Applying to universities with confirmed grades lower than the entry requirements?

Hello! I just got ABD in my A-Levels (Psychology, Geography and Biology respectfully). I'd already decided I was doing a gap year (to work and save money) so I'm starting my UCAS application now, applying to do English/English Literature.

I was wondering if there's any point in applying to universities which have entry requirements higher than my grades. Almost everybody I know still got into their firm choices despite achieving grades below their conditional offer, but I have no idea whether this leeway applies to me at all when my grades are confirmed.

I'd like most to go to Sheffield or Sussex, but they both require ABB. I've looked into contextual offers, and some of the criteria applies (caring responsibilities, free school meals, low income household, neither parent went to uni) but I don't know if that's enough to warrant one.

I don't know if I'm being delusional still applying to Sheffield :') I don't believe it hurts to try, but I'd really appreciate knowing anybody else has applied/is applying to a uni with higher entry requirements than their confirmed grades! <3

(Would also like to note I'm applying to Edge Hill and Salford too (which are both 112 and below UCAS points) so I have two backups! I haven't got my heart set just on Sheffield and Sussex)

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Are you retaking any subjects?

Reply 2

jessfjshsds

Original post

by Admit-One

Are you retaking any subjects?

I'm considering retaking Biology (which is what I got the D in) I'm just unsure as of yet as it'll cost about £600 to do so 😔

Reply 3

McGinger

Sussex may make you an offer - they had multiple courses in Clearing this year at CCC - so I'd suggest that you email them and ask if its worth you applying. Also check more carefully is you are eligible for a lower grade contextual offer. Sheffield is far less likely - its far more competitive than Sussex. Alternatively look at Universities asking for UCAS points, not specific grades - your grades are equal to 112 points, but one 120 points course might be worth the risk.

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

I agree that it’s a bit risky without a retake, as we don’t know how flexible they might be next cycle.

Hopefully if you email to check they are reasonably forthcoming.

Reply 5

ageshallnot

Original post

by jessfjshsds

Hello! I just got ABD in my A-Levels (Psychology, Geography and Biology respectfully). I'd already decided I was doing a gap year (to work and save money) so I'm starting my UCAS application now, applying to do English/English Literature.
I was wondering if there's any point in applying to universities which have entry requirements higher than my grades. Almost everybody I know still got into their firm choices despite achieving grades below their conditional offer, but I have no idea whether this leeway applies to me at all when my grades are confirmed.
I'd like most to go to Sheffield or Sussex, but they both require ABB. I've looked into contextual offers, and some of the criteria applies (caring responsibilities, free school meals, low income household, neither parent went to uni) but I don't know if that's enough to warrant one.
I don't know if I'm being delusional still applying to Sheffield :') I don't believe it hurts to try, but I'd really appreciate knowing anybody else has applied/is applying to a uni with higher entry requirements than their confirmed grades! <3
(Would also like to note I'm applying to Edge Hill and Salford too (which are both 112 and below UCAS points) so I have two backups! I haven't got my heart set just on Sheffield and Sussex)

It looks to me as though you are eligible for contextual offers at Sheffield and Sussex, which would mean only BCC at the latter.

Why not apply just to those two initially and see what happens? If you get an offer, then you're happy. If you don't then you can lower your sights a little.