(UCAT 2080 B2) Help needed- deciding which dental schools I should apply to!!!!

I am a resit student currently on a gap year and I am really unsure what dental schools I should apply to, its quite worrying.

Predicted: AAA
UCAT: 2080 B2 (new format)
Top 9 GCSE'S:988888766

I am thinking of applying to Kings enhanced support dentistry, QMUL (eligible for AAA contextual offer), Newcastle (PARTNERS), Sheffield, Dundee and Liverpool. Maybe Leeds but I think my GCSE'S arent strong enough.

I am applying with extenuating circumstances for the unis that don't accept A-level resits.

Also, does QMUL have lower UCAT cut-offs for those with a contextual lower grade offer?

Lastly, I'm a bit worried about unis (newcastle, dundee, liverpool) because they said that they'll only tell me if my extenuating circumstances will be accepted AFTER I make an application so I don't know if I should gamble or not with them.

Reply 1

johnadye.writer

Hi, you’ve got a strong profile overall, especially with AAA predictions and contextual eligibility. With a UCAT of 2080 B2, you’ll need to focus on unis that are less UCAT-heavy and more holistic/contextual.

Both solid choices since they give real weight to widening participation and lower UCAT cut-offs for contextual applicants.

Newcastle PARTNERS / Dundee / Liverpool - good options if your extenuating circumstances are accepted. It’s annoying they only confirm after application, but if your evidence is strong, it’s worth the risk.

Sheffield: not the easiest with UCAT but possible, as they balance academics.

Leeds: GCSEs might hold you back a bit, but your grades are still good, so don’t rule it out completely.

Strategy: Apply to 2 “safe” options (King’s ESD + QMUL) and 2 “riskier” ones (Newcastle/Dundee/Liverpool). That way, you’re covered either way.

Reply 2

SPDR

Original post

by johnadye.writer

Hi, you’ve got a strong profile overall, especially with AAA predictions and contextual eligibility. With a UCAT of 2080 B2, you’ll need to focus on unis that are less UCAT-heavy and more holistic/contextual.
Both solid choices since they give real weight to widening participation and lower UCAT cut-offs for contextual applicants.
Newcastle PARTNERS / Dundee / Liverpool - good options if your extenuating circumstances are accepted. It’s annoying they only confirm after application, but if your evidence is strong, it’s worth the risk.
Sheffield: not the easiest with UCAT but possible, as they balance academics.
Leeds: GCSEs might hold you back a bit, but your grades are still good, so don’t rule it out completely.
Strategy: Apply to 2 “safe” options (King’s ESD + QMUL) and 2 “riskier” ones (Newcastle/Dundee/Liverpool). That way, you’re covered either way.

Thanks for the response, do you think the UCAT cut-offs for universities will go up significantly this year or stay roughly the same (such as going up or down by 10-20 points)? The unpredictability of the unis cut-offs is the main factor of my uncertainty and stress. The preliminary deciles this year seems to be noticeably higher than last year.