Gcse resits advice

3

I would like to know if I can still apply for Dentistry at Sheffield University after resitting 2 of my GCSE exams
I received a 7 in Maths, RE and English Language
I received a 6 in Chemistry and English Literature
I received a 5 in Biology (Paper 2 tripped me up even though I thought I did well😢
I want to resit Biology and Chemistry to get 7s because Sheffield Uni requires 6 grade 7s
However, even if I do get these grades, I want to know how to make my application stronger for uni (pretend I get As in all my A-Levels
And also, I need to do Biology A-Level, but so far I'm doing Chem, Maths and Psych. My school said the GCSE 5 in Bio means I couldn't take it for A-Levels, so I am self-studying. If I have a really strong uni application, will this have an impact on me?
And any tips for self-studying A-Level Bio would be really helpful for when I'm in Y13
Thanks

Reply 1

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Zaynab024

I would like to know if I can still apply for Dentistry at Sheffield University after resitting 2 of my GCSE exams
I received a 7 in Maths, RE and English Language
I received a 6 in Chemistry and English Literature
I received a 5 in Biology (Paper 2 tripped me up even though I thought I did well😢
I want to resit Biology and Chemistry to get 7s because Sheffield Uni requires 6 grade 7s
However, even if I do get these grades, I want to know how to make my application stronger for uni (pretend I get As in all my A-Levels
And also, I need to do Biology A-Level, but so far I'm doing Chem, Maths and Psych. My school said the GCSE 5 in Bio means I couldn't take it for A-Levels, so I am self-studying. If I have a really strong uni application, will this have an impact on me?
And any tips for self-studying A-Level Bio would be really helpful for when I'm in Y13
Thanks

Hey @Zaynab024,

Re-sitting your GCSEs shouldn't be a problem as long as you do receive the required six grade 7s; the course page doesn't mention GCSE resits but does state it accepts A-Level resits, which would imply to me that GCSE resits should be fine as well. 🙂

Nonetheless, Maths, RE, English Language, Biology and Chemistry would only be five grade 7s - do you have a plan to resit another GCSE or have you secured a 7 in another subject?

Self-studying A-Level Biology should be fine - it's not uncommon for A-Level students to self-study subjects they don't have access to at college - but do note that you'll have to find a way to receive a predicted grade in the subject for your UCAS application. Ask your school if they would be willing to provide this for you (e.g. possibly on the condition you sit a mock exam with other students); if not, you may need to find a tutor to provide it for you instead.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your re-sits and A-Levels!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 2

Zaynab024

OP

3

Original post

by Kingston Eve

Hey @Zaynab024,
Re-sitting your GCSEs shouldn't be a problem as long as you do receive the required six grade 7s; the course page doesn't mention GCSE resits but does state it accepts A-Level resits, which would imply to me that GCSE resits should be fine as well. 🙂
Nonetheless, Maths, RE, English Language, Biology and Chemistry would only be five grade 7s - do you have a plan to resit another GCSE or have you secured a 7 in another subject?
Self-studying A-Level Biology should be fine - it's not uncommon for A-Level students to self-study subjects they don't have access to at college - but do note that you'll have to find a way to receive a predicted grade in the subject for your UCAS application. Ask your school if they would be willing to provide this for you (e.g. possibly on the condition you sit a mock exam with other students); if not, you may need to find a tutor to provide it for you instead.
Hope this helps and best of luck with your re-sits and A-Levels!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Hey @Kingston Eve!
Thanks for that - So I'm only looking to get 5 7s instead of the required 6 because that's supposedly okay said my head of 6th Form.
But I am of course wanting that to be overlooked by a strong application
Any good tips on what makes a solid application and is there anything specific I should put in mine considering I get all the required grades?
Also, if I self-study A-Level Biology, how would I do any required practicals?
Thank you!

Reply 3

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Zaynab024

Hey @Kingston Eve!
Thanks for that - So I'm only looking to get 5 7s instead of the required 6 because that's supposedly okay said my head of 6th Form.
But I am of course wanting that to be overlooked by a strong application
Any good tips on what makes a solid application and is there anything specific I should put in mine considering I get all the required grades?
Also, if I self-study A-Level Biology, how would I do any required practicals?
Thank you!

Hey @Zaynab024,

I would definitely recommend reaching out to Sheffield directly (e.g. by email) to double check that five grade 7s would be acceptable at GCSE - for example, they may be more lenient with access/contextual offers or in the case of mitigating circumstances. Dentistry is a very competitive course and requirements do typically need to be met in full; if you think you won't be able to meet a requirement, it's best to confirm with the uni before submitting your application.

To make a strong application, check the entry requirements on the course page - you'll want a strong UCAT score and a very good personal statement. Start reading dentistry personal statements available online for an idea of what to include or what you can do to improve your application.

In terms of required practicals, it's best to ask your school if you would be able to sit them there or reach out to other schools/exam centres in your local area and ask if they would be able to accept you as a private candidate.

Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 4

Elen009

Original post

by Zaynab024

I would like to know if I can still apply for Dentistry at Sheffield University after resitting 2 of my GCSE exams
I received a 7 in Maths, RE and English Language
I received a 6 in Chemistry and English Literature
I received a 5 in Biology (Paper 2 tripped me up even though I thought I did well😢
I want to resit Biology and Chemistry to get 7s because Sheffield Uni requires 6 grade 7s
However, even if I do get these grades, I want to know how to make my application stronger for uni (pretend I get As in all my A-Levels
And also, I need to do Biology A-Level, but so far I'm doing Chem, Maths and Psych. My school said the GCSE 5 in Bio means I couldn't take it for A-Levels, so I am self-studying. If I have a really strong uni application, will this have an impact on me?
And any tips for self-studying A-Level Bio would be really helpful for when I'm in Y13
Thanks

Hi ,
I am not in Year 13 , but as far as my teacher's advices, it is really important you do additional stuff line going on lectures and webinars to show your interest in the subject. Also , try looking for online courses you could do , i am pretty sure there is a lot. For self - studying i highly recommend cognito , cuz i use it now for my alevel bio, and it really helps me.
Hope this helped .

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