You may put in one to two less competitive unis in case any of the uni raises the requirement due to more than usual more applications. Good luck.
I fear the offer they give is different to what predicted grades people actually apply with. Should I take UCL out and add another safety or one like bath that I could get into, but isn’t aspirational
Reply 3
Original post
by username28329I fear the offer they give is different to what predicted grades people actually apply with. Should I take UCL out and add another safety or one like bath that I could get into, but isn’t aspirational
You've got what I mean.
Don't take out UCL if it is your aspirational choice.
There will be a chance, no matter how slim. Just be prepared for a straight rejection.
I would suggest replacing Bristol or KCL with a less competitive uni. Hope for 2 or more offers from the 4 competitive unis, so you could choose your firm and insurance among them. If there is only one offer from the competitive uni, that would be your firm and the leas competitive uni would be your insurance. Good luck.
Reply 4
20
Original post
by username28329I fear the offer they give is different to what predicted grades people actually apply with. Should I take UCL out and add another safety or one like bath that I could get into, but isn’t aspirational
They will make the standard offer unless you meet the eligibility for a lower-grade, contextual offer. The idea that Uni hike offer grades for high performers is a bit of an urban myth.
Just be aware that the stats on UCAS are not 'were made an offer with these predicted grades' but are 'were accepted on Results Day with these grades'. Two entirely different things. And none of these stats can tell you if you will be made an offer as it will depend on a whole rage of other factors as well, not just grades.
Reply 5
Original post
by username28329I fear the offer they give is different to what predicted grades people actually apply with. Should I take UCL out and add another safety or one like bath that I could get into, but isn’t aspirational
What about Exeter? At least you will not be living in Wales like Bristol students end up doing.
Reply 6
20
Original post
by Muttley79What about Exeter? At least you will not be living in Wales like Bristol students end up doing.
This is out-of-date nonsense.
Do keep up.
Reply 7
Original post
by McGingerThis is out-of-date nonsense.
Do keep up.
Do keep up.
No it isn't - A colleague's son is living there.
Absolutely NO guarantee it won't happen again. Bristol are renowned for it.
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 8
20
Original post
by Muttley79No it isn't - A colleague's son is living there.
What, in Bristol?
Reply 9
Original post
by McGingerWhat, in Bristol?
No, Wales ... no hall place in Bristol and NO guarantee it won't happen again. They frequently get students offers wrong and end up with too many students
Reply 10
Hi, first off, well done on putting together a really solid list of unis. It already looks like a good mix of aspirational, target, and safety choices.
With A*AB in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry, and applying as a home student with contextual, Warwick and UCL are definitely realistic . Both are very competitive, so a strong personal statement and sitting TMUA if recommended could definitely help you stand out. Contextual offers often mean that you could be considered with slightly lower grades than the standard offer, but it is worth double checking exactly how each university defines this and whether you meet their criteria.
Bristol and KCL as normal choices make a lot of sense, since both usually ask AAB and your grades put you right on target. Nottingham at ABB with a high acceptance rate looks like a reliable safety, especially since it is still a strong option for Economics.
To answer your question about the difference between “average offer” and entry requirements:
For contextual, most unis will still want you to meet the contextual entry requirement they set for your course, rather than the raw average. You won’t be auto-rejected if you meet the contextual conditions and apply on time with a strong application.
Overall, your choices look well balanced. I would keep them as they are, make sure your personal statement highlights your interest in Economics as well as your maths skills, and consider TMUA if you are confident you can do well, since it can boost applications at places like Warwick. Here is a link: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/ if you want some further information regarding contextual offers at Warwick. All the best!
-Tianchen
With A*AB in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry, and applying as a home student with contextual, Warwick and UCL are definitely realistic . Both are very competitive, so a strong personal statement and sitting TMUA if recommended could definitely help you stand out. Contextual offers often mean that you could be considered with slightly lower grades than the standard offer, but it is worth double checking exactly how each university defines this and whether you meet their criteria.
Bristol and KCL as normal choices make a lot of sense, since both usually ask AAB and your grades put you right on target. Nottingham at ABB with a high acceptance rate looks like a reliable safety, especially since it is still a strong option for Economics.
To answer your question about the difference between “average offer” and entry requirements:
•
The entry requirements listed on UCAS or the uni website (for example A*AB) are the grades they expect applicants to meet.
•
The “average offer” data shows the grades that students who were actually admitted achieved. So if UCL says the average was AAA, it just means many admitted students happened to get those grades, not that you must get them. It does not change the official requirement.
Overall, your choices look well balanced. I would keep them as they are, make sure your personal statement highlights your interest in Economics as well as your maths skills, and consider TMUA if you are confident you can do well, since it can boost applications at places like Warwick. Here is a link: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/ if you want some further information regarding contextual offers at Warwick. All the best!
-Tianchen
Reply 11
Original post
by UoW TianchenHi, first off, well done on putting together a really solid list of unis. It already looks like a good mix of aspirational, target, and safety choices.
With A*AB in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry, and applying as a home student with contextual, Warwick and UCL are definitely realistic . Both are very competitive, so a strong personal statement and sitting TMUA if recommended could definitely help you stand out. Contextual offers often mean that you could be considered with slightly lower grades than the standard offer, but it is worth double checking exactly how each university defines this and whether you meet their criteria.
Bristol and KCL as normal choices make a lot of sense, since both usually ask AAB and your grades put you right on target. Nottingham at ABB with a high acceptance rate looks like a reliable safety, especially since it is still a strong option for Economics.
To answer your question about the difference between “average offer” and entry requirements:
For contextual, most unis will still want you to meet the contextual entry requirement they set for your course, rather than the raw average. You won’t be auto-rejected if you meet the contextual conditions and apply on time with a strong application.
Overall, your choices look well balanced. I would keep them as they are, make sure your personal statement highlights your interest in Economics as well as your maths skills, and consider TMUA if you are confident you can do well, since it can boost applications at places like Warwick. Here is a link: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/ if you want some further information regarding contextual offers at Warwick. All the best!
-Tianchen
With A*AB in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry, and applying as a home student with contextual, Warwick and UCL are definitely realistic . Both are very competitive, so a strong personal statement and sitting TMUA if recommended could definitely help you stand out. Contextual offers often mean that you could be considered with slightly lower grades than the standard offer, but it is worth double checking exactly how each university defines this and whether you meet their criteria.
Bristol and KCL as normal choices make a lot of sense, since both usually ask AAB and your grades put you right on target. Nottingham at ABB with a high acceptance rate looks like a reliable safety, especially since it is still a strong option for Economics.
To answer your question about the difference between “average offer” and entry requirements:
•
The entry requirements listed on UCAS or the uni website (for example A*AB) are the grades they expect applicants to meet.
•
The “average offer” data shows the grades that students who were actually admitted achieved. So if UCL says the average was AAA, it just means many admitted students happened to get those grades, not that you must get them. It does not change the official requirement.
Overall, your choices look well balanced. I would keep them as they are, make sure your personal statement highlights your interest in Economics as well as your maths skills, and consider TMUA if you are confident you can do well, since it can boost applications at places like Warwick. Here is a link: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/ if you want some further information regarding contextual offers at Warwick. All the best!
-Tianchen
“Please note that TMUA is not used in the assessment of applicants who are eligible for a Contextual Offer – see our Contextual Offers webpage to check your eligibility.”
Is it even worth doing? UCL are the only uni that need it, so I might just take them out.
Reply 12
Home contextual student, got predicted (won’t change) A*AB in maths FM and physics. 999998887776 in GCSEs
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Reply 13
Original post
by username28329Home contextual student, got predicted (won’t change) A*AB in maths FM and physics. 999998887776 in GCSEs
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
From warwick
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/bsc-economics/
‘Please note that TMUA is not used in the assessment of applicants who are eligible for a Contextual Offer – see our Contextual Offers webpage to check your eligibility.’
‘We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria. The typical contextual offer is AAB including A in Mathematics. See if you’re eligible.’
Check eligibility for warwick https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/eligibilitycheck
Reply 14
12
Original post
by username28329Home contextual student, got predicted (won’t change) A*AB in maths FM and physics. 999998887776 in GCSEs
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
I would recommend not applying to LSE, bc its a different course so your personal statement would automatically be weaker. If you really love the uni, apply to straight economics. Otherwise, Warwick and UCL are great options, and not too unrealistic as well
A*AA is the standard offer from Warwick, not the entry requirement (I believe). As youre contextual, you don't have to worry about that though - you're fine for meeting the A-level requirements. It is unfortunate that you can't get physics up to an A though.
Reply 15
Original post
by username28329Home contextual student, got predicted (won’t change) A*AB in maths FM and physics. 999998887776 in GCSEs
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
For Warwick this year the entry requirement was A*A*A, but from their website it looks like they've lowered it to A*AA for 2026 so maybe UCAS just hasn't updated yet. For aspirational you could do Warwick plus one of UCL/LSE since it'll give you a better chance. Personally I don't think you need another safety since Nottingham is already a safe choice.
Reply 16
Original post
by username28329Home contextual student, got predicted (won’t change) A*AB in maths FM and physics. 999998887776 in GCSEs
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
Definitely applying to:
Bristol (AAB) 51% acceptance rate
Bath (A*AB) 71% acceptance rate
Nottingham (ABB) 90% acceptance rate
So for aspirationals, I have to choose 2 of:
Warwick 51%
UCL 32%
LSE 39% (MATHEMATICS WITH ECONOMICS)
All with A*AB requirements.
Which do you recommend?
Realistically, will I get auto rejected for LSE with these grades? Alternatively I could swap UCL/LSE for another safety and not have to do TMUA 🤔
Finally, does anyone know the actual requirements for Warwick econ? UCAS says A*A*A, but their actual website says A*AA with AAB contextual? Also say they don’t consider TMUA for contextuals, so I don’t have to do it - right?
where did you get those acceptance rates from?
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