Applying to US top uni but low gcses help please
so i want to apply to a top top uni in the usa, but my gcses are really low:
98777776
i was told they expect all 8&9s so idk if i should spend all the extra time applying if im bound to get rejected due to this?
my predicteds are ok 3A*1A (maths chem physics fm respectively) and assuming i get a SAT score of 1550+ ( ik its hard but im willing to work for it) and have good ecs for engineering ( ive done work wxp, competitions, super curriculars with uni of cambridge, own projects..)
im applying for engineering hopefully but i only got a 7 & 6 in maths and physics so i doubt id get in?? but can someone tell me if its still worth applying??
Reply 1
so i want to apply to a top top uni in the usa, but my gcses are really low:
98777776
i was told they expect all 8&9s so idk if i should spend all the extra time applying if im bound to get rejected due to this?
my predicteds are ok 3A*1A (maths chem physics fm respectively) and assuming i get a SAT score of 1550+ ( ik its hard but im willing to work for it) and have good ecs for engineering ( ive done work wxp, competitions, super curriculars with uni of cambridge, own projects..)
im applying for engineering hopefully but i only got a 7 & 6 in maths and physics so i doubt id get in?? but can someone tell me if its still worth applying??
I dont think they even know what gcses are 😂 youll be fine
Reply 2
I don't know if the application asks for GCSE grades.
I think U.S. universities value an interesting personal essay. I might write about how my extracurricular activities influenced me to study my major.
If I were you, I would send my application.
Reply 3
so i want to apply to a top top uni in the usa, but my gcses are really low:
98777776
i was told they expect all 8&9s so idk if i should spend all the extra time applying if im bound to get rejected due to this?
my predicteds are ok 3A*1A (maths chem physics fm respectively) and assuming i get a SAT score of 1550+ ( ik its hard but im willing to work for it) and have good ecs for engineering ( ive done work wxp, competitions, super curriculars with uni of cambridge, own projects..)
im applying for engineering hopefully but i only got a 7 & 6 in maths and physics so i doubt id get in?? but can someone tell me if its still worth applying??
Hi there, first off, those GCSEs are not “really low” at all, they are solid results, and with predicted 3A*1A plus the kind of extracurriculars you have mentioned, you are already building a very strong application. It is easy to fall into grade anxiety when comparing yourself to what you have heard top universities want, but remember that admissions look at the whole picture, not just one set of grades.
A few things to keep in mind:
•
US universities do not put as much weight on GCSEs as UK ones do. They are far more interested in your A-level predictions, SAT/ACT, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. A 1550+ SAT alongside A* predictions will carry a lot of weight.
•
Context matters. Universities know that not everyone has a perfect run of 8s and 9s. They want to see academic growth, resilience, and evidence that you can handle advanced study. Your strong A-levels already show that.
•
Your engineering activities are excellent. Projects, competitions, and Cambridge super-curriculars speak directly to your passion for the subject. Those will really shine in your essays and interviews.
•
Try to separate what you have achieved from what others expect. Your GCSEs do not cancel out your current strengths.
•
Focus on what is in your control now, such as SAT prep, essays, and continuing with your projects, rather than what is already past.
•
Reframe your thinking. Your results show consistency and breadth, not weakness.
Ciara (Lancaster University Ambassador)
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