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Need help with course applications!

Hi, I'm currently a year 13 student and I'm really struggling with creating a safe UCAS application and would really appreciate some help. My predicted grades are A*(Computer Science OCR), B (Maths Edexcel), B (Chemistry AQA). Currently I'm looking at applying to unis and I'm not sure if I'm aiming too high and need to lower my expectations. I'm hoping to apply for computer science (3 year bsc + 1 year in industry) and atm my 5 choices are Lancaster, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leicester and Aston. I'm really not sure if I'm applying to courses that are too high or not as I'm aware my grades aren't really that good - I probably couldve done a lot better in mocks but I heavily struggle with revising as I procrastinate a lot and struggle to get going - I only did about a week of revision total to get these predicteds. Anyways any and all help would be appreciated! :smile:

Reply 1

Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm currently a year 13 student and I'm really struggling with creating a safe UCAS application and would really appreciate some help. My predicted grades are A*(Computer Science OCR), B (Maths Edexcel), B (Chemistry AQA). Currently I'm looking at applying to unis and I'm not sure if I'm aiming too high and need to lower my expectations. I'm hoping to apply for computer science (3 year bsc + 1 year in industry) and atm my 5 choices are Lancaster, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leicester and Aston. I'm really not sure if I'm applying to courses that are too high or not as I'm aware my grades aren't really that good - I probably couldve done a lot better in mocks but I heavily struggle with revising as I procrastinate a lot and struggle to get going - I only did about a week of revision total to get these predicteds. Anyways any and all help would be appreciated! :smile:
Hey 👋 @Stnky

I’ve just had a look at Lancaster University entry requirements, and if you get your predicted grades you should meet this! It does also mention that as long as the applicant has A-Level computer science or mathematics they may be considered for a lower offer. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/computer-science-bsc-hons-g400/2026/#a-levels-504076-0 (You should double check it’s the correct course 🤣)

Anyway, i would recommend checking the other universities course pages for the application requirements incase they also offer a potential lower offer for those with an A-Level in Computer science or mathematics.

If you only did a week of revision for those grades, i’m impressed! I’m sure with a few extra weeks of revision for your exams you will be fine !

Good luck with your application! Let me know if you need anything else or revision help 🙂
-Molly
BCU Student rep

Reply 2

The usual advice for your 5 choices is :

1 choice just above your predicted grades - one grade and not in a vital subject.

3 choices at your predicted grades - these are your most likely offers

1 choice several grades below your predicted grades - this is your potential Insurance choice

Reply 3

Original post
by McGinger
The usual advice for your 5 choices is :

1 choice just above your predicted grades - one grade and not in a vital subject.

3 choices at your predicted grades - these are your most likely offers

1 choice several grades below your predicted grades - this is your potential Insurance choice


Hi, quick question, because I have a*bb predicted would I count an aab course as at my predicted grades or abb? Thanks for the help :smile:

Reply 4

Original post
by Stnky
Hi, quick question, because I have a*bb predicted would I count an aab course as at my predicted grades or abb? Thanks for the help :smile:

You dont match the entry requirements and so this would still be a 'risky' choice.

Reply 5

Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm currently a year 13 student and I'm really struggling with creating a safe UCAS application and would really appreciate some help. My predicted grades are A*(Computer Science OCR), B (Maths Edexcel), B (Chemistry AQA). Currently I'm looking at applying to unis and I'm not sure if I'm aiming too high and need to lower my expectations. I'm hoping to apply for computer science (3 year bsc + 1 year in industry) and atm my 5 choices are Lancaster, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leicester and Aston. I'm really not sure if I'm applying to courses that are too high or not as I'm aware my grades aren't really that good - I probably couldve done a lot better in mocks but I heavily struggle with revising as I procrastinate a lot and struggle to get going - I only did about a week of revision total to get these predicteds. Anyways any and all help would be appreciated! :smile:

Hi there, I understand how stressful it can feel choosing your UCAS options. From my experience as a current BSc Computer Science student at LSBU, I can say your predicted grades (A*BB) are strong enough to aim high. Our Computer Science course here is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which adds real value for future careers. The course is very applied, with modules in AI, software development, and lots of hands-on projects. LSBU also has strong employer links and placement opportunities, and with smaller class sizes, you get genuine support from lecturers, which I’ve found really motivating.

If you ever consider a London-based university, LSBU could be a great fit. We’ve got Open Days coming up on 4th October and 15th October, which would be a perfect chance for you to see the campus, meet staff and students, and get a feel for the course. If you’re interested, you can join through this link: LSBU Open Day. I’d encourage you to keep a mix of choices on UCAS, but definitely don’t underestimate yourself, you’ve got the potential, and LSBU could give you the right balance of support and opportunity to thrive."
Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm currently a year 13 student and I'm really struggling with creating a safe UCAS application and would really appreciate some help. My predicted grades are A*(Computer Science OCR), B (Maths Edexcel), B (Chemistry AQA). Currently I'm looking at applying to unis and I'm not sure if I'm aiming too high and need to lower my expectations. I'm hoping to apply for computer science (3 year bsc + 1 year in industry) and atm my 5 choices are Lancaster, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leicester and Aston. I'm really not sure if I'm applying to courses that are too high or not as I'm aware my grades aren't really that good - I probably couldve done a lot better in mocks but I heavily struggle with revising as I procrastinate a lot and struggle to get going - I only did about a week of revision total to get these predicteds. Anyways any and all help would be appreciated! :smile:

Hi @Stnky

Just to make you aware, if you are planning on apply to our Computer Science with Industrial Experience degree, the course offers 10-15 weeks in industry rather than a year. The Computing and Data Science degrees at Lancaster that offer a full year in industry are Data Science (Placement Year) and Mathematics with Computer Science (Placement Year); the degrees with "Industrial Experience" will instead offer the 10-15 weeks in industry.

To apply for Computer Science with Industrial Experience you would require AAA, however, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer, so it may be worth dropping an email to [email protected] to ask what a reduced offer may look like.

Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
(edited 1 month ago)

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